A true rock 'n roll anthropologist, Penelope Spheeris is a great filmmaker with a trove of cult classics in her filmography. With a film that has been deemed significant by the Library of Congress, Spheeris brings a sociological yet humourous viewpoint to her works.
Spheeris has the rare ability to make films that straddle the mainstream, mainly her comedies, while also establishing roots in indies and documentaries that share the world of esoteric subcultures. Having worked with A-list actors as well as bonafide rock stars, Spheeris is one of Hollywood's well-rounded filmmakers.
Senseless (1998) - 6.1
Available to stream on HBO Max or rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
In Senseless, Darryl Witherspoon (Marlon Wayans) is a college student spread too thin who takes an experimental drug in a paid study that ends up giving him enhanced senses. However, when Darryl starts using the drug too much, it backfires and instead of five enhanced senses, he is only able to use one sense at a time.
While the movie is a comedy typical of the late '90s in many ways, Senseless actually makes some good points on privilege and wealth gaps that are communicated via the lighthearted and silly humor of the movie.
Black Sheep (1996) - 6.3
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
Former Saturday Night Live stars Chris Farley and David Spade are the main characters of Black Sheep, a political comedy. In the film, a governor candidate (Tim Matheson) makes his sarcasm-prone aide (Spade) prevent the candidate's well-meaning but bumbling brother (Farley) from ruining his chances of winning the polls.
Farley and Spade were a great comedy partnership as they had the perfect balance of Spade's sharp wit and Farley's innocent yet bombastic delivery.
The Little Rascals (1994) 6.3
Available to stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
In this '90s film adaptation of the classic Our Gang shorts series, The Little Rascals was just one of Spheeris's movie adaptations of a popular TV property, as she is also known for directing The Beverly Hillbillies movie.
In The Little Rascals, the He-Man Woman Haters clubhouse burns down and their prized soapbox car is stolen, causing the youngsters to scrounge for some money all while club member Alfalfa (Bug Hall) experiences trouble with his love Darla (Brittany Ashton Holmes) and best friend Spanky (Travis Tedford). The film is packed with celebrity cameos alongside the adorable main characters of The Little Rascals, from actor Daryl Hannah, country superstar Reba McEntire, comedy legend Mel Brooks, and Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg among many others.
The Boys Next Door (1985) - 6.4
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
The Boys Next Door is about two teenage boys (Charlie Sheen and Grease 2's Maxwell Caulfield) who leave their small California town on a road trip to Los Angeles after graduation. However, their travels turn sour when they engage in violence that eventually escalates in a murder spree across the state.
The movie is a contemplative look at how unarticulated anger and alienation can lead to destructive behavior.
Suburbia (1984) - 7.0
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video
Suburbia trains its lens on the punk subculture that rose throughout the United States during the late '70s and early '80s. In the film, a dysfunctional household leads a teenager (Bill Coyne) to escape his suburban home and become close to a group of punk rockers.
According to The Georgia Straight, Spheeris made the tactical decision to have real street kids and punk rockers portray the punkers in the film instead of professional actors. As a result, Suburbia starred the Red Hot Chili Pepper's bassist Flea in the first film collaboration between Spheeris and the acclaimed musician. The pair would later work together in 1987's Dudes.
Wayne's World (1992) - 7.0
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
Schwing! This SNL skit turned iconic comedy moviec could not have had a better director as Spheeris's extensive rock background made her the perfect person for the job.
In Wayne's World, two rock fans (Mike Myers and Dana Carvey) with a public access show are swindled by a TV producer who wants to take their show to the mainstream. The duo must fight to save it. Wildly quotable with many iconic moments, Wayne's World is a cult comedy classic.
We Sold Our Souls for Rock 'n Roll (2001) - 7.2
Unavailable to stream
One of Spheeris's many documentaries centered around rock music, We Sold Our Souls for Rock 'n Roll is centered around the 1999 Ozzfest. For those who may be unfamiliar, Ozzfest is an annual heavy metal music festival founded by rocker Ozzy Osbourne. Some of the acts featured in the film include Rob Zombie, Slayer, Slipknot, and Black Sabbath in addition to other notable acts.
Much like Spheeris's more well-known Decline of Western Civilization documentary films, We Sold Our Souls for Rock 'n Roll integrates live music from the festival along with interviews.
The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998) - 7.2
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
The Decline of Western Civilization Part III is the final installment of Spheeris's documentary trilogy that shows the Los Angeles rock scene in different phases. In this particular phase, Spheeris looks at the "gutter punk" lifestyle of homeless teenagers. Gutter punk refers to those who are homeless but adhere to the style and ethos of punk music.
Like Spheeris's two preceding films in the trilogy, the film cuts together performances by the bands on the scene with interviews featuring the musicians.
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)- 7.2
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years focuses on the '80s Sunset Strip metal scene that spawned the likes of Poison, Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, Ratt, and Vixen among others. The movie features acts that were both famous and established along with groups who were still trying to get their foot in the door and break into the industry.
One of the film's most memorable moments is the pool scene with the very, very drunk W.A.S.P guitarist Chris Holmes and his mom. The final segment of The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years was dedicated to Megadeth, whom Spheeris went on to direct music videos for.
The Decline of Western Civilization (1981) - 7.6
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+
Chronicling the Los Angeles punk scene of the early '80s, The Decline of Western Civilization is the first offering in the trilogy. This was Spheeris's first full-length film, shaping the direction that her career would take.
In The Decline of Western Civilization, concert footage of L.A. punk bands is shown along with interviews from people who were involved in the culture. The film acts as a time capsule of the unique subculture of that era.