Introduction to a Classic Film
Before George Lucas changed the cinema forever with the birth of the star Wars franchise, the legendary director brought one of the best stories of coming-of-age to the screen. American Graffiti, with Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Harrison Ford, and more, was a film that examined the lives of high school graduates at the beginning of their journey into adulthood. Initially, the film was met with skepticism by higher-ups before its release, but it wasn’t until freshly made star Francis Ford Coppola agreed to lend his name as an executive producer that the film gained traction. The rest, as they say, is history.
Streaming Availability
Now, over 50 years since the film was released, its streaming availability in the USA is coming to an end. Currently, American Graffiti is one of the best films available to stream on Netflix. However, from October 1st, the film will be removed from the streamer, along with several other top-class titles. These include The Departed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon; the pulse-racing Mission: Impossible – Fallout; Talk to Me, a horror jewel by Danny and Michael Philippou; and the 2004 film Friday Night Lights, among others. For those who haven’t seen American Graffiti yet, here’s a look at the film’s summary:
By director George Lucas and producer Francis Ford Coppola, American Graffiti is a classic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins, and rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s. Featuring Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips, and Suzanne Somers in their breakout roles, this nostalgic review follows a group of teenagers as they cruise through the streets on their last summer night.
Box Office Success
With its captivating central story, one of the best soundtracks of the 1970s, and a plethora of breakthrough performances from future industry icons, it’s no wonder that American Graffiti was a box office success. In terms of return on investment, the film is one of the most triumphant of all time, turning its budget of $777,000 into a global haul of $140.5 million, which is a massive 180.9-fold increase. This includes $115.5 million from domestic markets and another $25 million from overseas markets. The legacy of American Graffiti has been clearly seen since its initial theater run, boasting a 95% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the best coming-of-age stories ever brought to the screen.
Details of the Film
- Publication Date: August 1, 1973
- Duration: 110 minutes
- Director: George Lucas
American Graffiti leaves Netflix in October, so be sure to stay up to date with the latest streaming stories from the world of film and television to catch it before it’s gone.
