Year: 1973
Runtime: 110 min
Language: English
As summer ends in 1962 California, Curt, Steve, Terry, and John spend one last night cruising, accompanied by the sounds of classic rock and the voice of Wolfman Jack. They navigate relationships, youthful rebellion, and the excitement of the open road, while facing the transition into adulthood. The night is filled with memorable encounters and the bittersweet feeling of change.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen American Graffiti yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Explore the full timeline and setting of American Graffiti (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
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Meet the key characters of American Graffiti (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
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Explore the central themes of American Graffiti (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where a single, eventful night changes the course of youthful characters forever.If you liked the nostalgic, single-night structure of American Graffiti, explore other movies that capture the pivotal energy of one evening. This thread features coming-of-age stories where a night of cruising, parties, or adventures leads to profound personal change and bittersweet farewells.
Narratives in this thread are typically episodic, following interconnected characters through self-contained yet impactful encounters over a condensed timeline. The structure emphasizes the weight of decisions and chance meetings, building towards a dawn that signifies an irreversible step into a new chapter of life.
Movies are grouped here based on their shared narrative structure of a single transformative night, a bittersweet tone blending excitement with farewells, and a focus on youthful characters at a crossroads. They create a specific, nostalgic mood where time itself feels both expansive and fleeting.
Coming-of-age stories steeped in the soundtrack and culture of a rebellious generation.Fans of American Graffiti's nostalgic 1960s soundtrack and themes of youthful transition will find similar vibes here. This collection features dramas and comedies where classic rock music underscores stories of teenage rebellion, friendship, and the poignant excitement of facing adulthood.
The narrative journey is typically character-driven, focusing on a group of friends navigating the tensions between youthful freedom and impending responsibility. The music provides an emotional throughline, amplifying key moments of joy, heartbreak, and rebellion, leading to an ending that acknowledges both loss and growth.
These films share a core identity defined by a specific musical era that fuels the plot and mood. They are united by a bittersweet tone, medium emotional weight, and a focus on the universal anxieties of adolescence, all set to a soundtrack that is essential to the viewing experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore American Graffiti in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Graffiti is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of American Graffiti, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of American Graffiti with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of American Graffiti that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Graffiti: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like American Graffiti that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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