American Movie (1999)
Kernel Score: 84% · 268 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Documentary, Comedy
Released: 1999-11-05
Runtime: 107 minutes
Where to watch American Movie
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
American Movie documents the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream. Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, American Movie is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man's quest for the American Dream.
American Movie parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that American Movie is an R-rated documentary following an aspiring filmmaker's chaotic, beer-fueled struggle to make his passion project.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Beer drinking and its role in the subjects' daily struggles is depicted throughout the documentary.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like American Movie
If you liked American Movie, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Zero Days (2016) — 83%
- Crumb (1995) — 82%
- The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) — 85%
- Scarface (1932) — 83%
- For Sama (2019) — 90%
- Dogma (1999) — 76%
- My Life as a Dog (1985) — 81%
- The Castle (1997) — 78%
Director
Cast
- Mark Borchardt as Filmmaker
- Mike Schank as Friend / Musician
- Tom Schimmels as Actor in 'Coven'
- Monica Borchardt as Mark's Mom
- Alex Borchardt as Mark's Brother
- Chris Borchardt as Mark's Brother
- Ken Keen as Friend / Associate Producer
- Matt Weisman as Casting Director
- Bill Borchardt as Mark's Uncle / Executive Producer
- Cliff Borchardt as Mark's Dad
American Movie FAQ
Is American Movie good?
American Movie has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 268 audience ratings.
Where can I watch American Movie?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is American Movie OK for kids?
American Movie is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that American Movie is an R-rated documentary following an aspiring filmmaker's chaotic, beer-fueled struggle to make his passion project.
What movies are like American Movie?
If you liked American Movie, try Zero Days, Crumb, The Greatest Beer Run Ever and Scarface.