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Master Rank #504

American Graffiti

1973

GCML Total8.3840% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by George Lucas

CastRichard Dreyfuss · Ron Howard · Paul Le Mat

USAEnglishComedy / Drama110 minPG
AFI 100Narrative FeatureModerate pace
Find Where to Watch
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List
Globe · 2

Spoiler-free premise

A couple of high school graduates spend one final night cruising the strip with their buddies before they go off to college.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

On the final night of summer 1962 in Modesto, graduates Curt Henderson and Steve Bolander question leaving for college while cruising with friends John Milner and Terry 'Toad' Fields. Cars, radio dedications, flirtation, and challenges carry them across town.

Why it belongs

American Graffiti makes one cruising night a vivid social map through cars, radio, storefront light, intersecting stories, and a wall-to-wall period soundtrack.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Dashboard views, stoplights, drive-ins, drag strips, Wolfman Jack's broadcast, and songs drifting between cars frame Modesto as a moving youth community. The ensemble lets each vehicle carry a different fear of change.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Golden Globes2 wins1974 · official film record ↗
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy1974 · American Graffitiofficial film record ↗

Plus 1 additional win

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for
FamilyFilm Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

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