Over the years, clubbing has been represented on the big screen through a variety of stories. Most recently, Beats captures the frenetic energy of the early ‘90s rave days in the UK. Out in UK theaters now, the Brian Welsh-directed film (shot entirely in black and white) follows two young friends as they discover the free party scene in Scotland right before the Conservative government passes the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act, which made gathering around “sounds wholly or predominantly characterised by the emission of a succession of repetitive beats” illegal.
However, most films about clubbing keep their focus almost entirely personal. Human Traffic — which is receiving a sequel soon — is the most classic example, following a group of friends who will do whatever it takes to make it through another day of menial employment, difficult family life, and harsh comedowns without losing their sense of humor, or love for each other. It’s damn near impossible to watch them woozily connect on the dance floor without getting a tingle down your spine — and maybe a flashback or two.
However it’s done, these 10 films about clubbing will press any club-lover’s buttons in all the right ways: Nostalgia, romance, action, comedy, DJ cameos, and, of course, some of the best soundtracks in film. We’ve provided links to every flick, so you can dig right in.