American Graffiti or the Last Picture Show; Which is the Better Film?

[Timothy Hunter]

Both films are 2 very different ways of tackling the same premise: A look at 50s smalltown America through multiple intertwining narratives. American Grafitti is nostalgic and polished while the Last Picture Show is cynical and grimy.

[ed2962]

Hmm... just on a gut level I'm going to go with Last Picture Show. I saw AG maybe about 25-ish years ago and while I remember sorta enjoying it in the moment, I never felt the need to re-watch it. I probably saw first Picture Show around the same time. I don't re-watch LPS much, but I'm usually interested when I come across an article or whatever about it.

[Vic Vega]

It's been years since I've seen either, but I figure Last Picture Show probably is better than I remembered it and American Graffiti is likely worse than I remember also.

But it (AG)was first to tap into (exploit?) the faux 50's nostalgia that took over the 70's and a good bit of the 80's.

[Osiris-Rex]

It's been years since I've seen either, but I figure Last Picture Show probably is better than I remembered it and American Graffiti is likely worse than I remember also.

But it (AG)was first to tap into (exploit?) the faux 50's nostalgia that took over the 70's and a good bit of the 80's.

American Graffiti was responsible for the TV show Happy Days, which was a big ratings hit even after it "Jumped the Shark", which also fueled the 50's nostalgia craze of the 70's.

[Kirby101]

I don't think there is a contest. While American Graffiti was a fun, slice of life in 50s California, The Last Picture Show was a work of art. I can see where people liked AG more, and found it more entertaining, but superior movie? Not even close.

[Mister Mets]

Really good question. I've gotta go with Last Picture Show, as the characters just have more depth.

[C_Miller]

The Last Picture Show is a significantly better film. It has higher stakes, more well developed characters and a tighter story. American Graffiti is fun, but I don't think any of the elements on their own are better.

[Jim Kelly]

How are these movies even comparable? There's a decade difference between the period of pop culture they're about (LAST PICTURE SHOW circa 1952, AMERICAN GRAFFITI 1962). I'm Canadian and I seem to have a better knowledge of American pop culture than your average American.