My current list of some introductory art films you can easily find on Netflix or Amazon. Youtube is also a unlimited source of artistic inspiration, but the films I have chosen here have a high quality production that you don't have to struggle to watch. I hope you find them as inspiring as I did. .

Here they are:

Basquiat - Amazom Prime
The Cool School: Story of the Ferus Art Gallery - Amazon Prime
How To Draw a Bunny - Netflix
Exit Through the Gift Shop - Netflix
Big Eyes - Netflix
Beautiful Loosers - Netflix
Art School Confidential - Amazon Prime

Art Geek Rating: 1 - 10 scale

From your average movie goer to the hippest artsy hipster, here is my 1 - 10 scale.

1 is all audiences, maybe you like art, but there is a ton of other stuff you like way more. like hotdogs or stamps.

10 would be you're a pretty artsy/creative person. Maybe a random tattoo, but you definitely have cloths with paint on them.

All Audiences Artsy Fartsy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1) Basquiat

Available On: Amazon Prime

Rated: R

Art Geek Rating: 6

This film is my first pick because I love Basquiat’s work so much. His approach to creativity and how he applied paint with so much expression really helped me loosen up my young stiff creative style. Basquiat is a biographical drama based on the life of Jean Michele Basquiat, one of the most famous painters of the 20th century (and on my top 5 favorite artists). During the 1970-80’s Basquiat became famous for his poet like graffiti in the Lower East Side Of Manhattan. Hip Hop, punk, and street art were all merging and Basquiat was in the center of the creative storm. His story from sleeping on the streets to collaborating with Andy Warhol and dating Madonna is a fascinating tale of rags to riches. A great movie for not only the art fan, but for anyone interested in 70/80s New York Culture.

2) The Cool School: Story of the Ferus Art Gallery

Available On: Amazon Prime

Rated: PG-13

Art Geek Rating: 9

One of my favorite art movies that had a huge inspiration on me during my 20’s. This film documents The Ferus Gallery in Las Angeles during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Andy Warhol’s famous Campbell Soup Cans were first shown here at the Ferus Gallery and many other famous artist (Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, and Frank Stella) showed their work at the small hip gallery. This film really shows what it was like for these artists before they became famous and how they got there.

3) How to Draw a Bunny: A Ray Johnson Portrait

Available On: Netflix

Rated: PG-13

Art Geek Rating: 10

After I watched this movie in art school I was so inspired to make something. I hope it might do the same for you. This Documentary on Ray Johnson has won awards at Sundance Film Festival and New York Times top 10 of 2004. Johnson was an Pop and Performance artist whose mysterious suicide led the filmmakers to unravel his interesting and elusive life. I would recommend this one for a more art enthusiast who wants to dive deeper into some of the art worlds most interesting and devoted characters.

More reading on this film:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Draw_a_Bunny

4) Exit Through the Gift Shop

Available On: Netflix

Rated: Not Rated

Art Geek Rating: 8

I saw this movie in San Francisco when it first came out. We were so excited we drove an hour and half on opening night to be there. This film documents the Street Art scene in the 1980’s and 90’s through Banksy’s eyes in a way that leaves you wondering if the whole story line was made up to create a propaganda film by Banksy. It also raises the question of the definition of art and how the street to gallery movement effects the value and integrity of art. A great film for anyone who is a fan of Street Art, Banksy, Obey, and all the top Street Artist of the last 30 years.

More reading on this film:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exit_Through_the_Gift_Shop

5) Big Eyes

Available On: Netflix

Rated: PG-13

Art Geek Rating: 2

This biographical film about Margaret Keane,who was betrayed by her husband who took credit for her work. Although her husband helped popularize and reproduce her art creating a fortune, he also treated her terribly and abused his undeserved fame. You’ll probably recognize her work or an artist who has been influenced by Keane. Her story is amazing and a good movie for the whole family. Oh and you'll know it’s going to be good because it was directed by Tim Burton (Nightmare Before Christmas) and the movie ends in Hawaii.

More reading on this film:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Eyes

6) Beautiful Loosers

Available On: Netflix

Rated: Not Rated

Art Geek Rating: 7

Even if you're not an art fan I'm sure you'll recognize some of the art featured in this film. Following prominent Skateboard and Graffiti artists from the late 1980’s and 90’s. Beautiful Loosers interviews a handful of artist (Thomas Campbell, Cheryl Dunn, Shepard Fairey, Harmony Korine, Geoff McFetridge, Clare Rojas, Barry McGee, Margaret Kilgallen, Mike Mills, Steven "Espo" Powers, Aaron Rose, Ed Templeton, Deanna Templeton, and Mark Gonzales.) who have been devoted to their craft for the love of creating. Once seen as outsiders, the artists in this film have all penetrated the art world and are now the definite artists of their time. A great movie to watch and get inspired while working on a creative project.

More reading on this film:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Losers_(film)

7.) Art School Confidential

Available On: Amazon Prime

Rated: PG-13

Art Geek Rating: 4

This film pokes fun at art school and the art world, which I think is hilarious, having gone to art school and being in the art world. This movie plays on all the stereotypes of artists and what you would think life in art school would be like. With a traditional movie plot, Art School Confidential is more for entertainment than insight, but something that even a non art lover can relate to.