Downtown '81
2001, English. Directed by Edo Bertoglio.
The film is a day in the life of a young artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who needs to raise money to reclaim the apartment from which he has been evicted. He wanders the downtown streets carrying a painting he hopes to sell, encountering friends, whose lives (and performances) we peek into.
- Runtime
- 1h 12m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Downtown '81
Downtown '81 is streaming on Kino Film Collection in India.
Stream
Kino Film Collection
Kanopy
Hoopla
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Edo BertoglioDirector
- Jean-Michel BasquiatJean (archive footage)
- Saul WilliamsJean's Narration (voice)
- Anna ShroederBeatrice
- Debbie HarryFairy Godmother
- Giorgio GiomelskyLandlord
- Coati MundiSelf
- Debi MazarPeppermint Lounge Dancer
- George QuinonesGraffiti Artist
- Walter StedingSelf
- Steven BrownSelf - Vocals, Tuxedomoon
- Eszter BalintSelf
- Kid CreoleSelf - Vocals and Guitar, Kid Creole & The Coconuts
Details
- Released
- 13 July 2001
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Glenn O'Brien
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked Downtown '81
10,000 Saints
2015 · 6.0/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
One Chance
2013 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Sweet and Lowdown
1999 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
CQ
2001 · 5.9/10
SnoozefestRecommended by TMDB viewers
In the Soup
1992 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
CBGB
2013 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Don't Think Twice
2016 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Standing Up, Falling Down
2020 · 6.3/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Almost Friends
2017 · 6.3/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh
2018 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Downtown '81: quick answers
Is Downtown '81 worth watching?
Downtown '81 doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Downtown '81?
Downtown '81 runs 72 minutes (1h 12m).
Does Downtown '81 have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Downtown '81. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Downtown '81 parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Downtown '81 yet.
Which OTT platform is Downtown '81 on?
Downtown '81 is streaming on Kino Film Collection in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Downtown '81?
If you liked Downtown '81, try 10,000 Saints, One Chance, Sweet and Lowdown.
Who directed Downtown '81?
Downtown '81 (2001) was directed by Edo Bertoglio and stars Jean-Michel Basquiat, Saul Williams, Anna Shroeder.