mid90s

Stevie, a quiet 13-year-old, spends a sunlit summer in 1990s Los Angeles trying to hold his life together. His home life is unsettled and fraught, leaving him longing for belonging. He finds that belonging at a skate shop where an informal crew of older skaters, rough around the edges but loyal, welcomes him into their circle. Among them are Ray, a confident presence who shows him the ropes, and Fuckshit, a loud, comic friend who keeps the group honest with sharp humor. With the help of his new friends, Stevie discovers the thrill of landing tricks, the blue-collar rhythm of the city, and the complicated balance between risk and responsibility. The film blends humor and pain to depict the awkward, funny, sometimes painful steps toward growing up.

Directed by Jonah Hill, this 2018 coming-of-age drama marks his feature debut. It draws on Hill's own memories of adolescence rather than adapting a book, and it pairs a lean dramatic arc with a kinetic skate culture energy that fills the frame.

Produced on about 1.7 million, its box office totaled around 9.3 million worldwide, signaling modest yet steady interest beyond festival circles. The film relied on word of mouth and strong festival presence to reach a broader audience.

Set to a soundtrack of era-appropriate indie and hip hop, Mid90s captures the language, slang, and camaraderie of skate crews that defined a generation. The performances, especially Sunny Suljic's quiet intensity, helped elevate a distinct LA teen subculture into mainstream conversation. Its casual shorthand for friendships, skate tricks, and late nights resonates with viewers who remember those long, sunburnt summers.

Critics generally praised Hill's confident directing, the naturalistic acting, and the film's unvarnished look at adolescence, friendship, and family stress. It is often noted for balancing humor with tough, personal truths rather than offering easy answers. Ultimately it stands as Hill's debut that captures adolescence with honesty and humor.