From the Club to the Screen: Films of the Underground Electronic Culture – Part 1

Techno and rave culture has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for cinema, capturing the energy, chaos and rebellion of these underground scenes. These films portray the intensity of electronic music and nightlife, showing everything from stories of ecstasy and freedom to the darker sides of this movement.
Here we present must-see films about techno, rave culture and the underground:

BEAT (2019) Brian Welsh

A black and white Scottish film, captures the essence of illegal rave culture in the 90s. The story follows two friends in search of their last big party before their lives take different paths.
With a raw aesthetic and an impeccable soundtrack, “BEATS” is a tribute to the rebellion and unity that characterizes the rave scene.

GROOVE (2000) Greg Harrison

This film explores the underground rave scene in San Francisco in the late ’90s. “GROOVE” It follows a group of young people at a clandestine party, capturing the intensity and spirit of the electronic culture of that era.

BERLIN CALLING (2008) Hannes Stöhr

Is a modern classic of the techno scene. Starring Paul Kalkbrenner, who also composed the iconic soundtrack, the story follows a DJ and producer as he struggles with addiction and the pressures of success. “BERLIN CALLING” it is one of the most authentic representations of the lifestyle in the world of techno.

LIMELIGHT (2011) Billy Corben

This film explores the history of the “Limelight” club, its controversies, and its impact on New York City’s nightlife culture. Another facet of the Big Apple that you might want to discover for its extravagant parties and its role in the industrial techno scene since the 1970s.

Return To Planet Underground (2025)

To stand out, this year saw the release of the following feature film:
“Return to Planet Underground” set against the dynamic techno scene of the Netherlands, this film follows the story of a former underground DJ who enters the corporate world of a prestigious law firm, facing challenges that test his identity and passion for music.