Downtown '81 poster
Where to stream

Downtown '81

6.720011h 12mMovieDramaComedyMusic

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.

DirectorEdo Bertoglio
WriterGlenn O'Brien
ProducerMaripol

Where to watch

Kino Film CollectionKino Film CollectionHooplaHoopla
Availability shown for Canada · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Edo Bertoglio

JBJean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean (archive footage)
SWSaul Williams
Saul Williams
Jean's Narration (voice)
AS
Anna Shroeder
Beatrice
DHDebbie Harry
Debbie Harry
Fairy Godmother
GG
Giorgio Giomelsky
Landlord
CMCoati Mundi
Coati Mundi
Self
DMDebi Mazar
Debi Mazar
Peppermint Lounge Dancer
GQ
George Quinones
Graffiti Artist
WS
Walter Steding
Self
SBSteven Brown
Steven Brown
Self - Vocals, Tuxedomoon
EBEszter Balint
Eszter Balint
Self
KCKid Creole
Kid Creole
Self - Vocals and Guitar, Kid Creole & The Coconuts

More from Jean-Michel Basquiat · Lead actor

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The Ballad of Sexual Dependency
The Ballad of Sexual Dependency
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2002 · 9.0
See all fromJean-Michel Basquiat

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Street Time
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K-PAX
K-PAX
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Downtown '81 — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Downtown '81?

Downtown '81 is streaming on Kino Film Collection and Hoopla in Canada, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Downtown '81 on Netflix?

No, Downtown '81 is not on Netflix in Canada as of September 2026. It's currently on Kino Film Collection and Hoopla.

Is Downtown '81 on Amazon Prime Video?

No, Downtown '81 isn't on Amazon Prime Video in Canada right now. It's on Kino Film Collection and Hoopla instead.

Where can I watch Downtown '81 for free?

Downtown '81 is available to stream free (with ads) on Hoopla in Canada.