Ron Thompson,
Marya Small,
Jerry Holland,
Lisa Jane Persky,
Jeffrey Lippa
... see more 
The rise and growth of American popular music through the 20th century is reflected in the lives of four generations of one family in this animated drama directed by Ralph Bakshi. Zalmie (voice of Jef... read more
DVD Release Date: June 19, 1998
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Stats: 243 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (243)
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January 10, 2011This movie is just a retrospective on American music in cartoon form, I've always wondered why Bakshi made this movie. It's boring and uninteresting.
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June 14, 2010In an hour and a half American Pop covers a stunning amount of territory. both thematically and narratively. This might be the most polished animation in a Bakshi film, with a fantastic soundtrack and vibrant style.
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June 27, 2009I really liked this film. I found it interesting and the music is fantastic to listen to.
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February 29, 2012Bakshi's depress-a-thon about four generations living through (and tragically dying through) the 1900's. This really is depressing stuff, on the level of "Raging Bull." But, it is beautifully made, and the music sequences really pop! A road trip sequence is also very well done. S... read more
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September 28, 2009A beautifully animated story of the evolution of American music told through the trials of four generations of a Jewish family. Ralph Bakshi films aren't your typical animated films. They dealt with issues that most filmmakers would never attempt. This is no different, althoug... read more
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May 20, 2008Another Ralph Bakshi animated movies, released in 1981. The film tells the story of four generations of a Russian Jewish immigrant family of musicians whose careers parallel the history of American popular music.
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December 26, 2007i love this movie as a movie not a cartoon... its a good story and i love the music..its the music i love..
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September 16, 2007A brilliant film from animation legend Ralph Bakshi (Fritz the Cat, J.R.R. Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings). It's the story of a family that immigrates from Russia and what follows are four generations of talented performers. A very deep movie. Check it out for the amazing rotosc... read more
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July 4, 2007While I understand that Ralph Bakshi can be an acquired taste, this is a film that should be seen by everyone who loves music. Imagine The Godfather, but with music rather than the mafia bridging the generations. The simple power of popular music takes you from emigrating to Am... read more
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April 18, 2007Slow in some parts, but a great story on a familys musical roots from the early 1900's through the 1980's (film is dated) using all venues of music from Scott Joplin to Jimi Hendrix to The Sex Pistols. The Woodstock era has some trippy music with Jefferson Airplane's "Don't You W... read more
Critic Reviews
September 3, 2008
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
July 23, 2007
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
A sprawling and messy work whose flaws are inextricable from its brilliance. Full Review
July 14, 2004
Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
Although cartoonish in the most pejorative sense, American Pop knows its musical lore. This film has little bits of tragedy that just may break your heart.
January 31, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
American Pop celebrates the vitality of music which seems to weather all changes and continues to serve as a vehicle for our hopes and dreams. Full Review
January 16, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
If you're into Bakshi, it might be okay. I'm not. It isn't.
July 25, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Equal parts a confused mess and an inspired piece of musical animation.
February 27, 2001
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
every time it starts engaging the viewer, it quickly shifts gears and heads into a new decade Full Review
October 8, 2007
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
No review available.
March 9, 2006
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)
No review available.
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American Pop
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