Johns Poster

Johns 1996

★ 5.224 votes96 min📅 1996-12-10

"This ain't no 90210"

Johns (1996) dives into the gritty pulse of Los Angeles on December 23rd, weaving a raw drama around survival, fleeting connections, and the search for meaning before a turning birthday.

Director: Scott Silver

Cast

David Arquette
David Arquette
John
Lukas Haas
Lukas Haas
Donner
John C. McGinley
John C. McGinley
Danny Cohen
Keith David
Keith David
Homeless John
Wilson Cruz
Wilson Cruz
Mikey
Tony Epper
Tony Epper
Santa Claus
Richard T. Jones
Richard T. Jones
Alanna Ubach
Alanna Ubach
Nikki
N'Bushe Wright
N'Bushe Wright
Junkie
Elliott Gould
Elliott Gould

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johns (1996) about?

Set on the eve of John's 21st birthday, the film follows a young man working the streets of Santa Monica Boulevard who faces a pivotal decision—whether to leave his life behind with a new acquaintance or stay in a city that's both home and prison. It's a story of fleeting connections and the quiet battles that shape a person's path.

Who directed Johns?

Scott Silver directed Johns, bringing a sharp, observational eye to his feature debut.

Who stars in Johns?

The film stars David Arquette, Lukas Haas, John C. McGinley, Keith David, and Wilson Cruz in central roles.

Is Johns (1996) worth watching?

Though unrated, Johns stands out as a compelling character study with genuine emotional stakes. Its blend of drama and romance offers a raw, relatable experience that lingers. If you enjoy gritty, dialogue-driven indie films, this one's worth your time.

How long is Johns?

Johns runs for 96 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Johns (1996) — A gritty L.A. drama of survival and unexpected friendship at Christmas

Johns (1996) dives into the gritty pulse of Los Angeles on December 23rd, weaving a raw drama around survival, fleeting connections, and the search for meaning before a turning birthday. Director Scott Silver crafts a tense, intimate story following John, a young man navigating life on Santa Monica Boulevard, where he exchanges company for cash. When Donner, a newcomer to the streets, offers an unexpected escape, John must weigh loyalty against the promise of something new. The film crackles with neon-lit longing, its emotional weight balanced by a fragile romance simmering beneath the surface. With its stark realism and emotional depth, Johns captures a moment suspended between chaos and hope.

Lukas Haas and David Arquette deliver powerful performances as John and his enigmatic counterpart, grounding the story in authentic humanity. Genre-blending between drama and romance, the movie explores themes of identity, belonging, and the cost of dreams. Shot against the backdrop of a city that never sleeps, Johns (1996) isn't just a holiday tale—it's a poignant reminder that sometimes the most profound choices come wrapped in uncertainty.