Kid decides to go to his friend Play’s house party, but neither of them can predict what’s in store for them on what could be the wildest night of their lives.

Watching House Party today is like opening a time capsule from 1990. It’s not dated, it’s essential — a celebration of Black youth culture that doesn’t rely on stereotypes or trauma; it’s full of joy, community, and creativity. Rare for the time, and unfortunately rare to this day. The fashion, the music, the dance battles — all of it speaks to a specific moment in time, yet it remains undeniably relevant 35 years later. (How did that happen?) Teen comedies before and since have tried to feign this level of authenticity, but the Hudlin brothers — writer-director Reginald and producer Warrington — delivered one that fires on all levels. All of the film’s conflicts — bullying, sneaking out, trying to impress your crush — are handled with a light touch and a vibrant style that still resonates today. Its universal humor never punches down; everyone is invited to this party. — AM

Supervised by director of photography Peter Deming and approved by director Reginald Hudlin, this new 4K restoration was undertaken by the Criterion Collection in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery using the 35 mm original camera. The original 4.0 surround soundtrack was remastered from the LCRS 35 mm magnetic DME stems.

Available in person only.