20 Awesome 90s Movies That Deserve More Love
6. Where the Day Takes You (1992)
Written and directed with real sensitivity by the late Marc Rocco, Where the Day Takes You features a scattered ensemble of future superstars in roles that feel achingly real and, despite the hardships they endure, are grounded by an unshakable fighting spirit.
The film follows a gaggle of homeless youths and drug addicts (played by Will Smith, Sean Astin, Dermot Mulroney, David Arquette, and Kyle MacLachlan, amongst others) as they attempt to survive on the streets of Los Angeles, by any means necessary.
A deeply unsettling and often shockingly violent drama, Rocco's searing tale of betrayal, broken people, and a city in turmoil is stunningly drawn, its characters so rich with feeling and humanity it can become easy to forget how many A-listers are bringing them to life.
Though far from an easy watch - the film has hope lining its darker twists, but don't go in expecting too happy an ending - Where the Day Takes You is still a powerful drama well worth seeking out.