Tattoo Nation
Tattoo Nation

Watch Tattoo Nation Online Free

- 69/100 based on 387 votes

Tattoos used to be a sign of rebellion. A middle finger salute to the rest of the world. Outlaw bikers got tattoos. Sailors on leave in Singapore got tattoos. Lifers in the joint got tattoos. But now it seems everywhere you go, everywhere you look - somebody is wearing some ink. In fact one out of every three US adults under 40 has one or more tattoos. So what happened? How did tattoo go from something that was put on you to an expression that comes from within you? Tattoo Na... (Full plot summary below)

Watch for FREE on Prime Video

FREE with your Prime (USA) subscription or when you start a 30-day free trial!

Share this

Tattoo Nation Online Streaming

Links compiled using automated software. Availability of offers subject to change / might be region specific / out of date.

Rent Tattoo Nation on DVD

Rent Tattoo Nation on Blu-ray

Today's Featured Movies:

You Might Also Like:

Sorry, we can't find any suggestions at the moment.

Actors in Tattoo Nation:

Full Plot Details

Tattoos used to be a sign of rebellion. A middle finger salute to the rest of the world. Outlaw bikers got tattoos. Sailors on leave in Singapore got tattoos. Lifers in the joint got tattoos. But now it seems everywhere you go, everywhere you look - somebody is wearing some ink. In fact one out of every three US adults under 40 has one or more tattoos. So what happened? How did tattoo go from something that was put on you to an expression that comes from within you? Tattoo Nation tells the story of a few people who helped transform the world of tattoo, and the way we think about tattoos, forever. That transformation is the subject of the new documentary film, TATTOO NATION. TATTOO NATION follows three tattoo pioneers, Charlie Cartwright, Jack Rudy and Freddy Negrete, and shows how a new, fine line technique using detail and shading to achieve a remarkable realism on skin revolutionized the world of ink. In 1975, Cartwright and Rudy boldly opened the first tattoo parlor in the heart of East LA's Chicano community. They hired a recently paroled teenager who, while in jail, unknowingly established iconic images that spoke to an entire generation of Chicanos. Freddy Negrete became the first professional Chicano artist employed by a mainstream tattoo parlor - a tattoo parlor that was embraced as a new vehicle for self-expression by the Chicano community in East Los Angeles. For the first time, these legendary figures tell their stories in a feature-length documentary film. Narrated by LA Ink's Corey Miller, the film features Danny Trejo and Travis Barker. Included are other important figures such as Ed Hardy, Mark Mahoney, Tim Hendricks and Mister Cartoon, with David Oropeza and "Chuco" Caballero, winners of many prestigious tattoo competitions. Their victories brought international recognition to the uniquely American approach known as "Black & Grey". The world of tattoo, and the way we regard tattoo, was forever changed.

Review & Comments

Leave your thoughts about Tattoo Nation.

Movie Reviews

Village Voice - 8/10 by Ernest HardyThe images of the style as it evolves, and especially those that fill the last 15 minutes of "Tattoo", are so beautiful and often majestic that they overshadow the film's small shortcomings.
Los Angeles Times - 6/10 by Gary GoldsteinA vivid portrait that should satisfy aficionados and intrigue the curious. Ink-averse viewers, however, may remain unsold.
User Review - 10/10 by Rob CAs a tattoo artist I truly appreciate this film. This documentary sheds light on the culture of West Coast style Tattooing in America. It Faithfully represents Good Time Charlie's cast of characters and their own backgrounds. If you're a tattoo artist or interested in the world of body modification and tattoo in this film really is a must-see.
User Review - 10/10 by Marco VIf you truly are into the Tattoo Culture, then you have to see this!
User Review - 10/10 by Andy RIf you are a fan of tattoos, you will love this documentary! It focuses on the history and tattoos and features some pretty big names like Danny Trejo and Ed Hardy. The ink featured throughout is BEAUTIFUL and I loved learning about the black and white days. After watching it I automatically wanted to go out and get some new ink. I definitely recommend this for ink lovers!
User Review - 10/10 by Melissa WI was blown away by the talent that I saw in this movie. Not only did I learn a lot about the history of black&grey style tattooing but I got witness amazing body art that the average person wouldn't get to see. I know there are a lot of tattoo shows on television but this documentary takes it to another level and puts a spotlight on some of the best tattoo artists in the world. I would love to have Freddy Negrete or Mister Cartoon tattoo on me. To wear their art for the rest of my life would be an honor!
User Review - 8/10 by Alex rBrilliant film on the tattoo boom in America, Tattoo Nation chronicles the rise in popularity of the tattoo art form. Before tattoos were accepted became socially acceptable in popular culture, they were seen as marks of criminals and low lives. Back in the 60's, Tattooing was illegal in most states, and was done in secret, and artists would not divulge their techniques. Most of the techniques were learned in prison between Chicano inmates. Other artists learned other methods and brought something new to the medium. This is an excellent, and in depth documentary about the tattoo revolution that is a must watch for fans of tats. Some of the finest artists in the business, including Ed Hardy, Freddy Negrette, Cory Miller, Tim Hendricks and Charlie Cartwright. This is a highly engaging picture that should be seen because tattooing is actually a beautiful art form, and when done correctly, can be a beautiful masterpiece, just because it's on your body doesn't make it look sketchy or you look trashy. This documentary also tells as to why certain tattoo pieces are chosen by its wearers, and it's always interesting to hear the stories behind the art. Tattoo Nation gives the art form long due credibility as it shouldn't be something to be frowned upon. I strongly believe that Tattoo artists deserve more credit for what they're doing, and what we have in this documentary is the development of the art, and how tattoos have some form of individuality. I love tattoos, I have two of them myself and this documentary just makes me respect the level of talent that the artists have put into their work. Every part of the tattoo revolution is covered and I think that it is a fine film that tells an important story.
User Review - 8/10 by Georgina KFor anyone who is inked or is just a fan should see this. Some of the work is truly jaw dropping and seeing it on the big screen is amazing. The film has some issues, but the history and art make it well worth seeing,

Browse Movie Genres

Other Links

Tattoo Nation