Right now the name on everyone’s lips is Britney Spears. No, she hasn’t released new music (please do) or had a public meltdown—she’s the focus of a new doco called Framing Britney Spears (which you can currently watch here).
The flick, which deep dives into Spear’s mental health and strained relationships, is one of many celebrity docos hitting our screens and to be honest, we’re digging the no holds barred approach some of the these celebs are taking, giving fans a real, raw look at their life behind the spotlight. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up the best celebrity documentaries you need to know about.
Demi Lovato | Dancing With The Devil
YouTube
Let’s start with the newest of the bunch, and much like Spear’s offering, this doco has everyone talking. Unlike Spears though, Demi Lovato is behind her own doco, giving producers unprecedented access to not only herself but her friends and family (including Elton John and Christina Aguilera). And yes, she absolutely bares all on her 2018 almost fatal overdose, revealing in the trailer that she suffered three strokes, a heart attack and had just minutes to live. Moving, thought-provoking and brave, this one is a total must watch. You can catch the four-part docu-series from 23 March, free via Lovato’s YouTube channel here.
Taylor Swift | Miss Americana
Netflix
It seems like most people either fall into the loving Taylor Swift camp (present!) or the loathing one. If you fall into the latter, this doco will seriously make you rethink that stance. Miss Americana dropped in 2020 and offers an honest look at a young woman, who grew up in the spotlight, trying to navigate the difference between who the world wants her to be, and who she wants to be. Directed by Lana Wilson (The Departure) the doco shows how that infamous Kanye West altercation really affected her, the pressure on her to get political, and for the naysayers, you’ll get a front row seat to see just how freaking talented this queen is. There’s LOLs and tears—check it out here.
Justin Bieber | Seasons
YouTube
While Bieber's original documentary (Never Say Never released back in 2011) covered the star's early years, his newest offering, Seasons, goes SO much deeper. Spanning 10 eps, the docu-series chronicles Bieber’s life between 2015’s blockbuster Purpose record and the lead-up to this year’s comeback record Changes. The singer, in his own words, opens up like never before, talking about growing up famous, his battle with mental health and drug abuse and his marriage to Hailey Baldwin. It gave us ALL the feels. Watch it here.
Michelle Obama | Becoming
Netflix
If you have big love for the former First Lady of the US (who doesn’t?) then you’re going to heart her even more after watching Becoming. The doco follows Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House. The flick offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories. Full of her classic, up-lifting speeches, you’ll want to keep the tissues close for this one. Watch it here.
Tekashi 6IX9INE | Supervillain: The Making of Tekashi 6IX9INE
Stan
From the producers of Empire and 8 Mile comes this three-part documentary series, profiling controversial rapper Tekashi 6IX9INE on his rise to notoriety. Through interviews with the rapper after his release from prison last year, and his inner circle, the series breaks down the elements that made Tekashi a true “supervillian”. Mixing piece-to-camera interviews, Instagram stories and home footage, this series will give you an insight on how this rapper went from riches to a jail cell. Watch it here.
Lady Gaga | Gaga: Five Foot Two
Netflix
Pre-Shallows fame, Gaga: Five Foot Two follows the songstress in the lead-up to the release of her fifth studio album, Joanne, and her incredible 2017 Superbowl halftime performance—aka one of the most pivotal periods in her career yet. Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Chris Moukarbel (Banksy Does New York, Me at the Zoo), the film is shot in the style of cinema verité, giving viewers unfiltered, behind-the-scenes access over an eight-month period as Gaga spends time with close friends and family, records and releases Joanne and, deals with personal struggles. Watch it here.
Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly
Netflix
In this first-hand look at one of music's most dynamic superstars,Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly straps viewers into a front row seat of Scott’s life in the months surrounding the release of his Grammy-nominated album Astroworld. Intercut with footage from his live shows and nostalgic home video footage from Scott’s childhood, this doco follows Scott’s life-changing moments, including becoming a father, performing at the Super Bowl and recreating Astroworld for his hometown and fans. Watch it here.
Jonas Brothers | Jonas Brothers: Chasing Happiness
Amazon Prime
After taking a prolonged hiatus and pursuing their own projects, teen heartthrobs Jonas Brothersfinally reunited in 2019 much to the delight of their legion of fans. Their doco, Chasing Happiness, pulls the curtain back on what really went down in the earlier years, from their relationship breakdown with each other, to their ‘purity rings’ and religious upbringing. Fans of their music or not, this no-holds-barred look at fame and sibling relationships is powerful stuff. Watch it here.
Shawn Mendes | Shawn Mendes: In Wonder
Netflix
He’s one of the nicest guys in the music biz, and you’ll adore Shawn Mendes even more after watching In Wonder. The documentary is a heartfelt look at a songwriter and performer wrestling with the pressures of stardom and the emotional tolls of coming-of-age while the world watches. Largely framed around his rise and recent tour, the film offers unprecedented access to Mendes’ private life both at home, and while traveling across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and features years of footage as he rose from precocious troubadour to global superstar. Watch it here.
Jonah Lomu | Anger Within: Jonah Lomu A Rugby Legend
Stan
The late Jonah Lomu, is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most loved rugby players of all time. But behind his killer moves on the field and cheeky charm, is a man that fought against the odds to leave a legacy behind. The intimate, first-person journey charts Lomu’s meteoric rise from a violent childhood to his arrival as rugby’s first international superstar, while managing a rare and serious kidney disorder. Featuring interviews with George Gregan, Sean Fitzpatrick, and Zinzan Brooke, this is absolutely one for the sport-lovers out there. Watch it here.
Beyoncé: Homecoming
Netflix
Queen Bey made history back in 2018 when she became the first black woman to headline Coachella 22 years after its inception. Homecoming offers up an intimate look at said historic performance that paid homage to America's historically black colleges and universities. Interspersed with candid footage and interviews detailing the preparation and powerful intent behind her vision, Homecoming traces the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement. Prepare for goosebumps. Watch it here.
Paul Kelly | Paul Kelly: Stories Of Me
Stan
Music buffs will want to pop this beauty on stat. Stories Of Me charts the remarkable career of one of Australia’s most talented and beloved singer-songwriters, Paul Kelly. For nearly four incredible decades and over 350 songs, Kelly has been mapping out the Australian landscape and its people. In this doco you’ll learn more about the man behind mic through never before seen footage and interviews with his family (even his former wives) as well as famous colleagues like author Richard Flanagan and guitarist Chris Langman. Watch it here.
Ronda Rousey | Ronda Rousey Story: Through My Father’s Eyes
Netflix
Former Olympian Ronda Rousey made history when she became the first female UFC champion. Dominating the sport for years, it all came crashing down when she lost to challenger Holly Holm. This doco follows Rousey's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to superstardom, weaving in revealing interviews with fight footage to paint a picture of an athlete who didn’t just break through the glass ceiling, she smashed it. Watch it here.
Liam Gallagher | As It Was
Stan
Prepare for all the feels with this honest and emotional story of how one of the most electrifying rock n roll frontmen—Liam Gallagher— went from the dizzying heights of his years in legendary band Oasis, to living on the edge, lost in a spell of booze, notoriety and bitter legal battle. Watch it here.
BLACKPINK | BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky
Netflix
Since their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK has become the highest-charting female K-pop group of all time. This Netflix original doco serves up the never-before-seen moments that BLACKPINK’s global fandom—known as “BLINKs”—have been craving for years. Directed by Caroline Suh (Netflix’s “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”), the doco goes deep with each of BLACKPINK’s four members as they reflect on the ups and downs of fame and the long, often challenging journey that brought them to worldwide success. If you’re not a BLINK yet, you will be after this. Watch it here.
After more binge-worthy content? Check out the best shows on Netflix.
Image Credit: Netflix