The world of stardom can often seem like something we mere mortals can only dream of, but behind the curtain, sometimes, it can be a world of deceit and darkness. The chance to pull back that cloak of riches and see genuinely into the world of our favorite celebrities is enticing. Because of this, it is no wonder that celebrity documentary is so popular now. One of this genre’s most prominent and successful exponents is Netflix, with some of the most beloved and revealing celeb docs coming from the streaming platform. But, with such a wide array of choices currently out there, it can be challenging to hone in and find the perfect celebrity documentary. So, with that in mind, here is a comprehensive list of the 15 best celebrity documentaries on Netflix, from musical icons to political powerhouses.
Related:The Best Documentaries on Netflix Right Now
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (2019)
Run Time: 2hr 17m |Directors: Beyoncé, Ed BurkeBeyoncéis, by far, one of the world’s most successful stars, and to even catch a glimpse into her life was a dream for fans. In 2019, that dream became a reality when directorEd Burke(Beyoncé: Lemonade) teamed up with Bee to bring us this documentary. The narrative follows the structure of a concert film, following Beyoncé during her preparations and subsequent performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Released alongside an accompanying album, this movie gives an in-depth look at the stresses involved in being one of the most successful artists in the world. It offers a window into the creative process behind musical genius. For those who are not looking for anything too hard-hitting, this movie ticks that box and stands as one of the best and most honest representations of both Queen Bee and the art behind modern-day festival sets. It’s no wonder it is often cited as one ofthe best concert films out there.Watch on Netflix
Miss Americana (2020)
Run Time: 1hr 25m |Director:Lana Wilson Similar to the previous entry, this 2020 movie directed byLana Wilson(The Departure) instead turns its musical heavyweight attention to the incomparableTaylor Swift. Swift is genuinely one of the most widely appreciated artists in the world, with her total album sales of over 114 million only beginning to prove that. So, with so many Swifties desperately seeking a look behind their favorite artist’s life, this documentary revealed all to the delight of millions.
Intercut with footage of Swift’s concerts,Miss Americanatakes a deeper look into the personal life of Tay, offering us the chance to see the struggle behind the genius. The film received high critical acclaim, being labeled"required viewing" by Collider’s Shaina Weatherhead, and is often cited as a beautiful example of female empowerment in an industry dominated by men. For any Taylor Swift fan who hasn’t yet seen this doc, it is a must-watch.Watch on Netflix
Pamela, A Love Story (2023)
Run Time: 1hr 52m |Director:Ryan White A much more recent entry on this list, the story ofPamela Anderson, was released just this year, with it instantly receiving heaps of both critical and public praise, especially in the direction of director Ryan White (Good Night Oppy). The life of Pamela Anderson has been well-documented, only through the lens of everyone else but Pamela herself. Using personal videos and diaries,Pamela, A Love Storyoffers the chance to experience the life of Anderson in her own words. She is a strong example of how more celebrity documentaries should be heading. The movie stands as a perfect counter-argument to all the modern-day media depictions of Anderson,especially considering the recent release ofPam and Tommy, with this documentary making that series seem all too foolish now. This film doesn’t shy away from the lows of Anderson’s life but also manages to celebrate the highs in, what is essentially, a celebration of one of the most famous figures of the last 30 years.Watch on Netflix
Halftime (2022)
Run Time: 1hr 36m |Director:Amanda Micheli Similar toHomecoming,Halftimeis a musical documentary, this time about the incredibleJennifer Lopez, that focuses on her Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show and her 2019 movieHustlers. Directed byAmanda Micheli(Double Dare),Halftimeis a career-spanning look at the life of Lopez and shows just how much hard work pays off within the music industry. The film sometimes takes the form of a rags-to-riches style narrative, with many fans noting just how uplifting and inspiring the movie was. For fans of Lopez or the music industry in general, this is a must-watch.Watch on Netflix
Britney vs Spears (2021)
Run Time: 1hr 33m |Directors:Erin Lee Carr, Kate Barry The life ofBritney Spearsseems almost perpetually shrouded in controversy, with her recent life particularly prevalent in the media. For that reason, it would take some dedication to bring a true and honest depiction of the life of Spears to screen, with director and producerErin Lee Carr(Mommy Dead and Dearest) doing just that. After spending two years researching the film, the effort paid off, with many fans of Spears praising the movie for its unbiased and sensitive look at the life of one of the most hounded women in modern music. After years of scandal seeming to shadow Spears,Britney vs Spearstakes a deep breath and refreshingly offers her side of the story.Watch on Netflix
The Last Dance (2020)
Episodes: 10 |Director: Jason Hehir With a particular focus on the 1997-98 season,Jason Hehir’s (30 for 30)The Last Dancedribbles through the life ofMichael Jordan, with the 10-part series beautifully weaving between the triumphant highs and touching lows in Jordan’s career. Given its 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is no wonder many fans adored this ode to one of the all-time greats, with many other sports-based docs paling compared to the inspirational feeling this series leaves you with.The Last Danceis the perfect docuseries for anyone who loves sports and is still entertaining for those who don’t.Watch on Netflix
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
Run Time: 1hr 40m |Director:Chris Moukarbel Following the production and subsequent release ofLady Gaga’s fifth studio albumJoanne,Gaga: Five Foot Twogives unfiltered access to the creative process of one of the most successful artists in the world. DirectorChris Moukarbel(Me at the Zoo) takes time to look deep into the inner workings of the fascinating woman, shining a light on what makes her tick. From her home life to her burgeoning acting career, this movie leaves no stone unturned and depicts Gaga as the wonderfully nuanced person she is. This movie was so critically acclaimed it was even compared to the beloved 1990 documentaryMadonna: Truth or Dare, which stands as a perfect precursor for many of the artist-based docs we see today.Watch on Netflix
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Run Time: 1hr 42m |Director:Liz Garbus ThisLiz Garbus(Girlhood) directed documentary depicts the life of the legendaryNina Simoneand even ended up with a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards. Using previously unseen archive footage of Simone’s life, this film explores what made Simone such a beloved genius and follows her journey from super-stardom to civil rights activism.What Happened, Miss Simoneis a raw, uncompromising look at the life of one of the world’s most acclaimed voices and provides a fast, visceral understanding of the ups and downs of her turbulent, incredible life.Watch on Netflix
Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
Run Time: 1hr 37m |Director:Emmett Malloy From some of pop music’s biggest names to one of the biggest artists in hip-hop.Biggie Smallsis an iconic name in the music world, with countless documentaries attempting to unpack his wild life.Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell, directed byEmmett Malloy(The Tribes of Palos Verdes), offers a new perspective on what is an already well-documented life, using rare archive footage of Biggie’s life to uncover a more realistic unbiased view on the man behind the music. So many Biggie-based docs focus on the controversy surrounding his untimely death. However, this movie offers a more nuanced, overarching look at Biggie’s life, offering a refreshing experience for anyone who has already indulged in Biggie docs before.Watch on Netflix
Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (2017)
Run Time: 1hr 38m |Director:Griffin Dunne Directed by Joan’s nephewGriffin Dunne(After Hours), this documentary transports the viewer deep into the life of this highly-acclaimed writer, allowingJoan Didionto recount memories of her childhood through to the most impactful days in her professional life. Given her award of a National Medal of Arts for exploring the depths of sorrow, this documentary showcases Didion’s intrinsic understanding of the saddest depths of human life and so should be approached with sensitive caution. Upon release, the film was held in high regard by both critics and fans of Didion, with her passing in 2021 only increases the power and significance the film holds.Watch on Netflix
