The best documentaries about your favorite stars

The story behind the scenes of Janet Jackson's life is finally getting the documentary treatment it deserves as the star shared a first teaser trailer on September 6 for her upcoming two-part documentary 'Janet,' set to air on Lifetime and A&E in January in celebration of the 40th anniversary of her debut album. The clip includes snippets from Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, and Tito Jackson, so there's no doubt it will be a star-studded affair. The trailer says that it's been more than "five years in the making." Janet herself sits down in front of the camera and says: "This is my story, told by me. Not through someone else's eyes." She adds, "This is the truth, take it or leave it. Love it or hate it. This is me." It's sure to be a memorable one!

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'The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' (2020) -

The wonderful trio are shown in their true colors in this documentary. It's made from interviews with the still living Barry Gibb and old interviews with his brothers, Robin and Maurice Gibb.

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'Miss Americana' (2020) -

Taylor Swift gives us a peek into her life with this documentary. For the first time, she talks about her battle with an eating disorder, her political awakening, and her relationships.

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'Amy' (2015) -

She was an iconic singer that died too young. This award-winning documentary gives the viewer an intimate look at her career and personal struggles with heartbreak and addiction.

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'I Am Ali' (2014) -

Muhammad Ali was the most famous boxer in history. This documentary gives us a unique insight into his life through his personal audiotapes and interviews with his inner circle.

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'Gaga: Five Foot Two' (2017) -

Lady Gaga is metaphorically stripped bare in this documentary about her performance at the Super Bowl in 2017. You see how she practices, perfects, and completely rocks it.

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'Michael Jackson's This Is It' (2009) -

This documentary is a compilation of interviews, recordings, and footage from Jackson's last scheduled tour. He planned to make it the best he'd ever put on, but he died 18 days before the tour began.

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'Bright Lights' (2016) -

The mother and daughter relationship between Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher was not a normal one due to their fame. Nevertheless, Reynolds and her children, Todd and Carrie Fisher, have an intimate bond that makes this documentary a lovely watch.

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'Simply Complicated' (2017) -

This clever oxymoron captures Demi Lovato's life perfectly. She was famous from an early age and has faced many troubles in the past. Bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addiction have all plagued Lovato. In this documentary, she reflects on her past and her road to sobriety.

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'Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream' (2013) -

This documentary puts you right into Beyoncé's home. It follows her busy career, marriage, and pregnancy. If you want to get to know the star a little better, here is a good place to start.

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'Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé' (2019) -

In this latter documentary, Beyoncé lets her audience see how she transformed her artistic ideas into reality at her marvelous Coachella performance in 2018. If you want to be creatively inspired, give this one a gander.

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'Katy Perry: Part of Me' (2012) -

Everybody remembers Katy Perry's song 'California Girls' (2010). The video that went with it was a wonderland of candy and beautiful women. If you want more, look at this documentary that follows her on tour.

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'One Direction: This Is Us' (2013) -

Sadly, One Direction has parted ways, but if you'd like to relive the band's golden days, this documentary is for you. It follows their huge life change from working-class boys to major stars.

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'Chasing Happiness' (2019) -

The Jonas Brothers have been out of the spotlight for a while until their recent album 'Happiness Begins' (2019) came out. This documentary covers the intense process they went through to create music together again.

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'Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of' (2015) -

It's quite remarkable that, while many '90s bands have fallen into the shade, the Backstreet Boys have survived. They are the best-selling boy band of all time! This documentary records their career from the beginning until their recent work.

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'I Am Heath Ledger' (2017) -

Heath Ledger amazed many as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' Sadly he died of an accidental overdose on prescription drugs in 2008, the same year the film was released. This documentary looks at him through his career, family, and friends.

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'O.J.: Made in America' (2016) -

The infamous life of O.J. Simpson is covered in this documentary. It gives a concise overview of O.J. himself, as well as the racial controversy that the murder case against him brought about.

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'What Happened, Miss Simone?' (2015) -

This Netflix documentary is about the "High Priestess of Soul," Nina Simone. It follows the highs and lows of a tumultuous and genius mind.

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'I Am Patrick Swayze' (2019) -

The 'Dirty Dancing' (1987) legend passed away from cancer in 2009. This documentary gives you access to all parts of his life and reveals how he was such a great actor.

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'For the Love of Spock' (2016) -

Leonard Nimoy is the original, best-loved Spock, but why? This documentary explores how he played his role so successfully on 'Star Trek: The Original Series' (1966-1969).

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'McQueen' (2018) -

Fashion icon Alexander McQueen has not yet been rivaled in creativity. Still, despite taking his own life in 2010, his designs continue to inspire. 'McQueen' is a moving view of one of the world's most prolific designer.

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'Cobain: Montage of Heck' (2015) -

Kurt Cobain was undoubtedly the voice of the early '90s youth. His anti-establishment lyrics and inner torture made him an MTV star with his band Nirvana. This documentary takes a look at his diaries to decipher his complex personality and shocking death.

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'Marley' (2012) -

Bob Marley was a legendary reggae musician who helped popularize the genre around the world. From his home in Jamaica to his death from skin cancer in 1981, this doc covers his life, loves, and music.

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'Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly' (2019) -

Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner open their home up to a film crew and let the viewer see their family life. It also goes through Scott's rise to fame in the music industry up until he had his first child, Stormi Webster.

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'I Am Bolt' (2016) -

Usain Bolt holds three world records and is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist. The perseverance and difficulty of an athlete's life are well captured in this documentary about his rise to success.

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'I Am Chris Farley' (2015) -

Chris Farley was a brilliant comedian who made a name for himself on 'Saturday Night Live.' He died of a cocaine and morphine overdose in 1997. This documentary follows his tremendous career and tragic end.

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'King in the Wilderness' (2018) -

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. This doc looks at the mounting anger against him in his final years of life.

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'Exit Through the Gift Shop' (2010) -

The mysterious Banksy has also produced a documentary. As funny as it is controversial, it chronicles two people who try and search for Banksy, but he is actually the one following them.

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'I Am Greta' (2020) -

The environmental activist of our time gives us insight into her life before her fame, and how she lives now. It's a beautiful glimpse into the heart and mind of a very brave girl.

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'A Ballerina's Tale' (2015) -

Misty Copeland is one of the world's most famous ballerinas, and also one of the first African-American ballet dancers to rise to the top. She tells of her survival and success in the savage world of ballet.

Sources: (Insider)(IMDb)

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The best documentaries about your favorite stars

'What Happened, Brittany Murphy?' explores the life and death of the young actress

08/10/21 | StarsInsider

MOVIES Documentary

Ever wondered what some celebrities are really like? Well, sometimes they allow us mere mortals a look into their private lives through some great documentaries. Indeed, some of the best docs ever made have been about the truth behind the fame of a celebrity, and the ones in this gallery are no exception.

'Clueless' (1995) and '8 Mile' (2002) star Brittany Murphy was reaching the peak of her career when she suddenly passed away at the age of 32 in 2009. The cause of death was somewhat mysterious, and the situation became even more tragic and bizarre when her husband, Simon Monjack, died of similar causes a few months after her. A new HBO documentary called 'What Happened, Brittany Murphy?' explores the circumstances surrounding her death in two shocking episodes. Initial trailers allude to a troubled relationship with her husband.

From Amy Winehouse to Alexander McQueen, these documentaries will make you laugh, cry, and have a more intimate picture of the celebs you love. Click on through to get to know them better!