Forget music videos — it’s all about music documentaries now.
The upcoming year will be filled with deep dives into pop and rock stardom, kicking off with Netflix’s “Britney vs Spears” (now streaming), which delves into the #FreeBritney movement, and the saga that led to ousting her father from her conservatorship.
This follows a number of successful documentaries about musical celebs, including “Controlling Britney Spears” (Hulu), Apple TV+’s Billie Eilish doc, YouTube’s “Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil,” HBO’s “Tina,” and Hulu’s “McCartney 3,2,1” all of which came out within the past few months.
And there are plenty more on the way. Whether you like bubble-gum pop, hip-hop, alternative, or all of the above, here’s what to watch next.
‘Madame X’
Filmed in Lisbon, Portugal, where the iconic singer, 63, lives, “Madame X” features footage from her 2019 tour that was ultimately cut short by the pandemic. Focusing on her 14th studio album, the tour was unique in setting, since Madonna performed in small theater venues rather than arenas. It’s being released 30 years after her seminal documentary “Truth or Dare.”
Where to watch it: Paramount+ on Oct. 8
‘Jeen-yuhs’
Shot over the course of two decades, this will be a documentary series about Kanye West, 44, including behind-the-scenes details about his debut album, 2004’s “College Dropout.” West is not creatively involved in the making of the film, but he did give the filmmakers access. Netflix reportedly bought it for a whopping $30 million.
Where to watch it: Netflix in 2022 (Date to be announced)
‘Janet’
Billed as a two-night, four-hour “documentary event,” this will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s first album and take a look at the life story of the icon, 55, featuring archival footage and interviews, including Jackson opening up about the death of her brother Michael, her infamous Super Bowl performance with Justin Timberlake in 2004, and becoming a first-time mom at age 50.
Where to watch it: Lifetime and A&E in January (Date to be announced)
Celine Dion
Her heart will go on. Celine Dion, 53, has announced that an “official” documentary is on the way from Sony Music Entertainment, diving into her life and career with her creative involvement. She hasn’t yet announced its title.
Where to watch it: premiere date and platform unannounced
‘The Velvet Underground’
The first documentary feature directed and produced by Todd Haynes (“I’m Not There”), “The Velvet Underground” is a deep dive into the titular 1960s avant-garde rock band that originated as the house band for Andy Warhol’s New York City studio.
Where to watch it: Apple TV+ on Oct. 15