hollywood biography youtube

Free Directory

• Arts & Entertainment
• Education & Professional
• Religion & Spirituality
• Self Development
• Social Sciences
• Sports & Hobbies

Free Audio Book

-->

Get this free title from:

Free Stuff in These Categories

Find more titles by.

-->

Title Details

Description, people who liked the hollywood biographies collection also liked these free titles:.

The 50 Best Biography Movies of All Time

1. Goodfellas

2. Lawrence of Arabia

3. Schindler's List

4. Raging Bull

6. The Wolf of Wall Street

7. The Pianist

8. A Beautiful Mind

9. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

12. The Aviator

13. Ed Wood

14. BlacKkKlansman

15. The Elephant Man

16. A Hidden Life

17. Dog Day Afternoon

18. Bonnie and Clyde

19. Downfall

20. Memories of Murder

21. Fruitvale Station

22. Into the Wild

23. The King's Speech

24. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

25. The Intouchables

More to explore, recently viewed.

The 15 Best Celebrity Documentaries, Ranked

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

From having your personal life exposed to the entire world to being harassed and followed by strangers, being a celebrity is surely not a walk in the park. While being a huge name in the industry will likely oftentimes get one special treatment wherever they go, it also comes with some disadvantages.

Still, celebrity documentaries are one of the best ways to highlight someone's legacy , allowing admirers to look back at some of the most memorable moments in the lives and careers of their favorite icons. All of these carefully explore the life of well-known celebrities, shining a light on their very human aches, as well as on all things that make them who they are. From tragic but powerful stories of talented vocalists like Amy to admiring tales of skilled filmmakers like Spielberg , this is a ranking of 15 of the best celebrity documentaries and where to stream them.

15 'Halftime' (2022)

Director: amanda micheli.

Following the life and career of Jennifer Lopez, Halftime is an intimate portrait of the superstar , focusing on Lopez's performance at the Super Bowl LIV halftime and her very well-received movie Hustlers . Needless to say, it is a must-watch for all the actress' long-time admirers.

What makes Halftime a compelling watch is the way it depicts the career evolution of one of the major pop singers still working today ( Lopez has also starred in numerous films), shining a light on the singer's charismatic performance skills that are quite present in her powerhouse shows, as well as on Lopez's dedication and determination as an artist. What's more? This doc is surely equal parts inspiring — after all, anyone would love to have JLo's self-confidence.

Watch on Netflix

14 'Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields' (2023)

Director: lana wilson.

Among the best documentaries about famous people is 2023's Pretty Baby , which serves as an at times disturbing but very necessary outlook inside the actor, model, and icon Brooke Shields ' early life and her bizarre, predatory treatment in the film industry, which is incredibly upsetting to witness.

While the actress' name has obviously been relevant for years, the awful Hollywood treatment she underwent from a very young age may not be as obvious to everyone; Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields is an intense one-season docuseries makes for a binge-watchable show and helps audiences understand what's wrong with the industry — this, of course, by following Shields as she goes from a sexualized young girl to a woman discovering and embracing her power.

Watch on Hulu

13 'Cobain: Montage of Heck' (2015)

Director: brett morgen.

The authorized 2015 documentary directed by Brett Morgen premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival to great results (it features a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes ). It follows the late singer Kurt Cobain through his early days in Aberdeen to his rise and later downfall with the grunge band Nirvana .

Cobain: Montage of Heck focuses on depicting Cobain as humanly as possible, shining a light on the side of the artist that was unseen by the public and balancing out the sad moments with a few lighter ones. Although it features some heartbreaking moments, Cobain is a stylized documentary that is a great watch especially if viewers are looking into getting to know the famous artist better .

Kurt Cobain Montage of Heck

Watch on Amazon Prime

12 'Miss Americana' (2020)

Surely all Taylor Swift fans have heard of Miss Americana and watched it by now. Still, it is an entertaining and enlightening watch even for those who aren't particularly the biggest fans of the artist's music. The absorbing film follows the singer-songwriter over the course of several years of her career.

What stands out in Miss Americana is mainly the way it deals with the struggles that the pop star has gone through over time, shedding a powerful light on her troubling experience with an eating disorder (which can serve as comfort for people who also experienced it). The 2020 feature is honest, raw, and revealing, making for an absorbing, better-than-average documentary. Her most recent film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour , has become one of the highest-grossing documentaries earning over $248 million .

Miss Americana

11 'selena gomez: my mind and me' (2022), director: alek keshishian.

Much like Miss Americana , My Mind and Me offers audiences an intimate look inside a popular pop singer's stardom, redefining it entirely. Selena Gomez is, of course, the star of this touching documentary which exposes the highs and lows of her motivational, bumpy, transformative, and highly emotional six-year journey.

Depicting the reach of a new peak in her career and the complications in Gomez's life, this enthralling documentary is guaranteed to provide food for thought and raise mental health awareness. What it arguably does best is shine a light on the famous actor/singer's experiences with anxiety and bipolar, inspiring and prompting viewers who find themselves in the same situation to ask for help.

Watch on Apple TV+

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

Directors: beyoncé, ed burke.

This well-executed Netflix documentary and must-see concert film depicts Beyoncé 's celebrated performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and serves as an in-depth, intimate outlook that showcases the singer's emotional journey from creative concept to cultural movement. It is widely considered one of the best concert movies of all time.

Highlighting Black pride throughout (quotes from distinguished Black creatives are often seen in the movie) Homecoming is a beautifully done documentary that is guaranteed to astonish its viewers , including those who aren't proper fans of the beloved worldwide artist. With a tremendous dedication to her craft and masterclass live perfomance skills, Beyoncé has undoubtedly and understandably risen to the top artists who ever graced the stage — Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé just proves it.

9 'Spielberg' (2017)

Director: susan lacy.

While most people are familiar with Indiana Jones , Jaws , and Jurassic Park by filmmaker Steven Spielberg , this must-watch documentary provides cinephiles, particularly fans of his work, an even more revealing behind-the-scenes outlook inside his interesting life and remarkable achievements. All in all, it chronicles Spielberg's story in a truly compelling and captivating manner.

On top of this, Spielberg features some well-known faces — colleagues of the director, including Martin Scorsese , George Lucas , and Daniel Craig , discuss the classic movies that made the iconic filmmaker rise to fame and become one of the most influential and iconic masters at his field to date. Without a doubt, this 2017 celebrity documentary about Spielberg is the perfect pick for those who love cinema .

Watch on Max

8 'Tina' (2021)

Director: t. j. martin, daniel lindsay.

Featuring Tina Turner as herself, Tina is an intriguing documentary that showcases the singer's personal records, including never-seen-before footage, audio tapes, and personal photos. In this must-see music documentary, the queen of Rock n' Roll opens up about her life, struggles, traumas, and inspiring survival through it all.

Unfortunately, though, and to many people's dismay, Turner has sadly passed this year. Tina is a piece of media many may find themselves turning to for comfort; it helps audiences look back on her astonishing legacy and celebrate the powerhouse that Turner was by capturing the legend's charismatic personality and electrifying concert performances. For another great film that reflects on Turner's impressive career, the biographical drama What's Love Got to Do With It starring Oscar-winner Angela Bassett is also a great pick.

7 'Whitney' (2018)

Director: kevin macdonald.

Whitney is a moving feature directed by Kevin Macdonald that examines the artist's life and career by compiling a bunch of never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive recordings, rare performances, and interviews with the people who knew the beloved singer best.

No doubt that Whitney Houston was one of the most talented artists alive; she was also one of the most memorable — her most recent biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody , is proof that her footprint in the music industry endures. A much better film than its biopic counterpart, this compelling documentary invites audiences inside the mind of an icon, depicting the highs and lows of an unforgettable legacy and successfully introducing the legendary singer's story to viewers who were not familiar with it.

6 'Pamela, a Love Story' (2023)

Director: ryan white.

After decades of turmoil, the ever-charming pop culture icon Pamela Anderson reflects on the gigantic turn her life took when her voice was taken away from her. The documentary, directed by Ryan White and produced by her son Brandon Thomas Lee , also includes never-seen-before footage as well as personal journal entries dating several years back.

Pamela, a Love Story is undoubtedly a crucial watch for those who are keen on getting an inside look at the actress and model's life. It is honest, sweet, and human — and more importantly, Anderson's story is finally told by the only person who should be telling it: herself , making Pam & Tommy almost unwatchable . The touching documentary, which inspires viewers with Anderson's bravery and positivism and reclaims her narrative after enduring years of ridicule and disrespect, will undoubtedly change many people's perspectives on the unforgettable Baywatch icon.

Pamela: A Love Story

5 'jane fonda in five acts' (2018).

Directed by Susan Lacy , the personal Jane Fonda in Five Acts delivers just what it promises: insight into the remarkable life and career of Jane Fonda — n Hollywood actor who was blacklisted after being donned 'Hanoi Jane' — showcasing the controversies that surrounded the actress, as well as the political activism Fonda was often involved in. Thesee were mostly civil rights and women's rights.

This brilliant, put-together documentary assuredly excels at painting a lively portrait of one of the most compelling public figures in pop culture — it is an introspective, insightful and tender look inside Fonda's life that displays her intense journey through the years and will possibly fascinate everyone remotely interested in her work.

4 'I Am Divine' (2013)

Director: jeffrey schwarz.

I Am Divine is all about how Divine, also known as Harris Glenn Milstead , became John Water 's cinematic muse (starring in his highly controversial film Pink Flamingos , which is regarded as one of the grimiest movies of all time ) and an internationally beloved, exuberant drag queen. The biographical film depicts a part of the life and career of the pop phenomenon.

This engaging portrait of the extravagant and complex personality behind the cinematic figure is a touching film that celebrates the life of a very kind-natured man with poignancy and humor, highlighting the hugely influential figure that Divine was and how his existence continues to bring solace to those who relate to him .

Watch on Kanopy

3 'Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind' (2018)

Director: marina zenovich.

The late Robin Williams was one of the most famous comical and dramatic actors ever, as well as a fan favorite by global audiences. In this fun and intimate documentary, moviegoers get to sneak peek inside his mind while exploring and consequently celebrating his extraordinary life and career that has undoubtedly touched many.

Marina Zenovich's Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind is never short on emotion. It feels like a warm hug throughout — one so tight and intimate that it may pain viewers sometimes — especially fans of the iconic personality. The documentary perfectly tackles the many complexities of the beloved comedian that has touched many while tenderly reflecting on the brilliant man's life.

2 'Amy' (2015)

Director: asif kapadia.

Amy is a 2015 British Oscar-winning documentary that features rare home videos and interviews with the talented singer's circle of close friends and family. Directed by Asif Kapadia , this highly-rated A24 movie depicts Amy Winehouse 's journey throughout the years, from a young aspiring singer to a troubled but undeniably talented star.

Amy is assuredly a very enlightening, deeply personal feature as it carefully portrays one of the greatest singers of a generation , never once denigrating its subject but celebrating her life instead. Although heartbreaking and hard to watch at times, Amy is powerfully executed and well-presented, offering audiences a tough but necessary outlook on the life of one of the most celebrated artists even today. Mark Ronson , a long-time friend and producer who worked with Winehouse , finds the documentary to be "respectful" to the late singer.

1 'Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story' (2017)

Director: alexandra dean.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr story , directed by Alexandra Dean , thoroughly showcases the life of a classic Hollywood movie star who was hailed as the most glamorous and beautiful in the entire world. While Lamarr 's beauty was undeniable, her outstanding true talents were often tragically obscured by her looks (and likely still are today).

Very few people knew about the actress' inherent scientific intellect; thanks to this documentary, Hedy Lamarr is seen through a different lens, and a way more accurate one. No doubt, Dean's captivating biography isn't afraid to go into details. In fact, Bombshell incites audiences into realizing just how intelligent and underappreciated Lamarr was in electronics, celebrating her almost nonexistent legacy in the field.

NEXT: The Best Documentaries on YouTube Right Now

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• What Is Cinema?

Old Hollywood’s Most Scandalous Secrets, as Told by David Niven

According to David Niven, debonair star of films including Wuthering Heights, Around the World in 80 Days, and Bonjour Tristesse, not all full-service brothels in the golden age of movies were run out of gas stations, as in Ryan Murphy ’s Netflix series Hollywood. One was housed in a stately colonial-style mansion right under his window in the North Hollywood hills, run by a “Baroness” and filled with whips, kinky costumes, and two beautiful failed actresses deeply in love.

This tale and many more are recorded in Niven’s 1975 memoir, Bring on the Empty Horses , which has long been considered by those in the know—including (strangely enough) conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. —one of the best books ever written about Hollywood in its studio-system heyday.

The memoir is a follow-up to his equally delightful 1971 autobiography, The Moon’s a Balloon. In Horses, the British-born Niven reveals a generous but clear-eyed view of Hollywood from the 1930s to the early ’60s. “[It] was hardly a nursery for intellectuals, it was a hotbed of false values, it harbored an unattractive percentage of small-time crooks and con artists, and the chances of being successful there were minimal,” he writes. “But it was fascinating, and if you were lucky, it was fun.”

Fun yes, but also freaky. Through a series of thematic vignettes, Niven spills the tea on the passions and pretentions of stars like Humphrey Bogart (a real softie), Mary Astor (at her best in bed), Fred Astaire (a terrible dancer in public), Greta Garbo ( a big fan of skinny-dipping), and Charlie Chaplin (a pompous bore). He does so with such grace and panache that one is almost unaware secrets are being revealed—but revealed they are, much to every Hollywood fan’s gossipy delight. Ahead, six of the juiciest tidbits from Niven’s pen.

Errol Flynn Was a Big Fan of Hollywood High School

For Niven, perhaps no star in Hollywood was as tragic and troubled as his former roommate (and frequent costar) Errol Flynn. “The great thing about Errol was you always knew exactly where you stood with him because he always let you down,” he writes.

On one particularly troubling occasion, Niven claims that Flynn (who was tried and acquitted of statutory rape by two women in the early 1940s) invited him to go view “the best-looking girls in L.A.” Allegedly, Flynn then drove them down Sunset Boulevard, parking directly across from Hollywood High just as school was letting out. “Jailbait,” he told Niven. “ San Quentin Quail . What a waste!” When a policeman approached the car to ask what exactly they were doing, Flynn retorted, “We are just admiring the scenery.”

The policeman, not impressed, told him to beat it.

Shirley MacLaine Warmed Up the Cold War

According to Niven, when USSR premier Nikita Khrushchev and his family visited Hollywood in September of 1959 , they were treated to the filming of a dance scene for the upcoming Shirley MacLaine musical Can-Can —which evidently left the Soviet leader decidedly unimpressed. Khrushchev and his cronies gazed with “undisguised horror,” writes Niven, as MacLaine and her scantily-clad dancer comrades “kicked their legs, swirled their petticoats, waggled their knees, and ended up with their skirts over their heads and their bottoms pointing directly at the guest of honor and his family.” Krushchev wound up giving a one-word summation of the performance to the publicity flacks who then asked for his comment: “DISGUSTING!”

Carole Lombard Came for Norma Shearer

Screwball comedian Carole Lombard, who was known for being particularly outspoken, was apparently incensed when 1930s MGM queen Norma Shearer showed up at her own all-white party at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in a bright red dress. The whole ballroom gasped when Lombard dared to come for Shearer, who was married to the all-powerful boy-wonder producer Irving Thalberg. According to Niven, in a voice loud enough for all of Hollywood to hear, Lombard proclaimed, “Who the fuck does Norma think she is? The house madam?”

Tyrone Power Was the Original Bad Santa

Matinee idol Tyrone Power might have been blessed with “flashing good looks, graceful carriage, and easy laughter,” writes Niven, but his confidence was shattered playing Santa at a Christmas party for a host of Hollywood kids (including a young Candice Bergen ). Terrified of performing for children, Power leaned heavily on a bottle of scotch, and was soused when he turned up dressed as Father Christmas. As he swayed up to Niven’s house, Niven accidentally turned on the sprinkler to his lawn, drenching the drunk star. Power’s performer’s instinct somewhat saved the party as he let the children of Gary Cooper and Rosalind Russell sit on his knee. But Niven claimed that as “Santa” staggered off, “some children cried…and one complained about his breath.”

Joseph Cotten Kicked Hedda Hopper’s Derriere

The terror that Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper inspired in movieland’s elite was palpable. Niven claims that Hopper, with her “brisk staccato way of demanding replies rather than asking questions,” was fond of summoning stars to her Beverly Hills home (which she called “the house that fear built”). There, terrified actors were plied with alcohol, spilling secrets—often their friends’—while Hopper “shrewdly sipped tonic water.”

But not every movie star took Hopper’s abuse lying down. In the 1940s, Hopper insinuated in her column that Citizen Kane star Joseph Cotten, whom Niven calls “the epitome of the Southern gentleman,” had been caught by Malibu cops in the backseat of his car with teenage star Deanna Durbin. The very married Cotten vowed that if Hopper slandered him again, he would “kick her up the ass!” According to Niven:

“Sure enough, Hedda went into action again a few days later, and the next time Cotten saw Hedda’s behind entering a smart Hollywood party, he lined up on the target and let her have it.”

The Mystery of Missie

Since Bring on the Empty Horses ’ publication, Hollywood biographers have been attempting to unravel the real identity of the drug addicted, industry-abused sex-symbol Niven writes about in a two-part chapter titled “Our Little Girl.” Referred to only as “Missie,” this studio-created star possessed the “most beautiful body in Hollywood” and was referred to as “the boy’s erector set.”

According to Niven, as her looks faded and her career hit the skids, Missie became addicted to pills supplied by doctor nicknamed “Needle Ned.” In his harrowing second chapter about Missie, Niven recalls caring for her alone for three days when she was in the midst of a major mental health crisis. He describes a hellish experience, with a naked, manic Missie taunting him, asking for his reassurance of her beauty, refusing to eat anything but cottage cheese, and never sleeping.

So just who was “Missie”? Some point to Niven’s friend Lana Turner . The physical description is spot on, as is the biography. But others believe the second chapter is based on an experience Niven had with the troubled Vivien Leigh. According to actor Stewart Granger , he and Niven spent a torturous time caring for Leigh—who had bipolar disorder and substance abuse problems—until her husband Laurence Olivier could commit her to a hospital. Whoever she was, Niven seems haunted by Missie—and perhaps his own complicity in Hollywood’s sexist and abusive system.

— The Week the Cameras Stopped : TV in the COVID-19 Era — Why Natalie Wood’s Daughter Is Confronting Robert Wagner About Wood’s Death — Inside Rock Hudson’s Real-Life Relationship With Agent Henry Wilson — How The Mandalorian Fought to Keep Baby Yoda From Being Too Cute — A First Look at Charlize Theron’s Immortal Warrior in The Old Guard — Back to the Future, Uncut Gems, and More New Titles on Netflix This Month — From the Archive: How Rock Hudson and Doris Day Helped Define the Romantic Comedy

Looking for more? Sign up for our daily Hollywood newsletter and never miss a story.

Hadley Hall Meares

With James Earl Jones’ Help, Arnold Schwarzenegger Became an Action Star

Schwarzenegger said his ‘Conan the Barbarian’ costar was “a fantastic mentor.”

Morgan Wallen Leads the 2024 CMA Nominees

Wallen scored seven nominations, including four off his No. 1 hit “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone.

The 2024 Emmy Award Nominees in Major Categories

A List of All 21 EGOT Winners

The Rocky Onscreen History of Apollo 13

Prove You’re A J-Law Superfan With This Quiz

Unlocking shakespeare: a comprehensive study guide to the bard’s greatest works.

Everything you need to know about the world’s most famous playwright, including how his life influenced his work and how his legacy lives on today

Notable Now

Kamala Harris

Donald Trump

James Earl Jones

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales

Notorious figures and acts.

What Happens Now That a Maryland Court Upheld Adnan Syed’s Reinstated Conviction

In a 4-3 majority, the court determined “an injustice” occurred during the 2022 hearing that briefly vacated Syed’s murder conviction in the 1999 death of Hae Min Lee.

Where Are the Menendez Brothers Now?

Timeline: Scott Peterson’s Murder Case and Trial

How the Real Night Stalker Inspired ‘MaXXXine’

How a Boston Nurse Pioneered Criminal Profiling

The 15 Best True Crime Podcasts

Why the Menendez Brothers Killed Their Parents

Where Is Gypsy Rose Blanchard Now?

15 Notorious Serial Killers in History

Ruby Franke: The “Momfluecer” Who Became a Felon

The Story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Her Mother

10 Best True Crime Books

The 12 Greatest Unsolved Disappearances

Everything to Know About the 2024 MTV VMAs

10 Michael Keaton Movies to Binge Right Now

The Tumultuous History of Oasis

A Real Motorcycle Club Inspired ‘The Bikeriders’

People you should know.

10 Famous Explorers Whose Discoveries Connected the World

From Christopher Columbus to Marco Polo, these celebrated—and controversial—explorers made groundbreaking journeys across the globe.

40 Famous Inventors Who Changed History

22 Famous Scientists You Should Know

41 Inspiring Famous Women in History

10 Famous Poets Whose Enduring Works We Still Read

Connections.

Get to Know Rap Superstar Eminem’s 3 Children

The Love Story of Morgane and Chris Stapleton

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s Private Relationship

Elvis Presley’s Family Tree

Sweet Meaning of Justin and Hailey's Son's Name

All the Major Winners at the 2024 ACM Awards

How to Score Tickets to Pitbull's Tour

No Doubt Surprises Fans With Olivia Rodrigo

12 Gifts for Only the Most Dedicated Beyoncé Fans

Yes, Anne Hathaway Wears Pimple Patches, Too

Lily’s Team Shares the “Emily in Paris” Beauty Tea

These Labor Day E-Reader Sales Are Up to 21% Off

James Earl Jones Helped Schwarzenegger Be a Star

Miranda Lambert

Lily Gladstone

Ayo Edebiri

Lainey Wilson

The 17 Best Celebrity Documentaries Will Give You An Inside Look Into Stars' Lives

Your movie night plans are all sorted now.

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

With #FreeBritney and #ThisIsParis trending across social media as films about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton debuted, it should come as no surprise that celebrity documentaries are having A Moment™. But it's more than just entertainment: Celebrity documentaries manage to pay homage to cultural icons and phenomena, while impacting the current zeitgeist. These films give viewers a peek into the private and often-hidden lives of the biggest Hollywood stars—even the ones you might've thought you already knew everything about. They serve as reminders that even the brightest spotlight leaves much in the shadows.

These days, whether you subscribe to Netflix , Hulu , Amazon Prime, or HBO Max—or still have your ex boo’s password saved (just me?)—there are tons of celebrity documentaries for you to get your voyeuristic fix. (No shade, you’re not the only fan hungry for an intimate look at your fave star's usually-hidden pains and pleasures.) These docs aren't just about rappers and pop stars, though there are plenty of those (lookin' at you, Biggie and T-Swift). They also feature the life stories of comedian Tig Notaro, ballerina Misty Copeland, and mother-daughter acting duo Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, too.

So, grab a tub of popcorn and your tissues because these docs will have you crying tears of sadness, joy, and nostalgia by pulling at your heartstrings and revealing the unknown. Read on for the 17 best celebrity documentaries you can watch right now with the click of a button.

One Direction: This Is Us (2013)

Long before Harry graced the cover of Vogue , Zayn, Liam, and Louis had kids, and Niall went solo, these men were in a boyband that made middle schoolers scream: One Direction. While released at the height of the British band's fandom in 2013, when watched today, this documentary gives fans a chance to reminisce about 1D's heyday before their split. And hey, "Midnight Memories" is still a bop.

Watch now on Amazon Prime

Singer Amy Winehouse was known for her throaty, sultry sound, so it should come as no surprise that this masterpiece is as moody as it is moving. The British documentary fuses old interviews with clips of the singer, features fan reactions to her death, and details her life and relationship with music, sex, self-harm, and drugs—showcasing both her talent and her struggles. (Fair warning: Self-harm and substance abuse make big appearances in this doc.)

watch now on hulu

A Ballerina’s Tale (2015)

You don’t have to be a former dancer nor current ballerina to enjoy this documentary on the greatest ballerina of all time: Misty Copeland. Through A Ballerina’s Tale , an IFC Film, Copeland proves that what people think ballerinas have to be (white, petite, rich, young) is racist, classist hogwash. Both inspirational and aspirational, this doc is for anyone looking for an ~against all odds~ heroine story.

watch now on amazon prime

Calling all former class-clowns, laugh-lovers, and Tig Notaro fans, this Netflix documentary is for you. Named after the dry-as-bread comedian, Tig follows the brilliant comedian as she recovers from a quadruple whammy: A bacterial infection, cancer diagnosis, family death, and breakup. Equal parts morbid and moving, Tig offers the dry flair you’ve learned to expect from Tig herself along with close-ups of the comic in her personal life.

watch now on netflix

Bright Lights (2016)

Did you know that Singin' In The Rain icon Debbie Reynolds and Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher were related? Yep! The mother-daughter duo lived next door to each other until late in their lives, teasing, bickering, and helping each other until they both passed unexpectedly, just days apart. Bright Lights offers a sneak peak into the life of and bond between these showbiz babes.

Watch now on HBO Max

Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)

Lady Gaga is more than just a powerhouse singer decked in a meat-dress—she’s a human with wants, anxiety, imposter syndrome, fibromyalgia, and talent. In this up-close-and-personal Netflix documentary, the A Star Is Born actress and real-life pop star gets raw about the way society’s view on femininity, sexuality, success, access, and ability have caused her pain. It also explores how she’s redefined for herself what it means to be successful, in order to emerge from that pain more-self assured.

watch now on Netflix

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2018)

Through a combination of backstage chit-chat, honest AF dialogue from Beyoncé herself, and rehearsal footage, Homecoming chronicles what went into Beyoncé's iconic 2018 Coachella performance— the first time a Black woman headlined the music festival.

A Grammy-nominated music film, Homecoming pays homage to and celebrates all the Black creatives and women that came before Queen Bey. Packed with performance, pride, and power, this Netflix documentary affirms what you already knew intuitively: For Beyoncé, stage is home.

Watch now on netflix

Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly (2019)

Ready for a documentary that’ll give you chills on chills on chills? Look no further than this intimate look at Travis Scott’s life, which weaves fan testimonials with home video footage and concert clips to depict Scott’s life. ( KUWTK fans, fear not: There are plenty of moments between Scott, Kylie Jenner, and baby Stormi shown in this Netflix documentary.)

Chasing Happiness (2019)

While you won’t finish this film with a definitive answer around why the brotherly trio split, you will leave feeling nostalgic for the Disney Channel Jonas-mania days.

Featuring home video clips from as early as Nick’s birth, as well as interview footage asking the pop stars if they’ll ever split (they say no, LOL), plus concert and television clips, Chasing Happiness captures the rise, then fall, then reunion of the Jonas Brothers. Now available on Amazon Prime, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone that ever plastered a Jonas Brothers Tiger Beat poster on their bedroom wall.

Watch now on amazon prime

This Is Paris (2020)

Paris Hilton is known as the OG influencer, but that doesn’t mean she’s immune to having her image warped, then guzzled by gossip columnists and bored housemoms alike—in fact, just the opposite.

In This Is Paris , the hotel heiress takes back the mic to give viewers a real, unfiltered look at her not-so-happy life, including her time at a program in Utah where she was abused. What starts as a story about just another rich blonde girl, evolves into something much more nuanced. Ultimately, the film challenges the societal expectations put on stars like Paris.

Watch now on YouTube

Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)

In Wonder features monologues from the "Señorita" artist and behind-the-scene clips featuring him and girlfriend Camila Cabello . It's also packed with concert shots and earthy panoramas shot while Shawn is on his world tour. He wonders what it means to be a star, what his future in music holds, and how it influences his relationships.

watch no on netflix

Ariana Grande: Excuse Me, I Love You (2020)

If scrolling through this list has you wondering whether a happy celebrity documentary is an oxymoron, your next watch should be Ariana Grande: Excuse Me, I Love You . Sure, there’s an emotional backstage moment or three, but the bulk of this high-pony pop star's Netflix documentary is made up of upbeat behind-the-scenes moments and concert footage from her 2019 Sweetener world tour. Even those who aren’t die-hard fans will be saying, "Excuse me, I love you too" by the end.

Miss Americana (2020)

As if a documentary by this name could be about anyone other than the world’s (minus Kanye West’s) favorite girl next door: Taylor Swift . In this Netflix documentary, the singer-songwriter takes off the "good girl muzzle" and gets real about the role politics play in her music. T-Swift wants to convince her fans that she’s not just an artist; she’s an activist, too.

Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil (2021)

Whether you’ve been a Demi fan since their Barney and Friends days, or were late to the game only stanning them with the release of their Tell Me You Love Me 2017 album, you’ll be transfixed by this four-part documentary series.

The documentary follows Demi from 2018-2020, shedding insight on their eating disorder , drug use , mental health diagnoses and misdiagnoses, sexuality , and the traumas that led up to their near-fatal overdose in July of 2018. But ultimately, the series ends on a hopeful note with the finale, titled "rebirthing," suggesting the pop star has finally found their footing.

Biggie: I Got A Story to Tell (2021)

The rapper of many names—Biggie Smalls, Notorious B.I.G, and sometimes simply, Biggie—has been memorialized documentary-style. By interweaving a combination of concert footage, behind-the-scenes family videos, and interviews, this Netflix documentary explores how the talented star rose from the streets to the stage. Consider this a must-watch for anyone asking themselves whether raw talent alone is enough? Spoiler: Yes it is.

Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (2021)

The World’s A Little Blurry offers an intimate look at singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. Footage spans the artist's life from before she could walk to getting her license to the release of When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Thanks to this documentary, viewers get a deeply intimate look at how lonely it is to be a girl growing up in a cut-throat industry and the importance of community and family.

Watch now on Apple TV+

Framing Britney Spears (2021)

ICYMI: Britney was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric ward in 2008 after what's been deemed her infamous meltdown (you know, when she shaved her head?), shocking paparazzi and the public in the process. Soon after, Britney was put in a conservatorship under her father, Jamie Spears, which she is currently fighting in court.

Framing Britney Spears , produced by FX and Hulu and investigated by The New York Times , explores the misogyny, cruelty, and ableism that led to the 39-year-old star being bound by this legal conservatorship, which many now believe should never have been implemented in the first place.

Watch now on hulu

Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a sex and wellness journalist who writes at the intersection of queerness, sexual health, and pleasure. In addition to Women’s Health, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Men’s Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called  

Save $400 On A Saatva Mattress For Three Days Only

Why Kamala Harris’ Stepchildren Call Her 'Momala'

How Vulnerable Narcissism Ruins Female Friendship

6 Best Flannel Sheets, Tested By Lifestyle Editors

How To Start Over When Life’s Got You Down

What To Know About Mormon Garments

Susan Yuen Shares Her Decades Of Being A Ball Girl

Adult Bullying Can Go Overlooked—How To Spot It

What To Know About Hope Solo's Scandals

Where Is Hope Solo Now?

Your September 2024 Horoscope Is Here

All About Paralympian Hailey Danz

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Best Biographical Documentaries Ever Made — IndieWire Critics Survey

David ehrlich.

• Share on Facebook
• Share to Flipboard
• Share on LinkedIn
• Show more sharing options
• Submit to Reddit
• Post to Tumblr
• Print This Page
• Share on WhatsApp

Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of film critics two questions and publishes the results on Monday. (The answer to the second, “What is the best film in theaters right now?”, can be found at the end of this post).

This past weekend saw the release of “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda,” the latest in a recent string of impressively strong and commercially successful biographical documentaries (other recent standouts include “RBG” and “Won’t You Be my Neighbor?”). 

This week’s question: What is the best biographical documentary ever made?

Siddhant Adlakha (@SidizenKane), Freelance for The Village Voice, /Film

The best and arguably most important documentaries ever made are complimentary pieces by Joshua Oppenheimer, “The Act of Killing” (2013) and “The Look of Silence (2015). They’re set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s 1965-66 genocide, believed to be sponsored by the C.I.A., but they’re each rooted in the lives of singular subjects and their diametrically opposed journeys.

Related Stories TIFF Launches Season’s Top Nonfiction, with New Docs from R.J. Cutler, Raoul Peck, and More ‘Merchant Ivory’ Trailer: A Tribute to the Quietly Revolutionary Producers Behind Beloved Period Classics

The cleansing, of an estimated three million ethnic Chinese, changed the face of the nation in terrifying ways, created a longstanding socio-political status quo that deifies its perpetrators while continuing to villainize its victims to this day. The first film, “The Act of Killing,” follows mass murderer Anwar Congo over the course of seven years, exploring the personal cognitive dissonance that permeates the culture around him. Congo, an avowed American film fan, re-enacts each of his many killings in stylized manner akin to the genre films he grew up on. Though as he reflects on his actions through a lens of cinema, his bizarre cinematic journey results in the peeling back of the layers of his humanity until he’s forced, as if by something within, to face up to what he’s done.

Its sequel, “The Look of Silence,” tells the story of traveling optometrist Adi Rukun, Oppenheimer’s guide during the production of the first film. Adi sits across from the various people responsible for the murder of his brother in ’65-’66, from local prison guards to people at the highest levels of government in an attempt to find closure. All it would take is those responsible for the massacre owning up to their deeds fifty years after the fact, but the collective dissonance and cultural justifications for the genocide prevent Adi, his blind father (who keeps re-living the horrors of the past) and his culture at large from healing.

Both films feel like impossible feats of filmmaking; watching them feels like being dangerously privy to the darkest parts of the human soul. They are, however, explorations of character, time and place that feel necessary for any person or culture trying to reckon with their past.

Christopher Campbell (@thefilmcynic), Nonfics, Film School Rejects, Thrillist

The best biographical documentaries that mostly look back on a life tend to be based on books. The top three are: “The Kid Stays in the Picture,” about Hollywood mogul Robert Evans; “Life Itself,” about film critic Roger Ebert, and “Man on Wire,” about high-wire legend Philippe Petit. Each of those also benefit from their subjects being alive at the time of filming (or most of the filming) to add an extra level or chapter to the story — even Evans manages to give his story a little extra simply by narrating his own life. I also highly recommend “The Internet’s Own Boy,” which is impressive for how quickly it was made following subject Aaron Swartz’s death.

But the greatest biographical documentaries for me are the two films about Aileen Wuornos made by Nick Broomfield. The first one, “Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer,” is more about her life leading up to the making of the film, told through interviews as well as her murder trial. The second doc, “Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer,” revisits Wuornos as she’s about to be executed. Both documentaries also, as most of Broomfield’s do, contain an autobiographical element on the part of the filmmaker. And between the two of them, we see Broomfield as a more complex character than ever before, particularly as he’s dealing with the fate of Wuornos and the documentarian/subject relationship. It’s a fascinating twofer in that way, and emotionally difficult to come to terms with as a viewer.

Max Weiss (@maxthegirl), Baltimore Magazine

Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle), Freelance for FreshFiction, SassyMamaInLA

Carl Broughton II(@Carlislegendary), Editor-in-chief for thefilmera.com

The documentary will always be relevant not because it is about a music artist with immense talent dying young, but because of the underlying problems that led to her death. The toxic relationship with her boyfriend, the drugs, and the mental problems she suffered due to the prior mentioned subjects are things we are still tackling as a society. Amy Winehouse will always be a prime example of what happens when we make a spectacle and joke of serious problems. “Amy” is a little longer than 2 hours, but by the time it is over you not only feel you got her full story, but come out appreciating what she did for the music world. Overall Amy is the perfect documentary to showcase that people accept the love they think they deserve.

Deborah Krieger (@debonthearts) BUST Magazine, Paste Magazine

Pedro Strazza (@pedrosazevedo), B9

What it stands from the documentary for me, though, is the way it reveals the truth (or at least the version that it is trying to build) about the real Cássia, fighting some generalizations and prejudices that were made about the singer even on the wake of her death. Killed by a sudden heart attack that latter was attributed to an excess of work load (she did one hundred shows in seven months, according to her manager), Eller’s decease at the time was falsely linked to drugs by some news magazines, which contributed to a legal dispute about the fate of her son, Francisco – it was the musician’s wish that his caring would be assumed by her partner, Maria Eugênia, if anything happened, but the parents of the biological father tried to intervene. This way, it’s fascinating to me how “Cássia” in the end poses itself as some sort of justice corrector of mistakes made in the past, a feeling that in my judgment is present on the best productions of the genre.

Luke Hicks (@lou_kicks), Film School Rejects, Birth.Movies.Death., Chicago Reader

Hoai-Tran Bui (@htranbui), /Film

For the 40 years that they had been married, artist Noriko Shinohara lived in the shadow of her husband Ushio Shinohara, a gifted artist whose use of boxing gloves in his art had him declared one of the most promising artists of the ’70s New York art scene. But as the elderly couple struggles to make their rent while Ushio bemoans his feverish glory days, Noriko begins to tire of always supporting the genius. She starts telling her story through her alter ego “Cutie,” a talented and abused young artist whose life plays out in surreal illustrations which are sprinkled throughout Zachary Heinzerling’s documentary. “Cutie and the Boxer” is a touching and slightly tragic portrait of a pair of artists whose love has been defined and hindered by art. It’s a beautiful little example of how behind every “brilliant artist,” there’s a just as brilliant woman.

Kristen Lopez (@Journeys_Film), Culturess, The Young Folks

Director Kurt Kuenne started out making a documentary about his best friend, Andrew Bagby and his murder. What Kuenne ended up doing was memorializing his best friend and Bagby’s young son who never knew his father. There’s a lot of sadness that runs throughout the film that, at times, makes you hurt. You hurt at what could have been, at what will never be known. In the end, all that’s left is what remains on-screen, family and friends telling the audience (and Zachary himself) about the man Andrew Bagby was. It’s a story that will make you cry because the guy sounded so average, he could have been anyone and it’s a shame that the circle of death that swirled around him is what made him famous. But, at the same time, if these tragic events had never happened, audiences would never know his name. It’s a movie that leaves you with questions not just about the nature of life and death, parentage and paternity, but how film narrative creates immortality.

Sean Mulvihill (@NotSPMulvihill), FanboyNation.com

Completely removed from any hopes of working within the modern studio system and knowing that his legacy is secure thanks to a critical reevaluation, the Brian De Palma shown in “De Palma” is a filmmaker with plenty of entertaining stories and no need to play nice. The result is a film that takes into the creative process of a great filmmaker, rife with amusing anecdotes about his famous collaborators and moments of earnest reflection about his critical and commercial flops.

Of course, almost all biographical documentaries have an element of hagiography to them. These are the type of movies that would exist without having some kind of myth to build upon, and “De Palma” only bucks this trend because Paltrow and Baumbach allow Brian De Palma to build his own myth in his own words without inserting their own commentary on their subject’s claims. When compared to the similar and saccharine portrait of a filmmaking legend, “Spielberg,” “De Palma” stands out so much because it takes on the unvarnished attitude of its subject, becoming a perfect reflection and distillation of his body of work. It’s that style that pulls De Palma devotees, like myself, further and further into the film. He’s talented. He’s prickly. He’s egotistical. He’s one of cinema’s greatest. Holy mackerel!

Ethan Warren (@ethanrawarren), Bright Wall/Dark Room

Emily Sears (@emily_dawn), Birth.Movies.Death., Fandor

Joel Mayward (@joelmayward), Cinemayward.com, Freelance

The film’s title reminds us that we often leave an art gallery or museum through their gift shop with an expectation to buy a trinket to remind us of our experience. The art is not simply there to be enjoyed and appreciated; it is now a commodity to be purchased and consumed. Whether we like it or not, our consumer culture defines value monetarily. This is nothing new; for hundreds of years and across divergent cultures, artists have needed wealthy patrons to fund projects. What is new is how technology, social media, marketing, and the American economic system have all intensified this process. Bizarre, subversive, and often hilarious, “Exit Through the Gift Shop” questions and critiques celebrity culture, capitalism, and Western culture itself in the best way: by making interesting art and inviting us to consider it.

Christopher Llewellyn Reed (@chrisreedfilm), Hammer to Nail/Film Festival Today

In that spirit, I’d like to go back over 20 years and cast my ultimate vote for Ruth Ozeki Lounsbury’s 1996 “Halving the Bones,” which similarly challenges the conventions of documentary filmmaking. In the movie, Lounsbury traces her family history on the maternal side, following the titular bones (those of her grandmother) on their journey from Japan to America, a trip that allows her to revisit the immigrant saga of her mother, as well as her own life as a biracial woman. Mixing real archival footage with reenactments – all blended together in one exciting whole – Lounsbury creates an evocative and poignant tribute to her foremothers, and to her own indomitable will as cineaste and historian.

Daniel Joyaux (@thirdmanmovies), Freelance for Vanity Fair, The Verge, MovieMaker Magazine, and The Independent

“Jane” gets all of this in a way that overwhelms me. The restored and color-corrected footage (shot by Hugo Van Lawick in the ’60s and ’70s) is simply gorgeous, and the Philip Glass score that emotes it is powerful. There’s a final, climactic montage where the score reaches operatic heights, and those flickering images moved me to watery eyes both times I saw the film. One of my critic friends didn’t like “Jane” because he said it devolved into hagiography and never mentioned the valid criticisms of her work. Maybe he’s right, I don’t know. I’ll embarrassingly admit I knew very little about Goodall before seeing the film. But I also think the relative success or failure of “Jane” as a perfect portrayal of its subject misses the point. Regardless of how well it embodies great journalism, it absolutely embodies great cinema.

Luiz Gustavo (@luizgvt), Cronico de Cinema

But he knows that that’s the path to make João Bérnard in nothing but an echo, a shadow of itself, in the film. To know someone like him is, actually, to know what touched him deeply. That’s why, as we learn about his life and work, we’re also walking through the movies that he loved the most: Lubitsch’s “The Shop Around the Corner”, Mankiewicz’s “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” and, of course, Ray’s “Johnny Guitar”. It is very hard not to fall in love with these movies, like the title foreshadows. The final line, a frase used by João Bénard da Cost when writing about Kiarostami’s “Taste of Cherry”, encapsulates the whole spirit of this very delicate film: “Fundamental é a vida. A vida continua sempre. É de vida que fala este filme de morte” (“Life is fundamental. Life goes on forever. It is about life that this movie of death speaks of”). After watching this documentary, those words will haunt you forever.

Carlos Aguilar (@Carlos_Film), Freelance

Miyazaki’s grumpy, humorous, and at times bleak observations about the world are interspersed with archival footage from his early days in animation. “Kingdom” is as much a documentary about the studio itself, as it is about the man at the center of it and those who, through their complementing talents, have been part of his remarkable creative life. With Takhata’s recent passing, the final minutes of the film now serve as a heartwarming eulogy to his friendship with Miyazaki and his own breathtaking oeuvre.

THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE.

Continue Reading: The Best Biographical Documentaries Ever Made — IndieWire Critics Survey Next »

Most Popular

You may also like.

• Famous Antisocial People
• People Who Use Stage Names
• People Born the Exact Same Day
• Literal Life Savers
• Celebs Who Have Been Knighted
• Celebrity Black Belts
• Licensed Pilots
• Former Boy Scouts
• Celebrities Who Have Side Businesses
• In Celebrity Memoirs
• Famous People with Very Long Names

The Best Celebrity Autobiographies

From Hollywood stars to star musicians, the best celebrity autobiographies dig into the personal lives and experiences of these famous personalities, providing readers with a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Best celebrity autobiographies provide a new opportunity to explore the lives of these individuals from their own perspectives. With a combination of wit, wisdom, and honesty, these works offer a rare glimpse into the experiences that have shaped their careers and public personas. Discovering the best celebrity autobiographies can be an extraordinary journey for those intrigued by the rich, profound tales narrated by these famous personalities. 

The best celebrity autobiographies not only share the personal journeys of these famous figures but also transport readers through the emotional, turbulent, and triumphant moments that define their careers. Each celebrity autobiography serves as a testament to the resilience, passion, and determination required to achieve success in the limelight. Through these compelling narratives, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex personal journeys that have led to the creation of iconic moments in entertainment history. These autobiographical masterpieces, penned by the celebrities themselves, elevate the genre, setting the bar for what constitutes the finest examples of engaging and revealing life stories. 

Among the standouts in the realm of celebrity biographies, books such as Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher, I, Tina by Tina Turner, and Bossypants by Tina Fey exemplify the prowess and artistry of this unique literary genre. Fisher's candid exploration of her struggles with addiction and mental health in "Wishful Drinking" presents a raw and unfiltered account of her life in the public eye. In I, Tina , Turner chronicles her turbulent journey from an impoverished upbringing to the pinnacle of global fame, highlighting her resilience and tenacity. Fey's Bossypants offers a delightful mix of humor and insight as she reflects on her career progression from a fledgling comedian to an influential powerhouse in the world of comedy. These remarkable works showcase the innate talent and exceptional storytelling abilities of these celebrities, solidifying their place among the best autobiographies ever written. 

The enchantment of the best celebrity memoirs lies in their ability to reveal the hidden facets of these iconic lives while inspiring awe and admiration in their readers. These compelling narratives, often imbued with humor, emotion, and brutal honesty, resonate with readers on a profound level. By immersing oneself in the stories shared within these pages, it becomes evident that the best celebrity memoirs hold a timeless appeal, as they capture the essence of the human experience and provide a unique perspective on the extraordinary lives of these beloved public figures. 

Wishful Drinking

• First Published : Jan 01 2008

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection

Lucky Man: a Memoir

My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business: a Memoir

These Are Some of the Best Celebrity Biography Memoirs to Read

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews .

If you’re looking to hunker down and get to reading those books you have been putting off for a while. No matter what type of genre you like, celebrity memoirs are sure to be juicy.

Below are some great celebrity biography memoirs in 2024 that not only provide an interesting insight into some of your favorite celebrities but may shock and awe you with their candor, unique take on life, and how they persevered through everything they went through.

We have chosen books from a singer, a mega rockstar, a legendary, deceased actor and actress, and two comedic and dramatic actresses who have all lived lives that are worthy of telling.

Detailing Our Favorite Celebrity Biography Memoir of 2024

Love, lucy by lucille ball  —  best overall.

This autobiography chronicles the life of the beloved actress, comedienne, and Hollywood icon, Lucille Ball. Told in her own words, this book was written prior to 1964, was abandoned, and found after she died amongst her belongings. She details her early childhood and how she worked from the bottom of show business to the top to become a household name and television hit.

• This is her one and only autobiography
• If you are not a fan of Lucille Ball another option might be better

In Pieces By Sally Field  —  Inspires Strength

Sally Field has been in the public eye for more than five decades and uses her voice and experience to write an intimate and sometimes haunting memoir of her childhood that is full of wit, courage, and emotion. This book also details her highs and lows throughout her Hollywood career and details how she has emerged into the strong and triumphant person she is today.

• This book was written by Sally Field with no ghostwriter
• If you prefer books that aren’t sad, another option might be better

But Enough About Me: A Memoir By Burt Reynolds  —  Most Scandalous

If you like a scandalous, no-holds-barred memoir from one of Hollywood’s most legendary stars, this book is definitely for you. This book starts in his adolescence, talks about how he became a leading actor, and details his personal relationships, both romances, and breakups, with some of his leading ladies.

• This book is entertaining and engrossing
• This book is not very deep

Me: Elton John Official Autobiography By Elton John  —  Most Intimate

This is Elton’s first and only official autobiography in which he tells the story of his extraordinary life from childhood to becoming a living legend. This book details his early upbringing and his rise to fame including his work with his incredible song-writing partner. Additionally, you will get some insight into the work that went into setting up his popular AIDS foundation, his struggles with drug use, and how he ultimately got clean.

• This book gives a rare glimpse into the life of someone who has always been very private
• This book has some slight profanity

From This Moment On By Shania Twain  —  Most Insightful

Shania Twain’s account of her life up to now will be a fan favorite and chronicles her childhood, rise to worldwide fame, and some personal tragedies along the way. This book is very detailed, makes for a great vacation read, and will give fans some true insight into this megastar.

• This is a true rags-to-riches story
• This book doesn’t focus much on her music career

Inside Out: A Memoir By Demi Moore  —  Editor's Pick

Demi Moore’s memoir was a long time coming and allows her to tell her own story in her own voice. She talks about her career and personal life, including her early and late family relationships, balancing being a star with raising a family, and her real-life, star-studded romances.

• This book is a fast, juicy read
• If you are not a fan of celebrity biographies, another option might be better

A Lotus Grows in the Mud By Goldie Hawn  —  Inspires Curiosity

This best-selling memoir is a spiritual and personal look at the private and powerful events that shaped her life. From her childhood to her growth in Hollywood, this book gives intimate details about her family, her life partner, her children, her faith, and her unending thirst for knowledge.

• This book is very insightful on the type of person Goldie Hawn is
• If you are looking for a tell-all book, another option might be better

Buying Guide: Celebrity Biography Memoirs

Buying a celebrity biography or a celebrity memoir is quite an interesting move and you’re never going to regret it. Celebrity biographies are evergreen and you can never get enough of them. These memoirs will allow you to appreciate the candor that they have to offer and apart from all the exclusive content that you can get, there’s a lot to learn and appreciate as far as these biographies are concerned. You get to know the intimate details of a celebrity’s life and the struggle that goes behind it, which is something that will help you appreciate their art in a more thorough manner. These memoirs will also enable you to seek inspiration and learn. The sort of content that you can expose yourself to through memoirs is unmatched and exclusive, which makes these texts even more appealing.

While a celebrity memoir is something that you should seek out, you also need to make sure that you’re able to choose the right one at the same time. Different celebrity memoirs have different types of content to offer and while there’s something for everyone, you should be able to select the right one for yourself, in order to make sure that you’re completely engaged. Choosing a memoir requires you to put in more thought than what you might expect. The memoir that you choose to read should be something that resonates with you and something that inspires you, which is why you need to be able to opt for the right choice. Fortunately, we’ve made it easier for you to do so and this guide to the top celebrity biographies and memoirs in 2024 will help you choose the right one for yourself.

Why Do You Need a Celebrity Biography/Memoir in 2024?

A celebrity memoir serves multiple purposes and provides multiple benefits, some of which we’ve outlined below:

Get juicy content

To begin with, celebrity biographies are where you can get all the juiciest and spiciest content that you cannot get elsewhere. You get access to exclusive content that you cannot find in the mainstream media and since this content is what excites a lot of people, celebrity biographies are worth every penny that you spend on them. You can get exclusive gossip and behind-the-scenes content, which will come in handy if you’re an avid fan of the celebrity.

Appreciate the candor

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits that celebrity memoirs have to offer is that they allow you to appreciate the candor that is evident in the text. Knowing a celebrity through mainstream media and knowing him/her through a biography is a very different experience. While the mainstream media portrays an entirely different perspective, a biography allows you to appreciate the candor that is incorporated into the text and the actual life of the celebrity.

Seek inspiration

Last, but not least, a celebrity memoir allows you to seek inspiration from the lives of your favorite celebrities and stars. You get to know about their struggles and hardships, allowing you to seek inspiration.

The inspiration that is sought from people that you look up to is actually pretty effective, as it allows you to resonate with them and learn from them. This makes memoirs and biographies a very interesting tool for learning, growth, and self-actualization.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Celebrity Biographies Memoir

The first and foremost factor that you need to consider before purchasing a memoir is the genre/category that you want to read. You’ve got tons of different categories out there including sports, Hollywood, music, entrepreneurs, athletes, statesmen, etc. You can choose a personality from any category that you wish. Since the preference of category is very subjective and personalized, everyone gets to opt for a category that appeals to them the most.

Personality

Once you’ve opted for a category, you can dive into the wide variety of celebrities/personalities that you want to opt for. The choice of celebrity is particularly important since this will determine your interest and engagement with respect to the biography. Generally, you should opt for a celebrity that you’re curious about and that you can resonate with since it will keep you excited about the biography and will allow you to seek inspiration.

Publication

Lastly, you need to make sure that you’re opting for first-class publication with colored and fine quality print, or else you’ll be missing out on what the biography really wants to express. The quality of publication will directly determine your reading experience, which is why you need to opt for a decent one.