Documentary Previews: Becoming Led Zeppelin, Sly Lives!, Diane Warren: Relentless, Avicii - I'm Tim, Brother Orange & Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever
Becoming Led Zeppelin - Trailer
(Feb. 17 in IMAX, Feb. 14 in theaters)
Led Zeppelin is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock bands in history, with their electrifying live performances and wild exploits during world tours becoming the stuff of legend. Yet, one might wonder why a comprehensive biography chronicling their meteoric rise and brief reign as 1970s rock icons has been missing—especially one that covers their tragic end following the untimely death of legendary drummer John Bonham.
Acclaimed documentarian Bernard MacMahon, best known for his award-winning music history series American Epic, has stepped up to tell their story. This project marks the first officially sanctioned film by the band, featuring Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones sharing their journey in their own words. Packed with never-before-seen footage, the documentary promises an in-depth and intimate portrayal of Led Zeppelin’s extraordinary legacy. Becoming Led Zeppelin will be hitting IMAX theaters on Feb. 17th before landing in theaters on Feb. 14th.
Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) - Teaser
(Feb. 13 on Hulu)
Before there was Prince, and even before George Clinton, there was Sly Stone—arguably one of the funkiest musicians to ever walk the earth. Yet, while many know the iconic music, far fewer know the man behind it.
Oscar-winning filmmaker and drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson aims to change that by exploring the life and legacy of Sly Stone and his groundbreaking band, Sly & The Family Stone. Following the success of his Oscar-winning documentary Summer of Soul, Questlove returns with Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), a deep dive into the man and the music behind some of the greatest funk hits in history, including "Dance to the Music" and "Everyday People."
The documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) is set to premiere on Hulu on February 13th.
Diane Warren: Relentless - Trailer
(Jan. 16 in theaters)
Pop quiz: How many times has legendary songwriter Diane Warren been nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar? The answer: 15 times—and counting. Though she has yet to take home a competitive win, she received an honorary Oscar in 2023. This year, Warren might snag her 16th nomination with "The Journey," a song performed by Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. for Tyler Perry’s WWII drama The Six Triple Eight. Could 16 be her lucky number? Only time will tell.
Diane Warren isn’t just a prolific songwriter for films; her legacy includes crafting some of the most iconic songs performed by the greatest voices in music history, from Taylor Swift and Celine Dion to Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, and Aerosmith.
In the upcoming documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, the legendary songwriter reflects on her remarkable career, spanning music and cinema. The film is slated to hit theaters on January 16th, just as Oscar season kicks into high gear.
Avicii - I'm Tim - Trailer
(Dec. 31 on Netflix)
His name is Tim Bergling, but the music world knows him as Avicii—a wildly popular and successful DJ and music producer. And if you’re like us, you might think, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard one of his songs... Wait, he’s that guy? But does he even sing? A DJ? What’s that all about?” Okay, we get it—it can be confusing. But for those curious about how a shy, insecure Swedish boy became one of the biggest music producers in the world, this documentary is for you.
Avicii - I'm Tim, a new Netflix original documentary, offers an intimate look into his life. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews, with Tim himself narrating, the film delves into his journey, struggles, and triumphs. It also includes footage from Avicii’s final performance at Ibiza’s Ushuaïa, allowing fans to relive a piece of his legacy.
Set to premiere on Netflix on December 31st, the documentary promises to strike a chord just before the New Year begins.
Brother Orange - Trailer
(Jan. 21st on VOD/Digital)
This is the true story of how BuzzFeed writer Matt Stopera turned an unusual incident into an international sensation. After his phone was stolen from a New York bar, mysterious photos began appearing in his iPhoto stream—images of a Chinese man taking selfies. Intrigued, Stopera wrote about the bizarre occurrence, and the story went viral in 2014, capturing immense attention in China.
To Stopera's surprise, he became an unlikely celebrity overseas, leading to a surreal trip to China where he was welcomed like a rockstar. The documentary Brother Orange captures this stranger-than-fiction journey, chronicling how a random theft transformed Stopera from an unknown online writer to a cultural phenomenon in China.
The film will be available on VOD and digital platforms starting January 21st.
Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever - Trailer
(Jan. 1 on Netflix)
Need another reason to roll your eyes at tech billionaires? Gawd, we hate these people. Okay, maybe hate is too strong a word—but how about proof that they might be the biggest oddballs on the planet? Enter Bryan Johnson, a 47-year-old venture capitalist with a grandiose mission: he believes he can defy death itself.
Acclaimed documentarian Chris Smith (Fyre, 100 Foot Wave, Mr. McMahon, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, American Movie) takes viewers inside Johnson’s unconventional world. With intimate access, the film explores Johnson’s quest to stop aging using cutting-edge technology and spiritual wellness practices. Are his methods and beliefs controversial? You bet your life they are.
Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever premieres on Netflix on January 1st, making it the perfect way to kick off the New Year as you start your own plan to cheat death.