In the aftermath of the success of Framing Britney Spears here are five female singers and entertainers who got their own documentaries

Framing Britney Spears has effectively set the world on fire. The sixth part in the Hulu/FX series The New York Times Presents, it tells the full story of Britney’s life from the perspective of those close to her. The documentary also dives deep into the Free Britney movement organized by diehard fans who want to break the conservatorship between Britney and her father, Jaime Spears. Presenting a full portrait of Britney that many were unused to, the documentary has shown the pop singer in a new light. If you enjoyed seeing this new side of Britney then you’ll be quick to find out that she’s not the only singer to have an in depth documentary about her life. 

Amy

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary feature in 2015, Amy tells a hauntingly similar story to Framing Britney Spears. Amy follows the rise and fall of pop/jazz singer Amy Whinehouse, and relentless pursuit of her by the United Kingdom media. It begins with a young Amy starting her music career and writing her first studio album Frank. When Amy enters a toxic relationship with local bad boy Blake Fielder-Civil he inspires her most popular album, but also introduces her to drugs, self harm, and a cycle of abuse. As Amy’s star gets higher with her next album Back to Black, the media becomes more ruthless. Despite the unflattering picture the media painted of Whinehouse, Amy, shows the woman for who she really was in all of her raw talent. The incredible filmmaking and research done by Asif Kapadia has brought in new fans of Amy all over the world. You can find Amy on Hulu. 

Madonna: Truth or Dare

Documentaries like Framing Britney Spears and Amy simply wouldn’t exist without those that came before it. As one of the highest grossing documentaries of all time Madonna: Truth or Dare took one of the biggest pop stars in the world and investigated her personal life. Originally conceptualized as a concert film by director Alek Keshishian, things changed when Keshishian was so impressed with the backstage life that he persuaded Madonna to do a full film on that. If you want lighter fare than the rise and fall story Framing Britney Spears and Amy cover then Madonna: Truth or Dare will be perfect for you. The film heavily focuses on the relationship between Madonna and her various backup dancers whom she treats as her family. Many also praised the film’s casual approach to the LGBTQ+ employees on the tour, which was unprecedented at the time. With its black and white cinéma vérité feel, Madonna: Truth or Dare provides a unique look at celebrity culture, the touring process, and being a barrier breaker. Madonna: Truth or Dare can be rented or bought on Amazon Prime. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtYp9YKhUZ8

Miss Americana 

Miss Americana is ultimately a story about a woman finding her strength while stepping back from the world stage. The Netflix documentary picks up around the time Swift began working on her sixth and seventh studio albums, Reputation and Lover. As Taylor makes progress on the albums a series of flashbacks detail her career and rise to international stardom.  When the entire public turns against her, Taylor is forced to go into hiding and reevaluate her entire belief system. This intimate look at Taylor’s life keeps close to her as she records in the studio, writes songs, and becomes political for the first time in her life. Unlike the previous documentaries, this one takes a particular interest in Taylor’s newfound activism and how social media lets popstars take control of their own narrative. She became directly involved in Tennessee’s US senate race by supporting Democratic candidate Phil Bredesen. Although Bredesen lost the election Taylor is more incensed than ever to fight for the rights of women and LGBTQ+ folks. The documentary ends with Taylor winning a VMA for “You Need to Calm Down.” As she accepts the award Swift announces a petition for the Equality Act linked at the end of the video has now reached enough signatures to gain attention from the White House. You can find Miss Americana on Netflix. 

Homecoming

Homecoming doesn’t have much in the way of dialogue or up close conversations with Beyonce herself. However, this is a testament to how Beyonce’s long and historic career speaks for itself. Homecoming details two concerts performed by Beyonce during her appearance headlining the popular Coachella festival. If you want to watch a musician at the height of their craft then Homecoming will serve perfectly well. Also if you’re a Beyonce fan, Homecoming offers a different version of your favorite songs. An incredibly talented band and group of backup dancers support the concert in a huge way. Love seeing talent on all sides? Check out Homecoming on Netflix. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB8qvx0HOlI 

Gaga: Five Foot Two

Who is Lady Gaga behind all the flash, meat dresses, and sky high heels? Gaga: Five Foot Two gives us a look at the woman behind the camp as she begins the production and release of her fifth studio album, Joanne. With Joanne being a much more toned down record than her previous efforts, viewers are able to see the raw talent Gaga possesses both vocally and lyrically. The film also closely covers her struggles with chronic pain caused by the onset of fibromyalgia. According to the CDC, chronic pain is highest among women as well as high impact chronic pain. Gaga represents what many women are forced to struggle through daily while maintaining a career, friends, and family. If you still want a little camp in your Gaga documentary then you’ll be glad to know that it also dives into the execution of her critically lauded Super Bowl LI halftime performance. Fans of American Horror Story will also get a behind the scenes look of Gaga’s guest part in season six of the hit FX show. Another thing that eagle eyed fans will notice about the documentary is a balloon delivery Gaga receives at the beginning of the film. She says the delivery arrived because Warner Brothers recently greenlit a movie starring her and Bradley Cooper. Many now realize that the film will go on to become A Star is Born, which won Gaga her first Oscar for Best Original Song. Gaga: Five Foot Two is available for streaming on Netflix.