The year 2025 is a landmark year for documentaries, featuring a remarkable collection of films that offer intimate glimpses into the lives of pop culture’s most celebrated and enigmatic figures. These films go beyond simple biographies, providing sharp, insightful analyses that delve deep into what truly motivated these icons, from fashion moguls to cinematic legends and media pioneers, all presented with a sophisticated yet accessible approach.
Vulture, ever on the pulse of compelling narratives and critical perspectives, has been sifting through the early contenders and the eagerly anticipated releases. These aren’t your average puff pieces; they’re deep dives, often characterized by a clever, engaging, and sometimes humorous voice, ensuring that while the subject matter is serious, the viewing experience remains thoroughly captivating. We’re witnessing a convergence of high-quality filmmaking and subjects whose stories demand an in-depth, authoritative recommendation. The narratives spun within these films offer more than just biographical data; they explore thematic connections, tying content together and reflecting broader cultural moments.
Get ready to move past superficial celebrity admiration and embrace the compelling narratives that truly resonate, exploring the realities of life in the public eye, including the often-hidden challenges and triumphs behind their public images. Whether shown at film festivals, in theaters, or streamed directly to your home, these documentaries promise to capture the essence of our current moment while offering crucial historical context and nuanced perspectives, representing the pinnacle of documentary storytelling in our complex age.
1. **Victoria Beckham**Two years after the Emmy-winning documentary that focused on her famous footballer husband, Victoria Beckham steps into her own spotlight with a new, three-part docuseries. This Netflix production chronicles her remarkable transition from Spice Girl pop star to a highly successful fashion designer, a journey that has been far from smooth sailing and is now laid bare for the world to see. It’s an intimate portrait of a woman who meticulously reinvented her public image and built a global brand against considerable odds.
The series delves deep into the financial struggles and enormous debt she and her business faced as it grew. From her very first ten-look show at New York Fashion Week, to the many years it took to finally turn a profit, Beckham navigated difficult business lessons with a tenacity that belies her pop star origins. This isn’t just a highlight reel; it’s an honest look at the grit required to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
These documentaries are enriched by commentary from a distinguished group of friends and fashion luminaries, including figures like Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, and Anna Wintour, who share their invaluable insights into Victoria’s life and influence, providing unparalleled perspectives on her enduring impact. Notably, the Beckhams themselves maintained full editorial control, a strategy mirrored from their prior docuseries, ensuring an authentic, though carefully shaped, narrative directly from the subjects, promising a fascinating examination of ambition, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of creative vision.
2. **Marc by Sofia**In her much-anticipated documentary debut, Sofia Coppola turns her uniquely stylized lens on a dear friend and frequent collaborator, the inimitable Marc Jacobs. This A24 production, simply titled *Marc by Sofia*, uses the creation of the designer’s Spring 2024 collection as its central narrative framework, offering a captivating window into the intricate dance of creative genius and commercial reality. It’s a rare opportunity to see a master at work, through the eyes of another artistic visionary.
The film meticulously explores Jacobs’s creative process, contextualizing him within the larger fashion world. Coppola’s interviews with Jacobs are a treasure trove, tracing his trajectory from his beginnings as a star student at Parsons in the 1980s, a period that set the stage for his groundbreaking approach. It then moves through his revolutionary work at Perry Ellis in the following decade, where he challenged conventional aesthetics and left an indelible mark on the industry.
Beyond these significant career milestones, the documentary also explores his various namesake brands, such as his iconic Daisy fragrance, a project where Coppola herself, as the original face of Daisy, adds a deeply personal layer of connection and insight to this intimate collaboration, making *Marc by Sofia* an elegant, deeply personal, and critically astute exploration of a fashion icon’s enduring legacy.
3. **KARL** The enduring mystique of Karl Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019, is further explored in *KARL*, a new documentary by director Nick Hooker, renowned for his work on *Everything Is Copy* and *AKA Mr. Chow*. This film seeks to unravel the multifaceted life and career of a designer whose profound influence on fashion and culture extended far beyond his significant contributions to Fendi and the House of Chanel, offering a crucial examination of what drove this fashion titan.
Hooker’s documentary features an impressive array of never-before-seen archival images, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into Lagerfeld’s private and professional worlds. These visual treasures are complemented by candid interviews with those who knew him best—his friends and collaborators. The roster of interviewees is star-studded, including luminaries such as Penélope Cruz, Lily-Rose Depp, Tom Ford, and Tilda Swinton, each offering unique perspectives on the multifaceted icon.
Through these personal accounts and rare footage, *KARL* examines his lasting influence on fashion and culture, solidifying his place as a true visionary who continuously pushed boundaries. It’s an authoritative look at a man who was both revered and polarizing, showcasing the depth of his impact and the enduring fascination he holds for so many. The film is sure to spark renewed conversations about his legacy and his sometimes controversial creative vision.
4. **Mr. Scorsese**Martin Scorsese’s impact on American filmmaking is, at this point, near-mythical. His oeuvre, encompassing seminal works like *Raging Bull*, *Taxi Driver*, and *Goodfellas*, alongside more recent masterpieces such as *The Wolf of Wall Street* and *Killers of the Flower Moon*, has forever placed him in the cinematic hall of fame. Now, a new five-part docuseries from Apple TV+ aims to trace the director’s creative life with unprecedented depth and access.
This ambitious series aims to trace Scorsese’s entire career trajectory, starting from his formative years at NYU where his signature directorial style began to take shape, all the way through to his most recent Academy Award-winning achievements, offering a comprehensive look at his unique journey, enhanced by the perspectives of those who have been integral to his remarkable artistic path, ensuring a thorough exploration of his monumental contributions to cinema.
The docuseries features an astonishing cadre of his most significant collaborators, friends, and family. Viewers can expect insights from cinematic giants like Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sharon Stone, Mick Jagger, Jodie Foster, Cate Blanchett, and Margot Robbie, among many others. The series also includes interviews with Scorsese himself and footage from his private archives, offering a truly personal and authoritative account of a living legend. Hopefully, his social-media-savvy daughter Francesca will also make an appearance, adding a contemporary familial touch to the narrative.
5. **Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything**Barbara Walters has come to represent a golden era of broadcast news, a pioneering figure whose influence shaped the media landscape. However, as a new Ron Howard-produced documentary, *Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything*, reveals, it was far from easy for this journalism icon to break into—and later dominate—such a heavily male industry. This film arrives two years after her death, providing a timely reflection on her indelible legacy.
The trailer for the film, strikingly soundtracked by Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” offers a glimpse into the documentary’s unflinching examination of Walters’s famously probing interview style. This approach sometimes left subjects in tears, but it was also what set her apart. As Oprah Winfrey articulates in the clip, “She asked the question that nobody else had asked. And asked it in a way that always hit a nerve.” It was her singular ability to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter.
Featuring extensive footage of her legendary interviews with a diverse array of figures, from Donald Trump and Taylor Swift to Richard Nixon and Barbra Streisand, the documentary captures her range and impact. It also includes new interviews with contemporary media personalities like Andy Cohen, Bette Midler, and Katie Couric, who reflect on her groundbreaking career. *Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything* crucially tracks how Walters helped make celebrity and pop culture an integral part of the entertainment news media landscape we have today, solidifying her status as a true visionary.
6. **Call Her Alex**Alex Cooper, the audacious host and creator of the hugely popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” made a name for herself by delving deep into her guests’ personal lives. Her relatable, conversational interview style enabled them to open up on the most intimate topics, forging a unique connection with millions of listeners. Now, with the two-part documentary series *Call Her Alex*, the interviewer turns the focus, quite literally, on herself.
This Hulu series promises to share unprecedented details of Cooper’s life and career, including the journey that led her to sign one of the biggest podcast deals in history. It’s an intriguing premise: an individual known for eliciting confessions from others now offering her own. The show aims to reveal the often-unseen facets of her public persona, providing context to her meteoric rise in the digital media landscape.
Cooper herself hinted at the documentary’s candid nature in a release, stating, “It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the moments that shaped me—the raw, the messy, the personal stuff I’ve never felt comfortable sharing until now.” This commitment to vulnerability suggests a film that will resonate with her devoted fanbase and offer a compelling case study for anyone interested in the evolving world of new media and personal branding. It promises a look at the real person behind the microphone, beyond the curated conversations.
7. **My Mom Jayne**Mariska Hargitay may be best known for her 26 seasons playing Detective Olivia Benson on *Law and Order: SVU*, but many fans may not realize that she also descends from Hollywood royalty. The actor is now making her feature directorial debut with *My Mom Jayne*, a poignant and deeply personal documentary about her mother, Jayne Mansfield, the cinema legend and symbol who died tragically in a car accident at the tender age of 34, when Hargitay was just three years old.
The film is described as Hargitay’s personal quest to find the mother she never knew, aiming to integrate a part of herself she had long suppressed and reclaim her mother’s story along with her own truth, transforming this documentary into more than just a biography but an emotional journey of self-discovery and legacy, providing a unique perspective on Mansfield’s public persona and private life, offering a nuanced view beyond the sensationalism that often defined her public career.
Combining new interviews with those who knew Mansfield, intimate family photos, and never-before-seen home movies, the film aims to paint a comprehensive and heartfelt picture. *My Mom Jayne* seeks to honor Mansfield’s vibrant life and career, while also allowing Hargitay to connect with a foundational part of her own identity that was tragically cut short. This Max release promises to be a powerful and moving tribute from a daughter to her iconic mother, shedding new light on a Hollywood legend.
8. **Thank You Very Much Andy Kaufman**The year 2025 continues to bless us with narratives exploring the very fabric of pop culture, and few figures loom larger in comedic audacity than Andy Kaufman. An early originator of what we now call cringe comedy, Kaufman relentlessly pushed audience boundaries, often to uncomfortable limits. His untimely death in 1984 left a void, but his legacy ripples through generations, influencing absurdist modern-day comedians. This new documentary, *Thank You Very Much Andy Kaufman*, promises a definitive deep dive into the psyche of this enigmatic performer, exploring how he defied categorization and shaped the landscape of comedy.
Directed by Alex Braverman and produced by the Safdie brothers, the film is perfectly poised to capture Kaufman’s singular energy. It weaves together early footage of his ascent, offering glimpses into his provocative artistry, enriched by archival interviews with key players. These voices, including Kaufman’s family, Lorne Michaels, and Robin Williams, provide a foundational understanding of the relationships that shaped his unconventional genius and the environments where his unique brand of performance blossomed.
Beyond the archives, the documentary expands with fresh, incisive interviews featuring luminaries like Steve Martin, Danny DeVito, and his former girlfriend, Lynne Margulies. They offer contemporary reflections, digging deeper into the complex psychological landscape of the “man on the moon.” Their perspectives are crucial in dissecting the man behind the performance, attempting to unravel the layers of persona and truth that made Kaufman such a compelling and frustrating figure, making this an essential watch for anyone fascinated by modern comedy’s origins.
9. **One to One: John and Yoko**Beatlemania is very much alive in 2025, and beyond the Sam Mendes biopics, a new documentary is making waves: *One to One: John and Yoko*. From Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald, it shines a focused light on one of music history’s most iconic partnerships, zeroing in on a pivotal 18-month period when they made Greenwich Village their home in the 1970s. This specific temporal lens promises a refreshing intimacy, moving beyond well-trodden narratives and offering a unique opportunity to peel back layers of public perception and controversy surrounding their collaboration and personal lives.
What truly elevates this exploration is the direct involvement of their son, musician Sean Ono Lennon, who oversaw audio production, ensuring unparalleled sonic authenticity. The documentary also boasts newly restored footage from Lennon’s only full-length post-Beatles concert, a visual treasure that makes this film a must-see. This unearthing of rare material allows for a vibrant, tangible connection to the creative and personal energies that defined them during this fertile period, enriching our understanding of their artistic and romantic bond.
Although their relationship is extensively chronicled, Macdonald’s sharp focus and discerning approach promise a fresh and nuanced perspective on their dynamic partnership, with critical acclaim already evident from its premiere at prestigious festivals like Venice, Telluride, and Sundance. Its upcoming release in IMAX theaters and streaming on Max ensures widespread accessibility for a story that continues to fascinate and provoke discussion, presenting their collaboration as a profound artistic and personal communion, and an essential addition to the genre of music documentaries.
10. **SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)**Fresh off his Oscar-winning *Summer of Soul*, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson returns with another profound musical exploration: *SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)*. This film delves into the meteoric rise and devastating toll of success on Sly & the Family Stone, with a special emphasis on its enigmatic leader, Sly Stone. It promises more than a chronological retelling; it’s an ambitious endeavor to understand the pressures faced by a pioneering Black artist at the pinnacle of his influence and the broader cultural impact of his era.
Much like *Summer of Soul*, *SLY LIVES!* extends beyond a band biography to become a rich cultural exploration. Questlove’s directorial hand is evident in the film’s impressive roster of interviewees, featuring insights from music icons like André 3000, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Nile Rodgers, and Clive Davis. These perspectives provide unparalleled commentary on Stone’s innovative artistry and the band’s seismic impact, highlighting their crucial role in shaping funk and soul.
These diverse voices collectively construct a comprehensive portrait of an artist whose brilliance was matched by his volatility, with the documentary acknowledging the “burden” referenced in its title, reflecting on the immense pressures and personal struggles inherent in achieving such groundbreaking success. Having premiered at Sundance and now streaming on Hulu, *SLY LIVES!* is rapidly earning recognition as a definitive work that scrutinizes both the artistic triumphs and the human toll of fame, cementing Questlove’s status as a significant voice in contemporary filmmaking.
11. **Diane Warren: Relentless**For over four decades, Diane Warren has operated as an undisputed powerhouse behind music’s biggest hits, crafting anthems for an astonishing array of megastars from Celine Dion to Justin Bieber. Her prolific songwriting has transcended genres, cementing her status as one of the most influential, yet often unsung, figures in contemporary music. Despite her staggering output—a 15-time Academy Award nominee and a Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner—her full story has largely remained untold, until now.
This void is brilliantly filled by the new documentary, *Relentless*, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into her extraordinary world. The title perfectly encapsulates Warren’s unwavering drive and unparalleled work ethic, providing a peek into both her personal life and inimitable creative process. It’s a narrative exploring the sheer grit and artistic integrity required to consistently produce chart-topping tracks across different musical eras, making it clear why a MasterClass production is the ideal home for her story, aligning with her ethos of craft.
The documentary is enriched by insights from her esteemed friends and collaborators, adding layers of perspective on her character and career. Viewers can expect to hear from music royalty like Cher, Gloria Estefan, Common, and Jennifer Hudson, each sharing unique experiences working with the songwriting titan. These testimonials underscore her professional impact and the deep respect she commands. *Relentless* promises an authoritative and deeply personal look at a true musical innovator, showcasing the mind and heart behind some of our most beloved songs, releasing in theaters January 10 and streaming on MasterClass January 16.
12. **Musk**In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and expanding wealth, few figures provoke as much debate as Elon Musk. Now, acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney, known for incisive examinations of power, turns his years-long investigation into the tech titan with the film *Musk*. Arriving as the South African founder of Tesla and owner of X gains direct access to the executive office, Gibney’s film is reported to be a “definitive and unvarnished examination” of the world’s richest man, promising to cut through the noise and PR to reveal the essence of his influence.
Gibney is no stranger to dissecting controversial subjects and figures wielding immense power. His filmography includes acclaimed features on the downfall of Enron, the Church of Scientology, and Elizabeth Holmes. This extensive experience positions him uniquely to navigate Musk’s complex narrative, offering deep journalistic rigor to a story often told in soundbites. He ensures a critical lens on an individual whose impact on technology, society, and global politics is undeniable, challenging viewers to consider the implications of unchecked power.
Predictably, the announcement drew a sharp reaction from its subject, with Musk famously calling the documentary a “hit piece” on X. Gibney’s pithy response, “How would you know?”, perfectly encapsulates his independent spirit, heightening anticipation for one of the year’s most intriguing cinematic clashes. The collision of Gibney’s polemical style with Musk’s polarizing personality guarantees a film that will spark widespread discussion and critical analysis, poised to offer indispensable insights into a contemporary icon who continues to reshape our world, despite no official release date yet.
13. **Eddie**As *Saturday Night Live* gears up for its landmark 50th season, Netflix delivers a timely and comprehensive tribute to one of its most transformative talents: Eddie Murphy. The documentary, *Eddie*, centers on new, revealing interviews with the actor-comedian himself, offering an unprecedented opportunity to hear directly from the legend. The film promises a career-spanning retrospective, tracing his journey from Brooklyn stand-up to his groundbreaking *SNL* tenure, and into iconic comedic specials and blockbuster movie franchises of the 1980s and ’90s, showcasing his unique comedic evolution.
The documentary provides a rich, multi-faceted portrait, moving beyond individual performances to explore his artistic evolution. Viewers can anticipate a dynamic narrative highlighting his most memorable moments and delving into the creative processes that fueled his ascent. This comprehensive approach ensures *Eddie* is more than a highlight reel; it’s an authoritative examination of a comedic force who fundamentally altered the landscape of entertainment, providing context to his groundbreaking material and the cultural shifts he helped define.
Adding depth, the film promises a rotating cast of his significant costars, esteemed directors, and fellow comedians. These voices collectively reveal both the public persona and the private man behind the unparalleled talent, offering anecdotes and critical perspectives that illuminate Murphy’s enduring impact. *Eddie* stands as an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in modern comedy’s history and the unparalleled career of a true entertainment icon, poised to celebrate his audacious brilliance and offer a privileged look into the mind of a comedic mastermind.
14. **Becoming Katharine Graham**Katharine Graham’s life story is astonishing, a narrative of quiet strength and profound leadership that shaped *The Washington Post* during immense national upheaval. From 1963 to 1991, she guided it through the Pentagon Papers and Watergate investigations. Her journey has been the subject of books, including her Pulitzer-winning autobiography, and even a Steven Spielberg drama. Yet, a new documentary, *Becoming Katharine Graham*, promises fresh, riveting insights into her transformative leadership, highlighting her crucial role in American journalism.
From filmmakers George and Teddy Kunhardt, this documentary is hailed as an indispensable viewing experience. It moves beyond familiar narratives to deliver a deeply contextualized portrait, enriched by new interviews. Friends, family, and former employees—including Warren Buffett, Gloria Steinem, and legendary *Watergate* reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein—all contribute. Their testimonies paint a nuanced picture of a woman who, unexpectedly, rose to power in a male-dominated industry and forever changed it, defying expectations and setting new standards.
Most strikingly, the film incorporates “fairly shocking excerpts from the Nixon tapes.” These audio clips offer a visceral connection to the intense political drama Graham navigated, underscoring her profound courage in defending press freedom. *Becoming Katharine Graham* is more than a biography; it’s a powerful and timely examination of leadership, resilience, and the indispensable role of a free press. It’s an authoritative recommendation for understanding American power and the enduring legacy of a woman who shaped history, streaming soon on Prime Video.
As we’ve explored the captivating narratives presented in 2025’s documentary lineup, it’s evident that the genre continues to innovate, pushing creative boundaries and providing unprecedented insights into the lives and legacies of those who have shaped our world. These films, spanning from the bold humor of comedy legends and the groundbreaking sounds of music icons to the formidable determination of influential figures, transcend simple biographical accounts to become critical cultural examinations, offering a sophisticated lens through which to understand the intricate tapestry of pop culture. They represent not just stories, but vital dialogues, authoritative recommendations, and ultimately, a testament to the enduring power of documentary filmmaking in an era defined by ceaseless curiosity and keen analysis, making 2025 a year of profound revelations for the culturally discerning viewer.
