Female Musicians On Netflix: Ariana, Beyonce, Gaga, Nina, Taylor, And BLACKPINK Documentaries You Should Watch

For sure you have a bunch of playlists of your favorite artists saved on Spotify or downloaded to your smartphones. How much do you really know about how these songs came to be, or the life of the artist you’ve been listening into?

If you’re one of those who find it satisfying to know how the music was made, or what contributed to its success, Netflix has something for you. Music documentaries on the artists’ life behind the stage, told through interviews and candid clips, are available to watch! To give female artists due credit this International Women’s History Month, here are six films that focus on these female superstar musicians and their struggles and success.

‘Miss Americana’ featuring Taylor Swift

Miss Americana, released on Jan. 31, 2020, takes us behind the scenes of Taylor’s career, particularly during her 20s.

This includes her mother’s cancer diagnosis, and the artist’s past battle with body dysmorphia and eating disorder, which brought her to the realization, “There’s always some standard of beauty that you’re not meeting. It’s all just [too] impossible.”

The movie also talks about toxic internet culture, the criticisms she received even from fellow women (“annoying,” “too skinny,” “going through guys like a train,” “opportunistic”), and her sexual assault trials.

‘Homecoming’ featuring Beyoncé

Watching the documentary is like watching Beyoncé’s Coachella performance in 2018, but with an incredible amount of takeaways, from concert footages to candid personal videos.

In this 2019 film, the superstar talks about her dream of going to an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), her challenging pregnancy with the twins, and her post-pregnancy diet.

Beyoncé also highlights how she planned the Coachella concert so she could make her fellow black women proud, sharing, “I studied my history, I studied my past, and I put every mistake, all of my triumphs, my 22-year career into my two-hour 'Homecoming' performance.”

‘Five Foot Two’ featuring Lady Gaga

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, popularly known as Lady Gaga, had experienced a lot of hardships in her life and career before becoming a recognized international pop star.

In her documentary which was released in September 2017, Lady Gaga discloses what it’s like to live with chronic pain and fibromyalgia. She also talks about her struggles with having anxiety and the feeling of loneliness despite being surrounded by many.

Watch how she starts to recognize the extent of her talent after years of insecurity. “I didn’t feel good enough, and I do now. Of all the things I deserve, that’s where I know I’m worth something,” Gaga says in the film.

‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’ featuring Nina Simone

Simone, who is the original artist behind the song ‘Feelin’ Good’, had a remarkable life and career that began in 1954.

As an African American woman, she experienced discrimination which kept her from pursuing a serious career in music. Even though she did make it in the music industry because of her talents, her eventual life decisions restricted her career growth.

What really happened to Miss Simone? Watch the documentary to get insights on her life as a mother, wife, activist, and a legendary songstress who ultimately fought and shone through.

‘Light Up The Sky’ featuring BLACKPINK

One of the chart-topping K-pop girl groups that continue to make history in the music world, BLACKPINK finally had the chance to tell their individual stories in an 80-minute documentary on Netflix.

Aside from the sisterly bond among Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, ‘Light Up The Sky’ also focuses on never-before-seen video clips from their childhood, how they formed the group, the highlights of their success, and personal pains within their four-year-long career.

This documentary will certainly pique your interest for this girl group or, if you’re already a Blink, make you love them even more.

‘Excuse Me, I Love You’ featuring Ariana Grande

The majority of this film focuses on Ariana Grande’s Sweetener tour in London with some behind-the-scenes clips of her crew and dance team, performance preparations, and of course, the artist’s real self backstage.

Although it’s performance heavy, the snippets of conversations reveal how bubbly, witty, charming and fun she is to be around. If you are a fan and miss seeing her perform, you’ll want to watch this concert film will give you what you need.

Although it does not show her journey as an artist, you’ll surely enjoy watching this hour-and-a-half film while vibing to songs like ‘Thank You, Next’ and ‘Dangerous Woman.’

All films are available to watch on Netflix.

This article originally appeared on OneLife.PH