The journey and ascent of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley are shown in Netflix’s “Wham!” in an environment filled with icons and super stars. The documentary directed by Chris Smith, while capturing the cracks of the past, lacks a hook that details the band’s harrowing struggles. Instead, it delves into the warmth and affection of two longtime friends who rose to prominence while still remaining connected to one another decades later. It chronicles the duo’s ascent to popularity and how it elevated them among the era’s best performers.
The documentary film charts a number of touching moments that became essential to the success of the two singers. It highlights the influence of their music and the success that followed. The movie embraces the decade’s extravaganza while capturing the vibrancy of sensuality, music, and friendship. So, if you liked learning about a famous band’s warm side, here is a selection of documentaries that are similar. Several of these documentaries, including “Wham!” can be seen on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
Amy (2015)
‘Amy’ depicts the rise and life of Amy Winehouse and is another tale that offers a close-up image of a significant celebrity. The documentary shows the radiant rise of a young woman who is full of opportunities and joy. ‘Amy’ also chronicles Amy Winehouse’s first substance addiction issue and the hard realities that drive a person to go to extremes, from the soaring popularity that followed ‘Back to Black’ to the cherubic voices that boosted her notoriety.
The docudrama follows the early years of the famous artist and provides a window into the extraordinary genius that appears so infrequently. So if you enjoyed “Wham!”‘s cheeky and colourful picture of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, you’ll enjoy this fascinating look at Amy Winehouse’s life just as much.
Dolly Parton: Here I Am (2019)
Dolly Parton: Here I Am, a landmark documentary that chronicles the artist’s life and those around her, is lauded for its five-decade professional arc. The documentary accurately portrays the famed artist, from describing the events that led to her groundbreaking career to providing a thorough overview of her life, acquaintances, and associates. This documentary explores the amazing skills of the woman who knows how to draw crowds, just like the funny and likeable chemistry that made George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley became international celebrities!
Gimme Shelter (1970)
‘Gimme Shelter’ is an untainted reflection of the creative forces that have influenced generations. It was released in response to the fervour that engulfed the globe after The Rolling Stones’ powerful imprint. This documentary, made by Albert, portrays the unmatched delight and fanaticism that had accompanied The Rolling Stones in the early ’70s while portraying the daydream of counterculture. The documentary depicts the hoopla of rock icons Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts, from the vigour of Madison Square Garden to the exhilaration of the musical maelstrom. This documentary portrays the mega-band and superstars of the 1960s in a manner similar to the supernovas of the 1980s, making it the ideal film to see next!
Guns N’ Roses: Appetite of Destruction (2007)
The unique nature and magnetism of Guns N’ Roses show in this documentary. They are another band whose popularity earned them a coveted seat in the Olympus of Superstars. The movie also exposes the superstars’ unvarnished realities, though. This documentary emphasises the overall impact of drugs and alcohol on the band, much like George Michael’s struggles with drugs and his closeted identity. The torchbearers of rock’n’roll are featured in this documentary, similar to how ‘Wham!’ captured the influence of musical legends with global appeal.
Halftime (2022)
Jennifer Lopez continues to be one of the greatest entertainers of the century, achieving achievement after feat. As she gets ready to compete in the 2020 Super Bowl, the documentary follows yet another accomplishment in her career. Not only that, but filmmaker Amanda Micheli’s documentary also explores the unwavering spirit of the singer, actress, and dancer and how “Jenny From the Block” keeps making history. So, if you enjoyed reading about George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s success as friends and musicians, you’ll find this account of persistence and resilience to be just as intriguing.
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads (2019)
The mystery person who overcame extreme destitution and racial discrimination to become a great blues musician is the subject of this moving story. The film tells the tale of blues musician Robert Johnson, a figure who had a powerful influence on American music. Even though many people are familiar with the enigmatic figure’s achievement, the individual is nonetheless unfamiliar. This documentary examines the real lives and challenges of the guy who rose to fame despite obstacles, just as “Wham!” exposes the beginnings of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese
In this documentary, austere director Martin Scorsese transcends the realm of fiction by weaving together reality and fiction to chart the mysterious life of Bob Dylan. The life of the artist who gained notoriety in the 1960s is chronicled in this documentary. The film focuses on the turbulent atmosphere of the 1970s and the issues that were looming on the horizon as the country approached its bicentennial. The film depicts Bob Dylan’s 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour, which featured Sharon Stone, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell. The film seamlessly weaves the tour video into a fantastic narrative with depth and elegance. The pleasant and thrilling journey of “Wham!” is reminiscent of how this documentary showcases the mischievous side of a superstar.
The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit
This documentary provides a vivid glimpse into the lightness that had surrounded the British rock and pop band at the start of their career, much like the humour and lighter jovial character of pop performers George and Andrew. This documentary, which was directed by Albert and David Maysles, highlights the fame of the musical ensemble that had reached new heights. So, if you enjoyed learning about the success of two longtime friends, you’ll likely enjoy learning about The Beatles’ incredible climb just as much.
