Audiences love an origin story, whether it’s the creation of a fictional superhero or a groundbreaking, real life artist. Straight Outta Compton dramatized the rise and eventual fall of the inventors of gangster rap: N.W.A. The movie starred an ensemble of mainly newcomers portraying Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and other members of the group, including Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. playing his father. Directed by music video visionary and accomplished feature director F. Gary Gray (who recently signed on to helm Furious 8), Straight Outta Compton became a critical and box office hit when it was released in August 2015. A $56 million opening weekend set the pace for a healthy run; Straight Outta Compton grossed over $160 million over all, just in the US. Word of mouth helped the film to stay in theaters, and now audiences are clamoring to stream the biopic. When will Straight Outta Compton arrive on Netflix?
Straight Outta Compton will be released on DVD, iTunes, and Amazon on Jan 19. (Bonus: the release is an “Unrated Director’s Cut” with additional footage.) The expected release date for Netflix DVD service is Feb 16, though it’s unconfirmed. When will the film arrive for streaming customers? No earlier than that date, and the wait will probably be even longer. In the meantime, these artist documentaries are available to stream on Netflix right now, and will help transport you behind the music.
1. Broadway Idiot
For the punk rock kids who are also secret drama freaks, this is the story of Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong's quest to turn the band's American Idiot album into a full-scale Broadway show.
2. What Happened, Miss Simone?
This Netflix Original puts soul legend Nina Simone back at center stage, but also digs in to her personal demons and hands-on work as a civil rights activist.
3. Keith Richards: Under The Influence
Another Netflix Original (well done on the music docs, Netflix!), Under The Influence follows the Rolling Stones guitarist into the studio to record a solo album inspired by his Americana/folk music heroes. There will be smoking, head scarves, and some pretty incredible stories.
4. Madonna: Truth Or Dare
Madonna is now and forever the queen of self-branding. And in the early '90s, that meant showing as much of herself and her life to her fans as possible. Truth Or Dare was so thorough in the documentation of Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour, that a few of her dancers actually sued her for invading their privacy.
5. Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of
Being in a boy band isn't all Max Martin writing sessions and bedazzled denim fittings. The newly whole Backstreet Boys celebrated the return of Kevin Richardson with an film that shows the sacrifices made to become TRL royalty and what comes next after the pandemonium dies down.
6. Marley
Remembered by archived interviews and new reflections from people who outlived him, Bob Marley is the subject of this 2012 documentary. Marley deals not only with his contribution to reggae music and Rastafarian culture, but also the musician's struggle to find community and common ground as a mixed race individual.
Immerse yourself in the world of these musicians and Straight Outta Compton will be on Netflix before you know it.
Image: Universal Pictures
