As of 2016, YouTube established its own studio for releasing entertaining documentaries and series called YouTube Originals. From full blown script productions to documentaries, YouTube has built quite a portfolio for itself by getting some big stars to tell their stories.
From celebrities like Will Smith to Ariana Grande to the Backstreet Boys, these documentaries either tell an important story or put on an entertaining show. YouTube Originals has a documentary for almost everyone, but there are a few that undoubtedly stand out from the crowd.
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Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert (2020)
The documentary tells the unexpected story of how one of the most popular festivals of all time came about. Although building the famous festival seems like a no-brainer, it wasn’t exactly an easy journey.
Coachella starters pitched the idea the Monday after Woodstock, and they were essentially told their idea was crazy. Now, years later, it’s the most popular desert festival in the world. While highlighting some of the festival’s most iconic performances from its inception to the present, the film primarily delves into the trials some face and may surprise some.
The Age of AI (2019)
Hosted by movie star Robert Downey Jr., this series delves deep into the amazing yet alarming world of artificial intelligence. With different stars and AI experts in every episode, the show offers a never-before-seen look at the evolving technology the world holds.
From groundbreaking technology used in the medical field to analytical technology used in Nascar racing, AI is taking over the world at a rapid pace. Whether this fact frightens or excites viewers, there is no doubt that technology has played an important role in the development of society over the last few decades.
This is Paris (2020)
If any celebrity deserves recognition for her impeccable self-branding, it’s Paris Hilton. The famous party girl of the early 2000s has made a name for herself, but how she was seen is far from who she really was and is.
From her dark, multi-layered childhood trauma to the uncovering of her true personality, the film offers an exclusive, never-before-seen look into Hilton’s life. For all fans fond of reminiscing about the glory days of the early 2000s, this documentary about the ultimate Y2K icon is for you.
Ariana Grande: Dangerous Women Diaries (2018)
While the world-famous pop singer has released several concert series on her own YouTube channel and even Netflix, this YouTube Original is a fun and fresh take on the pop star’s life. Not only does the concert film documentary showcase some of Ariana’s best performances on the Dangerous Woman Tour, but fans will also get a behind-the-scenes look at some of her iconic music videos filmed for her Sweetener album and backstage shenanigans.
The documentaries give a unique insight into how much preparation goes into an artist’s busy schedule, from touring for an existing album to working on a whole new album and a series of music videos. The YouTube Original is sure to get fans’ hearts racing as they bring back memories of some of Ariana’s most iconic eras.
K-Pop Evolution (2021)
Between K-dramas and K-pop music, Korean art forms have taken the world by storm, especially K-pop bands. With popular bands like BTS and BlackPink developing such a large following on social media, many people are keen to learn more about the culture.
This documentary dives into the world of K-Pop, explaining why these groundbreaking artists are some of the most streamed in the world and how they rose to fame. All K-Pop fans will enjoy watching this documentary if they can’t get enough of the culture and backstories.
Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated (2017)
Since Demi’s previous documentary, in which she claimed to be clean when she wasn’t, Demi has vowed to get clean on Simply Complicated. From vulnerability to a violent period in her life to her cocaine addiction, Demi didn’t hold back when it came to finally holding herself accountable for her past dangerous behavior.
It’s no secret that Demi, with her self-destructive nature, has had quite a past, from abusive childhood trauma to coming of age in the Disney spotlight. Filled with a wealth of shocking stories, any pop music fan will be entertained by Lovato’s open letter in the form of this documentary.
The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story (2019)
Some of the world’s most popular boy band members have come together to tell the story of Lou Pearlman, the man behind the founding of The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. What started out as a solid relationship quickly went downhill as the bands amassed less and less money, with no idea why.
With interviews from stars from Lance Bass to Aaron Carter, the singers didn’t hold back as they opened up about Pearlman’s major mistakes and manipulation tactics, and some were even brought to tears as they recalled those times in their lives. This documentary is perfect not only for fans of ’90s boy bands, but also for those curious about the sometimes devious inner workings and dark side of the music industry.
Justin Bieber: Seasons (2020)
Seasons takes viewers through several key stories in the singer’s life, including his own marriage to Hailey Baldwin. Bieber recounts the details of growing up in the spotlight and how he’s currently dealing with his mental health, and fans also get a sneak peek at the production of his album Changes.
Considering Bieber was first getting his start on YouTube, fans found it heartwarming that he decided to take his story into his own narrative and place it right back on the same platform he has a history with. This docuseries is a great start for any Bieber fan who enjoys following his journey.
Best shape of my life (2021 – )
While Will Smith is a top-notch actor with hit, high-grossing films, he was quick to show his vulnerable side in this docuseries. On a mission to get back in shape, both physically and mentally, Will highlights the ups and downs that come with exploring and reaching new goals.
Additionally, Smith reveals the struggles that come with juggling writing deadlines for his book while also battling his depressive episodes. By the end of this documentary, fans are sure to not only gain sympathy for the actor, but also feel encouraged and inspired by his journey.
Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil (2021)
One of the reasons for the show’s success is the stark difference between Simply Complicated and Dancing With The Devil. Demi’s fans desperately hoped the singer would be better after the first few docuseries, but what happened after that is really haunting to think about.
In this documentary series, Demi speaks more openly and honestly than ever about her mental health and the drug addiction that almost ended her life after the Simply Complicated documentaries. While viewers were devastated to learn how far she went to hide the pain, fans are finding the message inspiring with hope that other people struggling will reach out for help.
About the author
Callie Atkins
(37 published articles)
An entertainment content writer for ScreenRant who knows a little too much about nerdy things. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes facts about music, movies, TV shows, or comics, Kallie is ready to talk to you about it, like it or not!
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