To understand the genre's popularity, one must look at the psychological relationship between the viewer and the celebrity.

12. We Are the Thousand (2020)

Entertainment industry documentaries offer a unique perspective on the creative and business aspects of the entertainment business, providing valuable insights for industry professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. By exploring the complexities and challenges of the industry, these documentaries contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of entertainment in society and culture.

If you are new to the genre, or looking for the gold standard, these five titles represent the full spectrum of what the entertainment industry documentary can achieve.

This is the ultimate cautionary tale. It follows Troy Duffy, a bartender who sells the script for The Boondock Saints to Miramax. Within weeks, he has a million-dollar deal, a record contract, and a massive ego. The documentary is a slow-motion car crash as Duffy burns every bridge in Hollywood. It is required viewing for anyone who thinks talent alone is enough.