From captivating documentaries to high energy concert films, here's how to get your dose of Taylor Swift without leaving bed.
Have Eras Tour FOMO? Watch These 14 Taylor Swift Documentaries to Fill the Void
From captivating documentaries to high energy concert films, here's how to get your dose of Taylor Swift without leaving bed.
Not many artists can say they’ve had the honour of a documentary being made on their life – let alone 14 of them – but for international superstar Taylor Swift, this astonishing number continues to grow.
With the Eras Tour making its way around the world, drawing record crowds and making friendship bracelets the hottest accessory in town, we thought it was only fitting to share the singer/songwriter’s “eras” through television and film.
From unofficial documentaries tirelessly put together by Swifties, to Taylor’s first movie debuting as a director, here are 14 Taylor Swift documentaries you can watch right now... whether you scored an Eras ticket or not.
1. Journey to Fearless, 2010
Where can I watch it? On Prime
This TV mini series debuted in 2010 and gave fans a peek into what life was like for a young Taylor Swift. Showing archival footage of her life as a child growing up in Pennsylvania with a dream to become a country singer, to how the young songstress became one of the most successful artists of all time, this is a perfect place to start your Taylor Swift education. Using home video footage, backstage interviews, and high school reenactments, Journey to Fearless is an endearing tale of Taylor Swift’s early days and rise to fame.
2. Taylor Swift: Just for You, 2011
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV+
Consider this the ultimate close up fans got of America’s sweetheart, Taylor Swift in 2011. Taylor Swift: Just For You shows what life was like for the superstar before the fame, and how she went from growing up on her family’s Christmas tree farm, to selling out tours with hit songs. Swift also shares how her songwriting helped her deal with teenage struggles, and how her platinum albums came to fruition.
3. Taylor Swift: From the Heart, 2013
Where can I watch it? On Prime
Considered a ‘must-see’ for any Taylor Swift fan, Taylor Swift: From the Heart explores the singer’s stardom after the release of her fourth album ‘Red’ in October 2012. Her lead single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" became her first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hottest 100 chart, and her album was undoubtedly set to follow suit. Watch as she navigates her growing success all while shaking off the trials and tribulations of being a solo female artist.
4. Taylor Swift: America's Sweetheart, 2015
Where can I watch it? On Prime
Made after the country/pop superstar had gone multi-platinum on her first album, earned multiple Grammy Awards for her second, and was listed in the 2013 Forbes list of top-earning celebs under 30, Taylor Swift: America's Sweetheart documents Swift’s countless accolades up until 2015. Combining concert footage, with never before seen interviews, this documentary recounts the rapid success of Miss Swift at this time.
5. Taylor Swift: Superstar, 2016
Where can I watch it? On Prime
Exploring her dedication to the song writing process, her influences and inspiration, Taylor Swift: Superstar captures the essence of the creative persona of one of the world's most popular performers, winner of multiple Grammy Awards, who has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.
6. Bluebird, 2019
Where can I watch it? On Prime
This compelling documentary is about the Bluebird Cafe, the accidental landmark in Nashville that altered the course of music history. The cafe is the origin for many megastars, from the likes of Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and the one and only Miss Taylor Swift, placing her chart-topping hits within wider music history in this moving story.
7. Miss Americana, 2020
Where can I watch it? On Netflix
This Netflix documentary follows Taylor Swift’s life over the course of several years. Described as an unvarnished and emotionally revealing look at Taylor and her career, during a metamorphic phase in her life, as she learns to accept her role as not only a singer-songwriter and entertainer, but as an influential woman "harnessing the full power of her voice." It is set in the time period spanning from Swift's ‘Reputation’ Stadium Tour... are you ready for it?
8. Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, 2020
Where can I watch it? On Disney+
The first film directed by Taylor Swift herself is this moving documentary set at Long Pond Studio, an isolated recording studio in a forested area in the Hudson Valley, New York. In the film, Taylor performs all 17 tracks from her eighth studio album ‘Folklore’, while sharing the creative process behind the songs with her collaborators Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff.
9. Taylor Swift: Dare to Dream, 2020
Where can I watch it? On Prime
Another documentary that highlights the incredible journey of the award-winning singer/songwriter is Taylor Swift: Dare to Dream. Released in 2020 after Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, this documentary shares Taylor’s impressive journey up to 2020, along with the works she has in the pipeline for the coming years.
10. The Real Taylor Swift: The Wild Dreams, 2021
Where can I watch it? On Prime
This is the story of how pop/country musician Taylor Swift fulfilled her wildest dreams. From growing up dreaming of becoming a star, to playing sold out stadium shows, Taylor Swift is living the life she dreamed of as a little girl. Including interviews with Swift along with archival footage, The Real Taylor Swift: The Wild Dreams, shows how the singer navigates life now in her 30s.
11. Unstoppable, 2023
Where can I watch it? On Prime
Through the countless highs and lows Taylor Swift has faced in her career, her undeniable resilience proves she really is unstoppable. This documentary film is the most recent in her long list of movies, and shares exclusive details on different circumstances that unfolded in front of the public eye. For those looking for an updated look into what Miss Swift is up to now, Unstoppable is where you’ll find it.
12. The 1989 World Tour Live, 2015
While this isn’t necessarily a documentary, The 1989 World Tour Live documents Taylor’s fourth concert tour to support her fifth studio album: ‘1989’. Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the film follows the Sydney stop of Swift's fourth headlining concert tour, The '1989' World Tour. The show, which was attended by 75,980 fans, was one of Swift's most attended concerts at this time.
13. Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour, 2018
Where can I watch it? On Netflix
Watch as Taylor Swift takes the stage in Dallas for the ‘Reputation’ Stadium Tour, and celebrates a monumental night of music, memories and visual magic. Highlighting some of her most popular songs to date, this high-energy performance will leave you dancing out of your seat.
14. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, 2023
Where can I watch it? Available to rent on Amazon
The live performance that’s currently taking the world by storm is none other than Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. The ten-act performance represents her entire discography conceptually. Depicting performances of most of her songs on the tour's setlist, along with several songs and intermissions cutting this nearly four hour performance into an almost three hour film. A must-watch for those who missed out on tickets to the live show, or for anyone who wants to see what all the hype is about.
