Hulu’s Brats documentary is only one of the latest to be centered on the entertainment industry during the ’80s. Brats is directed and led by Brat Pack member Andrew McCarthy, who interviews various members of the group as they each reflect on their careers following the revolutionary decade. The Brat Pack is associated with a small group of actors who starred in the same coming-of-age films, marking a memorable change in Hollywood movies and casting. Part of what came as a result of the Brat Pack was more movies that centered on average adolescent life.
However, in addition to the rise of coming-of-age films following the start of the Brat Pack, the entertainment industry as a whole was evolving. A noticeable change in pop culture began with the introduction of MTV and technological innovation, which proved to be essential in furthering film genres such as horror and sci-fi. Many of the best documentaries with a similar focus as Brats bring attention to the various high points in ’80s entertainment.
I Want My MTV (2019)
The ’80s brought about some significant changes in the entertainment industry. The Brat Pack shifted Hollywood films as more were being centered on the experiences of teenagers and young adults. The music scene of the decade was changing as well. The ’80s introduced the popularity of music videos that would accompany the biggest hits at the time. These music videos were famously aired on MTV beginning in 1981. I Want My MTV chronicles the success of the network’s early days. Similarly to Brats, I Want My MTV features commentary from artists involved with the cultural shift as they reflect on their experiences, including Sting and Billy Idol. From the controversies to the positive impact MTV had on the music industry, the documentary is packed with as much insight as it is with nostalgia.
Duran Duran: There’s Something You Should Know (2018)
As a result of MTV’s popularity, a phenomenon occurred known as the Second British Invasion. This marks the increase in the popularity of British synth-pop music that aired on MTV in America. Music videos weren’t as popular in American music, so a majority of the videos that played on the network came from the UK. One of the biggest hits commonly used to indicate when the invasion began is “Hungry Like the Wolf” by the band Duran Duran. Duran Duran: There’s Something You Should Know highlights the biggest moments of the band’s career and features stories from the band’s members as well. A few critiques about the documentary point out its inability to unveil information fans didn’t already know. However, the documentary is sure to satisfy unfamiliar audiences who are looking to further their knowledge of ’80s pop culture following Hulu’s Brats.
The Eighties (2016)
Though it’s not as focused as Brats, The Eighties is an insightful miniseries that provides a vast look at the decade. In seven episodes, The Eighties touches on every important element of the titular decade, such as politics, technology, and television. In addition to the episodes about the entertainment industry, the remaining episodes of the docuseries provide a better understanding as to why the Brat Pack’s movies were gladly accepted by audiences. While there were downsides to the Brat Pack for the actors involved, the youth-centered movies that came from the group were refreshing. Before the slew of coming-of-age films were released, there weren’t many movies that reflected the experiences of adolescent audiences. The episodes of The Eighties give further context to what the world looked like at the time and suggest why these movies were a success.
7In Search Of Darkness (2019)
Another genre of film that found increased success in the ’80s is horror. With a little over four hours worth of runtime, In Search of Darkness is an extensive oral history of the decade’s most significant horror films. The documentary covers a handful of notable supernatural and slasher horror films from the ’80s in interviews with those who had direct involvement with the films. The passion and love the interviewees have for the genre is easily felt through the screen and makes the documentary an engaging viewing experience. In Search of Darkness is sure to discuss the films’ success at the time of their release while pointing out the lasting impact they had on the genre as a whole.
The ’80s: Top Ten (2022)
Hosted by one of the Brat Pack’s members, Rob Lowe, The ’80s: Top Ten is a nostalgic trip to the decade that cemented Lowe as a young star. Contrasting other documentaries that analyze every aspect of society during the decade, The ’80s: Top Ten is a docuseries that aims to focus on more lighthearted subjects. Each episode is a treat for audiences who were alive to experience the best things synonymous with the titular year. Lowe as a host is an additional delight. In the years following David Blum’s New York Magazine article, the Brat Pack members had mixed feelings about all that came of their ’80s group nickname. Lowe found success outside the Brat Pack and has a fond outlook on the label, which is made clear by his willingness to embrace the ’80s in various documentaries.
Wham! (2023)
Although Wham! is not a featured artist on Brat‘s soundtrack, the pop duo consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley was a staple within the ’80s music scene. Many of Wham!’s biggest songs continue to be used in movies and TV shows today. Netflix’s 2023 documentary, Wham!, details the duo’s success throughout the decade. The documentary begins with the start of Michael and Ridgeley’s friendship as preteens and ends with their final performance in 1986 at Wembley Stadium. Despite their career as a duo ending before many would have preferred, the grand nature of their music’s impact is wonderfully established in Wham!. The documentary was released well after the passing of Michael, but previous audio recordings are used alongside recent interviews with Ridgeley. For its high-quality presentation, Wham! was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2024 BAFTAs.
In Search of Tomorrow (2022)
Following Brats, there was a slight confusion about whether Back to the Future is considered a Brat Pack movie. While it’s not associated with the group of Brat Pack movies, Back to the Future is part of another genre of films that exploded in the ’80s. From the writer and director of In Search of Darkness, the 2022 documentary, In Search of Tomorrow, focuses on the influential science fiction films from the ’80s. Just as the previous documentary about horror films did, In Search of Tomorrow hears from actors and directors associated with the ’80s best science fiction movies. In Search of Tomorrow‘s runtime is just over five hours, but has a brisk pace and rarely fails to keep the audience’s attention. With insightful interviews and an abundance of film clips, In Search of Tomorrow is a well-done tribute to the genre.
The 80s – Music’s Greatest Decade? (2021)
A few of the best moments in the Brat Pack films are accompanied by popular songs from the decade. In the BBC’s docuseries, The 80s – Music’s Greatest Decade?, journalist Dylan Jones reminds audiences of key figures in the music industry at the time. As the host of the docuseries’ four episodes, Jones explains why he believes the ’80s were some of the most innovative years in music. Music’s Greatest Decade? surpasses other music documentaries about the ’80s with its inclusion of a wide range of featured artists. Most documentaries covering the decade include the same big artists, such as Michael Jackson or Madonna. While Jones does acknowledge these artists to a great degree, he also shines a light on alternative and hip-hop artists, making for a more comprehensive presentation of the decade’s best music.
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (2024)
A compelling aspect of Brats is the insight provided by the actors as they detail their complicated feelings about their famous group. A similar honest portrayal of emotions is found in Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, which details the decades-long history of the rock band. However, the biggest reveals from Thank You, Goodnight are about the eponymous singer’s vocal problems and how it nearly led to his retirement a few years ago. Jon Bon Jovi’s personal story adds a level of vulnerability to the docuseries, rounding out the four episodes and elevating it beyond a “greatest moments” display that many documentaries end up being. However, that’s not to say Bon Jovi’s achievements aren’t spotlighted. Both expert fans and unseasoned newcomers are presented with plenty of historical and career-defining moments to enjoy.