The Greatest Night in Pop

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The Greatest Night in Pop

PG-13

2024

1h 36m

Documentary

Music

History

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Popcornmeter

98%

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50 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

On January 25, 1985, dozens of the biggest names in music convened at a studio in Los Angeles, checked their egos at the door and recorded a song to benefit African famine relief that would alter global pop culture history. The Greatest Night in Pop chronicles the massive undertaking to assemble the world's most impressive supergroup in a world before cell phones and email. That group of artists -- led by the song's co-writers and two of the most significant musicians of the 20th century -- Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie -- came from different worlds but united to record "We Are the World." Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film details the early planning stages, including the writing sessions with Richie and Jackson, and goes inside the famed Henson Studios where "We Are the World" was recorded. Many of the artists who were there that legendary evening -- Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, and Huey Lewis -- reminisce alongside musicians, engineers, and production crew about one of the most storied nights in music history.

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Critics Consensus

A briskly paced celebration of a one-of-a-kind musical moment, The Greatest Night in Pop uncovers new stories while reminding viewers of the humanitarian vision that made it all happen.

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Craig Mathieson

The Age (Australia)

Director Bao Nguyen is also wryly bemused by the now historic celebrity assemblage and thankfully intrigued by the logistical and creative demands of creating an anthem.

Feb 29, 2024

Full Review

Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack)

Even if the song itself is pretty lame, it doesn’t actually matter. It has a hook and you can donate to it.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 14, 2024

Full Review

Alonso Duralde

Breakfast All Day

It's really fascinating.

Rated: 7.8/10

Feb 8, 2024

Full Review

Linda Cook

OurQuadCities / WHBF-TV (Illinois)

It takes viewers back to the making of a classic.

Rated: 3 1/2 stars

May 20, 2024

Full Review

Louisa Moore

Screen Zealots

This behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the 1985 hit “We Are the World” isn’t a particularly well made documentary, but it delivers a Gen X dopamine hit like no other.

Mar 5, 2024

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

This is just extremely well done. I highly recommend it.

Rated: 7/10

Mar 2, 2024

Full Review

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 36 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG-13 for Some Strong Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

Full Review

Nick E.

An engaging insight into a seminal moment in music history.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/18/25

Full Review

Vixo S

I think Bob Dylan is the representation of what my social skills are. The Greatest Night in Pop is a wonderful documentary that flawlessly portrays one of the most important nights in music history. It’s amazing how, in just a few hours, they managed to bring together the most influential artists of the time and coordinate something as ambitious as “We Are the World.” The direction and archival footage capture perfectly the energy, the tension, and the magic that filled the studio that night. Watching so many distinct voices come together for a common cause is moving and a clear reminder of why that night remains unforgettable in popular culture. A heartfelt tribute to an unrepeatable moment.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

Full Review

Pete B

How the hell did they get all these legends in one room? This is such a fun doc, especially seeing the behind-the-scenes of artists working together (and clashing, lol). Stevie Wonder just vibing out while everyone tries to get it right is *chef’s kiss*.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/25/25

Full Review

Douglas K

It was great watching it all come together with most artists helping each other and some walking out! The voices are amazing!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

Full Review

matthias s

This was such a fun watch! Seeing *We Are the World* come together with so many legendary musicians was incredible. Even if you don’t know much about music (like me), you *know* this song and that moment—it’s just that iconic. Lionel Richie steals the show as a storyteller, and it’s so cool to see these superstars acting like regular people, getting nervous, or even starstruck. The chemistry between everyone is amazing, with spontaneous sing-alongs and funny little moments that feel so real. It’s funny, heartwarming, and even emotional at times. The footage is fantastic, and hearing all these big names talk about it gives such insight into the process. My only gripe? I wish they had gone deeper into why the song was made and what it meant for the world. Still, it’s an awesome snapshot of music history. A solid 3.5 stars!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/19/24

Full Review

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Bao Nguyen

Director

Lionel Richie

Self

Bruce Springsteen

Self

Smokey Robinson

Self

Cyndi Lauper

Self

Kenny Loggins

Self

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Synopsis

On January 25, 1985, dozens of the biggest names in music convened at a studio in Los Angeles, checked their egos at the door and recorded a song to benefit African famine relief that would alter global pop culture history. The Greatest Night in Pop chronicles the massive undertaking to assemble the world's most impressive supergroup in a world before cell phones and email. That group of artists -- led by the song's co-writers and two of the most significant musicians of the 20th century -- Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie -- came from different worlds but united to record "We Are the World." Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film details the early planning stages, including the writing sessions with Richie and Jackson, and goes inside the famed Henson Studios where "We Are the World" was recorded. Many of the artists who were there that legendary evening -- Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, and Huey Lewis -- reminisce alongside musicians, engineers, and production crew about one of the most storied nights in music history.

Director: Bao Nguyen
Producer: Bruce Eskowitz, George Hencken, Larry Klein, Julia Nottingham, Harriet Sternberg, Lionel Richie
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Makemake
Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language)
Genre: Documentary, Music, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 29, 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m

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