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The Greatest Night in Pop

Play trailer Poster for The Greatest Night in Pop PG-13 Released Jan 31 1h 36m Documentary Music History Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 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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The Greatest Night in Pop

The Greatest Night in Pop

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (66) audience reviews
David C No es mi favorita está entretenida pero es lenta Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/03/24 Full Review Andrew Z Not simply a retrospective. It's a taught thriller with a ticking time bomb element you won't believe until you watch it. How they pulled it off was amazing! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/23/24 Full Review Brian H Solid documentary, but I'm not a huge fan of the genre. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/15/24 Full Review Renan R Após ficar ciente de que haveria um documentário falando sobre os bastidores da música We Are The World, eu fiquei me perguntando pq demorou tanto tempo assim pra falar de uma obra em que reuniu os maiores nomes dos anos 60, 70, e 80 e principalmente iríamos descobrir como Quincy, Lionel, Michael e Wonder chegaram a esse feito. Já na Introdução senti falta de um aprofundamento na causa por trás da reunião de grandes artistas. Somos apresentados a Harry BeLafonte o precursor da causa que seria o motivo dessa reunião tão poderosa, porém em um ritmo acelerado (talvez seja a edição acelerada e emocionada para nos falarmos como tudo isso aconteceu) faz nos esquecer do motivo e do por quê tudo issp aconteceu. Um dos produtores, Lionel Richie, que liderou o projeto e aqui nos conta com riqueza e emoção, nos convida a acompanhar e apreciar o comportamento de cada estrela do pop, soul e rock and roll. Cada gesto, cada incômodo, insegurança e principalmente a ansiedade de concluir um grande projeto. Faz com que o telespectador se sinta naquele ambiente rico e poderoso. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/31/24 Full Review Peter K This chronicled an era and the stars that made it so special! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/15/24 Full Review Chris M. J This is a song that was overplayed in the 1980s. For those who grew up then, we can sing it even if we don't really like that song. BUT... the story behind the making of this song is fascinating, and this documentary freezes in time the moment that our childhood icons gathered together in one room to make a difference. Check your ego at the door and enjoy this wonderful documentary. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/22/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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
Makemake, Paramount Pictures
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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