8 Captivating Movies and TV Shows Every Art Lover Should Watch
As art lovers, we’re always drawn to stories that capture the magic, struggle, and passion behind creativity. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our personal favorite movies and TV shows that celebrate the art world in all its forms. From the lives of iconic artists to the creative journeys that inspire masterpieces, these picks offer a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of artistic expression—perfect for sparking your own creativity or simply enjoying the stories behind the art we love.
1. The Price of Everything
The Price of Everything pulls back the curtain on the contemporary art market, revealing how creativity and commerce are deeply intertwined. Directed by Nathaniel Kahn, the documentary takes viewers inside the fast-paced world of auctions, galleries, and art fairs, where collectors, dealers, and artists navigate the absurdity between artistic value and market price. Featuring candid interviews with major figures like Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter, and Amy Cappellazzo, the film raises compelling questions about what art is worth—and who decides. It’s an eye-opening look at how money, status, and demand shape the art world in ways that are both fascinating and unsettling.
Watch on Kanopy
2. Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World
Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World offers an unfiltered look at the global art market, exposing the intricate web of relationships between artists, collectors, dealers, and auction houses. Directed by Barry Avrich, the documentary explores how art has evolved into a high-stakes industry where prestige, power, and profit often overshadow creativity. Through interviews with prominent artists, curators, and market insiders, the film reveals how trends are manufactured, prices are inflated, and art is transformed into a status symbol for the ultra-wealthy. It’s a sharp and revealing examination of an industry where the lines between passion and profit are constantly shifting.
Watch on Kanopy, Amazon Prime, Tubi
3. Anselm
Anselm (2023), directed by Wim Wenders, is a visually stunning documentary that immerses viewers in the world of renowned German artist Anselm Kiefer. Blending breathtaking cinematography with intimate storytelling, the film explores Kiefer's monumental works and the profound themes that define his art—memory, history, and the human condition. Wenders captures the scale and texture of Kiefer’s creations, from vast installations to intricate paintings, while offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process and personal reflections. Anselm is more than a documentary; it’s an evocative journey through the mind of one of the most influential contemporary artists, presented in a way that feels both meditative and deeply moving.
Watch on Kanopy
4. Mary Heilman: Waves, Rods, & Hallucinations
Mary Heilmann: Waves, Roads, & Hallucinations is an intimate portrait of pioneering abstract painter Mary Heilmann, offering a vibrant look into her playful and unconventional approach to art. The film explores Heilmann’s journey from the male-dominated art scene of the 1970s to becoming a celebrated figure known for her bold colors, geometric forms, and laid-back California spirit. Blending interviews, studio visits, and glimpses of her creative process, the documentary captures how Heilmann’s work is deeply influenced by her love of surfing, music, and road trips. It’s a lively and inspiring look at an artist who continues to blur the lines between fine art and everyday joy.
Watch on Kanopy
5. Black Art: In the Absence of Light
Black Art: In the Absence of Light is a powerful documentary that celebrates the rich history and ongoing impact of Black artists in America. Directed by Sam Pollard, the film traces the evolution of Black art, from its roots in the Harlem Renaissance to the contemporary art scene, featuring renowned artists like Kerry James Marshall, Amy Sherald, and the late Jean-Michel Basquiat. Through insightful interviews with artists, curators, and scholars, the documentary explores the cultural, political, and personal forces that have shaped Black art. It’s a poignant and timely exploration of how art has been used as a tool for resistance, identity, and empowerment within the Black community, offering both a tribute and a call to action.
Watch on MAX
6. AKA Mr. Chow
AKA Mr. Chow is a captivating documentary that takes an inside look at the life of legendary restaurateur and socialite, Michael Chow. Known for his iconic restaurants and his close connections to the world of art, fashion, and celebrity, Chow’s life story unfolds through a series of personal interviews and archival footage. Directed by Barnaby Southcombe, the film delves into Chow’s fascinating journey from a painter in 1960s London to the creator of the globally recognized Mr. Chow restaurant empire. As the documentary explores his relationships with artists, designers, and his family, it offers a deeper understanding of how Chow's world of cuisine became intertwined with the art scene, leaving an indelible mark on both industries.
Watch on MAX
7. The Andy Warhol Diaries (TV Series)
The Andy Warhol Diaries is a captivating TV series that offers an intimate look into the life of the iconic pop artist through the lens of his own words. Based on Warhol’s personal diaries, the series combines narration from his actual writings with visual storytelling, shedding light on the complex personality behind the public figure. Directed by Andrew Rossi, the documentary explores Warhol’s relationships, his artistic process, and his reflections on fame, creativity, and the art world. With interviews from friends, collaborators, and experts, The Andy Warhol Diaries gives viewers a deeper understanding of how Warhol’s innovative approach to art and culture continues to influence the world today.
Watch on Netflix
8. Julie Mehretu: Palimpsest
Julie Mehretu: Palimpsest is an intimate documentary that offers a deep dive into the life and creative process of one of contemporary art's most celebrated abstract artists, Julie Mehretu. Directed by Jennifer Trainor, the film explores Mehretu’s journey as she navigates the complex layers of history, identity, and place in her large-scale, dynamic works. Through behind-the-scenes footage and personal interviews, Palimpsest reveals how the artist’s intricate, multilayered paintings are shaped by her unique perspective on global events, politics, and cultural shifts. The documentary highlights her ability to combine personal narrative with universal themes, creating art that speaks to both the individual and the collective experience.
Watch on Kanopy
Please note that these selections are our personal picks, and we have no affiliation with any of the films or shows mentioned. Most of these can be purchased or rented, but many are also available for free on the listed streaming platforms. If you have an active library card, you can access Kanopy to view some of them at no cost.
Loved this movie. What an eye-opener to see how much of a scam the world of art as a commodity is.
I've seen a few of these. It is a really well curated list! Also, I appreciate the diversity of the list in all forms of diversity (even down to the networks offering the show!)
Cheers from one artist to the next xx