Lights, camera, action—the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries and TV series lineup is officially underway in New York City, and it’s already stealing the spotlight with its jaw-dropping stories! Launched on June 4 and running through June 15, this iconic festival—co-founded by Robert De Niro—is a 12-day celebration of storytelling that’s captivating American audiences. This year, the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries lineup features 59 gripping documentaries alongside 9 must-watch TV series, including world premieres that are generating massive buzz. From the emotional opening night documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes to the powerful closing night feature Yanuni, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the festival is a treasure trove of real-life stories and groundbreaking series.
Add to that hard-hitting docs like Surviving Ohio State (produced by George Clooney) and Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, alongside star-studded TV premieres like Smoke on Apple TV+, The Gilded Age on HBO, and We Were Liars on Prime Video, and you’ve got a lineup that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a fan of heart-wrenching documentaries or addictive TV dramas, these 15 series—10 documentaries and 5 TV series—are the most anticipated at Tribeca 2025, each one packed with raw emotion, cultural impact, and A-list talent. Here’s why American audiences are buzzing with excitement and why you simply can’t miss these powerful tales!
1
Billy Joel: And So It Goes (Opening Night Gala)
Kicking off the festival with a bang, Billy Joel: And So It Goes is a deeply personal documentary about the life of music legend Billy Joel. Directed by Emmy winners Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, this film traces the Piano Man’s journey from his Long Island roots to sold-out stadiums, featuring rare archival footage and candid interviews.
Why It’s a Must-See: As the opening night gala, this documentary sets the tone for the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries with a nostalgic look at an American icon. Joel’s recent brain disorder diagnosis adds an emotional layer, making this a heartfelt tribute that music lovers and documentary fans can’t miss.
2
Yanuni (Closing Night Gala)
Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Richard Ladkani, Yanuni follows Indigenous leader Juma Xipaia as she fights to protect her community’s land in Brazil from corporate destruction, surviving six assassination attempts in the process.
Why It’s a Must-See: As the closing night gala in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries lineup, this documentary combines DiCaprio’s star power with a critical message about climate justice and Indigenous rights—issues that resonate deeply with socially conscious American audiences.
3
Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything
This documentary dives into the legacy of broadcast icon Barbara Walters, who passed away in 2023, featuring archival footage of her interviews with figures like Vladimir Putin and Taylor Swift.
Why It’s a Must-See: Walters was a trailblazer in American journalism, and her story feels especially timely amid today’s debates about media and representation, making this a must-watch for pop culture enthusiasts in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
4
Surviving Ohio State
Produced by George Clooney, Surviving Ohio State explores the decades-long struggle of sexual abuse survivors at Ohio State University as they seek justice.
Why It’s a Must-See: Clooney’s involvement and the #MeToo movement context make this documentary a powerful call for accountability in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries, striking a chord with American audiences advocating for change.
5
Boy George & Culture Club
This documentary chronicles the rise of 80s British band Culture Club and their frontman Boy George, whose flamboyant style left a lasting mark on American pop culture.
Why It’s a Must-See: 80s nostalgia and Boy George’s larger-than-life persona make this a hit with music fans, offering a vibrant look at a transformative era in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
6
Billy Idol Should Be Dead
Focusing on 80s punk rock star Billy Idol, this documentary uncovers his struggles with addiction and his improbable survival, culminating in a live performance by Idol after the premiere.
Why It’s a Must-See: Idol’s raw story and live performance create a unique festival experience, drawing in American fans eager for a mix of music and unfiltered storytelling in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
7
My Mom Jayne
Mariska Hargitay makes her directorial debut with My Mom Jayne, a personal exploration of her late mother, Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield, and the family history Hargitay uncovers.
Why It’s a Must-See: Hargitay, known for Law & Order: SVU, brings a deeply personal touch to this documentary, resonating with American audiences who adore her on-screen presence in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
8
Ms. Magazine
This documentary tells the story of Gloria Steinem-led Ms. Magazine, a cornerstone of feminism’s second wave, and its impact on American culture.
Why It’s a Must-See: With feminism and journalism at the forefront of today’s conversations, this documentary offers a timely reflection that American viewers will find both inspiring and thought-provoking in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
9
Come See Me in the Good Light (New York Premiere)
A Sundance 2025 Festival Favorite Award winner, this documentary follows poet Andrea Gibson and her partner Megan Falley as they navigate Gibson’s incurable cancer diagnosis.
Why It’s a Must-See: The emotional depth and Sundance buzz make this a tearjerker that American audiences will connect with on a human level, especially those touched by illness or loss, in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
10
Degenerate: The Life and Films of Andy Milligan
This documentary explores the chaotic life of Andy Milligan, a gay exploitation filmmaker from NYC whose grindhouse films left a unique mark on cinema.
Why It’s a Must-See: Niche cinema fans and the queer community are buzzing about this doc, thanks to its unfiltered look at an unsung figure in film history, amplified by Severin Films’ involvement in the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries.
5 Most Anticipated TV Series at Tribeca Film Festival 2025
1
Smoke (Apple TV+)
Smoke is a suspenseful crime drama starring Taron Egerton as a small-town fire chief and Jurnee Smollett as a detective, uncovering dark secrets in a tight-knit community. Its world premiere at Tribeca has everyone talking.
Why It’s a Must-See: Apple TV+’s reputation for high-quality dramas, paired with Egerton and Smollett’s star power, makes this a gripping watch for American mystery lovers.
2
The Gilded Age (HBO)
HBO’s The Gilded Age returns with a new season premiere, starring Carrie Coon and Cynthia Nixon, diving deeper into 19th-century New York’s elite society.
Why It’s a Must-See: The show’s lavish production and dramatic plot twists have a dedicated American fanbase, and HBO’s prestige adds to the hype.
3
We Were Liars (Prime Video)
Based on E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel, We Were Liars is a psychological thriller about a wealthy family’s dark secrets, with its world premiere at Tribeca.
Why It’s a Must-See: The book’s cult following and Prime Video’s reach make this a highly anticipated series for American fans of mystery and drama.
4
Too Much (Netflix) – Tribeca Talks with Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham’s Too Much features Megan Stalter as an American woman starting fresh in London, alongside Will Sharpe. Dunham will share clips and insights at a Tribeca Talks event.
Why It’s a Must-See: Dunham’s Girls fame and guest stars like Andrew Scott and Emily Ratajkowski make this a buzzy series for American viewers craving smart, witty dramas.
5
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+)
This sci-fi series brings a new season to Tribeca, starring Ethan Peck and Anson Mount, continuing the adventures of the USS Enterprise crew.
Why It’s a Must-See: Star Trek’s massive American fanbase and the sci-fi genre’s popularity ensure this premiere is a festival highlight for genre fans.
Why These Series Stand Out
The Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries and TV series lineup is a testament to the festival’s commitment to diverse, impactful storytelling. With 59 documentaries and 9 TV series, including high-profile world premieres, the festival offers something for every viewer.
American audiences are particularly drawn to the emotional depth of docs like Come See Me in the Good Light and My Mom Jayne, the cultural relevance of Yanuni and Ms. Magazine, and the star power of series like Smoke and Too Much. These 15 stories combine raw human experiences with A-list talent, making them unmissable.
How to Watch These Stories
Missed the opening night? Don’t worry! The festival runs until June 15, and you can catch screenings in New York City or stream select titles online. Visit tribecafilm.com for tickets (ranging from $60 to $1,350) and schedules. Stay tuned to letsmoviemagic.com for reviews, updates, and more as we cover Tribeca 2025’s biggest moments.
Join the Conversation
Which documentary or TV series from the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Documentaries and TV lineup are you most excited for? Share your thoughts on letsmoviemagic.com or tag us on social media! Let’s celebrate these powerful stories together. 🎥
