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Biographical documentaries

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From world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky to icons of pop culture like Elizabeth Taylor or billionaires such as Elon Musk, BBC Select brings you the life stories of the influential people that shaped the past and present. Stream a range of compelling biographical documentaries from the BBC and beyond with BBC Select.

Gandhi

Watch Gandhi on BBC Select

How did a man so loyal to the British Empire that he acted as a recruiting sergeant in World War 1 eventually lead the Indian people to a revolution that would end British rule forever? And how, when his blueprint for India would be largely ignored, is he still revered as the ‘Father of the Nation’?

Journalist Mishal Husain uncovers the complicated legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in this biographical documentary on BBC Select.

Reclaiming Amy

Stream Reclaiming Amy on BBC Select

Amy Winehouse’s death at the age of just 27 shocked the world. Now her closest family and friends reveal the truth about this unforgettable music icon in this BBC documentary film.

With access to never-before-seen family archives and rare musical performances, this raw and moving documentary explores Amy Winehouse’s life, loves and her legacy. Dad Mitch, as well as Amy’s mother Janis, who has never spoken in depth before, tell their story and celebrate their daughter. 

David Bowie: Finding Fame

This is the David Bowie story you don’t know.

Though he’s now considered an icon that transformed music forever, Bowie’s quest for fame had multiple false starts.

Relive the journey to fame, before Ziggy, before Bowie, in this insightful and entertaining BBC David Bowie documentary, streaming now on BBC Select.