Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender
TITLE DETAILS

Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender

2012-09-24 · 107 min · ★ 7.3

Music · Documentary

Archive footage of interviews, concerts and personal material bring to light the solo performance work of Mercury, the lead singer of Queen.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Rhys Thomas
Production companies
Eagle Rock Entertainment, ARTE, BBC One, Mercury Studios
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Freddie MercuryFreddie MercurySelf (archive footage)
Roger TaylorRoger TaylorSelf
Brian MayBrian MaySelf
Luciano PavarottiLuciano PavarottiSelf (archive footage)
Montserrat CaballéMontserrat CaballéSelf
Peter FreestoneSelf
David ArnoldDavid ArnoldSelf
John ReidJohn Reid
Matt LucasMatt Lucas
David Wigg
Jim HuttonSelf (archive footage)
David Richards
Jim BeachJim Beach

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Streaming

Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon Channel

Rental

Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube

Purchase

Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube

View authorized watch options on TMDb

Recommendations

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
★ 8.2
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert2026Music · Documentary

Long-lost footage from Elvis Presley's legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970s woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour, and 8mm from the Graceland archive, plus recordings of Elvis telling "his side of the story" rediscovered during Baz Luhrmann's research for his 2022 film, Elvis.

Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles
★ 7.8
Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles2021Music · Documentary

Fresh off the heels of her brand-new album, "Happier Than Ever," this cinematic concert experience features an intimate performance of every song in the album's sequential order – for the first and only time – from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl.

Queen: Days of Our Lives
★ 8.1
Queen: Days of Our Lives2011Music · Documentary

In 1971, four college students got together to form a rock band. Since then, that certain band called Queen have released 26 albums and sold over 300 million records worldwide. The popularity of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon is stronger than ever 40 years on. But it was no bed of roses. No pleasure cruise. Queen had their share of kicks in the face, but they came through and this is how they did it, set against the backdrop of brilliant music and stunning live performances from every corner of the globe. In this film, for the first time, it is the band that tells their story. Featuring brand new interviews with the band and unseen archive footage (including their recently unearthed, first ever TV performance), it is a compelling story told with intelligence, wit, plenty of humor and painful honesty.

How the Beatles Changed the World
★ 7.3
How the Beatles Changed the World2017Music · Documentary

The fascinating story of the cultural, social, spiritual, and musical revolution ignited by the coming of the Beatles. Tracing the impact that these four band members had, first in their native Britain and soon after worldwide, it reappraises the band and follows their path from young subversives to countercultural heroes. Featuring fresh, revealing interviews with key collaborators as well as a wealth of rarely-seen archival footage, this is a bold new take on the most significant band in the history of music and their enduring impact on popular culture.

Western Stars
★ 7.0
Western Stars2019Music · Documentary

The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.

Becoming Led Zeppelin
★ 7.4
Becoming Led Zeppelin2025Music · Documentary

The individual journeys of the four members of the band, as they move through the music scene of the 1960s, playing small clubs throughout Britain and performing some of the biggest hits of the era, until their meeting in the summer of 1968 for a rehearsal that changes their lives forever.

Howard
★ 6.8
Howard2018Music · Documentary

Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family, friends, associates, and longtime partner Bill Lauch, Howard is an intimate tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent and a rousing celebration of musical storytelling itself.

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
★ 7.8
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan2005Music · Documentary

A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.

Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special
★ 7.1
Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special2026Music · Documentary

Filmed in front of a live studio audience and hosted by Alex Cooper of 'Call Her Daddy' fame, Miley Cyrus reflects on the creation and impact of the series with never-before-seen archival footage, all the while interacting and reminiscing on some of the show's most memorable sets 'brought back to life' — including the Stewart family living room and the legendary Hannah Montana closet.

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne
★ 7.9
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne2011Music · Documentary

Featuring never before seen footage uncovered from the archives and interviews with Paul McCartney, Tommy Lee and others, God Bless Ozzy Osbourne is the first documentary to take viewers inside the complex mind of rock's great icon.

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger
★ 6.9
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger2026Music · Documentary

Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.

Live Aid
★ 7.8
Live Aid1985Music · Documentary

Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"

That's Entertainment! III
★ 7.1
That's Entertainment! III1994Music · Documentary

Some of MGM's musical stars review the studio's history of musicals. From The Hollywood Revue of 1929 to Brigadoon, from the first musical talkies to Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain.

Adele One Night Only
★ 7.7
Adele One Night Only2021Music · Documentary

A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey from her rose garden, in Adele’s first televised wide-ranging conversation.

Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions
★ 8.4
Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions2020Music · Documentary

An intimate concert film, in which Taylor Swift performs each song from her album 'folklore' in order, as she reveals the meaning and the stories behind all 17 tracks for the very first time.

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)
★ 8.5
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)2026Music · Documentary

Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.

Thriller 40
★ 8.7
Thriller 402023Music · Documentary

Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.

Justin Bieber's Believe
★ 6.9
Justin Bieber's Believe2013Music · Documentary

A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

Pavarotti
★ 7.3
Pavarotti2019Music · Documentary

Featuring never-before-seen footage, concert performances and intimate interviews, filmmaker Ron Howard examines the life and career of famed opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

It Might Get Loud
★ 7.2
It Might Get Loud2008Music · Documentary

A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.

Similar titles

Levon Helm: Ramble At The Ryman
Not rated
Levon Helm: Ramble At The Ryman2009Music

2008 Concert by Levon Helm at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Renga Nek: 2023
Not rated
Renga Nek: 20232023Music

Francesco Gabbani: Finalmente a Casa
Not rated
Francesco Gabbani: Finalmente a Casa2023Music

A Brief History of Time
★ 7.2
A Brief History of Time1991Documentary

Partly adapted from cosmologist Stephen Hawking's popular book about his theories of the universe, this in-depth documentary also presents Hawking's daily life as he deals with the ALS that renders him virtually immobile and unable to speak without the use of a computer. Hawking's friends, family, former classmates and peers are interviewed about not only his theories but the man himself.

Sedna
★ 4.0
Sedna2014Documentary

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Miroslav Vitouš – jazzová legenda2017Music · Documentary

Mi Vida Me Pasa
Not rated
Mi Vida Me Pasa2024Music · Documentary

Arturo Urbiola, independent singer/songwriter, talks about the influence music has had on his life, it's impact, and what's in store for his artistic career after becoming a father.

Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
★ 7.0
Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain2021Documentary

An intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how an anonymous chef became a world-renowned cultural icon. This unflinching look at Anthony Bourdain reverberates with his presence, in his own voice and in the way he indelibly impacted the world around him.

Marduk: Blackcrowned
Not rated
Marduk: Blackcrowned2005Music

La Génération Salut les copains
★ 8.0
La Génération Salut les copains2019Music · Documentary

Mon Clown
★ 7.0
Mon Clown2008Documentary

Documentary from French TV channel Canal+ about Marion Cotillard's road to the Oscar for her performance as French singer Édith Piaf in the 2007 film 'La Vie en Rose', also featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the film.

Kirk Douglas: Before I Forget
★ 7.3
Kirk Douglas: Before I Forget2009Documentary

Kirk Douglas recounts his remarkable life in a celebrated one-man theater performance augmented with rare film highlights. He shares memories of family, marriages, other Hollywood greats, breaking the blacklist and his life-altering stroke – all with honesty and humor.

The Cat Empire: Live in Berlin
Not rated
The Cat Empire: Live in Berlin2019Music

Velvet Goldmine
★ 6.9
Velvet Goldmine1998Music

Almost a decade since larger-than-life glam-rock enigma Brian Slade disappeared from public eye, an investigative journalist is on assignment to uncover the truth behind his former idol.

Behind the Crime: Killer Ex-Boyfriend
Not rated
Behind the Crime: Killer Ex-Boyfriend2023Documentary

Dive into the case of a Wisconsin father, convicted of brutally murdering his ex-lover's new partner - a man whose body was never found.

Terminal 1 : Air, Phoenix et Étienne de Crécy
★ 10.0
Terminal 1 : Air, Phoenix et Étienne de Crécy2024Music

Tangerine Dream - Live in Lisbon
Not rated
Tangerine Dream - Live in Lisbon2010Music

25th March, 2010, 9:30 pm. TD entered the stage of the beautiful big Coliseum theatre in the middle of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. After a very strange live cello quartet performance followed by a suddenly ’wiped out’ opening with Linda playing an outstanding grand piano solo, you´ll hear what TD stands for after more than four decades: the style, the sound, the compositions. Here – once more – you can witness why this band is original and incomparable – just ´in it´ for the art of timeless music

Tangerine Dream - Live at the Tempodrome Berlin
Not rated
Tangerine Dream - Live at the Tempodrome Berlin2006Music

"This concert video shot at one of the most exciting venues in Germany will bring back memories to the strange years of experimental sounds & music in the early seventies up to todays' world of digital perfection. Tangerine Dream now at their 40th anniversary had always a critical as well as popular recognition. Being provocative and fairly succesful at the same time had given them an alltime controversial image. They've always taken the freedom of choice to travel on as many musical roads as they wanted to -- without losing their integrity and identity. Enjoy three hours of instrumental music performed by one of the most creative bands of our time."

Bringing Godzilla Down to Size: The Art of Japanese Special Effects
★ 8.5
Bringing Godzilla Down to Size: The Art of Japanese Special Effects2008Documentary

A look at the unrecognized work of the talented artists and craftsmen who've maintained the tradition of Japanese special-effects. Highlighted is Yasuyuki Inoue along with various crew members who crafted meticulously detailed miniatures and risked life and limb as suit actors. All done to bring to life some of film's most iconic monsters through a distinct Japanese artform.

Father Michael McGivney
Not rated
Father Michael McGivney2008Documentary

Father Michael McGivney is a documentary that brings to life the story of one of America's most extraordinary Catholic priests. Born in Connecticut of Irish immigrant parents just a few years before the Civil War, Michael McGivney grew up at a time when millions of Catholic immigrants were struggling to overcome poverty and prejudice. As a parish priest in the gritty New England manufacturing town of New Haven, he made a deep impact on his community, earning the respect of the Protestant establishment and the love of his parishioners at St. Mary's Church. Emboldened to care for families threatened by the death of the breadwinner, Fr. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, a mutual benefit society that today remains the world's largest Catholic lay organization with 1.8 million members in 13 nations. This film offers a rare glimpse into the life of an extraordinary priest and visionary leader. (Released 2014)

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.