Celebrate Tina Turner's Life and Legacy With These Iconic Films and Documentaries

Published on 5/25/2023 at 5:30 PM

People all over the world are mourning the death of Tina Turner, famously referred to as the "Queen of Rock and Roll," who died on May 24. Turner, known for her decades-long, extensive music career, as well as her electrifying, bold, and fearless persona, started singing professionally in the late 1950s with Ike Turner and his band, Kings of Rhythm, per The New York Times. The two married in 1962, and Kings of Rhythm evolved into the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, which later became known for hits like "River Deep — Mountain High" and "Proud Mary." Tina's marriage to Ike was tumultuous and abusive, and in July 1976, she filed for divorce.

It would be nearly seven years before Tina's solo career would take off, but by 1984, she signed with Capitol Records and recorded the album "Private Dancer," which launched her back into the spotlight. The album included smash hits like "Private Dancer," "Better Be Good to Me," and "What's Love Got to Do With It" and once again cemented Tina as one of the greatest artists of all time.

Throughout her time with Ike and her solo career, Tina was the recipient of multiple awards and accolades, including Grammys and American Music Awards, as well as the star of a few movies and subject of documentaries. If you want to remember the Queen of Rock and Roll's iconic moments on screen, here are some films and documentaries you can watch.

"What's Love Got to Do With It"

The biopic starring Angela Bassett as Tina centers on the singer's professional career with Ike Turner, her abusive and tumultuous marriage to him, and her legendary comeback as a solo artist. Bassett was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe for best actress for her dynamic portrayal of Tina.

"What's Love Got to Do With It" is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Vudu.

"Tina"

HBO's documentary "Tina" uses archival footage of Tina's career with Ike in the 1960s and 1970s, her personal life, and her booming solo career in the 1980s and beyond to tell her incredible story. "Tina" intimately examines the highs and lows of the singer's life with interviews from Tina herself and people like Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

Watch "Tina" now on Max.

"Ike & Tina on the Road: 1971-72"

Using footage from 1971 and 1972, photographer Bob Gruen (known for capturing images of rock artists like John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John) recorded the life and career of the couple on tour between 1971 and 1972. In a 2012 interview with The Tina Turner Blog, Gruen explained the significance of capturing Ike and Tina, saying, "It is amazing, because it's the only footage that is available that shows them as they are. Since we got to know them personally, we were filming more than just the shows: we were filming them in the airports and on the planes and we went to California for a while. Ike & Tina recording in the studio, Tina at home frying up dinner for the kids, Ike rehearsing the band. It shows them in a really intimate way."

"Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome"

Outside of her music career, Tina is arguably known for her stellar portrayal of Aunty Entity in "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome." The 1985 film, starring Mel Gibson, follows Max Rockatansky (Gibson) as he stumbles upon Bartertown, a trading-post town. While in Bartertown, Max encounters a group of children who've been looking for help to rebel against the town's ruthless founder and ruler, Aunty Entity (Tina).

"Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.

"Last Action Hero"

After Danny Madigan's father suddenly passes away, he finds comfort in watching action movies with Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a fictional Los Angeles police officer. When a movie-theater owner gives Danny a golden ticket to see Jack's latest movie, "Jack Slater IV," he's transported into the movie's world and bonds with his hero, but a villain named Benedict is after Danny to get the golden ticket and enter the real world. In the film, Tina appears in "Jack Slater III" as the mayor of LA.

Watch "Last Action Hero" now on Netflix.