The Fearless Freaks (2005): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2005, The Fearless Freaks is a music and documentary film directed by Bradley Beesley, running about 100 minutes.

What it’s about. Equal parts punk and psychedelia, the Flaming Lips emerged from Oklahoma City as one of the most bracing bands of the late 1980s. The Fearless Freaks documents their rise from Butthole Surfers-imitating noisemakers to grand poobahs of orchestral pop masterpieces. Filmmaker Bradley Beesely had the good fortune of living in the same neighborhood as lead Lip Wayne Coyne, who quickly enlisted his buddy to document his band's many concerts and assorted exploits. The early footage is a riot, with tragic hair styles on proud display as the boys attempt to cover up their lack of natural talent with sheer volume. During one show, they even have a friend bring a motorcycle on stage, which is then miked for sound and revved throughout the performance, clearing the club with toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Great punk rock stuff. Interspersed among the live bits are interviews with the band's family and friends, revealing the often tragic circumstances of their childhoods and early career.

Who’s in it. The Fearless Freaks stars Steven Drozd as Himself, Bradley Beesley as Narrator, Steve Burns as Himself and Dolly Coyne as Herself, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, The Fearless Freaks has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Fearless Freaks page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Fearless Freaks tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.