8 Child Star Documentaries That Will Change How You See Hollywood

8 Child Star Documentaries That Will Change How You See Hollywood

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the documentaries that pulled back the curtains on what it's like to grow up under the harsh spotlight of Hollywood, as experienced by the child stars who went through it.

#8: “Hollywood's Children” (1982)

Way before most entries on this list—almost half a century earlier—filmmakers Suzette Winter and Gene Feldman tackled the ugly truth behind child stardom. Their 1982 documentary peeled back the glittery curtain on Hollywood’s golden age, revealing the reality for young actors wasn’t so golden. Child labor, exploitation, and misconduct by adults ran rampant. At the time, it might have seemed like these issues belonged to the past. However, as we know now, this documentary uncovered the troubling foundation of an industry that often still struggles to protect its young talent. It’s heartbreaking to think that, despite its powerful message, it wasn’t enough to protect future generations from similar struggles.

#7: “Showbiz Kids” (2020)

Directed by Alex Winter (best known for the “Bill & Ted” movies), this documentary features stories from child stars like Mara Wilson, Wil Wheaton, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cameron Boyce, and more. It explores the personal experiences of these actors, revealing the reality behind Hollywood’s glamour. Instead of a dream life, they faced intense pressures, mistreatment, and mental health struggles. The film also shows how being a child star continues to affect them into adulthood, including how easily the industry discards them once they no longer fit its expectations. By sharing these stories, the documentary challenges the romanticized view of Hollywood, giving an important reality check on fame’s darker side.

#6: “Gary” (2024)

While many child star documentaries explore shared experiences among celebrities, this one focuses solely on Gary Coleman, famous for his role as Arnold Jackson in “Diff’rent Strokes.” Even though it’s about one person, Coleman’s story includes many familiar encounters: adults who took advantage of him, millions of dollars that went missing, and the pressure to be perfect. The film also reveals how Coleman’s “cute” appearance, loved by fans, was actually due to medication he had been taking for a health condition that later affected his career in adulthood. It also highlights the struggles Coleman and his “Diff’rent Strokes” co-stars faced growing up. You’ll never watch the show the same way again.

#5: “Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter” (2024)

Following the 2024 documentary “Quiet on Set,” Investigation Discovery and Max teamed up to look into the controversies surrounding the Carter brothers, especially Nick. The film discusses their tough upbringing and the struggles of younger brother Aaron, whose substance use disorder and mental health challenges are believed to have contributed to his tragic death in 2022. It also examines the brothers’ strained relationship in recent years, especially after Aaron voiced support for Nick’s accusers. Notably, Nick reportedly declined to be interviewed for this documentary. Ultimately, producer Michael Hirschorn wanted to shed light on the dangers of cyber harassment and the toxic side of fan culture that often refuses to hold idols accountable.

#4: “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” (2023)

Shields made her breakthrough in 1978’s “Pretty Baby,” where, at just 11 years old, she was asked to do things that seem unimaginable today. This documentary takes its title from the film and examines the sexualization of young women in the spotlight, highlighting how the entertainment industry upholds harmful and misogynistic norms. While it centers on Shields’ experiences, she hopes to bring attention to an issue that hasn’t improved much since her youth. The film skillfully connects her showbiz timeline with public perceptions and her feelings at each stage. Shields opens up about feeling silenced, her tough relationship with her mother and manager, and other painful career moments with the hope of getting people talking.

#3: “Kid 90” (2021)

Throughout much of the '90s, Soleil Moon Frye, best known for her role as Punky Brewster, kept video records of her life in the spotlight. Now, those clips have helped her share her story alongside those of other young talent and the memories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Featuring interviews with fellow child stars, the documentary provides one of the most candid insights into the life of child actors. It shows kids who really just want to be kids while revealing a world far from carefree glitz and glamour. It’s an almost totally unfiltered look at being a child star; few documentaries are as raw as this one.

#2: “Child Star” (2024)

This documentary begins with a group of kids sharing their thoughts on what fame means. While they provide some interesting insights, the message is clear: the world of showbiz is not suitable for developing minds. The focus then shifts to Demi Lovato, who interviews other child stars like Raven-Symoné, Alyson Stoner, Kenan Thompson, Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, and Jojo Siwa. It centers on the well-being of young stars and how the industry often fails to protect its talent. By taking a cross-generational approach, it shows how some problems have changed while many remain the same. It also raises questions about how social media creates new challenges for a new generation of stars.

#1: “Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV” (2004)

By the time “Quiet on Set” was released, we already had a sense of the issues surrounding child stars. However, hearing their personal stories of exploitation, mental health struggles, and the pressures of fame hits hard. This documentary challenges the shiny image often linked to stardom, inviting viewers to reflect on the real costs behind the spotlight. It also addresses systemic problems like cyber harassment and toxic fan culture, which can protect certain people from facing consequences. By sharing these honest and often painful stories, “Quiet on Set” encourages empathy and opens up important conversations about the need for a more compassionate and protective industry for its young talent.

Which child star documentary had the biggest impact on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!