I Used to Be Famous (2022)
Film · Comedy, Drama, Music
Stream itif you enjoy earnest, music-led dramas that trade cynicism for genuine emotional connection and sincerity.
A tender and musically-driven drama that finds its rhythm in the chemistry between its two leads. While it hits familiar underdog story beats, its sincerity and focus on neurodiversity make it an inspiring and heartwarming choice.
What it is about
A former boy band star unexpectedly gets a second shot at success when he forms a bond with a gifted young drummer.
Trailer
What I Used to Be Famous is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
The film unfolds with a gentle, rhythmic pace, mirroring the improvisational street music at its heart. It balances the faded glitz of past pop stardom with the raw, unpolished energy of a new collaboration. The intensity is low, focusing more on the quiet friction of two different worlds colliding than on high-stakes industry drama. It feels lived-in and intimate, prioritising character growth over flashy set pieces or rapid-fire comedy.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is ideal for viewers who appreciate stories about redemption and the therapeutic power of art. It specifically caters to those looking for positive neurodiverse representation, as the bond between the leads is handled with visible care. However, you should skip it if you are tired of predictable underdog tropes. A potential caveat is that it follows a very familiar narrative arc, rarely surprising you with its plot progression.
The right evening for it
It suits a quiet evening when you want something life-affirming but grounded. It is a solid choice for a rainy Sunday afternoon or a low-key night in.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
Featurette
Featurette · Life On Set As A Neurodivergent Actor | Netflix
How I Used to Be Famous leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
You will likely come away feeling warm and quietly moved. It leaves a lingering sense of optimism about the possibility of second chances and the healing nature of friendship.
How I Used to Be Famous ends
Spoilers. The whole ending, in a few lines. Nothing shows until you ask and then confirm.
The film ends with Vince feeling alienated by his new recording contract, particularly when the producers replace Stevie's drumming with electronic beats. Rejecting the solo path he once craved, he organises a surprise performance for The Tin Men at the market to celebrate Stevie's birthday. When Stevie and Amber arrive, Vince invites his friend onto the stage to play. A large crowd gathers and cheers for the duo, and Amber, seeing her son flourish, joins in the celebration.
This resolution settles the conflict between Vince’s ambition and his loyalty to Stevie. It confirms that Vince has prioritised their genuine musical connection and Stevie’s needs over the hollow fame of a solo career, while Amber finally accepts her son's potential to perform in front of a crowd.
Summarised by our AI from the plot section of the Wikipedia article, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. This summary is shared under the same licence.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
Sing Street (2016)
the same infectious joy found through amateur musical collaboration
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
a similar focus on an unlikely bond involving neurodiverse characters
Begin Again (2013)
the shared theme of finding professional redemption through raw, street-level music
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More clips
Featurette · Iconic '90s/'00s Popstars - What Happens When Fame Fades | I Used To Be Famous
I Used to Be Famous soundtrack
Music by David M Saunders
I Used to Be Famous (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film)
Cast of I Used To Be Famous · 2022 · 9 tracks
Listen on Apple Music- 1They're Calling Our Name · Ed Skrein
- 2House of the Rising Sun · Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous
- 3Feel the Change · Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous
- 4Brothers · David M Saunders
- 5It Would Be Everything · Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous
- 6What a Wonderful World · Aiyana Goodfellow
- 7Young and Free · Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous
- 8I Used to Be Famous · David M Saunders
- 9Second Chances · David M Saunders
Album and songs from Apple Music.
Questions people ask
- Is I Used to Be Famous a feel-good film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Feel-Good. A tender and musically-driven drama that finds its rhythm in the chemistry between its two leads. While it hits familiar underdog story beats, its sincerity and focus on neurodiversity make it an inspiring and heartwarming choice.
- How long is I Used to Be Famous?
- I Used to Be Famous runs 104 min and was released in 2022.
- Where can I watch I Used to Be Famous in Australia?
- In Australia, I Used to Be Famous is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Where can I watch I Used to Be Famous in the UK?
- In the UK, I Used to Be Famous is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Who composed the music for I Used to Be Famous?
- The music for I Used to Be Famous is by David M Saunders. The soundtrack album, I Used to Be Famous (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), has 9 tracks.
- What songs are on the I Used to Be Famous soundtrack?
- I Used to Be Famous (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) has 9 tracks, including “They're Calling Our Name” by Ed Skrein, “House of the Rising Sun” by Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous, “Feel the Change” by Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous, “Brothers” by David M Saunders and “It Would Be Everything” by Ed Skrein, Leo Long & Cast of I Used To Be Famous, and more. It is on Apple Music.
- Is I Used to Be Famous worth watching?
- Stream it: if you enjoy earnest, music-led dramas that trade cynicism for genuine emotional connection and sincerity. IMDb users rate it 6.6 out of 10 from 12,040 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 89% and TMDB users 6.9.
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