In Theaters and Digital

While most of you were tucked away in theaters fending off giant reptiles and soaring with the Man of Steel over the last few weeks, something wonderful was happening in home theaters as HBO Max debuted Part One of Billy Joel: And So It Goes, a heartfelt and deeply engaging two-part documentary that offers an intimate and comprehensive look at the life and career of one of music’s most enduring icons. With its rich storytelling, rare archival footage, and candid interviews, the film is a must-watch for fans of Billy Joel and anyone else who appreciates the transformative power of music.

There's something magical about watching an artist's life unfold through their own words and rare, unseen footage. Billy Joel: And So It Goes delivers exactly that kind of intimacy, offering us an unprecedented look into the mind and heart of one of America's most beloved singer-songwriters.

Produced by Tom Hanks, this two-part documentary doesn't just chronicle Joel's six-decade career—it reveals the man behind the piano, the stories behind the songs, and the complex autobiography written in melody and verse. From his Long Island roots to his status as a six-time GRAMMY winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, the film presents a portrait that's both expansive and deeply personal.

What makes the film particularly compelling is how the filmmakers divide Joel's story into pivotal segments that shaped both his character and his craft. Part 1, debuting on July 18, takes us through his formative years, exploring how his upbringing on Long Island—marked notably by his father's absence—laid the foundation for the emotional depth we hear in his music.

The filmmakers don't shy away from the complexities that defined Joel's early career. We witness his journey through his first bands, the meteoric rise to fame, and his tumultuous marriage to Elizabeth Weber, followed by their eventual divorce. These aren't just biographical details; they are the source of raw material that would become some of his most memorable songs.

Through exclusive, in-depth interviews with Joel himself, we gain insight into how life events directly influenced his songwriting. Revealed in Part One are the origin stories behind chart-toppers such as “Piano Man,” born from a contract dispute with his record company, “Just the Way You Are,” and “She’s Always a Woman to Me,” odes to his first love.

Credit also goes to the documentary archivists who unearthed rare and previously unseen footage and interviews. Their dedication pays off spectacularly, giving us access to never-before-seen performances, candid home movies, and personal photographs that paint a vivid picture of Joel's world.

In a powerful revelation, the documentary explores how music didn't just define Joel’s career or sculpt his legacy — it quite literally saved his life. The film delves into the hidden complexities beneath the public persona, showing how songwriting became both mirror and salvation for a man navigating fame, relationships, and personal demons. Following multiple attempts at taking his own life, Joel tells the camera, “Music saved my life. It gave me a reason to live.”

Billy Joel: And So It Goes succeeds mainly because it treats its subject with the complexity he deserves. Rather than offering up a sanitized version of celebrity, it presents Joel as a multifaceted artist whose greatest songs emerged from his deepest struggles and most profound joys.

For anyone who has ever wondered about the stories behind the songs that soundtrack our lives, this documentary provides answers that are both totally engaging and deeply satisfying. It's a musical journey worth taking, offering proof that the best art often comes from the most complicated lives.

Part Two will debut July 25 on HBO Max.

MPAA Rating: TV-MA.
Runtime: 147 mins
Director: 
Writer: 
Cast: Billy Joel; Elizabeth Weber; Jon Small
Genre: Music | Documentary
Tagline: And So it Goes
Memorable Movie Quote: "Music saved my life. It gave me a reason to live."
Distributor: HBO Max
Official Site:
Release Date: July 18, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Showcases an extensive look at Billy Joel's life and music career, featuring exclusive interviews, performances, home movies, and personal photographs.