The Definitive List: Every Film About Tina Turner And Her Final, Untold Story
As of December 22, 2025, the cinematic legacy of the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," Tina Turner, is defined by two monumental, yet vastly different, films that capture her extraordinary life: the definitive 1993 biopic and her powerful, self-directed final documentary. Following her passing, fans and new audiences alike are revisiting the screen portrayals that immortalized her journey from Anna Mae Bullock to a global icon, revealing the trauma, resilience, and ultimate triumph of a superstar who simply refused to be broken.
While the 1993 feature film remains the most famous narrative, the 2021 documentary, *Tina*, stands as the essential, most recent, and final word on her story, offering a raw, intimate look at her life and her attempt to finally gain closure from the public retelling of her abuse. This article breaks down every major film about Tina Turner, the key figures involved, and the continuing 2024/2025 updates to her on-screen legacy, ensuring you have the freshest, most comprehensive guide to her cinematic world.
The Life of the Queen: Tina Turner’s Complete Biography Profile
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, was a force of nature whose life story is as compelling as her music. She transcended barriers of race, gender, and abuse to become one of the most successful and resilient artists in music history. Her biography is a testament to survival and reinvention.
- Full Name: Anna Mae Bullock
- Born: November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, U.S.
- Died: May 24, 2023, in Küsnacht, Switzerland
- Nicknames: The "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll"
- Key Era: Rose to fame in the 1960s with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, achieved massive solo success in the 1980s.
- Marriages: Ike Turner (1962–1978), Erwin Bach (2013–2023)
- Children: Four sons (two biological, two adopted)
- Awards & Honors: Eight Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), Kennedy Center Honors (2005), two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with Ike Turner in 1991 and as a solo artist in 2021).
- Citizenship: Renounced her U.S. citizenship in 2013 after gaining Swiss citizenship.
- Autobiographies: *I, Tina* (1986) and *My Love Story* (2018).
What's Love Got to Do with It (1993): The Iconic Biopic
The 1993 biographical film *What's Love Got to Do with It* remains the most widely recognized narrative of Tina Turner's life. Based on her 1986 autobiography *I, Tina*, the film masterfully chronicled her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner and her eventual, triumphant escape and solo career comeback.
The film was a critical and commercial success, cementing the public's perception of Tina Turner as a symbol of resilience. It is a powerful, yet often difficult, watch due to its unflinching depiction of domestic violence and abuse she suffered at the hands of Ike Turner.
Key Facts About the 1993 Film
- Director: Brian Gibson
- Starring: Angela Bassett as Tina Turner and Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner.
- Accolades: Both Bassett and Fishburne received Academy Award nominations for their powerful performances. Bassett won a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
- Tina Turner’s Involvement: While the film was based on her book, Tina Turner has expressed mixed feelings about the film, particularly the constant retelling of the abusive chapters of her life.
- Impact: The film's title, taken from her 1984 hit song, became synonymous with her story of empowerment.
Angela Bassett's portrayal is often cited as one of the greatest performances in a musical biopic, capturing Tina's explosive stage energy and her quiet inner strength.
Tina (2021): Her Final Word and Quest for Closure
The most important and recent film about the superstar is the 2021 documentary, *Tina*. Released on HBO, this film is considered the definitive, final statement from Tina Turner herself, as it was made with her full cooperation and involvement shortly before her death.
Directed by Dan Lindsay and T. J. Martin, the documentary delves deep into her personal life and career, but its central theme is Tina's desire for closure. She wanted the documentary to be the last time she would have to discuss the trauma of her past with Ike Turner, hoping to shift the focus back to her monumental solo career and her happy later life with Erwin Bach.
Why the 2021 Documentary is Essential Viewing
- Intimate Access: The film includes extensive interviews with Tina Turner, her husband Erwin Bach, Oprah Winfrey, and Angela Bassett.
- The Narrative of Closure: It highlights the emotional toll the 1993 biopic and subsequent interviews took on her, forcing her to constantly relive the abuse. The documentary serves as her attempt to "put the past to rest."
- Focus on the Comeback: *Tina* provides a comprehensive look at her incredible 1980s resurgence, particularly the success of the album *Private Dancer* and the single "What's Love Got to Do with It."
- The End of the Story: It covers her later life in Switzerland, her health struggles, and her ultimate happiness, offering a complete picture of her journey.
For those seeking the most current and personal insight into her mind, the 2021 documentary *Tina* is the essential companion piece to the 1993 biopic.
Beyond the Biopic: Tina Turner’s Other Major Film Roles and Legacy
Tina Turner was not only the subject of films but was also a notable actress who brought her powerful presence to several major motion pictures. Her filmography, though brief, includes iconic performances that showcased her theatrical flair and commanding screen presence.
Key Film Appearances by Tina Turner
Her acting career featured roles that leveraged her unique star power, ranging from rock opera to post-apocalyptic action:
- *Tommy* (1975): Tina Turner delivered a memorable performance as the Acid Queen in Ken Russell’s film adaptation of The Who’s rock opera. This role was a significant early cinematic moment for her.
- *Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome* (1985): Arguably her most famous acting role, she starred as the villainous Aunty Entity opposite Mel Gibson. She also contributed two songs to the soundtrack, including the hit "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)."
- *GoldenEye* (1995): Although she did not appear in the film, her massive hit song "GoldenEye" served as the theme song for the James Bond movie, further cementing her status as a global powerhouse.
The Enduring Stage and Screen Legacy (2024/2025 Updates)
While no new film projects have been announced since her death, the legacy of Tina Turner continues to thrive on stage. *TINA – The Tina Turner Musical*, which is based on her life and career and was produced in association with the star, continues to tour and run in major cities worldwide.
As of late 2024 and early 2025, the musical is still announcing new casting for its West End and touring productions, ensuring that her story, music, and indomitable spirit are constantly being celebrated for a new generation of fans.
From the harrowing reality of *What's Love Got to Do with It* to the redemptive finality of *Tina*, the films about Tina Turner offer a complete cinematic look at a life that truly was "Simply the Best."
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