Verdict:Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.6/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Music, Documentary, History genre.
Answer: Yes, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Music movies.
It features a runtime of 117 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 2021, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) enters the Music genre with a narrative focused on During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture, and promoting Black pride and unity. Under the direction of Questlove, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Stevie Wonder. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) offers a visually stunning presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) resonates with current cultural themes in the Music space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of early 2026, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is available for streaming on Disney Plus. It is also featured on platforms like Hulu. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) centers on a unique premise within the Music landscape. During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture, and promoting Black pride and unity. The footage from the festival sat in a basement, unseen for over 50 years, keeping this incredible event in America's history lost — until now. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2021 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021): with an audience rating of 7.6/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Music, Documentary, History cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $3,696,069 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Disney Plus
Hulu
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTubeAmazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTube
Fandango At HomeAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.6/10, and global collection metrics, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Music, Documentary, History movies.
Yes, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Music, Documentary, History cinema.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Disney Plus, Hulu depending on your region.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.6/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Music, Documentary, History movies.
Yes, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Music, Documentary, History cinema.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Disney Plus, Hulu depending on your region.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a Music, Documentary, History movie that follows: During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture, and promoting Black pride and unity. The footage from th...
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is classified as Music, Documentary, History. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture, and promoting Black pride and unity. The footage from the festival sat in a basement, unseen for over 50 years, keeping this incredible event in America's history lost — until now.
The times, they were a’changin’ in the summer of 1969, with many turning to music as a vehicle to help them express their feelings on important social and political issues. The most famous music festival of all time, Woodstock, has seen its concert footage shown the world over. That same year in New York, over 300,000 people attended the predominantly African-American concert series known as the Harlem Cultural Festival. The filmed performances of some of the most important artists in black music history sat in a basement for five decades, only to finally be seen in “Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” a documentary by first-time director Ahmir-Khalib “Questlove” Thompson. This concert film is a cultural and historical treasure trove of American music that shines a light on black art and culture in the late Sixties. For those who are seeking a well-rounded music education, this film is a must-see. The documentary makes extensive use of the never-before-seen footage, often letting the musical performances speak for themselves. Thompson weaves file footage and interviews with festival artists and attendees that share their stories on African-American popular culture. You can tell just how important the Harlem Culture Festival was to everyone involved, and some of the best clips in the film are shots of the faces in the crowds, all of them radiating pure joy. Clocking in at two hours, the film could stand a little editing. Since he is a musician himself, I understand Thompson’s tendency to include as much of every single performance as possible, but the film suffers because of it and drags on a bit too long. But just as my interest would wane, I’d get drawn back in almost as quickly with an enthralling anecdote from the likes of Jesse Jackson or Marilyn McCoo, or a moving performance from talents like Mavis Staples and Mahalia Jackson. “Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” is a stunning historical record that captures a moment in time when the stories of black America weren’t always told, and it lifts up their voices in the process.
In 1969, besides Woodstock, there was also an unknown Summer of Soul Festival in New York. More specifically, in Harlem. If you're a music buff (I am), this is a must-see film. It includes amazing performances that we would otherwise not have seen. Eclipsed by Woodstock, the recordings found no takers at the time and sat in a basement for 50 years. Unearthed by Questlove, and interlaced with pertinent interviews, the music speaks for film.