Big news for music lovers and pop culture enthusiasts alike: Netflix is officially diving deep into the world of Phil Collins, the iconic drummer, singer, and songwriter whose music has transcended generations. The streaming giant announced that it will release a brand-new documentary titled In the Air Tonight: The Phil Collins Story in 2026 — and from what we know so far, it’s going to be nothing short of epic.
Whether you’ve air-drummed to “In the Air Tonight,” danced to “Sussudio,” or wept through “Against All Odds,” this documentary promises to bring all the emotion, drama, and triumphs of Collins’ storied career to the screen. Here’s everything we know so far about what is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated music documentaries.
A LEGEND IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Few artists have had the kind of career Phil Collins has enjoyed. From his early days as the drummer—and later frontman—of progressive rock legends Genesis, to his massively successful solo career in the ’80s and ’90s, Collins has sold over 150 million records worldwide. His unmistakable voice, emotional songwriting, and pioneering drum sounds have earned him numerous Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and even a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite his success, Collins has often remained a relatively private figure. That’s set to change with this documentary.
Netflix has described In the Air Tonight as a “raw, revealing, and emotionally powerful” look into the life and career of one of music’s most enduring figures. The film will not only cover his artistic achievements but also explore the personal challenges that shaped his journey—including his battles with health issues, multiple divorces, and the struggle to reconcile fame with family life.
A TEAM OF AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKERS BEHIND THE CAMERA
The documentary is being helmed by BAFTA-winning director Asif Kapadia, best known for his powerful and intimate portrayals of celebrities in films such as Amy (about Amy Winehouse) and Senna (about Formula One legend Ayrton Senna). Kapadia’s involvement suggests the documentary will be as emotionally gripping as it is sonically rich.
In a statement, Kapadia said:
“Phil Collins is more than a pop icon—he’s a symbol of resilience, creativity, and vulnerability. With In the Air Tonight, we want to go beyond the music and explore the man behind the hits.”
Netflix is producing the film in collaboration with Concord Originals and Collins’ own management team, with full access to never-before-seen archival footage, personal home videos, and exclusive interviews.
A CAREER WORTH DOCUMENTING
The documentary promises to trace the entire arc of Collins’ musical journey:
- Genesis Years: From joining Genesis in 1970 as a drummer to taking over lead vocals after Peter Gabriel’s departure, Collins helped transform the band from a niche progressive rock outfit into a global stadium powerhouse. Expect rare footage from early tours, studio sessions, and insights into the complex dynamics within the band.
- Solo Stardom: Collins’ solo career exploded in the 1980s with a string of chart-topping hits like “In the Air Tonight,” “One More Night,” and “Another Day in Paradise.” The film will delve into the creative process behind these anthems, including how personal heartbreaks and global issues influenced his songwriting.
- Soundtracks and Awards: Who can forget “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s Tarzan, which won him an Oscar and introduced his music to a new generation? The documentary will explore how Collins seamlessly transitioned from rock charts to Hollywood acclaim.
- Health Struggles and Retirement: In recent years, Collins has faced a number of health issues, including nerve damage and spinal problems that have impacted his ability to play drums. After announcing a retirement in the early 2000s, he made a surprise return to touring in the 2010s with his “Not Dead Yet” tour — a name that speaks volumes about his enduring spirit.
- Family and Reflection: The film is also expected to touch on his role as a father, especially his relationship with his son Nic Collins, who has taken up the drumsticks for his father’s recent tours.
️ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS & CELEBRITY CAMEOS
In the Air Tonight will feature brand-new interviews with Phil Collins himself, along with appearances by fellow Genesis bandmates Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. Additional commentary from longtime collaborators, producers, and music critics will round out the narrative.
There are also rumors (unconfirmed as of now) that other major artists influenced by Collins — such as Adele, Questlove, and Dave Grohl — will make appearances, either through interviews or tribute performances. Given Collins’ wide influence on genres ranging from hip-hop to pop to progressive rock, don’t be surprised if the film includes some big names.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
Netflix has not confirmed an exact release date yet, but In the Air Tonight: The Phil Collins Story is slated for a global release in mid-2026. It will be available exclusively on Netflix, with potential plans for a limited theatrical release or festival screenings ahead of its streaming debut.
This fits in with Netflix’s growing investment in music documentaries. Recent hits like Miss Americana (Taylor Swift), Homecoming (Beyoncé), and The Defiant Ones (Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine) have proven there’s a strong appetite for compelling, music-driven stories.
FAN REACTIONS ALREADY POURING IN
Even though the documentary is still nearly a year away, fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“Phil Collins finally getting the Netflix treatment? I’ve waited my whole life for this!! ”
Another fan posted:
“I hope they talk about his drumming, not just the pop hits. The man is a percussion legend.”
With Gen Z rediscovering ’80s and ’90s icons through streaming, this documentary could reignite interest in Collins’ discography for a whole new generation. In fact, since the announcement, streams of “In the Air Tonight” on Spotify have reportedly seen a 20% uptick in just 48 hours.
WHY THIS MATTERS
At a time when the music industry often feels dominated by short-lived trends and viral hits, Phil Collins represents an era of lasting artistry and raw emotional connection. His songs have been used in films, television, memes, and even viral drum challenge videos on TikTok. He’s both timeless and timely — and In the Air Tonight could finally give his legacy the in-depth, heartfelt treatment it deserves.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re a die-hard Genesis fan, a sucker for ‘80s ballads, or just someone who appreciates great storytelling, In the Air Tonight: The Phil Collins Story is shaping up to be one of the must-watch documentaries of 2026.
So mark your calendars, prep your playlists, and maybe get a tissue or two ready — because when Phil Collins opens up about his life and music, you can bet it’s going to hit you right in the feels.
Stay tuned to this space for updates, exclusive previews, and behind-the-scenes insights as we count down to the premiere.
What Phil Collins song do you hope they spotlight in the documentary? Let us know in the comments!
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