After a short but buzzy four-day theatrical run on AMC screens, Stans is ready to take its story from the big screen to living rooms everywhere. Paramount+ has set an August 26th, 2025 streaming debut for the acclaimed music documentary, giving Eminem fans and curious music lovers a chance to dive deep into one of the most fascinating artist–fan relationships in modern music history.
Directed by Steven Leckart, Stans draws inspiration from one of the most unconventional and culturally significant rap tracks ever released. Eminem’s 2000 hit “Stan” not only topped charts in 12 countries but also cemented its place in music lore, earning a spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs list and inspiring the now-ubiquitous term “stan” — officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
A Story Told From Both Sides Of The Mic
In Leckart’s words, the creative team kept returning to one lyric from the original song: “I’m just like you”. That sentiment runs through the film’s narrative, which blends dramatic recreations, archival footage, and candid interviews with fans who have mirrored that connection for decades. The documentary doesn’t just explore Eminem’s career milestones — it examines how his artistry has shaped, and been shaped by, the people who’ve stood by him from the underground battles to global superstardom.
Eminem himself plays a central role, offering what Leckart describes as “candid, sincere, and frequently hilarious” reflections. The film also nods to the original “Stan” music video — a pop culture moment in its own right — which starred Devon Sawa and earned five MTV Video Music Award nominations.
Critics Are Listening — And They’re Impressed
After premiering at SXSW London earlier this year, Stans quickly garnered praise from critics, earning a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers highlighted the documentary’s ability to capture both the mythos of Eminem and the deeply personal stories of the fans who see themselves in his music.
Joining A Stacked Music Doc Lineup
When Stans hits Paramount+, it will sit alongside an already impressive roster of music documentaries, including Cameron Crowe’s Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party, Madam X (Madonna), BITCHIN’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James, Nothing Compares (Sinead O’Connor), and The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie. It’s a lineup that has made the streamer a go-to hub for viewers who want more than just the hits — they want the stories behind them.
The Legacy Lives On
For some, Stans will be a nostalgic look back at an artist who shaped their adolescence. For others, it’s a fresh introduction to the global phenomenon that is Eminem. But for the real-life “stans” featured in the film, it’s a moment to see their passion immortalized. And starting August 26th, that moment will be just a play button away.
