This documentary explores the legacy of the iconic Apollo Theater, celebrating its 85-year history and its continued relevance. Archival footage of past performances is interwoven with recent live events and insightful interviews featuring music legends like Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx. The film also chronicles a new production of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me, showcasing the Apollo’s enduring commitment to amplifying Black voices and celebrating African American achievement.
Does The Apollo have end credit scenes?
No!
The Apollo does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of The Apollo, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Jamie Foxx
Self
Angela Bassett
Self
James Brown
Self
Pharrell Williams
Aretha Franklin
Self
Charles 'Honi' Coles
Self
Cholly Atkins
Self
Duke Ellington
Self
Ella Fitzgerald
Self
Florence Ballard
Self
Patti LaBelle
Redd Foxx
Self
Savion Glover
Self
Shirley Chisholm
Self
Smokey Robinson
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Self
The Edwards Sisters
Themselves
Discover where to watch The Apollo online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic.
See how The Apollo is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Apollo stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
The Apollo delivers a richly textured documentary that celebrates a historic music venue with both visual flair and emotional depth. Critics praise its seamless blend of archival and modern footage; the layered soundtrack earns acclaim for integrating iconic performances. Personal testimonies offer poignant reflections on community impact; occasional narrative unevenness introduces minor pacing concerns. Overall, the film stands as a compelling tribute to a cultural institution.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Apollo
Art & Craft
In terms of cinematography and film craft, The Apollo excels at merging archival footage with contemporary scenes to create a cohesive visual narrative. Critics highlight the skillful blending of archival, interviewed, and modern-day material without feeling overstuffed or disjointed. Observations note the film’s measured editing and illustrative direction that capture the venue’s storied atmosphere. The film’s polished visual approach provides a refined tribute to its subject.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character and emotional resonance, the documentary captures varied personal accounts that illuminate the Apollo’s cultural significance. Interviews with staff and musicians convey heartfelt memories and communal pride, while users emphasize the stories as priceless reflections of an enduring institution. The film effectively balances joyous recollections and poignant testimonials to evoke a strong sense of connection. These contributions yield a compelling emotional core throughout the narrative.
Story & Flow
Regarding story coherence and pacing, the film presents a largely engaging historical overview that occasionally falters in its chronological transitions. Critics note uneven examination of cultural shifts amid a decade-spanning narrative, yet many commend the expert structuring of key milestones. The focus on community impact further deepens the contextual narrative without feeling rushed. Overall, the presentation remains informative and absorbing despite minor structural inconsistencies.
Sensory Experience
In terms of sensory experience, the documentary offers a richly layered soundtrack and cohesive visual style that underscore its subject matter. Positive remarks highlight decades-spanning music integration and meticulous sound design that brings performances to life. Viewers cite the immersive audio-visual blend as a standout feature, with archival footage and modern production elements enhancing atmospheric depth. This sensory composition is both vibrant and enveloping, amplifying the film’s emotional impact.
Rewatch Factor
For rewatch factor, The Apollo provides enduring appeal through its cultural insights but may feel repetitive upon subsequent viewings. The engaging historical content and emotive moments sustain interest, while the breadth of interview material offers continued depth on repeat watches. However, the somewhat scattered structure and pacing fluctuations can diminish novelty over time. Overall, the film retains value but offers moderate enjoyment on subsequent viewings.
77
Metascore
4.8
User Score
96%
TOMATOMETER
86%
User Score
6.8 /10
IMDb Rating
65
%
User Score
3.5
From 1 fan rating
Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Apollo. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.
Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.
Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.