The thunder of drums, the echo of rebellion, and the relentless drive of one man who helped redefine rock music — Netflix has just announced “Metallica: The Lars Ulrich Story,” a powerful new documentary that offers an intimate, unfiltered look into the life and legacy of the band’s legendary drummer and co-founder.
Set for global release in Spring 2026, the film promises to be a deep dive into the mind of one of the most polarizing and influential figures in heavy metal history. From his fiery spirit to his unmatched determination, The Lars Ulrich Story will chronicle the journey of the man who helped turn Metallica from a garage band into one of the greatest rock acts the world has ever seen.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund, known for his work with both Metallica and Madonna, the documentary combines decades of archival footage, never-before-seen home videos, and new, candid interviews with bandmates James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo — as well as rock icons, producers, and family members who’ve witnessed Ulrich’s evolution firsthand.
“This isn’t just about the music,” Åkerlund explained in a statement. “It’s about a man who built something larger than life — and the price he paid to keep it alive.”
Lars Ulrich’s story is one of ambition, controversy, and transformation. Born in Gentofte, Denmark, in 1963, the son of tennis star Torben Ulrich, Lars moved to California as a teenager with dreams of playing drums. His passion for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal led him to post a fateful newspaper ad in 1981 that connected him with a young James Hetfield. That single meeting birthed Metallica — and changed the landscape of music forever.
The documentary traces his journey from those early, raw days to the global success that followed. Viewers will witness the struggles behind Metallica’s groundbreaking albums — from Kill ’Em All and Master of Puppets to …And Justice for All and the self-titled Black Album, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide. It will also delve into the personal toll of fame, creative conflict, and reinvention.
In one emotional segment, Lars reflects on the loss of bassist Cliff Burton, describing it as the moment that “tore the soul out of Metallica but made us fight harder than ever.” Another scene reveals never-before-shared footage of the band’s 2004 therapy sessions during the filming of Some Kind of Monster, offering a vulnerable glimpse into their struggle to stay together.
Netflix promises a raw portrayal — not just of the rock star, but of the man behind the drums. The film will explore Lars’s battles with burnout, criticism, and the infamous Napster controversy, which made him both a hero and a villain in the eyes of fans. Yet through it all, the documentary celebrates his unyielding belief in the power of music to connect and to endure.
“I’ve made mistakes, sure,” Ulrich admits in one of the trailer’s most powerful quotes. “But every beat I’ve played, every fight I’ve had — it all came from love. Love for this band. Love for the fans. Love for the noise.”
Netflix executives are calling the documentary one of their most ambitious music projects yet, part of a growing lineup that explores the lives of legendary artists. The platform’s previous successes, such as Beckham and The Greatest Night in Pop, have set the bar high, but insiders say The Lars Ulrich Story will be unlike anything fans have seen before.
Early reactions from the rock community have been explosive. Dave Grohl, Slash, and Corey Taylor are among the artists interviewed in the film, each reflecting on Ulrich’s lasting impact on music, performance, and perseverance.
“Say what you want about Lars,” Grohl says in the film, “but the man never stopped believing in rock and roll — even when everyone else said it was dead.”
For Metallica fans, The Lars Ulrich Story is more than a documentary — it’s a celebration of passion, persistence, and the pulse that drives generations of musicians.