24 Hour Party People (2002)

In the pulsating heart of Manchester in 1976, a blend of music, ambition, and cultural revolution is brewing. "24 Hour Party People" is a semi-fictional depiction of the iconic transformation of the city's alternative music scene, as seen through the eyes of Tony Wilson, a Cambridge-educated, Granada TV presenter turned musical maverick, played with kinetic energy by Steve Coogan. Following a formative encounter with a Sex Pistols gig, a spark of inspiration ignites within him, leading to the birth of a record label, Factory Records, and the creation of the legendary dance club, The Haçienda. The narrative dances through sixteen vibrant years, as Wilson, along with his eclectic band of friends, sign groundbreaking artists like Joy Division, who later metamorphose into New Order, James, and the Happy Mondays. These seminal artists become the pulsating heartbeat of their era, their music echoing through the halls of the world-renowned Haçienda, a club as iconic as Studio 54. Wilson's tale is a heady cocktail of music, sex, drugs, and larger-than-life characters, all set against the backdrop of the dynamic Mad-chester scene from the late 70's to the early 90's. The film cleverly breaks the fourth wall, pulling the audience into the whirlwind of rock 'n' roll revolution, even as it charts the highs and lows of Wilson's personal relationships and his slightly narcissistic belief in his own name as a catalyst for success. However, beneath the exhilarating surface, Wilson's quest is more than just the creation of a music empire. It’s an experiment centered on the end product rather than the business, a commitment to his vision which could be the making or breaking of his dreams. "24 Hour Party People" masterfully captures this epic journey, painting a vivid picture of an era and a city that danced to its own beat, making it the place in the world you'd most want to be.

24 Hour Party People is a comedy movie featuring Steve Coogan.

24 Hour Party People is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy and Pluto TV and it's also available on Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy 24 Hour Party People on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.