Long Strange Trip

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2:30

Long Strange Trip

R

2017

3h 58m

Documentary

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

32 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Emerging from the Bay Area's vibrant 1960s counterculture, the Grateful Dead were a motley crew whose unique sound sprang from an eclectic blend of influences: bluegrass, folk ballads, R&B, free-form jazz, classical and jug band.

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Critics Consensus

Like the Grateful Dead's best music, this documentary justifies its expansive running time -- and offers audiences a Long Strange Trip that's well worth taking.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

06/08/2017

There's something to be said for getting lost in a four-hour movie, set adrift from the traditional markers of time, so that by the film's conclusion, you feel like you've been on a journey too.

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Matthew Gilbert

Boston Globe

05/31/2017

It tells the story beautifully, organically, and, by the end, tenderly, as it moves through six thematic "acts."

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Julia Raeside

Guardian

05/26/2017

I'm glad I persisted. It begins as a standard, if meticulous rock doc... But the film seeks the key to the band's magic -- what elevated them from a group of musicians who toured endlessly into a US phenomenon inspiring cult-like devotion.

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Victor Stiff

Goomba Stomp

03/30/2020

[Long Strange Trip] unravels a tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll that doesn't come off as cliché, cloying, or hagiographic.

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Thrillist Entertainment Staff

Thrillist

11/28/2018

Love 'em or hate 'em, when someone goes this deep, you can't help but feel absorbed.

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Christopher Campbell

Thrillist

02/09/2018

Compelling whether you care about the band or not, the film provides a historical understanding of the Dead and of the fan base rather than just a case for their enjoyment.

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Pete B

@RT37223507 03/25/2025

Even if you’re not a Deadhead, this is an epic ride. The Grateful Dead’s journey was just insane—so much improvisation, creativity, and pure vibe. The old footage is awesome, and the stories from the band and crew are legendary.

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06/27/2021

I enjoyed the inside look into the life of Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead band as they journeyed from the 60's into today with the most on stage performances

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03/17/2021

Early in the first episode here. Kind of hate hearing cliche old baby boomers lecturing me about the "wild 60s."

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Demetris A

@RT47166951 04/10/2020

Fucking A . . .are u kidding me... I'm speechless dummies .

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07/22/2019

I didn't know them, now i'm a fan. I don't watch a lot of docs, but this one is special.

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08/12/2017

Great documentary about one of my all time favorites. Yes I'm a little biased on the subject matter. Well done

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Amir Bar-Lev

Director

Bob Weir

Self

Bill Kreutzmann

Self

Phil Lesh

Self

Mickey Hart

Self

Ken Dornstein

Producer

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Long Strange Trip: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Emerging from the Bay Area's vibrant 1960s counterculture, the Grateful Dead were a motley crew whose unique sound sprang from an eclectic blend of influences: bluegrass, folk ballads, R&B, free-form jazz, classical and jug band.

Director: Amir Bar-Lev
Producer: Ken Dornstein, Eric Eisner, Nick Koskoff, Justin Kreutzmann
Distributor: Amazon Studios
Production Co: Amazon Studios, Double E Pictures, Sikelia Productions
Rating: R (Drug Content Throughout|Some Graphic Nudity|Language)
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 26, 2017, Limited
Runtime: 3h 58m