GRAMMY®-Nominated DEVO Documentary Celebrates the Band That Changed Everything

Now streaming globally as a Netflix Original, and nominated for a GRAMMY® Award for Best Music Film, DEVO is a fast-moving, wildly inventive documentary that captures the fearless spirit of one of the most influential bands of the modern era. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chris Smith, the film traces DEVO’s journey from art-school provocateurs to cultural visionaries, blending rare archival footage, candid interviews, and the band’s unmistakable sense of humor. Packed with striking visuals and sharp commentary, the documentary celebrates DEVO’s ability to challenge norms, question authority, and turn satire into something unforgettable.

Through never-before-seen material and reflections from founding members Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald Casale, the film explores how DEVO’s concept of “De-Evolution” emerged from the political and social unrest of the late 1960s and grew into a prophetic commentary on modern life. From their early days as Kent State University art students to their pioneering role in shaping the MTV era, DEVO highlights a career defined by constant reinvention, boundary-pushing performances, and music that feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago.

Formed in 1973 in Akron, Ohio, DEVO is a seminal New Wave band whose fusion of punk, electronics, performance art, and sharp social critique set them apart from the start. Led by the creative partnership of Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, the group became known for their bold visual identity, forward-thinking sound, and iconic songs that left a lasting mark on pop culture. Over five decades, DEVO’s influence has echoed across generations of artists, solidifying their legacy as innovators who reshaped how music, art, and ideas could collide.

Find out more about the GRAMMY®-nominated DEVO documentary now on Netflix.

REVIEWS

“A zippy, zany, whip(it)-smart documentary.”

—IndieWire

"Filmmaker Chris Smith's look back at the New Wave band is a mix of commentary, irony, kitschy collages, and oddball optimism — in other words, it's maximum Devo."

—Rolling Stone

"For Devo fans, it’s 90 minutes of irresistible pop history and dazzlingly edited

surrealist audio-visual candy."

—Variety