Can I stream This Is the Life or do I have to rent it in the United States?

We have not confirmed a subscription, rental, or purchase option for This Is the Life in the United States.

Can I watch This Is the Life for free in the United States?

We have not confirmed a free option for This Is the Life in the United States.

Movie

Where to Watch This Is the Life (2008) in the US

2008
1h 37m
6.9IMDb

Documentary

We have not confirmed a streaming, rental, or purchase option for This Is the Life in the United States.

Watch options

US CA GB AU

We have not confirmed a streaming, rental, or purchase option for this title in this country yet. Availability is rechecked regularly and this page updates as soon as one appears.

Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission. Prices may change. Check the provider for current pricing. Details.

Availability last checked Oct 2, 2026.

Report a wrong listing

What it's about

In 1989, a collective of young artists gathered at a non-descript health food store in gang-infested South Central Los Angeles. Their mandate? To explore the musical boundaries of hip hop and reject gangster rap. THIS IS THE LIFE chronicles the rise and fall of this "family" of African-American street poets, while examining their obstacles to commercial success. They all took different paths but remain connected by the music they made, the alternative hip hop movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the art form.

Cast and crew

Director: Ava DuVernay
Writer: Ava DuVernay
Starring: 2Mex, Chali 2na, Cut Chemist

Details

Release date: Feb 9, 2008
Language: English
Country: United States
Awards: 5 wins & 1 nomination