Stop Making Sense
“Why stop making sense? Why a movie? Why a big suit? Where do the odd movements come from? What will the band do next?”
A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.
Where to watch Stop Making Sense in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Stop Making Sense there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Stop Making Sense streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Australia | Foxtel Now, Stan, DocPlay, DocPlay Amazon Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Spain | Movistar Plus+, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total , Filmin | Rakuten TV |
| Japan | U-NEXT, Plus GAGA Amazon Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| South Korea | Watcha, TVING | — |
About Stop Making Sense
Stop Making Sense is a 1984 English-language documentary and music film directed by Jonathan Demme. The cast is led by David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison. It has a runtime of 1h 28m. Viewers rate it 8.3/10 across 400 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Stop Making Sense was produced by Talking Heads Films and Arnold Stiefel Company and made in United States of America. It was released on October 19, 1984, and carries a PG certification. Made on a budget of about $1 million, it went on to gross $12 million worldwide.
- Director
- Jonathan Demme
- Writers
- Jonathan Demme
- Release date
- October 19, 1984
- OTT release
- May 3, 2024
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $1 million
- Box office
- $12 million
- Production
- Talking Heads Films, Arnold Stiefel Company
Stop Making Sense cast & crew
Stop Making Sense was directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Jonathan Demme.
The cast features David Byrne as Self - Vocals, Guitar, Chris Frantz as Self - Drums, Vocals, Jerry Harrison as Self - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, Tina Weymouth as Self - Bass, Percussion, Vocals, Ednah Holt as Self - Backing Vocals, and Lynn Mabry as Self - Backing Vocals.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Jerry Harrison, cinematography is by Jordan Cronenweth, and it was produced by Gary Kurfirst and Gary Goetzman.
Is Stop Making Sense worth watching?
Stop Making Sense holds an audience score of 8.3/10 from 368 ratings, ranking it among the most acclaimed documentary films.
At 1h 28m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy documentary and music, Stop Making Sense is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Stop Making Sense
Stop Making Sense isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
It first became available to stream digitally on May 3, 2024.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
Your rating and review are saved privately in this browser — no account needed.
Cast of Stop Making Sense
David Byrne
Self - Vocals, Guitar
Chris Frantz
Self - Drums, Vocals
Jerry Harrison
Self - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Tina Weymouth
Self - Bass, Percussion, Vocals
Ednah Holt
Self - Backing Vocals
Lynn Mabry
Self - Backing Vocals
Steven Scales
Self - Percussion
Alex Weir
Self - Guitar, Vocals
Bernie Worrell
Self - Keyboards
Stop Making Sense — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Stop Making Sense in United States?
Stop Making Sense is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is Stop Making Sense in?
Stop Making Sense is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, French. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Stop Making Sense?
Stop Making Sense runs 1 hours 28 minutes (88 minutes).
▸What is Stop Making Sense rated?
Stop Making Sense is rated PG. It holds a 8.3/10 audience score from 368 ratings.
▸When did Stop Making Sense release on OTT?
Stop Making Sense became available digitally on May 3, 2024.
More like Stop Making Sense
