Netflix has officially announced the upcoming release of Outlaw’s Anthem: The David Allan Coe Story, a powerful documentary chronicling the wild, raw, and unapologetic life of one of country music’s most polarizing legends. Set to premiere globally on November 12, 2025, the film promises an unflinching look at the man who helped define the “Outlaw Country” movement — both through his rebellious music and tumultuous personal journey.
David Allan Coe, known for his gravel-voiced anthems like “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “Longhaired Redneck”, and “The Ride”, is no stranger to controversy. But behind the rough exterior lies a deeply complex songwriter whose life was shaped by prison time, personal loss, and an unrelenting desire to speak truth through music. The documentary will dive into Coe’s roots, his influence on modern country music, and the gritty path he walked to stardom.
Featured in the film are Matthew McConaughey, portraying Coe in dramatic reenactments, and Sam Elliott as the voiceover narrator, bringing an authentic Southern gravitas to the storytelling. The project also includes commentary and appearances from Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Jamey Johnson, and Coes’ own son Tyler Mahan Coe, creator of the acclaimed “Cocaine & Rhinestones” podcast.
Outlaw’s Anthem will showcase rare archival footage, never-before-seen home recordings, and candid interviews with those who knew Coe personally and professionally. From his early days in reform schools and Ohio State Penitentiary to his rise on Nashville stages, the film explores how Coe’s troubled upbringing and fierce independence fueled his music — often clashing with the industry’s expectations and political correctness.
The soundtrack is set to feature remastered versions of Coe’s most iconic tracks, including “If That Ain’t Country”, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, and “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)”. Modern artists like Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks, and Lainey Wilson have also contributed covers and tributes that will debut exclusively in the film, further bridging the gap between outlaw legends and today’s country revivalists.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from controversy — addressing Coe’s explicit albums, his critics, and his battles with record labels. But it also highlights the introspective artist who wrote songs recorded by Tanya Tucker and Johnny Cash, and who carved out a legacy on his own terms, often misunderstood by the mainstream but revered by hardcore country fans.
With Outlaw’s Anthem: The David Allan Coe Story, Netflix aims to present not just the myth of a rebel, but the man behind the outlaw — flawed, fearless, and fiercely original. As the countdown begins to its November 12 release, country music fans and cultural historians alike are bracing for what may be one of the most revealing music documentaries of the decade.
