Babo: The Haftbefehl Story

With “Babo: The Haftbefehl Story”, Netflix presents a raw and unfiltered portrait of one of Germany’s most influential rappers. Haftbefehl, born Aykut Anhan, opens up like never before, showing that behind the “Babo” persona is a man who had to fight, fall, and rebuild himself.

The film follows him over two years – through high-rises, hotel rooms, studios, and moments of crisis. It’s not a glossy artist portrait or a redemption story, but an honest look at a life shaped by fame, pain, and survival. From his childhood in Offenbach and the early death of his father to his rise with the 2013 hit “Chabos wissen, wer der Babo ist”, the documentary traces the path of an artist who came from the streets and transformed the sound and language of a generation.

It’s also deeply personal. Haftbefehl’s wife speaks openly about the strain that fame and addiction placed on their family. His brothers reflect on their shared past, their father’s struggles, and the environment that shaped them. Friends, collaborators, and fellow artists — including Marteria, Jan Delay, Kool Savas, and others — give insight into his impact on German rap culture and his unique way of translating life experience into art.

The story goes beyond music. It touches on addiction, depression, and the pressure to live up to an image that often became a cage. Haftbefehl’s honesty gives the film its strength – there’s no filter, no performance, just a human being confronting himself.

Babo shows that authenticity isn’t about attitude or slang. It’s about truth. Haftbefehl has always been a reflection of social reality — migration, poverty, identity, loyalty. The documentary makes it clear that his language isn’t posturing; it’s lived experience, a mix of cultures and codes that tell the story of where he comes from.

Some critics say the film focuses too heavily on his downfall instead of his artistry, but that’s what makes it hit harder. It doesn’t glorify, it doesn’t explain — it simply shows. The camera stays on when things get dark, and that’s where its power lies.

For me personally the story hit deep. It’s brutally honest, raw, and full of goosebump moments. You feel the weight of every word and understand where his music really comes from – the pain, the chaos, the heart. It made me see Haftbefehl in a completely new light. Behind Hafti Abi is a person who’s been through hell and somehow turned it into art. I came out of it with even more respect for him, and his music suddenly makes more sense than ever.

Babo: The Haftbefehl Story is now streaming on Netflix. It immediately hit #1 in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland.