Best Music Documentaries: Music Stories Untold
The world of music is one that most people are enchanted by, and one that has a variety of layers to it. With music documentaries, we get the opportunity to get an informative peek behind the curtain of the industry.
Whether it be the processes behind your favourite album, the person behind the persona, the life and career of your favourite artist, or disastorous concerts, documentaries are a great way to learn more about music.
1. No Direction Home (2005)
With legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese directing a documentary about the iconic Bob Dylan, No Direction Home is definitely worth a watch. Although, its four hour running time will mostly appeal to fans of Dylan. Packed with unseen footage, eye-opening interviews, unreleased songs, and snippets from performances, No Way Home offers an amazing insight into the earlier stages of Dylan’s career.
👉 Watch No Direction Home on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy No Direction Home as DVD on Amazon
2. Amy (2015)
Amy offers an insight into the tragic downfall of the gifted Amy Winehouse. What makes it so heartbreaking to watch is that it shows how the people closest to her as well as the media pushed her further into her addiction. Clips of her budding talent as a child to her trying to escape thunderstorms of paparazzi serve as a cautionary tale for how exploitative the entertainment industry can be.
3. Dave Chapelle’s Block Party (2005)
If you’re interested in rap and comedy, this documentary is certainly worth a watch. Comic Dave Chappelle packs a bus with residents from his hometown in Ohio and brings them to a free rap show. Among other incredible artists, the show features performances from The Fugees, Kanye West, Mos Def, and Eryka Badu. As well as quality performances from musicians in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Chappelle’s humour is always on point and true to his brand.
👉 Watch Dave Chapelle’s Block Party on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Dave Chapelle’s Block Party as DVD on Amazon
4. Amazing Grace (2018)
Filmed over two days at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, footage of Aretha Franklin recording Amazing Grace was released in the form of a documentary 36 years later. The footage shows the making of the best selling gospel album of all time as Franklin sings her heart out in front of an awe-struck crowd.
👉 Watch Amazing Grace on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Amazing Grace as DVD on Amazon
5. Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (2021)
Usually, artists don’t get documentaries made about them until late in their careers. However, after starting her career when she was just 13 and gaining 141 nominations by 17, the story of Billie Eilish is worth being told. The documentary follows her life as a teenager at home, a musician recording a life-changing album at the studio, and a superstar onstage. R.J. Cutler’s documentary offers deeply personal insights that shed light on her music.
Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (2021) on Wikipedia
6. Woodstock (1970)
Woodstock follows one of the most iconic events in the 20th century in real-time. With 500,000 people gathering at the three-day music festival in 1969, Woodstock defined the summer of love belonging to the “hippie” generation. The documentary shows nearly four hour long footage of the event, with performances, interviews with musicians, and footage of the mass gathering of fans. With food shortages and medical emergencies, the documentary doesn’t shy away from the uglier parts of Woodstock.
👉 Watch Woodstock on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Woodstock as DVD on Amazon
7. Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99 (2022)
The new Netflix docuseries explores the revival of Woodstock 1969, which proved to be a spectacular failure. The attempt at recreating the dreamy idealism of the original Woodstock resulted in a nightmare of riots, drug overdoses, arson, and sexual assaults. Instead of a crowd of hippies, a crowd of aggressive, frat boy types dominated. The docuseries builds up tension excellently up until the very moment before the disaster. Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99 and Woodstock (1970) would make a great pair to binge on a rainy day.
Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99 (2022) on Factual America
8. Tina (2021)
With a five decade long career filled with hits and rock ‘n’ roll classics, a Tina Turner documentary is what any music lover needs. Tina explores the legend’s career and life, showing both the highs and lows with touching insights. Turner discusses her struggles, such as her abusive relationship with Ike Turner, as well as her successes as a musician. The documentary is an insightful and touching goodbye from Turner as she retires from music.
9. 20 Feet From Stardom (2013)
While it’s always great to get insights into a superstar’s life and career, the underdogs can have equally interesting stories. 20 Feet From Stardom gives the spotlight to back-up singers like Lisa Fischer and Merry Clayton, exploring their careers and lives. Serving backup vocals for musicians like Dolly parton, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and Beyonce, these vocalists finally get the attention they deserve. In genres like soul and rhythm-and-blues, backup vocals are what can make a song amazing.
👉 Watch 20 Feet From Stardom on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy 20 Feet From Stardom as DVD on Amazon
10. Miss Americana (2020)
With personas ranging from the “sweet, good girl” to the “crazy-ex”, Taylor Swift - like most musicians - avoided showing her true self to the public. In Miss Americana, Swift shows the true side of herself, discussing the difficulties of always having to tune her image due to criticisms from the public. Emmy Award winning director Lana Wilson captures offstage and onstage footage of Swift as she discusses her new found independence and security.
Miss Americana (2020) on Wikipedia
11. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019)
This documentary follows Beyoncé's iconic Coachella performance in 2018. Not only does it showcase her incredible talent and showmanship, but it also highlights the perseverance and dedication that goes into putting together a show of that magnitude. The documentary also touches on important themes such as celebrating Black culture and the challenges that Black women face in the entertainment industry.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé on IMDb
12. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Directed by Penelope Spheeris, this documentary takes a deep dive into the punk rock scene in Los Angeles during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features interviews and performances from some of the biggest bands of the time, including Black Flag, X, and Circle Jerks. The film is a raw and unfiltered look at a music scene that was both exciting and dangerous.
👉 Watch The Decline of Western Civilization on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Decline of Western Civilization as DVD on Amazon
13. Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
This documentary is a must-see for Nirvana fans and music lovers alike. It provides an intimate look at Kurt Cobain's life through home videos, interviews with his family and friends, and never-before-seen footage. It explores Cobain's complicated relationship with fame, his struggles with addiction and mental health, and his legacy as one of the most important figures in music history.
👉 Watch Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck as DVD on Amazon
14. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? (2020)
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the Bee Gees, one of the most successful bands of all time. It features interviews with surviving band members Barry Gibb and Maurice Gibb, as well as archival footage of their late brother Robin Gibb. The film explores the band's incredible success in the 1970s, their subsequent decline in popularity, and their enduring legacy.
👉 Watch The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? as DVD on Amazon
15. Don't Look Back (1967)
This documentary follows Bob Dylan on his 1965 tour of England. It captures some of his most iconic performances, including his famous "Subterranean Homesick Blues" music video. The film also showcases Dylan's unique personality and his complicated relationship with the media. It's a fascinating look at one of the most influential musicians of all time.
👉 Watch Don't Look Back on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Don't Look Back as DVD on Amazon Prime
16. Sign O' the Times (1987)
Directed by and featuring Prince, this concert film captures Prince at the height of his powers. It features performances from his 1987 "Sign O' the Times" tour, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the band. The film is a testament to Prince's incredible talent as a musician and performer.
👉 Watch Sign O' the Times on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Sign O' the Times as DVD on Amazon
17. Moonage Daydream (2022)
This recent documentary is sure to be a hit with David Bowie fans. It explores Bowie's life and career, from his early days as a struggling musician to his status as a cultural icon. It features interviews with Bowie's family and friends, as well as archival footage of his most iconic performances. The film promises to be a fitting tribute to one of the most innovative and influential artists of all time.
👉 Watch Moonage Daydream on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Moonage Daydream as DVD on Amazon
18. Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman (2023)
If you're a U2 fan, you won't want to miss this one. This documentary takes you on a journey through the history of U2 and the city that inspired them - Dublin. Featuring interviews with Bono and The Edge, as well as rare footage and performances, this documentary is a must-watch for any music lover.
Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with Dave Letterman on IMDb
19. Little Richard: I Am Everything (2023)
The self-proclaimed "architect of rock and roll" left behind an unparalleled legacy when he passed away in 2020. This documentary celebrates his life, music, and impact on the world of rock and roll. Through interviews with Little Richard himself, as well as other musicians who were influenced by him, such as Keith Richards and Bootsy Collins, this documentary pays tribute to one of the most charismatic and influential figures in music history.
👉 Watch Little Richard: I Am Everything on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Little Richard: I Am Everything as DVD on Amazon
20. Meet Me in the Bathroom (2022)
New York in the 2000s was a hotbed of creative energy and cultural revolution, and this documentary captures the essence of the era perfectly. Focusing on the rise of indie rock scene in New York, Meet Me in the Bathroom features interviews with some of the most important figures of the time, including The Strokes, Interpol, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you're a fan of indie rock, this documentary is a must-watch.
👉 Watch Meet Me in the Bathroom on Amazon Prime
21. Samsara (2011)
This may not be a traditional music documentary, but it offers a mind-blowing audio-visual experience that will take you on a voyage through different cultures, landscapes, and music styles. Featuring a mesmerizing soundtrack that blends traditional and modern music from all over the world, Samsara is a masterpiece of cinematography that will leave you speechless.
👉 Watch Samsara on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Samsara as DVD on Amazon
22. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
This documentary follows the story of Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit-based folk musician who, despite producing two critically acclaimed albums in the early seventies, failed to gain any recognition in the US. Unbeknownst to him, his music became an underground phenomenon in South Africa, where he was considered a superstar. The documentary explores Rodriguez's journey, his impact on the South African anti-apartheid movement, and his eventual rediscovery by a new generation of fans.
👉 Watch Searching for Sugar Man on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Searching for Sugar Man as DVD on Amazon
23. Without Getting Killed or Caught
This documentary chronicles the tumultuous relationship between the legendary singer-songwriter Guy Clark, his wife, and his best friend - both of whom were songwriters as well. Through archival footage and interviews with the people who knew him best, this documentary delves into the creative process of Clark and the way his music reflected his personal life.
Without Getting Killed or Caught on Factual America
24. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2018)
Although not strictly a music documentary, Fyre is a cautionary tale about the power of social media and the dangers of unchecked hubris. It tells the story of the infamous Fyre Festival, a luxury music festival that went spectacularly wrong due to poor planning and management. Featuring interviews with the organizers, participants, and workers involved, this documentary is a fascinating look at how hype and buzz can sometimes blind us to the truth.
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened on IMDb
25. Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now (2023)
This documentary follows the Scottish singer-songwriter as he creates his second album during the COVID-19 pandemic. The raw and emotional footage offers a unique insight into the mind of Capaldi as he navigates the challenges of lockdown and isolation. The documentary provides a fascinating look at the creative process behind making an album and offers hope to anyone struggling with their mental health.
Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now on IMDb
26. Spector (2022)
Directed by John Cameron Mitchell, this Netflix documentary tells the story of the iconic producer Phil Spector. It explores his rise to fame in the 60s, his collaborations with artists like The Beatles and Tina Turner, and his eventual downfall following the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. The documentary offers a compelling look into the darker side of the music industry and the impact it can have on those within it.
👉 Watch Spector on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Spector as DVD on Amazon
27. Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool
This documentary, directed by Stanley Nelson, explores the life and career of the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. Drawing on never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with those who knew him, the film offers a fascinating look at the man behind the music. It covers Davis's early life in St. Louis, his rise to fame, and his impact on the jazz scene.
👉 Watch Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool as DVD on Amazon
28. Fatboy Slim: Right Here, Right Now
This documentary offers an exclusive look at the life of one of the most popular electronic dance music artists, Fatboy Slim. The documentary focuses on the iconic performance at Brighton Beach, which attracted over a quarter-million people in 2002. It's an energetic and entertaining film that offers insight into the world of electronic dance music.
Fatboy Slim: Right Here, Right Now on Factual America
29. Daft Punk Unchained
This documentary tells the incredible story of the French electronic duo, Daft Punk. Directed by Hervé Martin-Delpierre, it explores their rise to fame in the mid-90s, their influence on the genre, and their decision to walk away from the industry following their 2014 Grammy win. The documentary features interviews with collaborators and artists, including Kanye West and Nile Rodgers.
👉 Watch Daft Punk Unchained on Amazon Prime
30. Underground Inc: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock (2019)
This documentary, directed by Shaun Katz, explores the rise and fall of alternative rock in the 90s. It covers the impact of grunge, the role of Nirvana, and the rise of bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. The documentary offers an interesting look at the cultural significance of alternative rock and how it has impacted music to this day.
Underground Inc: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock on Factual America
Conclusion
Music documentaries have the power to transport us to different worlds and teach us about the people who make the music we love. Whether you're a fan of Beyoncé, Nirvana, or the Bee Gees, there's a music documentary out there for you. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be amazed.
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