The 11 Best Music Documentaries Ever Made
Music documentaries are having a moment. In the last month, talking heads (as opposed to Talking Heads) have been philosophizing about the power of “yacht rock” on the Max, while Disney+ has released another Beatles movie (produced by Martin Scorsese, no less). A good music document can reveal the stories behind the music we love, placing it in a broader cultural context.
But which documentaries reach the top of the charts? I’ve put together a list of 11 (yes, that’s a Spinal Tap reference) music documentaries that will blow your speakers and maybe your mind. For the purposes of this list, I’m not counting concert films, mainly because there aren’t many ways to talk about how good Gimme Shelter and Stop Making Sense are.
Don’t Look Back (1967)
This chronicle of Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England is not only considered one of the best music documentaries ever made, but also influenced the music documentary genre itself. It makes extensive use of cinema vérité filmmaking and features what many consider to be the first music video: a scene in which the singer-songwriter turns over cards marked with various lyrics from his song “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” However, the best aspect of the film is how reporters and fans try to denounce Dylan, but he shuts them down with his caustic wit. Watch it on the Max and Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video .
Velvet Metro (2021)
Todd Haynes is no stranger to making music-themed films, having attempted to capture the sexual freedom of the glam rock scene in Velvet Goldmine and the many sides of Bob Dylan in I’m Not There . However, the documentary format proved to be the perfect vehicle to tell the story of the Velvet Underground, a highly influential proto-punk band whose music and lyrics perfectly captured the avant-garde art scene of the late ’60s. That’s not to say Haynes doesn’t add his own twist to the band’s story, using split-screen techniques to emulate the sights and sounds of the version of New York in which Lou Reed and his bandmates emerged. Keep the volume up when you watch this document. Watch it on Apple TV+ .
Ornette: Made in America (1985)
Director Shirley Clarke’s stunning portrait of free jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman moves as quickly as one of the musician’s works. Taking inspiration from the film-vérité style first used in Don’t Look Back , Clarke takes this approach to new heights. Through a collage of dramatic scenes, performance footage, music videos and interviews, the film paints a vivid picture of a man who seemingly found inspiration in the most unlikely places, from Buckminster Fuller’s architecture to poetry. Watch it on the Criterion Channel or Kanopy, or rent it from Prime Video .
Marley (2012)
If you can’t get enough of the recent biopic about the reggae legend, this documentary paints a much better portrait of the music icon. Through rare concert recordings, news clips and interviews with those who knew Bob Marley best, director Kevin Macdonald paints an enigmatic portrait of an artist who never wavered in his belief that music could bring others together, even when crime tore apart his home. on the island. Watch or rent it on Prime Video .
Finding Sugarman (2012)
Sixto Rodriguez, a singer-songwriter from Detroit, had a music career that never really got off the ground, even after releasing two well-received albums. However, unbeknownst to him, his songs have been covered and sampled by other musicians for decades. His work even became the soundtrack to the revolution in apartheid-era South Africa, where he was more popular than Elvis, according to an award-winning documentary. The story of his rediscovery unfolds as a gripping musical mystery, captivating audiences and leaving them spellbound by this incredibly humble artist. Rent it from Prime Video .
This Might Get Loud (2008)
Three legendary guitarists—Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, U2’s The Edge, and Jack White—gather on the Los Angeles soundstage for an engaging and insightful conversation about their playing styles, musical journeys, and deep passion for their craft. This documentary goes deep into what drives musicians to continually improve and evolve. It’s also very interesting to watch The Edge show how he creates the signature U2 sound using his extensive array of pedals and amps. Watch free with ads on Tubi or rent from Prime Video .
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, Journey, Song (2022)
How did Leonard Cohen’s once obscure track “Hallelujah” become part of the cultural lexicon? This documentary follows the song’s complex journey from the mind of its author to its unlikely appearance on the soundtrack to the children’s film Shrek . However, perhaps the most interesting aspect is hearing how the many musicians who have covered the song interpret its powerful lyrics. Watch it on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video .
Freestyle 101: History of Hip-Hop (2023)
Narrated by legendary rapper Chuck D, this freewheeling film delves into the rich history of hip freestyle. It features sound bites from pioneers such as Ice Cube and Fat Joe, as well as two artists widely considered the future of the genre: Open Mike Eagle and battle rapper Iron Solomon. The ingenuity of some of the lyrics that rappers pull out of thin air is truly impressive, and the intensity of the rap battles makes this film a must-see for hip-hop fans. Rent it from Prime Video .
Hype! (1996)
Hype! Includes rare footage of your favorite ’90s grunge bands before they became famous. chronicles the rise and eventual fall of the Seattle music scene from the perspective of those who were there. What’s most astounding is how major labels that once ignored the region’s underground bands suddenly found a way to exploit them as soon as they smelled money, soon turning the art into a marketing gimmick. Watch it on Prime Video , stream it free with ads on Tubi and Pluto TV, or rent it digitally .
Hot Potato: A Wiggle Story (2023)
This doc tells how three Australian musicians and their friend Jeff went from humble beginnings to forming a much-loved children’s rock band. Unlike other docs that delve into the dark underbelly of rock ‘n’ roll with tales of sex, drugs and excess, this film doesn’t tarnish the legacy of your favorite childhood neighborhood. Even I, who had scant knowledge of the group when I watched the doc, was thrilled to hear each member discuss how they enjoyed entertaining children at the expense of missing their own children. Watch it on Prime Video .
20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
Behind every great frontman is an extraordinary woman singing backup. This film shines a light on these unsung heroes of rock music, who are often overlooked because of their race or gender, and gives them a platform to share their stories, reveal the secrets of some of your favorite songs and give them the recognition they deserve . Rent it from Prime Video .