Music documentaries give an unparalleled look into the life, struggles, and creative processes of the greatest artists in the world. From stories of intimate personal triumphs to capturing the electrifying atmosphere of concerts, these films take it beyond the music itself and share what makes these artists tick. Here are ten ‘must-see’ music documentaries that tell unique stories which surely ring with both fans and newbies alike.
1. “Amy” (2015)
Directed by Asif Kapadia, Amy documents the tragic rise and fall of British singer Amy Winehouse through powerful footage from her live performances and candid moments, right down to interviews with the media. It results in an intimately personal look at the life of Winehouse. Amy doesn’t keep back from some harsh realities of celebrity life, delving deep into mantras of addiction and mental health that eventually led to her death in such a hasty manner. It’s a documentary that’s haunting and enlightening in equal measures on the pressures of the music industry and what those pressures can take from an artist.
2. “20 Feet from Stardom” (2013)
Directed by Morgan Neville, 20 Feet from Stardom focuses on the life and times of the unsung heroes of popular music: backup singers. Comprising Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Lisa Fischer, among other performers, this Oscar-winning documentary finally provides voice for those who had to stay behind glittering personas of stars such as Mick Jagger and Bruce Springsteen. It’s an inspiring look at talent, ambition, and what these singers had sacrificed to follow their craft. This is a film not to be missed by anyone who cares about the multi-layered mechanisms involved in the music business, and by those often faceless artists who contribute to it.
3. “The Last Waltz” (1978)
Martin Scorsese’s 1976 film of The Band’s farewell performance, considered by many as one of the greatest concert films ever made, guest stars legends Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Neil Young, among others. It’s a nostalgically staged celebration of the gold era of rock, so elaborately narrated by Scorsese himself. The Last Waltz, documented so evocatively, creates a no-brainer for the lovers of classic rock and live music.
4. “What Happened, Miss Simone?” (2015)
At the helm of this is Liz Garbus in the film What Happened, Miss Simone?, which recounts the life and times of Nina Simone, an artist who would transcend genres to emerge as a powerful voice for civil rights. The documentary furthers her multidimensional personality, her struggles with bipolar disorder, and the power she had within the Civil Rights Movement. Packed with interviews, archival footage, and-primarily-Simone’s own words, the film offers deep insight into the life of a woman whose music and activism continue to inspire.
5. “Woodstock” (1970)
This groundbreaking documentary from director Michael Wadleigh intertwined footage of the three-day rock concert with performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who into a bright tapestry of the iconic 1969 Woodstock festival that defined one generation and its impact. It is at once a living record of the countercultural movement and a memento of how music brings people together in times of social upheaval.
6. “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” (2019)
Beyoncé’s Homecoming is more than a concert documentary. The film-a passion project directed by Beyoncé herself-collects her historic 2018 Coachella performance in all its glory: a test of dedication, vision, and minute particulars. It captures the celebrations of Black culture, historically Black colleges and universities, feminism, rehearsals leading up to it, and interviews that showed bodily and mental hard work-she went through, particularly after delivering twins. Homecoming is for anyone interested in the artistic preparation and physicality that went into creating an unforgettable live performance, not just Beyoncé fans.
7. “Don’t Look Back” (1967)
This classic documentary by D.A. Pennebaker follows Bob Dylan on his 1965 tour of England. Don‘t Look Back offers an unrehearsed look at the young, defiant Dylan at the pinnacle of his folk career as he moves toward his “electric“ phase. The film is remarkable in its development of cinéma vérité, capturing Dylan in interviews, performances, and candid interactions with fans and journalists. For anyone even vaguely interested in such a complex persona as Dylan and his influence on music and culture, this is a must-see.
8. “The Defiant Ones” (2017)
The Defiant Ones is a series of four documentaries, narrated by Allen Hughes, which follows the careers of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. The series depicts their backgrounds, their merging, and how they worked their way up to change the face of music with the introduction of Beats by Dre and projects with Eminem and Snoop Dogg, among others. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at the music business and how Dre and Iovine broke barriers to become industry moguls. This documentary is very engaging in its look at creativity, ambition, and the drive to succeed.
9. “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012)
Searching for Sugar Man tells the astonishing story of Rodriguez, a Detroit singer–songwriter who became an unintentional folk icon in apartheid-era South Africa. Without question, a talent musically, his work bombed commercially in the United States while, meanwhile, it soared with socially conscious lyrics that spoke to a generation of young South Africans during apartheid-the albums became anthems for the anti-establishment movement. It documents the journey of two fans into what happened to this elusive artist–a touching story of fame, resilience, and rediscovery.
10. “Miss Americana” (2020)
Miss Americana, directed by Lana Wilson, is a rare look into the life and career of America’s sweetheart: from country singer to pop icon, Taylor Swift. The film follows Swift as she goes through struggles both personal and professional, fights her way out of the public perception, and comes into her own. It showcases Swift‘s political awakening and her decision to speak out on social and political issues, giving both fans and new listeners a candid look at the growth she has undertaken both as an artist and as a person.