25 Music Documentaries to Watch Right Now
Are you running out of things to watch? How about a music documentary?
I’ve done the searching for you, and here are 25 top notch music documentaries to help while away the hours. Rock, pop, punk, hip hop, rap, country, and lots in between. I couldn’t bring myself to number them in order. Let me know if you’ve got a favourite.
Beastie Boys Story
Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz of Beastie Boys tell you an intimate, personal story of their band, and their 40 years of friendship together.
Director: Spike Jonze
Writers: Adam Horovitz, Spike Jonze | 1 more credit »
Stars: Mike D, Adam Horovitz, Beastie Boys | See full cast & crew »
Echo in the Canyon
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.’s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
Director: Andrew Slater
Writers: Eric Barrett, Andrew Slater
Stars: Lou Adler, Fiona Apple, The Beach Boys | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Eric Barrett, Andrew Slater
Stars: Lou Adler, Fiona Apple, The Beach Boys | See full cast & crew »
Sound City Studios
A documentary on the fabled recording studio that was located in Van Nuys, California, Dave Grohl’s directorial debut.
Director: Dave Grohl (as David Grohl)
Writer: Mark Monroe
Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Mark Monroe
Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood | See full cast & crew »
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World
A documentary about the role of Native Americans in popular music history.
Directors: Catherine Bainbridge, Alfonso Maiorana (co-director)
Writers: Catherine Bainbridge, Alfonso Maiorana
Stars: Link Wray, Wayne Kramer, Taylor Hawkins | See full cast & crew »
Chasing Happiness
A behind-the-scenes look at the life and work of The Jonas Brothers as they prepare their first album in six years.
Don’t Look Back
Documentary covering Bob Dylan‘s 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker
Writer: D.A. Pennebaker
Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth | See full cast & crew »
Writer: D.A. Pennebaker
Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth | See full cast & crew »
Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders
The inside story behind the Biggie and Tupac murder investigations is laid bare using police case files, taped confessions never before shown on film, and interviews with lead detective Greg Kading and other witnesses.
Director: Michael Dorsey
Writer: Greg Kading (based on the book “Murder Rap: The Untold Story of the Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations” by)
Stars: Imari Williams, Greg Kading, Frank Alexander | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Greg Kading (based on the book “Murder Rap: The Untold Story of the Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations” by)
Stars: Imari Williams, Greg Kading, Frank Alexander | See full cast & crew »
Mystify Michael Hutchence
Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures and a documentary feature about the troubled heart and soul of Michael Hutchence, lead singer and songwriter of INXS.
Director: Richard Lowenstein
Writer: Richard Lowenstein
Stars: Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Bob Geldof | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Richard Lowenstein
Stars: Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Bob Geldof | See full cast & crew »
The Birth of Cool
Miles Davis: Horn player, bandleader, innovator. This documentary feature explores archival photos and home movies shot by Miles and his colleagues, his manuscripts and Miles’ original paintings, to explore the man behind the music.
Eight Days a Week
A compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles‘ 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
Director: Ron Howard
Writers: Mark Monroe, P.G. Morgan (story consultant)
Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Mark Monroe, P.G. Morgan (story consultant)
Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison | See full cast & crew »
Beyond the Lighted Stage
An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band’s musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the ’70s to their current heavy rock style.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen
Writers: Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn | 1 more credit »
Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn | 1 more credit »
Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart | See full cast & crew »
American Hardcore
The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986.
Director: Paul Rachman
Writers: Steven Blush (book), Steven Blush
Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Steven Blush (book), Steven Blush
Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher | See full cast & crew »
Some Kind of Monster
The video contains old footage of Metallica concerts as well as a performance of the song in Metallica’s San Francisco headquarters which is included in its entirety on the St. Anger DVD.
Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
Stars: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich | See full cast & crew »
Stars: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich | See full cast & crew »
Rhyme and Reason
The video contains old footage of Metallica concerts as well as a performance
A study in the world of hip-hop, done mostly with interviews, in order to see why it is as popular as it is today and what the future holds.
Rattle and Hum
A documentary of the Irish rock group U2 on their Fall 1987 tour of North America.
Gimme Shelter
A harrowing documentary of The Rolling Stones‘ 1969 tour, with much of the focus on the tragic concert at Altamont.
Directors: Albert Maysles, David Maysles | 1 more credit »
Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor | See full cast & crew »
Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor | See full cast & crew »
Cut The Clash
Joe Strummer was one of the most memorable figures of the punk era. His rebellious image, angry political statements, and on-stage energy made him stand out as one of the most inspirational frontmen of all time.
Directors: Matt Salmon
Stars: Mick Jones, Nicky Headon, Roger Goodman
Stars: Mick Jones, Nicky Headon, Roger Goodman
Punk’s Not Dead
On the edge of the 30th anniversary of punk rock, Punk’s Not Dead takes you into the sweaty underground clubs, backyard parties, recording studios, and yes, shopping malls and stadium shows… See full summary »
Up Close and Personal
This authoritative film gives a revealing insight into Kurdt Cobain the man, his band, and his music. Woven around the story of a true super-group is powerful footage of the band in action, both in concert and in the studio.
The Story of Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are one of the most famous rock bands of all time. This in depth programme uses archive footage and interviews with Mick Fleetwood and Christie McVie to follow the band through the highs and lows throughout their amazing career.
Gone With The Wind
The story of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from their early beginnings to the fatal plane that ended the original incarnation of the group.
Director: Tom O’Dell
Writer: Tom O’Dell
Stars: Bob Burns, Edward King, Al Kooper | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Tom O’Dell
Stars: Bob Burns, Edward King, Al Kooper | See full cast & crew »
Gimme Danger
An in-depth look at the legendary punk band, The Stooges.
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Writer: Jim Jarmusch
Stars: Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Bob Waller | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Jim Jarmusch
Stars: Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Bob Waller | See full cast & crew »
Amy
Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.
Johnny Cash American Rebel
Documentary that explains about the life of one of Country Music’s most famous musicians, Johnny Cash.
Directors: Derik Murray, Jordan Tappis
Writers: Steve Burgess, Mark Stielper (Historical Research)
Stars: Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Steve Burgess, Mark Stielper (Historical Research)
Stars: Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson | See full cast & crew »
We Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band
A confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robbie Robertson‘s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band.
Director: Daniel Roher
Writer: Daniel Roher
Stars: Martin Scorsese, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Daniel Roher
Stars: Martin Scorsese, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan | See full cast & crew »
Author profile
Writer/Photographer/Editor
Toronto Music Blogger
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25 Music Documentaries to Watch Right Now
By Trish Cassling
Are you running out of things to watch? How about a music documentary?
I’ve done the searching for you, and here are 25 top notch music documentaries to help while away the hours. Rock, pop, punk, hip hop, rap, country, and lots in between. I couldn’t bring myself to number them in order. Let me know if you’ve got a favourite.
Beastie Boys Story
Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz of Beastie Boys tell you an intimate, personal story of their band, and their 40 years of friendship together.
Director: Spike Jonze
Writers: Adam Horovitz, Spike Jonze | 1 more credit »
Stars: Mike D, Adam Horovitz, Beastie Boys | See full cast & crew »
Echo in the Canyon
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.’s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
Director: Andrew Slater
Writers: Eric Barrett, Andrew Slater
Stars: Lou Adler, Fiona Apple, The Beach Boys | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Eric Barrett, Andrew Slater
Stars: Lou Adler, Fiona Apple, The Beach Boys | See full cast & crew »
Sound City Studios
A documentary on the fabled recording studio that was located in Van Nuys, California, Dave Grohl’s directorial debut.
Director: Dave Grohl (as David Grohl)
Writer: Mark Monroe
Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Mark Monroe
Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood | See full cast & crew »
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World
A documentary about the role of Native Americans in popular music history.
Directors: Catherine Bainbridge, Alfonso Maiorana (co-director)
Writers: Catherine Bainbridge, Alfonso Maiorana
Stars: Link Wray, Wayne Kramer, Taylor Hawkins | See full cast & crew »
Chasing Happiness
A behind-the-scenes look at the life and work of The Jonas Brothers as they prepare their first album in six years.
Don’t Look Back
Documentary covering Bob Dylan‘s 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker
Writer: D.A. Pennebaker
Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth | See full cast & crew »
Writer: D.A. Pennebaker
Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth | See full cast & crew »
Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders
The inside story behind the Biggie and Tupac murder investigations is laid bare using police case files, taped confessions never before shown on film, and interviews with lead detective Greg Kading and other witnesses.
Director: Michael Dorsey
Writer: Greg Kading (based on the book “Murder Rap: The Untold Story of the Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations” by)
Stars: Imari Williams, Greg Kading, Frank Alexander | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Greg Kading (based on the book “Murder Rap: The Untold Story of the Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations” by)
Stars: Imari Williams, Greg Kading, Frank Alexander | See full cast & crew »
Mystify Michael Hutchence
Ghost Pictures and Passion Pictures and a documentary feature about the troubled heart and soul of Michael Hutchence, lead singer and songwriter of INXS.
Director: Richard Lowenstein
Writer: Richard Lowenstein
Stars: Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Bob Geldof | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Richard Lowenstein
Stars: Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Bob Geldof | See full cast & crew »
The Birth of Cool
Miles Davis: Horn player, bandleader, innovator. This documentary feature explores archival photos and home movies shot by Miles and his colleagues, his manuscripts and Miles’ original paintings, to explore the man behind the music.
Eight Days a Week
A compilation of found footage featuring music, interviews, and stories of The Beatles‘ 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.
Director: Ron Howard
Writers: Mark Monroe, P.G. Morgan (story consultant)
Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Mark Monroe, P.G. Morgan (story consultant)
Stars: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison | See full cast & crew »
Beyond the Lighted Stage
An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band’s musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the ’70s to their current heavy rock style.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen
Writers: Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn | 1 more credit »
Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn | 1 more credit »
Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart | See full cast & crew »
American Hardcore
The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986.
Director: Paul Rachman
Writers: Steven Blush (book), Steven Blush
Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Steven Blush (book), Steven Blush
Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher | See full cast & crew »
Some Kind of Monster
The video contains old footage of Metallica concerts as well as a performance of the song in Metallica’s San Francisco headquarters which is included in its entirety on the St. Anger DVD.
Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
Stars: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich | See full cast & crew »
Stars: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich | See full cast & crew »
Rhyme and Reason
The video contains old footage of Metallica concerts as well as a performance
A study in the world of hip-hop, done mostly with interviews, in order to see why it is as popular as it is today and what the future holds.
Rattle and Hum
A documentary of the Irish rock group U2 on their Fall 1987 tour of North America.
Gimme Shelter
A harrowing documentary of The Rolling Stones‘ 1969 tour, with much of the focus on the tragic concert at Altamont.
Directors: Albert Maysles, David Maysles | 1 more credit »
Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor | See full cast & crew »
Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor | See full cast & crew »
Cut The Clash
Joe Strummer was one of the most memorable figures of the punk era. His rebellious image, angry political statements, and on-stage energy made him stand out as one of the most inspirational frontmen of all time.
Directors: Matt Salmon
Stars: Mick Jones, Nicky Headon, Roger Goodman
Stars: Mick Jones, Nicky Headon, Roger Goodman
Punk’s Not Dead
On the edge of the 30th anniversary of punk rock, Punk’s Not Dead takes you into the sweaty underground clubs, backyard parties, recording studios, and yes, shopping malls and stadium shows… See full summary »
Up Close and Personal
This authoritative film gives a revealing insight into Kurdt Cobain the man, his band, and his music. Woven around the story of a true super-group is powerful footage of the band in action, both in concert and in the studio.
The Story of Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are one of the most famous rock bands of all time. This in depth programme uses archive footage and interviews with Mick Fleetwood and Christie McVie to follow the band through the highs and lows throughout their amazing career.
Gone With The Wind
The story of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from their early beginnings to the fatal plane that ended the original incarnation of the group.
Director: Tom O’Dell
Writer: Tom O’Dell
Stars: Bob Burns, Edward King, Al Kooper | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Tom O’Dell
Stars: Bob Burns, Edward King, Al Kooper | See full cast & crew »
Gimme Danger
An in-depth look at the legendary punk band, The Stooges.
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Writer: Jim Jarmusch
Stars: Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Bob Waller | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Jim Jarmusch
Stars: Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Bob Waller | See full cast & crew »
Amy
Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.
Johnny Cash American Rebel
Documentary that explains about the life of one of Country Music’s most famous musicians, Johnny Cash.
Directors: Derik Murray, Jordan Tappis
Writers: Steve Burgess, Mark Stielper (Historical Research)
Stars: Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson | See full cast & crew »
Writers: Steve Burgess, Mark Stielper (Historical Research)
Stars: Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson | See full cast & crew »
We Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band
A confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robbie Robertson‘s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band.
Director: Daniel Roher
Writer: Daniel Roher
Stars: Martin Scorsese, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan | See full cast & crew »
Writer: Daniel Roher
Stars: Martin Scorsese, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan | See full cast & crew »
Author profile
Writer/Photographer/Editor
Toronto Music Blogger
