Music Documentaries
by jose-alejandro_segovia | created - 22 Feb 2014 | updated - 20 Apr 2021 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Shine a Light (2008)
PG-13 | 122 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A career-spanning documentary on The Rolling Stones, with concert footage from their "A Bigger Bang" tour.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood
Votes: 12,302 | Gross: $5.36M
2. Marley (2012)
PG-13 | 144 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the life, music, and legacy of Bob Marley.
Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, Jimmy Cliff
Votes: 14,504 | Gross: $1.41M
3. Pearl Jam Twenty (2011)
Not Rated | 119 min | Documentary, History, Music
A documentary on the band Pearl Jam that marks their 20th anniversary in the year 2011.
Director: Cameron Crowe | Stars: Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Cameron Crowe
Votes: 8,185 | Gross: $0.45M
4. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011)
R | 97 min | Documentary, Music
Michael Rapaport documents the inner workings and behind the scenes drama that follows this innovative and influential band to this day.
Director: Michael Rapaport | Stars: Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi White
Votes: 4,078 | Gross: $1.20M
5. Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
G | 105 min | Documentary, Music
Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro's takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians' careers.
Director: Wim Wenders | Stars: Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Octavio Calderon
Votes: 20,552 | Gross: $7.00M
6. Young@Heart (2007)
PG | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on a chorus of senior citizens from Massachusetts who cover songs by Jimi Hendrix, Coldplay, Sonic Youth, and other unexpected musicians.
Directors: Stephen Walker, Sally George | Stars: Joe Benoit, Helen Boston, Louise Canady, Elaine Fligman
Votes: 4,067 | Gross: $3.96M
7. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
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 | Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart, Trent Reznor
Votes: 4,892
8. Reincarnated (2012)
R | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Hip-Hop artist Snoop Dogg changes his name to Snoop Lion, travels to Jamaica, immerses himself in Rastafarian culture, and produces his first reggae record.
Director: Andy Capper | Stars: Snoop Dogg, Diplo, Dr. Dre, Damian Marley
Votes: 2,533
9. Bad 25 (2012)
Not Rated | 131 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on Michael Jackson and the legacy of his record "Bad".
Director: Spike Lee | Stars: Michael Jackson, Glen Ballard, John Barnes, Jennifer Batten
Votes: 2,416
10. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
Director: Malik Bendjelloul | Stars: Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Votes: 72,935 | Gross: $3.97M
11. Pussy Riot - A Punk Prayer (2013)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Follows the court case of three members of the Russian feminist punk protest group Pussy Riot after their performance in a Russian Orthodox cathedral.
Directors: Mike Lerner, Maxim Pozdorovkin | Stars: Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Mariya Alyokhina, Yekaterina Samutsevich, Andrey Tolokonnikov
Votes: 2,030
12. Artifact (2012)
Not Rated | 103 min | Documentary, Music
Telling harsh truths about the modern music business, this riveting and award-winning documentary gives intimate access to singer/actor Jared Leto ("Requiem for a Dream," "Dallas Buyers ... See full summary »
Director: Jared Leto | Stars: Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, Tomo Milicevic, Irving Azoff
Votes: 4,692
13. Made in America (2013)
Unrated | 93 min | Documentary, Music
Hip-hop artist Jay-Z organizes the "Budweiser Made In America" music festival.
Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Janelle Monáe, Rita Ora, Ye, Jay-Z
Votes: 705
14. Don't Look Back (1967)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary covering Bob Dylan's 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth, Joan Baez
Votes: 10,016
15. Let's Get Lost (1988)
Not Rated | 120 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Documentary on the life of jazz trumpeter and drug addict Chet Baker. Fascinating series of interviews with friends, family, associates and lovers, interspersed with film from Baker's earlier life and some modern-day performances.
Director: Bruce Weber | Stars: Chet Baker, Carol Baker, Vera Baker, Paul Baker
Votes: 2,211
16. The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)
PG-13 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Daniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.
Director: Jeff Feuerzeig | Stars: Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill Johnston, Laurie Allen
Votes: 10,538 | Gross: $0.33M
17. Gimme Shelter (1970)
GP | 91 min | Documentary, Music, Thriller
When three hundred thousand members of the Love Generation collided with a few dozen Hells Angels at San Francisco's Altamont Speedway, the bloody slash that transformed a decade's dreams into disillusionment was immortalized on this film.
Directors: Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin | Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts
Votes: 12,899 | Gross: $0.25M
18. Stop Making Sense (1984)
PG | 88 min | Documentary, Music
Considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: David Byrne, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steven Scales
Votes: 20,115 | Gross: $5.02M
19. The Last Waltz (1978)
PG | 117 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison
Votes: 20,190 | Gross: $0.32M
20. A Family Underground (2009)
R | 90 min | Documentary, Music
Documents the 2008 Gathering of the Juggalos and focuses on the fan-base of underground hip hop label Psychopathic Records.
Director: Paul Andresen | Stars: 2 Live Crew, Afroman, Anybody Killa, Chuck Barcik
Votes: 163
21. Heavy Metal: Louder Than Life (2006 Video)
115 min | Documentary, Music
This documentary is a considered look at the continuing story of Metal, in the words of the people that make it, live it, breathe it and keep it vital. The Bands. The Fans, The Producers, ... See full summary »
Director: Dick Carruthers | Stars: Ritchie Blackmore, Graham Bonnet, Geezer Butler, David Coverdale
Votes: 331
22. The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary showcase, what life was like for the music artists living during the Los Angeles Heavy Metal scene in the mid and late 1980s.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Joe Perry, Steven Tyler, Gene Simmons, Alice Cooper
Votes: 4,316 | Gross: $0.37M
23. American Hardcore (2006)
R | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986
Director: Paul Rachman | Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher, Lucky Lehrer
Votes: 3,602 | Gross: $0.28M
24. Heavy Metal in Baghdad (2007)
R | 84 min | Documentary, Music, War
In the late summer of 2006, in the middle of the insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to meet and interview the only heavy metal band in Iraq, ... See full summary »
Directors: Suroosh Alvi, Eddy Moretti | Stars: Firas Al-Lateef, Suroosh Alvi, Marwan Reyad, Faisal Talal
Votes: 1,166
25. Black Metal Satanica (2008)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the music genre Black Metal, containing interviews with bands such as Watain, Ondskapt, Mordichrist and many more.
Director: Mats Lundberg | Stars: Bjørn Almar, Erik Danielsson, Niklas Kvarforth, Mordichrist
Votes: 305
26. Lamb of God: Killadelphia (2005 Video)
TV-14 | 180 min | Music
The making of the Lamb Of God As The Palaces Burn album documentary takes an intimate, 70 minute look into the making of the band's modern, metal masterpiece. Includes in depth new Lamb Of ... See full summary »
Director: Doug Spangenberg | Stars: Chris Adler, Will Adler, Randy Blythe, John Campbell
Votes: 197
27. As the Palaces Burn (2014)
Not Rated | 121 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary that follows metal fans in different countries set against Lamb of God's 2012 world tour.
Director: Don Argott | Stars: Chris Adler, Willy Adler, Randy Blythe, Dave Brockie
Votes: 744
28. Amy (III) (2015)
R | 128 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Russell Brand
Votes: 55,139 | Gross: $8.41M
29. Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet (2012)
Not Rated | 87 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
When doctors diagnosed 19-year-old rock star Jason Becker with Lou Gehrig's Disease, they said he would never make music again. 22 years later, without the ability to move or to speak, Jason is alive and making music with his eyes.
Director: Jesse Vile | Stars: Jason Becker, Dan Alvarez, Ehren Becker, Gary Becker
Votes: 1,224
30. A Drummer's Dream (2010)
84 min | Documentary
A rare and unique assembly of some of the greatest drummers in the world. Explosive talent, passion, humour and irresistible personality come together in a magical setting when seven ... See full summary »
Director: John Walker | Stars: Nasyr Abdul Al-Khabyyr, Dennis Chambers, Kenwood Dennard, Horacio 'Negro' Hernández
Votes: 156
31. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
R | 82 min | Comedy, Music
Spinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Votes: 147,433 | Gross: $4.74M
32. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
PG | 112 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Six years after the events of "Wreck-It Ralph," Ralph and Vanellope, now friends, discover a wi-fi router in their arcade, leading them into a new adventure.
Directors: Phil Johnston, Rich Moore | Stars: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, Taraji P. Henson
Votes: 183,107 | Gross: $201.09M
33. Loud Krazy Love (2018)
TV-MA | 87 min | Documentary, Drama, Music
At the downbeat of the new millennium there was no bigger, darker, or more deeply influential hard rock band in the world than KoRn. But for lead guitarist Brian Head Welch, a dream come ... See full summary »
Directors: Trey Hill, Scott Mayo | Star: Brian 'Head' Welch
Votes: 384
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