Greatest Rock Documentaries
by Tippi_Redrum | created - 15 Jan 2020 | updated - 15 Jan 2020 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. The Song Remains the Same (1976)
PG | 137 min | Documentary, Music
The line forms here for the world's greatest and possibly most influential band--Led Zeppelin. This mesmerizing movie built around Zep's famed 1973 concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden is convincing proof why.
Directors: Peter Clifton, Joe Massot | Stars: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham
Votes: 9,037
2. 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: 20,047 | Gross: $5.02M
3. The Kids Are Alright (1979)
PG | 109 min | Documentary, Music
Interviews, TV clips and concert footage make up this comprehensive profile of The Who, Britain's premiere rock band.
Director: Jeff Stein | Stars: Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Entwistle
Votes: 3,926
4. Monterey Pop (1968)
Not Rated | 78 min | Documentary, History, Music
A film about the greatest pre-Woodstock rock music festival.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Ravi Shankar, Country Joe McDonald
Votes: 4,928 | Gross: $0.00M
5. Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii (1972)
G | 92 min | Documentary, Music
Live versions of the songs, filmed in an old Pompeii amphitheater. Songs included are Echoes (split into 2 parts), Careful with that axe, Eugene, A saucerful of secrets, One of those days, ... See full summary »
Director: Adrian Maben | Stars: David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright, Nick Mason
Votes: 9,673
6. 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: 20,180 | Gross: $0.32M
7. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
A look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Eugene Tatu, Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline
Votes: 4,868
8. The Filth and the Fury (2000)
R | 108 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A film about the career of the notorious punk rock band, the Sex Pistols.
Director: Julien Temple | Stars: Paul Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon, Glen Matlock
Votes: 6,207 | Gross: $0.61M
9. Elvis: That's the Way It Is (1970)
PG | 97 min | Documentary, Music
After years of making movies, the King made a triumphant return to the stage in 1970. Now, see the backstage footage from rehearsals to relaxing at the hotel and the performances in one of the most intimate looks at Elvis captured on film.
Director: Denis Sanders | Stars: Elvis Presley, James Burton, Glen D. Hardin, Charlie Hodge
Votes: 3,248
10. Super Duper Alice Cooper (2014)
Unrated | 98 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Super Duper Alice Cooper is the twisted tale of a teenage Dr Jekyll whose rock n roll Mr Hyde almost kills him. It is the story of Vincent Furnier, preacher's son, who struck fear into the ... See full summary »
Directors: Sam Dunn, Reg Harkema, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Doris Buchrucker, Alice Cooper, Sheryl Cooper, Jack Curtis
Votes: 1,289
11. End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)
TV-14 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The story of the punk rock band The Ramones.
Directors: Jim Fields, Michael Gramaglia | Stars: Rick Rubin, Tommy Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Johnny Ramone
Votes: 3,890 | Gross: $0.39M
12. When You're Strange (2009)
R | 86 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the late '60s and early '70s rock band The Doors, including rare exclusive footage.
Director: Tom DiCillo | Stars: Johnny Depp, John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek
Votes: 10,276 | Gross: $0.24M
13. Festival Express (2003)
R | 90 min | Documentary, History, Music
The filmed account of a large Canadian rock festival train tour boasting major acts like Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and The Band.
Directors: Bob Smeaton, Frank Cvitanovich | Stars: Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, The Band, Rick Danko
Votes: 2,415 | Gross: $1.17M
14. The Wrecking Crew! (2008)
PG | 101 min | Documentary, History, Music
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew", a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bing Crosby.
Director: Denny Tedesco | Stars: Brian Wilson, Dick Clark, Cher, Herb Alpert
Votes: 3,680 | Gross: $0.80M
15. Woodstock (1970)
R | 184 min | Documentary, History, Music
Oscar-winning musical chronicle that brilliantly captures the three-day rock concert and celebration of peace and love that became a capstone for the Sixties.
Director: Michael Wadleigh | Stars: Joan Baez, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker
Votes: 18,470 | Gross: $50.00M
16. 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: 12,893 | Gross: $0.25M
17. It Might Get Loud (2008)
PG | 98 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White.
Director: Davis Guggenheim | Stars: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White, Dallas Schoo
Votes: 13,551 | Gross: $1.61M
18. U2: Rattle and Hum (1988)
PG-13 | 99 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary of the Irish rock group U2 on their Fall 1987 tour of North America.
Director: Phil Joanou | Stars: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.
Votes: 6,180 | Gross: $8.60M
19. 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: 14,496 | Gross: $1.41M
20. Sound City (2013)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the fabled recording studio that was located in Van Nuys, California.
Director: Dave Grohl | Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood, Vinny Appice
Votes: 13,443 | Gross: $0.42M
21. 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: 10,015
22. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart (2002)
Unrated | 92 min | Documentary, Music
First-time filmmaker and award-winning photographer Sam Jones documents the recording of Wilco's album, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."
Director: Sam Jones | Stars: Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Leroy Bach, Glenn Kotche
Votes: 2,212 | Gross: $0.45M
23. Jimi Hendrix (1973)
R | 98 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Made shortly after his death, this documentary explores the brief life and remarkable legacy of guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
Directors: Joe Boyd, John Head, Gary Weis | Stars: Arthur Allen, Albert Allen, Stella Benabon, Eric Barrett
Votes: 1,857 | Gross: $0.03M
24. Shut Up and Play the Hits (2012)
Not Rated | 108 min | Documentary, Music
On April 2nd 2011, LCD Soundsystem played its final show at Madison Square Garden. Documenting this once in a life time performance and an intimate portrait of James Murphy as he navigates the lead-up to the show, the day after, and the personal and professional ramifications of his decision.
Directors: Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern | Stars: James Murphy, Chuck Klosterman, Keith Wood, Nancy Whang
Votes: 2,889 | Gross: $0.51M
25. Here to Be Heard: The Story of the Slits (2017)
86 min | Documentary, Music
The tale of the formation, journey and end of the seminal Punk/Reggae band The Slits.
Director: William E. Badgley | Stars: Tessa Pollitt, Sid Vicious, Billy Idol, Viv Albertine
Votes: 291
26. Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Ginger Baker looks back on his musical career with Cream and Blind Faith; his introduction to Fela Kuti; his self-destructive patterns and losses of fortune; and his current life inside a fortified South African compound.
Director: Jay Bulger | Stars: Ginger Baker, Femi Kuti, Eric Clapton, Stewart Copeland
Votes: 3,616 | Gross: $0.11M
27. White Stripes: Under Blackpool Lights (2004 Video)
Unrated | 81 min | Documentary, Music
Concert footage of The White Stripes recorded in January of 2004, featuring tracks from the bands four studio albums as well as live favorites like the Dolly Parton cover "Jolene".
Director: Dick Carruthers | Stars: The White Stripes, Jack White, Meg White
Votes: 888
28. 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: 3,601 | Gross: $0.28M
29. Kurt Cobain About a Son (2006)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music
In this visual essay style documentary, intimate audio of journalist Michael Azerrad's interviews with Kurt Cobain is played over more recently photographed footage of Cobain's Washington state homes and haunts.
Director: AJ Schnack | Stars: Kurt Cobain, Evan Fortin, Nathan Streifel, Michael Azerrad
Votes: 3,849 | Gross: $0.08M
30. Sign 'o' the Times (1987)
PG-13 | 85 min | Documentary, Music
Highlights from Prince's 1987 European concert tour, including selections from the rock star's album of the same title.
Directors: Prince, David Hogan, Albert Magnoli | Stars: Prince, Sheila E., Sheena Easton, Matt Fink
Votes: 2,486 | Gross: $3.00M
31. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1979)
PG | 90 min | Documentary, Music
The July 3rd, 1973 historic concert of the 'leper Messiah'. This was to be David Bowie's last concert with the Ziggy persona and the Spiders from Mars. A great medley of 'Wild Eyed Boy From... See full summary »
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Mick Woodmansey
Votes: 2,993 | Gross: $0.16M
32. Born to Boogie (1972)
67 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary about T. Rex includes concert footage and staged sequences. Sir Ringo Starr's directorial work is mindful of touches used on Magical Mystery Tour (1967).
Director: Ringo Starr | Stars: Marc Bolan, Ringo Starr, Mickey Finn, Elton John
Votes: 427
33. New York Doll (2005)
PG-13 | 75 min | Documentary, Music
A recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, Arthur "Killer" Kane, of the rock band The New York Dolls, is given a chance at reuniting with his band after 30 years.
Director: Greg Whiteley | Stars: Arthur Kane, David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, Nina Antonia
Votes: 1,828 | Gross: $0.22M
34. Amazing Grace (2018)
G | 89 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary presenting Aretha Franklin with choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles in January 1972.
Directors: Alan Elliott, Sydney Pollack | Stars: Aretha Franklin, James Cleveland, Alexander Hamilton, Cornell Dupree
Votes: 5,154 | Gross: $4.45M
35. Blues Before Sunrise (2016)
50 min | Documentary
'Blues Before Sunrise' is a documentary that captures a few of the remaining authentic Delta Bluesmen and their intensely personal and powerful music. Their roots lead directly back to ... See full summary »
Directors: Cyrus T. Hayley, Alex J.R. Nielsen | Stars: Bill Abel, Super Chikan, Deak Harp, Vince Johnson
Votes: 50
36. YesYears (1991 Video)
135 min | Documentary, Music
A full-fledged documentary on the Yes band, featuring rare live and video footage, and interviews with the members of the band.
Director: Michael McNamara | Stars: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Tony Kaye
Votes: 33
37. X: The Unheard Music (1986)
R | 84 min | Documentary, Music
This film is a documentary about the personalities in, and the music of, the early 1980's Los Angeles punk band X. There are studio and live performances by the band and interviews with ... See full summary »
Director: W.T. Morgan | Stars: John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom, D.J. Bonebrake
Votes: 459
38. 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: 2,209
39. Rhyme & Reason (1997)
R | 90 min | Documentary, Music
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.
Director: Peter Spirer | Stars: B-Real, Kurtis Blow, Da Brat, Chuck D
Votes: 923 | Gross: $1.59M
40. 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: 20,550 | Gross: $7.00M
41. Made in Sheffield (2001)
52 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the music of Sheffield, England in the 1970s and early 1980s, when bands such as Caberet Voltaire, The Human League, ABC, Def Leppard, Heaven 17, Pulp, I'm So Hollow, Artery, The ... See full summary »
Director: Eve Wood | Stars: ABC, Paul Bower, Jarvis Cocker, The Damned
Votes: 136
42. What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Not Rated | 101 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary about the life and legend Nina Simone, an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist labeled the "High Priestess of Soul."
Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Nina Simone, Lisa Simone Kelly, Roger Nupie, Al Schackman
Votes: 14,836
43. The Gits (2005)
TV-14 | 82 min | Documentary
The story of the promising, underground Seattle band, The Gits. Fronted by charismatic vocalist, Mia Zapata, and poised to explode onto the national music scene, a stranger came in and took it all away. A decade later, the legacy lives on.
Director: Kerri O'Kane | Stars: Valerie M. Agnew, Scott Benson, Tim Bradshaw, Elizabeth F. Davis
Votes: 359
44. Janis (1974)
R | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The life and music of Janis Joplin.
Director: Howard Alk | Stars: Janis Joplin, Peter Albin, Sam Andrew, Dave Getz
Votes: 837 | Gross: $0.40M
45. Heartworn Highways (1976)
Not Rated | 92 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The best music and the best whiskey come from the same part of the country.
Director: James Szalapski | Stars: Peggy Brooks, Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, Rodney Crowell
Votes: 940
46. Tom Dowd & the Language of Music (2003)
Unrated | 90 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary about Tom Dowd, who was an innovative recording engineer and producer of noted albums with John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Otis Redding, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers and many others.
Director: Mark Moormann | Stars: Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, Ginger Baker
Votes: 579 | Gross: $0.04M
47. The Punk Singer (2013)
Not Rated | 81 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A look at the life of activist, musician, and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the "riot grrrl" movement of the 1990s.
Director: Sini Anderson | Stars: Kathleen Hanna, Carrie Brownstein, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett
Votes: 3,085 | Gross: $0.12M
48. Message to Love: The Isle of Wight Festival (1996)
127 min | Documentary, History, Music
In August 1970 600,000 fans flocked to the Isle of Wight to witness the third and final festival to be held on the island. Besides the music, they also got a look at the greed, cynicism and... See full summary »
Director: Murray Lerner | Stars: Ian Anderson, Joan Baez, Martin Barre, John Bonham
Votes: 605
49. Hype! (1996)
Not Rated | 84 min | Documentary, History, Music
Documentary covering the growth and subsequent overexposure of the Seattle "grunge" music scene in the early 90s
Director: Doug Pray | Stars: 7 Year Bitch, Valerie M. Agnew, Carrie Akre, Jeff Ament
Votes: 2,931 | Gross: $0.27M
50. Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988)
PG-13 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius.
Director: Charlotte Zwerin | Stars: Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Jimmy Cleveland, Harry Colomby
Votes: 1,313 | Gross: $0.52M
51. Miles Ahead (2015)
R | 100 min | Biography, Drama, Music
An exploration of the life and music of Miles Davis.
Director: Don Cheadle | Stars: Don Cheadle, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Ewan McGregor, Michael Stuhlbarg
Votes: 10,562 | Gross: $2.61M
52. Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police (2012)
Not Rated | 79 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Based on the acclaimed memoir One Train Later by rock guitarist Andy Summers, Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police follows Summers' journey from his early days in the psychedelic '... See full summary »
Directors: Andy Grieve, Lauren Lazin | Stars: Sting, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland, The Police
Votes: 864 | Gross: $0.02M
53. Rock School (2005)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Music
At the real life School of Rock a group of misfit kids get in touch with their inner rock star.
Director: Don Argott | Stars: Tucker Collins, Will O'Connor, C.J. Tywoniak, Napoleon Murphy Brock
Votes: 1,047 | Gross: $0.06M
54. The Blank Generation (1976)
55 min | Documentary, Music
The cream of New York new wave/punk filmed live at CBGB's when the scene was just beginning. Includes performances by Patti Smith, Blondie, Television, the Ramones, Talking Heads, the ... See full summary »
Directors: Ivan Král, Amos Poe | Stars: Blondie, David Byrne, John Cale, Jayne County
Votes: 284
55. The Life and Times of the Red Dog Saloon (1996)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Music
Their names and music became legendary: Big Brother & the Holding Company, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and the house band - The Charlatans.
Director: Mary Works | Stars: Howard Hesseman, Peter Albin, Big Brother and the Holding Company, John H. Browne Jr.
Votes: 28
56. US Festival 1983 Days 1-3 (2009)
135 min | Documentary
The ultimate concert took place on Memorial Day Weekend 1983. Curated by Steve Wozniak (Apple computers), the 3 days of New Wave, Heavy Metal and Rock are legendary. Features performances ... See full summary »
Director: Glenn Aveni | Stars: Mark J. Goodman, Colin Hay, Steve Wozniak
Votes: 44
57. Festival (1967)
Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Music
Black and white footage of performances, interviews, and conversations at the Newport Folk Festival from 1963 to 1966. The headliners are Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and ... See full summary »
Director: Murray Lerner | Stars: Joan Baez, Horton Barker, Fiddler Beers, Theodore Bikel
Votes: 700
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