10 Of The Best Music Documentaries 

Lists
Written By Habiba Abdou

The world of music is one that most people are enchanted by, and one that has a variety of layers to it. With music documentaries, we get the opportunity to get an informative peek behind the curtain of the industry. Whether it be the processes behind your favourite album, the person behind the persona, the life and career of your favourite artist, or disastorous concerts, documentaries are a great way to learn more about music.

No Direction Home (2005)

With legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese directing a documentary about the iconic Bob Dylan, No Direction Home is definitely worth a watch. Although, its four hour running time will mostly appeal to fans of Dylan. Packed with unseen footage, eye-opening interviews, unreleased songs, and snippets from performances, No Way Home offers an amazing insight into the earlier stages of Dylan’s career. 

👉 Watch No Direction Home on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy No Direction Home as DVD on Amazon

Amy (2015)

Amy offers an insight into the tragic downfall of the gifted Amy Winehouse. What makes it so heartbreaking to watch is that it shows how the people closest to her as well as the media pushed her further into her addiction. Clips of her budding talent as a child to her trying to escape thunderstorms of paparazzi serve as a cautionary tale for how exploitative the entertainment industry can be. 

👉 Watch Amy on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Amy as DVD on Amazon

Dave Chapelle’s Block Party (2005)

If you’re interested in rap and comedy, this documentary is certainly worth a watch. Comic Dave Chappelle packs a bus with residents from his hometown in Ohio and brings them to a free rap show. Among other incredible artists, the show features performances from The Fugees, Kanye West, Mos Def, and Eryka Badu. As well as quality performances from musicians in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Chappelle’s humour is always on point and true to his brand. 

👉 Watch Dave Chapelle’s Block Party on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Dave Chapelle’s Block Party as DVD on Amazon

Amazing Grace (2018)

Filmed over two days at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, footage of Aretha Franklin recording Amazing Grace was released in the form of a documentary 36 years later. The footage shows the making of the best selling gospel album of all time as Franklin sings her heart out in front of an awe-struck crowd.

👉 Watch Amazing Grace on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Amazing Grace as DVD on Amazon

Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (2021)

Usually, artists don’t get documentaries made about them until late in their careers. However, after starting her career when she was just 13 and gaining 141 nominations by 17, the story of Billie Eilish is worth being told. The documentary follows her life as a teenager at home, a musician recording a life-changing album at the studio, and a superstar onstage. R.J. Cutler’s documentary offers deeply personal insights that shed light on her music. 

Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry (2021) on Wikipedia

Woodstock (1970)

Woodstock follows one of the most iconic events in the 20th century in real-time. With 500,000 people gathering at the three-day music festival in 1969, Woodstock defined the summer of love belonging to the “hippie” generation. The documentary shows nearly four hour long footage of the event, with performances, interviews with musicians, and footage of the mass gathering of fans. With food shortages and medical emergencies, the documentary doesn’t shy away from the uglier parts of Woodstock. 

👉 Watch Woodstock on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Woodstock as DVD on Amazon

Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99 (2022)

The new Netflix docuseries explores the revival of Woodstock 1969, which proved to be a spectacular failure. The attempt at recreating the dreamy idealism of the original Woodstock resulted in a nightmare of riots, drug overdoses, arson, and sexual assaults. Instead of a crowd of hippies, a crowd of aggressive, frat boy types dominated. The docuseries builds up tension excellently up until the very moment before the disaster. Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99 and Woodstock (1970) would make a great pair to binge on a rainy day.

Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99 (2022) on Wikipedia

Tina (2021)

With a five decade long career filled with hits and rock ‘n’ roll classics, a Tina Turner documentary is what any music lover needs. Tina explores the legend’s career and life, showing both the highs and lows with touching insights. Turner discusses her struggles, such as her abusive relationship with Ike Turner, as well as her successes as a musician. The documentary is an insightful and touching goodbye from Turner as she retires from music.

👉 Watch Tina on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Tina as DVD on Amazon

20 Feet From Stardom (2013)

While it’s always great to get insights into a superstar’s life and career, the underdogs can have equally interesting stories. 20 Feet From Stardom gives the spotlight to back-up singers like Lisa Fischer and Merry Clayton, exploring their careers and lives. Serving backup vocals for musicians like Dolly parton, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and Beyonce, these vocalists finally get the attention they deserve. In genres like soul and rhythm-and-blues, backup vocals are what can make a song amazing. 

👉 Watch 20 Feet From Stardom on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy 20 Feet From Stardom as DVD on Amazon

Miss Americana (2020)

With personas ranging from the “sweet, good girl” to the “crazy-ex”, Taylor Swift - like most musicians - avoided showing her true self to the public. In Miss Americana, Swift shows the true side of herself, discussing the difficulties of always having to tune her image due to criticisms from the public. Emmy Award winning director Lana Wilson captures offstage and onstage footage of Swift as she discusses her new found independence and security.

Miss Americana (2020) on Wikipedia

 
Habiba Abdou
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