22 Exciting Documentaries About Rock and Pop Bands
Music has always been a powerful art form that has the ability to inspire, challenge, and transform us. For those who love rock and pop, there are countless documentaries available that offer a peek behind the scenes of some of the most iconic bands. From intimate portraits of individual musicians to genre-spanning musical explorations, these films provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the stories and sounds that have shaped our world.
In this blog post, we'll take a tour through some of the best documentaries about rock and pop bands, including Menudo: Forever Young, In the Court of the Crimson King, Underground Inc: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock, Streetlight Harmonies, Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, and Moonage Daydream.
1. Menudo: Forever Young (2022)
Menudo: Forever Young, released in 2022, chronicles the rise and fall of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. The band rose to fame in the 1980s and paved the way for many other Latin American musicians to enter the US music industry.
The documentary includes interviews with former band members as well as famous fans like Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, providing insight into what made Menudo so successful and why the band ultimately disbanded.
Menudo: Forever Young on Factual America
👉 Watch Menudo: Forever Young on Amazon Prime
2. In the Court of the Crimson King (2022)
In the Court of the Crimson King is a documentary about the legendary English progressive rock band, King Crimson. Directed by Tony Palmer, the film's focus is on the band during their 1969 US tour.
Featuring live performances and backstage interviews, the documentary showcases the band's unique sound and influences, as well as the social and political context in which they emerged.
In the Court of the Crimson King on Factual America
👉 Watch In the Court of the Crimson King on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy In the Court of the Crimson King as DVD on Amazon
3. Underground Inc: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock (2019)
Underground Inc: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock is a comprehensive exploration of the alternative rock scene in the 1990s.
The film traces the history of the genre from its roots in punk rock and grunge to the mainstream success of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Interviews with musicians, producers, and critics give an in-depth look into the music and culture of this era, as well as the factors that led to its eventual decline.
Underground Inc: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock on Factual America
4. Streetlight Harmonies (2020)
Streetlight Harmonies is a documentary that celebrates the doo-wop and vocal harmony groups of the 1950s and 60s.
Featuring interviews with famous musicians like Brian Wilson and Lance Bass, as well as lesser-known but equally influential performers, the film combines historical footage with contemporary performances to showcase the enduring appeal of these timeless sounds.
Streetlight Harmonies on Factual America
👉 Watch Streetlight Harmonies on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Streetlight Harmonies as DVD on Amazon
5. Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll (2018)
Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll is a tribute to the groundbreaking guitarist and singer who helped forge the sound and attitude of early rock and roll.
The documentary highlights Berry's incredible talent as a songwriter and performer, as well as his influence on later artists like the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Through interviews with fellow musicians and family members, viewers get a glimpse of the man behind the music.
Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll on Factual America
👉 Watch Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll as DVD on Amazon
6. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week (2016)
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week is an intimate portrait of the iconic British band during their touring years from 1962 to 1966.
Directed by Ron Howard and featuring rare archival footage and interviews with surviving band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the band's ascent to fame and the toll it took on their personal lives.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week on Factual America
👉 Watch The Beatles: Eight Days a Week on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Beatles: Eight Days a Week as DVD on Amazon
7. Moonage Daydream (2022)
Moonage Daydream, which premiered in 2022, explores the life and music of David Bowie during his formative years from 1964 to 1974. Beginning with his early years in London, the documentary follows Bowie's evolution as an artist and explores his many personas and creative collaborations.
Through interviews with musicians, producers, and others who knew Bowie personally, the film offers a fresh perspective on one of the most influential figures in rock and roll history.
Moonage Daydream on Factual America
👉 Watch Moonage Daydream on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Moonage Daydream as DVD on Amazon
8. Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 (2022)
Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 is a newly released documentary that explores one of the most disastrous music festivals in history. Woodstock '99 was supposed to be a celebration of peace and love, just like the original Woodstock.
However, it quickly turned into a nightmare, with riots, sexual assaults, and property damage. Trainwreck revisits this event and examines how it all went wrong, featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with musicians and concert-goers.
Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 on Factual America
9. Tina (2021)
Tina focuses on the life and career of Tina Turner, one of the most influential artists of all time. The film covers her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband and musical partner Ike Turner, as well as her rise to solo stardom.
Tina also delves into Turner's personal life, revealing her struggles with mental health and the toll that fame took on her.
10. Miss Americana (2020)
Miss Americana is a documentary about Taylor Swift and her journey to finding her voice and standing up for herself.
The film takes us behind the scenes of the making of her album "Lover" and explores how she overcame public scrutiny, a sexual assault trial, and a hiatus from music. Miss Americana is a powerful story about resilience and self-discovery.
11. Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
Gaga: Five Foot Two gives us a glimpse into the life of Lady Gaga during one of the most challenging periods in her career.
The film follows the making of her album "Joanne" and the preparations for her Super Bowl performance. It also touches on her struggles with chronic pain and mental health, revealing a vulnerable side of Gaga that fans had never seen before.
12. Oasis: Supersonic (2016)
Oasis: Supersonic is a documentary about the iconic British band Oasis and their meteoric rise to fame.
The film features interviews with the Gallagher brothers and other band members, as well as rare footage of their early performances. Supersonic captures the spirit of the 90s and shows how Oasis became one of the biggest bands in the world.
👉 Watch Oasis: Supersonic on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Oasis: Supersonic as DVD on Amazon
13. Amy (2015)
Amy is a heartbreaking documentary about the life and death of Amy Winehouse. The film sheds light on her struggles with addiction and fame, as well as her incredible talent as a musician. Amy features interviews with her friends, family members, and collaborators, painting a vivid portrait of the artist and the woman behind the music.
14. The Velvet Underground (2021)
The Velvet Underground is a documentary about the iconic band that influenced generations of musicians. The film explores their origins in the vibrant New York City music scene of the 60s, their collaborations with Andy Warhol, and their impact on the world of music. The Velvet Underground is a must-watch for any fan of rock and pop music.
👉 Buy The Velvet Underground as DVD on Amazon
15. BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky (2020)
BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky is a must-watch for K-pop fans and music enthusiasts alike. The Netflix original documentary follows the four members of BLACKPINK, the world’s highest-grossing girl group, as they prepare for and embark on their first world tour.
Director Caroline Suh provides a behind-the-scenes look into the group’s creative process, struggles, and close bond, revealing how they navigated the ups and downs of fame with grace and determination.
BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky on IMDb
16. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster is an intimate portrayal of the legendary metal band during one of their most turbulent times.
The documentary captures the band as they face internal conflicts and hire a therapist to guide them through their artistic and personal struggles. Directors Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky unveil the unglamorous side of rock stardom, as they showcase Metallica’s vulnerability, dedication, and creativity.
👉 Watch Metallica: Some Kind of Monster on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Metallica: Some Kind of Monster as DVD on Amazon
17. The Punk Singer (2013)
The Punk Singer is a tribute to the feminist punk icon Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre.
Director Sini Anderson documents Hanna’s activism, music, and health battles, and highlights the impact she had on the Riot Grrrl movement and on generations of female musicians. The documentary reminds us of the power of music as a force for social change and self-expression.
👉 Watch The Punk Singer on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The Punk Singer as DVD on Amazon
18. Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck is a biographical documentary that tells the story of the late Nirvana frontman through his own drawings, journals, and home videos. Director Brett Morgen pieces together a candid and haunting portrait of Cobain’s childhood, rise to fame, substance abuse, and tragic suicide.
The documentary sheds light on the humanity and vulnerability behind Cobain’s iconic status and explores the intersection between art, mental health, and celebrity culture.
👉 Watch Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck as DVD on Amazon
19. Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (2021)
Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry captures the meteoric rise of the teenage pop sensation Billie Eilish, from recording her debut album in her bedroom to winning Grammy awards and selling out arenas.
Director R.J. Cutler gives viewers an all-access pass to Eilish’s world, including her family dynamics, creative process, and struggles with fame and mental health. The documentary celebrates Eilish’s authenticity, creativity, and unique vision, while also highlighting the pressures and challenges she faced as a young artist.
Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry on IMDb
20. Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)
Madonna: Truth or Dare is a groundbreaking documentary that follows the Queen of Pop, Madonna, on her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour. Director Alek Keshishian captures Madonna’s performances, backstage antics, and controversial statements, while also exploring her personality, relationships, and identity.
The documentary is a daring and provocative statement on female sexuality, artistry, and fame, and cemented Madonna’s status as an icon and a boundary-pusher.
👉 Watch Madonna: Truth or Dare on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Madonna: Truth or Dare as DVD on Amazon
21. The Go-Go's (2020)
The Go-Go's is a fascinating look into the pioneering all-female rock band from Los Angeles, known for hits like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.”
Director Alison Ellwood chronicles the Go-Go’s journey from their scrappy punk beginnings to superstardom and back, while also delving into their personal struggles with addiction, relationships, and industry sexism. The documentary celebrates the Go-Go’s influence on music and culture, as well as their resilience and camaraderie.
👉 Watch The Go-Go's on Amazon Prime
22. The Beatles: Get Back (2021)
The Beatles: Get Back is a new three-part documentary series directed by Peter Jackson that offers a never-before-seen look at the Beatles’ recording sessions for their final studio album, Let It Be.
The series showcases the creative process of the Fab Four as they create new songs, work out harmonies, and interact with each other in the studio and on the roof of their Apple Corps headquarters. The documentary dispels many myths about the band’s breakup and shines a light on their musicianship, humor, and humanity.
👉 Buy The Beatles: Get Back as DVD on Amazon
Conclusion
Whether you're a die-hard fan of a particular band or simply enjoy learning about the history and evolution of rock and pop music, these documentaries offer something for everyone.
From the early days of doo-wop and rock and roll to the rise of alternative and progressive rock, each film provides a unique glimpse into the sounds and stories that have shaped our musical landscape. So pour yourself a drink, turn up the volume, and settle in for a musical journey you won't soon forget.
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