Buzz
With the rising popularity of documentaries, rockumentaries are also gaining more viewers. Unlike the calm narration of Ken Burns, these music-driven films thrive on high energy and raw intensity.
Rock documentaries are a unique challenge. While they often feature well-known personalities, they can still fall into the traps of dullness or superficial insights. Focusing solely on the music might work, but it rarely leads to greatness. The finest music documentaries excel by creating an immersive auditory experience, revealing the personal stories of the artists, and engaging listeners regardless of their prior interest in the genre. Bonus points if they capture a slice of history along the way.
Join Penny Lane on this cinematic journey. Below are 25 must-watch documentaries that every music and movie lover should have on their list.
1. What’s Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A. (1964)
A groundbreaking cinematic achievement where documentary brilliance intersected with unparalleled musical talent on the brink of global fame, this remains the finest Beatles documentary ever made. Helmed by the iconic Albert and David Maysles, the film chronicles the band’s lighthearted first tour of America, showcasing moments like the deafening screams at The Ed Sullivan Show and their playful antics in hotel rooms. It’s a vibrant snapshot of youthful exuberance before they revolutionized music. In 1990, the original 1964 footage was reworked and re-released as The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit.
2. The T.A.M.I. Show (1964)
This concert film exudes effortless cool. "Teen Age Music International" filled the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium with enthusiastic teens wielding free passes and eager to see their pop idols. The movie is a straightforward lineup of every major 1964 hit that didn’t feature The Beatles. Legends like Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones, and more perform their biggest hits in front of an energetic, swaying crowd. Ideal for background entertainment or a nostalgic trip through the fashion, music, and charisma of the era’s biggest stars.
3. Don’t Look Back (1967)
Another perfect blend of style, talent, and subject matter, Don't Look Back redefined how rockumentaries could offer a deeper understanding of the individuals shaping our popular culture. The abundance of iconic moments in D.A. Pennebaker’s groundbreaking film, which follows Bob Dylan during his 1965 tour of England, highlights the musician’s undeniable charisma. From the cue cards to the heartfelt duet with Joan Baez in a hotel room on the verge of their breakup, to the Mississippi voter registration rally, the film is packed with unforgettable scenes. By exploring the impact of fame on the artist, their work, and their audience, it set a standard that most rock documentaries strive to match.
4. Gimme Shelter (1970)
The rockumentary genre has grown to reflect the vast diversity of music itself, which is why Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping can parody today’s music scene just as This Is Spinal Tap! did in the 1980s. However, 1970 remains a pivotal year for the genre. Another masterpiece by the Maysles brothers, this profound documentary captures The Rolling Stones during a tour at the peak of their global fame. The music is raw and electrifying, and the film culminates with their performance at the Altamont Free Concert, which ended in tragedy when a fan, armed with a gun, was fatally stabbed by Hell’s Angels security while attempting to climb onstage during “Under My Thumb.”
5. Woodstock (1970)
The second defining rockumentary of 1970 allowed countless viewers to experience the era’s most iconic concert without being there. If rock ‘n’ roll transitioned from rebellious adolescence to conflicted maturity in the 1960s, Woodstock and its accompanying documentary cemented that image indelibly. Featuring legendary performances by Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Who; Joe Cocker covering The Beatles; Janis Joplin; Jimi Hendrix; and many others, the film captures the essence of three days of peace, love, and music. It’s a timeless snapshot of an era that you can revisit with effortless nostalgia.
6.
Wattstax (1973)
Often referred to as "Black Woodstock," this benefit concert commemorating the seventh anniversary of the 1965 Watts riots showcased a vibrant mix of gospel, funk, and R&B performers, alongside powerful speeches by Jesse Jackson, Fred Williams, and Melvin Van Peebles. Its recent acknowledgment by the Library of Congress, with its 2020 induction into the National Film Registry, solidifies its place in history for its passionate mission and electrifying music. The film is a remarkable historical artifact, made even more extraordinary by the logistical challenges: the concert had just one night to set up and tear down to avoid disrupting the NFL schedule at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and the audience was kept away from the stage to protect the field (though they rushed it anyway to dance The Funky Chicken). Despite these constraints, Stax Records delivered an unforgettable musical event, headlined by the soulful Isaac Hayes and masterfully documented in this film.
7. Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (1973)
Legendary documentarian D.A. Pennebaker immortalized David Bowie’s farewell performance as his iconic Ziggy Stardust character at London's Hammersmith Odeon, capturing the electric atmosphere of the event. The audience plays as crucial a role as the band, with the camera immersing viewers in a pivotal moment in music history. Seeing Bowie up close remains awe-inspiring, and the music, as expected, is truly otherworldly.
8. The Decline Of Western Civilization (1981)
Rather than focusing on mainstream stars, Penelope Spheeris’s debut film delves into the gritty heart of the Los Angeles punk scene at the dawn of the 1980s. Featuring bands like Black Flag and The Circle Jerks—artists your parents likely never encountered—the documentary showcases their raucous, mosh-pit-inducing anthems and offers a raw glimpse into their unpolished lifestyles, akin to a grungy precursor to MTV Cribs. The film exudes an authenticity rarely seen in music documentaries, capturing individuals whose dedication to their craft far surpasses their financial rewards. Its impact was so profound that the LAPD demanded it never be screened in Los Angeles again.
9. Urgh! A Music War (1981)
This unconventional concert film is refreshingly direct, presenting one electrifying performance after another without narration, context, or any behind-the-scenes fluff. It’s also delightfully bizarre, featuring the theatrical pop of Gary Numan, Klaus Nomi, and Oingo Boingo, alongside mainstream acts like The Police and Joan Jett. The diverse lineup bridges punk, post-punk, garage rock, and new wave, with performances ranging from minimalist to extravagantly staged. The film’s eclectic mix juxtaposes acts like The Go-Gos with The Dead Kennedys, and fans of the COVID-era sensation "Toyah and Robert's Sunday Lunch" will appreciate early footage of new wave icon Toyah Willcox.
10. Stop Making Sense (1984)
Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece captures The Talking Heads during four nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater, delivering a concert film that’s nothing short of perfection. The film brilliantly showcases the band’s eccentric yet profoundly human stage presence, as they groove through their funky, iconic hits while David Byrne dazzles in his legendary oversized suit. It’s a masterclass in performance art and an infectious celebration of joy. For the full experience, seek out the VHS or Laserdisc versions, which include even more musical gems.
11. Sign "☮" The Times (1987)
Featuring Prince as the focal point of your concert documentary guarantees its place among the greatest of all time. The music alone is unforgettable, with classics like “Little Red Corvette” and “U Got the Look,” alongside Sheila E.’s explosive drumming. Add to that Prince’s boundless charisma and electrifying stage presence, and you have a masterpiece. The film also weaves in a sci-fi narrative, transporting viewers to Prince Planet, offering a surreal and captivating experience that only a visionary like Prince could pull off.
12. Madonna: Truth Or Dare (1991)
For younger audiences, it might be challenging to grasp Madonna’s unparalleled influence in the 1980s and the cultural significance of this film. A behind-the-scenes look at her Blonde Ambition Tour, it offers a glimpse into the extravagant life of a global superstar. At the time, Madonna was dating Warren Beatty, and the film features her mingling with icons like Al Pacino and Lionel Richie. From facing threats of arrest in Canada for her provocative performances to the Pope’s attempts to halt her tour in Italy, and even an awkward family visit, the documentary captures the chaos and allure of a life lived in the public eye.
13. RHYME & REASON (1997)
A groundbreaking exploration of the artistry and lives of rap musicians during the genre’s ascent to global dominance in the 1990s, this film combines electrifying concert and party footage with an extensive array of interviews. Director Peter Spirer engaged with over 80 rap and hip-hop artists to create a vivid portrayal of the era, capturing the experiences of pioneers whose voices resonated worldwide and those who followed to achieve even greater heights. Rather than focusing on a single individual, the documentary serves as a cultural time capsule, offering insights from the very heart of the movement.
14. Meeting People is Easy (1998)
Director Grant Gee’s intimate portrayal of Radiohead’s 1997 OK Computer world tour has been likened to "Radiohead Big Brother" due to the static cameras placed in their dressing rooms. The film’s most compelling aspect lies in its raw, unfiltered depiction of the band’s exhaustion and disillusionment as they navigate endless interviews and media obligations. While many documentaries aim to reveal the "real" person behind the music, few do so with such unflinching honesty and minimal polish.
15. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
This film offers a rare glimpse into the world of heavy metal therapy, as Metallica grapples with internal turmoil at the peak of their fame. By 2000, the band had achieved mainstream success, including Grammy Awards and blockbuster soundtrack features, but their foundation began to crumble. Following bassist Jason Newsted’s departure, the group turned to a performance coach to address their emotional and interpersonal struggles. From their legal battle with Napster to the search for a new bassist, the documentary captures Metallica confronting childhood traumas and heated conflicts, ultimately emerging as a transformed entity.
16. Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2005)
In the summer of 2004, at the peak of his fame and just months before stepping away from the spotlight, Dave Chappelle organized a concert in Brooklyn, inviting a mix of legendary artists and random fans. With Michel Gondry behind the camera, the event became a joyous celebration of music, featuring performances by Erykah Badu, Kanye West, The Roots, Common, Mos Def, and a surprise Fugees reunion. Chappelle’s infectious energy and the vibrant crowd personalities make this film a uniquely uplifting and rhythm-filled experience.
17. The Devil And Daniel Johnston (2005)
For those unfamiliar with Daniel Johnston’s work, this documentary serves as both an introduction to his raw, anti-folk sound and a deep dive into the mind behind it. Jeff Feuerzeig’s film doesn’t shy away from Johnston’s bipolar disorder, instead confronting it head-on to reveal the beauty and chaos of his creative process. More than a musician’s story, it’s a profound exploration of a human being who happens to express himself through music.
18. Awesome; I F*Ckin’ Shot That! (2006)
Rockumentaries typically fall into two categories: the raw concert film that feels like a front-row seat to a show you missed, and the artist profile filled with insightful interviews and performances. These formats are tried and true, which is why the Beastie Boys decided to flip the script entirely. A year before YouTube’s debut, the rap trio handed out camcorders to 50 fans at their Madison Square Garden concert, creating a chaotic, fan-driven mosaic of perspectives that offers an authentic, ground-level view of the event.
19. Soul Power (2009)
Jeff Levy-Hinte’s vibrant documentary captures the historic concert tied to Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s 1974 Rumble in the Jungle. Featuring legends like Miriam Makeba, The Spinners, B.B. King, and the Pembe Dance Troupe, the film is a jubilant hour of music and dance, culminating in a show-stopping performance by James Brown. Beyond the stage, it offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these icons as they reflect on Black Power, performing in Zaire, and the essence of freedom.
20. Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest (2011)
Director Michael Rapaport’s love for this groundbreaking rap group shines through in this film, which celebrates their music while delving into the tensions that have kept them from staying together. The contrasting personalities of Q-Tip and Phife Dawg create compelling drama, set against the backdrop of their smooth, iconic hip-hop sound. This documentary masterfully balances the beauty of their artistry with the complexities of their relationships.
21. A Band Called Death (2012)
Hailing from the Motown era of the 1960s, Death’s proto-punk sound was overlooked and confined to obscurity for decades before resurfacing nearly 40 years after their recordings. Brothers David, Bobby, and Dannis Hackney defied racial stereotypes of the time by embracing heavy rock over traditional Motown soul, bridging the gap between Marvin Gaye and the Misfits. Their music remains a compelling testament to what could have been if record labels had recognized the groundbreaking shift they represented. Mark Christopher Covino and Jeff Howlett’s documentary honors this nearly forgotten band, with a touching moment of Bobby’s son discovering his father’s legendary legacy.
22. The Punk Singer (2013)
Sini Anderson’s film captures the expansive life and career of Kathleen Hanna, the force behind Bikini Kill, though labeling her merely as the band’s leader is an understatement. Artist, feminist, activist, and trailblazer are just a few of the roles Hanna embodies. The documentary is a vibrant celebration of riot grrrl culture, featuring electrifying archival footage and insightful interviews with members of Le Tigre, Bikini Kill, Julie Ruin, as well as Carrie Brownstein and Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz, Hanna’s husband.
23. Sound City (2013)
Directed by Dave Grohl, known for Nirvana and Foo Fighters, this documentary delves into the legacy of a studio that shaped rock history. Sound City Studios produced groundbreaking music for icons like Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Tom Petty, and Nine Inch Nails, but it fell victim to the digital revolution, which replaced analog equipment with computer-based editing. Featuring interviews with legendary musicians, Grohl champions the studio’s heritage, preserving its iconic equipment to inspire future generations to capture its legendary sound.
24. Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015)
Amy J. Berg’s documentary is a poignant journey through archival footage of the iconic Janis Joplin. Narrated by Cat Power, the film combines modern reflections with historical insights, offering a fresh and heartfelt tribute to one of music’s most cherished artists, whose life and career ended far too soon.
25. Amy (2015)
This Oscar-winning film chronicles Amy Winehouse’s reluctant rise to fame and tragic demise at the peak of her career. Director Asif Kapadia crafts an intimate portrayal of the person behind the music, while critiquing the public’s insatiable appetite for celebrity. Through over 100 interviews and meticulous storytelling, the documentary restores depth to Winehouse’s public image, celebrating her extraordinary voice and timeless songwriting.
This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for 2021.
