9 Music Documentaries You Need to Know

The world of music documentaries has become a great source of quality entertainment for music and film fans worldwide. 

Documentaries offer an intimate and authentic glimpse into the lives and works of artists, bands, and musical movements. It’s a great opportunity for music fans to get to know the stories behind their favorite artists and bands better.

Are you a music lover and enthusiastic about the lives of the idols who made history in some way? Then get ready to check out a list of some of the best music documentaries that you absolutely need to know.

Which music documentaries to watch?

Documentaries about bands and singers go beyond simple biographies. After all, they present curiosities and narratives that capture the essence and struggles of musicians, offering an emotionally engaging experience.

In Canada, where cultural and musical diversity is highly valued, interest in music documentaries has grown over time, with various audiovisual works available on streaming platforms gaining popularity.

From Amy Winehouse to Metallica, these works offer a deeper understanding of the stories and struggles that shaped these icons’ journeys. 

Prepare the popcorn, adjust the sound, and hit play on these unmissable music documentaries.

Amy (2015)

Directed by Asif Kapadia, “Amy” is one of the most impactful music documentaries of recent years. 

The production delves into the life of British singer Amy Winehouse, exploring both her unparalleled talent and personal battles.

With a narrative built from interviews, home recordings, and archival footage, the documentary offers an intimate look at the rise and tragic fall of one of the most powerful voices in contemporary music, creating a sense of closeness with the singer.

“Amy” is not just a film about music; it’s a study of fame, vulnerability, and the challenges of living in the spotlight. 

The documentary reveals the duality of Amy’s life: her extraordinary talent as a vocalist and songwriter and the inner struggles that eventually led to her premature death.

Critics received “Amy” with acclaim, praising Kapadia’s sensitive direction in handling the artist’s journey. 

Winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2016, the film has established itself as one of the most important music documentaries of the decade.

Homecoming – A Film by Beyoncé (2019)

“Homecoming” is a music documentary that transcends the genre, capturing the essence of Beyoncé’s legendary Coachella 2018 performance. 

This film is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of Black culture, female strength, and the transformative power of art.

Beyoncé was the first Black woman to headline the festival, and the documentary, directed by the artist herself, celebrates this achievement. 

“Homecoming” transports you to the heart of a performance that is not just about music but about identity, resistance, and empowerment.

With the narrative alternating between the behind-the-scenes preparation and the performance itself, the documentary reveals Beyoncé’s creative vision and relentless work ethic. 

For fans of the singer and pop music, this is one of the most inspiring music documentaries available.

The production features rehearsal footage, testimonies from dancers and musicians, and Beyoncé’s personal reflection on the significance of creating a groundbreaking show. 

“Homecoming” is one of those music documentaries that redefine the genre, placing the art of performance in a broader cultural context.

Springsteen on Broadway (2018)

Bruce Springsteen is known for his introspective lyrics and his ability to tell stories through music. 

In “Springsteen on Broadway,” directed by Thom Zimny, this ability is put on full display, offering an opportunity to see the artist in an intimate and personal performance.

For over two years, Springsteen performed a solo show at the Walter Kerr Theatre, where he not only sang but also narrated the story of his life, from his childhood in New Jersey to his rise as a rock icon.

The documentary captures the essence of this intimate show, showcasing how Springsteen manages to create a deep emotional connection with his audience.

Over more than two hours, the film explores themes of family, love, loss, and the American dream—central elements in Bruce Springsteen’s work. 

For fans of the artist and anyone interested in music documentaries that explore the connection between life and art, “Springsteen on Broadway” is a must-watch.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

Nina Simone is one of the most profound and influential singers in music history, and “What Happened, Miss Simone?” brilliantly explores this complexity. She was an artist who never hesitated to use her music as a tool for activism.

Directed by Liz Garbus, this music documentary dives into the life of the singer, pianist, and activist, addressing both her extraordinary talent and her struggles against racism and mental health issues.

Combining archival footage, interviews with people who knew her intimately, and concert recordings, the film celebrates Nina Simone’s career while examining the complexities of her personal and professional life. 

It captures the strength and fragility of an artist who always used her voice to fight for justice.

The documentary explores her battles against racism, her involvement in the civil rights movement, and the mental health issues that accompanied her throughout her life. 

It includes powerful performances that show why Simone is revered as one of the most important voices of the 20th century.

For those looking for historical music documentaries that, beyond the music, portray the social and political impact of an artist, this is a wonderful choice.

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)

For rock fans, “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck” is one of the essential music documentaries. Directed by Brett Morgen, the work is a visceral immersion into the life of Nirvana’s frontman, combining interviews, home videos, animations, and excerpts from Cobain’s own journals.

Throughout the documentary, an intimate portrait of the artist is constructed, exploring his musical genius, personal anguish, and the inner demons that led him to take his own life. 

In this way, the work humanizes one of music’s most enigmatic figures, revealing the beauty of his art and the torment behind it.

Morgen had exclusive access to previously unseen materials, including audio recordings and videos personally made by Cobain. 

This allowed him to create an honest portrayal of the musician, showcasing his creativity and his struggles with addiction and mental health issues.

The documentary also explores Cobain’s complicated relationship with his family, the pressure of fame, and the impact of his music on the popular culture of a generation.

“Montage of Heck” is indispensable for any Nirvana fan and anyone who wants to better understand the complexities of one of the most striking and brilliant artists of the 1990s.

Miss Americana (2020)

Taylor Swift is one of the most influential artists in contemporary pop music. “Miss Americana” aims to offer a candid look at her journey, following Swift from her meteoric rise to her internal battles with fame, politics, and her identity as a woman.

Directed by Lana Wilson, this music documentary follows Swift during a period of transformation. 

The film explores the singer’s evolution, both as an artist and as a person, showing how she learned to embrace her power and voice in an often hostile world.

The documentary follows the behind-the-scenes creation of her album “Lover” and as she takes a political stand for the first time in her career. 

“Miss Americana” reveals the duality of Swift’s life: a pop star dominating the charts and a young woman dealing with the pressures of fame and social expectations.

Essentially, it’s a testament to the artist’s resilience, showing how she learned to balance her professional ambitions with her need for self-expression. More suited for pop music fans, this is one of the music documentaries that dives into the entertainment industry.

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

Winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary, “20 Feet from Stardom” is a tribute to the backup singers who often go unnoticed by the public and are not recognized for their talents.

The music documentary directed by Morgan Neville highlights the stories of artists who, despite always being in the shadow of the main stars, played an essential role in creating the most iconic songs in history.

“20 Feet from Stardom” brings to light the struggles and triumphs of these musicians, opening a new perspective on the music industry and redefining what it means to be a star. 

It’s one of the most innovative music documentaries because it sheds light on a group often overlooked.

The work focuses on the stories of singers like Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Lisa Fischer, paying homage to these artists and exploring the joys and frustrations of being just “20 feet” away from stardom.

The documentary inspired a re-evaluation of the role of backing vocals in music history. It’s a production for people interested in music documentaries that challenge traditional narratives of success and fame in the music industry.

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)

“Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” is a music documentary that goes beyond what one would expect from a simple band biography. 

Directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, the film offers an uncensored look at the challenges faced by one of the world’s biggest bands.

The documentary follows the recording of the “St. Anger” album and the internal tensions that nearly led to Metallica’s breakup. 

With an intimate approach, the film captures the conflicts, vulnerabilities, and process that define Metallica as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Filmed over several years, the documentary records a period marked by moments such as the departure of bassist Jason Newsted and the introduction of therapist Phil Towle, who helped mediate tensions between band members.

“Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” not only documents the group’s creative process but also explores the personal and professional dynamics involved. 

This is one of the most intense music documentaries ever made, offering a rare chance to see an iconic band at its most vulnerable.

Marley (2012)

Artist Bob Marley is considered more than just a music legend; he’s a symbol of peace, resistance, and love. 

Directed by Kevin Macdonald, “Marley” is a music documentary that provides a comprehensive immersion into the life and legacy of the reggae icon.

Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as rare archival footage, the work traces the artist’s journey from his humble beginnings in Jamaica to his rise as a global figure.

“Marley” celebrates the cultural and spiritual impact of the singer, exploring the facets of a man who became one of the most influential voices in the fight for equality and justice. The film covers everything from Marley’s childhood in rural Jamaica to his peak as a reggae star.

The documentary also addresses Marley’s influence in spreading the reggae music genre around the world. 

For fans of music and reggae culture in general, “Marley” is an unmissable music documentary that celebrates the legacy of a great idol.

These nine music documentaries are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the wealth of stories and talents that the world of music has to offer. 

Each of them captures the essence of the specific artists and bands they depict, providing a cinematic experience that goes beyond entertainment, bringing reflections on life, art, and humanity.

If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of music history, these productions are a good starting point. What do you think? Enjoy and keep following our site for more entertainment tips, like out list of the best romantic comedies of all time!