If you feel the music from all your heart and soul, check out these 25 best music documentaries on Netflix. After watching these music documentaries, we can assure you that their music will hit differently.
Music documentaries are always the perfect way to learn more about the life of your favorite singer. The music documentaries seem to have the answers to every question that popped into our while after listening to their heart-warming album.
They tell the most intriguing stories about the significant elements of music that have shaped our music industry.
25. Halftime
- Director: Amanda Micheli, Sam Wrench
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
One of the well-known films you can see, Halftime, was made by Amanda Micheli and Sam Wrench and features several incredible celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, the star of Batman.
Adam Blackstone and Kim Burse have also appeared in this Documentary in supporting roles. The film tells the story of Jennifer Lopez, a well-known international star.
In addition to discussing the pressures she has had in her personal life while giving her all in her job, Lopez has discussed her experiences and growth as she developed her career.
24. FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
- Director: Chris Smith
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened revolves around the life of Billy McFarland and his flop Fyre Festival that took place in 2016. The popularity of this series is witnessed by the number of views this film has on Netflix.
Twenty million people viewed it in the very first month of release.
The Fyre Festival was considered a luxury music festival that everyone fantasized about visiting someday but couldn’t make it because of the overconfident entrepreneurs.
23. ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
- Director: Kelly Duane de la Vega
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes:100%
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke uncovered the journey of Sam Cooke from being a solo singer to being the civil rights activist that was speculated to be the prime reason for his death at the tender age of 33.
The film also analyses the aspect of his life that led to his death. This exciting thriller is a must-watch for crime movie lovers out there.
The true story makes it stand out from the rest of the biopic on Netflix.
22. Not Just A Girl
- Director: Joss Crowley
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
You can see Shania Twain, Kelsea Ballerini, Marc Bouwer, Bo Derek, and more in Joss Crowley’s film Not Just a Girl, featuring some other beautiful stars.
The narrative of the well-known and internationally renowned singer Shania Twain is the main subject of this new film’s plot.
The record provides glimpses into Twia’s journey from being a novice to Nashville to being a much-loved global icon vocalist.
21. Keith Richards: Under the Influence
- Director: Morgan Neville
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Keith Richards: Under the Influence takes us on an exciting journey of Keith Richards as he discovers the fascinating mysteries of music and sound. He entertains the world as a songwriter, performer, and guitarist.
The film also highlights the sounds that influenced the icon, Keith Richards, towards being a part of the music industry.
We can count this film as private access to his life. If you are craving to know more about the exciting life of this iconic singer from the past, then you need to dive into the Documentary about Richard Williams.
20. I Called Him Morgan
- Director: Kasper Collin
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
I Called Him Morgan features the life of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan and his common-law wife, Helen Morgan, who murdered him in 1972.
The film took seven years to develop to cover such a high-profile and complicated topic. Kasper Collin worked as a director, producer, and writer. This is one of the best documentary feature films, and it was regarded as the 18th best-reviewed film to stream on Netflix.
Lee Morgan was one of the most excellent jazz musicians of the decade. He was known for the joyous and enthusiastic jazz music popularized throughout the United States. He was also an outstanding trumpet player.
19. John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky
- Director: Michael Epstein
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
This Documentary focuses on the relationship between John Lennon and Yoko and how it influenced their new album Imagine, released in 1971 at Ascot, London.
It contains unseen footage that was not previously available to the audience. It also includes interviews that are sure to leave you amazed.
The discussion that gives an insight into the lives of John and Yoko’s relationship is also portrayed very well in the film.
18. Lewis Capaldi’s How I’m Feeling Now
- Director: Thom Zimny
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
How I’m Feeling Now by Lewis Capaldi is a recently published documentary from 2023 that has received excellent reviews and ratings from viewers.
Famous filmmaker Joe Pearlman’s Documentary has several incredible actors, including Amy Allen, Nick Atkinson, Tom Barnes, Anthony Capaldi, and many more.
This new documentary film tells the story of Lewis Capaldi, a well-known Scottish singer and songwriter, like earlier documentaries.
This new Documentary also depicts his journey from being a teenager to being a Grammy-nominated pop sensation.
17. Miss Americana
- Director: Lana Wils
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Taylor Swift’s songs have been the go-to music in the life of every millennial and Gen-Z because we can relate to her songs on another level.
Miss Americana features the life of our queen, Taylor Swift, who reveals the truth about the adversities and low moments she faced as a songwriter through in-depth interviews.
The film also reveals how emotionally upsetting the initial stages of her career were when she discovered her love for singing.
The Documentary is set during the release of Reputation Stadium Tour (2017) to Lover (2018). It is also decked up with unseen flashback videos, uncovering more exciting stories about the life of Taylor Swift. Miss Americana was awarded as “one of the five best documentaries of 2020”.
Read More: The 35 Best Documentaries on Hulu to Watch Right Now
16. Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
- Director: Brent Wilson
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes:94%
Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road is a popular documentary about Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the Beach Boys. Jack Rieley, a band member in the past, mostly features in this Documentary.
The film made its presence following the release of the unheard recordings of Brian. The viewers cherished the film, which received a positive response from the critics.
Fans concluded that this is one of the best music documentaries on Netflix as it gave a fantastic description of their life.
15. 20 Feet from Stardom
- Director: Morgan Neville
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
20 Feet from Stardom is an excellent musical documentary that highlights the life of backup singers who remain unnoticed by the world, even though the project they worked on turned out to be a hit.
The film includes background singers such as Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Tata Vega, Jo Lawry, and others.
On the occasion of the 86th Academy Awards, the film received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for the unique concept and the brilliant portrayal of the life struggles of unknown background singers.
14. The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America
- Director: Paul Dugdale
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America features the epic Latin America Tour by the band Rolling Stone. This concert film cum travelogue showcases the journey of the band as well as the historic moments in their career.
The film also showcases in-depth information about the Latin America Tour. The film also gives an insight into the life of the Stones in Argentina, where their fans created bands called Rulings inspired by the work of the Stones.
It is a must-watch for the Rolling Stone fans out there.
13. Gaga: Five Foot Two
- Director: Chris Moukarbel
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
Gaga: Five Foot Two showcases the life of the legendary pop singer Lady Gaga. The Documentary revolves around her life when her fifth album, Joanne, was about to release and her iconic halftime performance at Super Bowl LI.
This film brilliantly portrayed the unfiltered life of Lady Gaga, so if you are a massive fan of the iconic singer, then you should check out her Documentary.
Many phases of her life were revealed in the Documentary, including the archival footage, her interaction with her entourage and fans, and the diagnosis of fibromyalgia in her body. The chronic pain made it harder to rehearse for the performance.
12. Michael Jackson’s This Is It
- Director: Christopher Broughton
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
This musical Documentary revolves around the life of the greatest pop singer and icon, Michael Jackson. This film shows the final days of the pop idol while he prepares for 50 shows.
This iconic performer will be remembered by people for generations to come, and no one can ever replace his work. The film also gives an insight into his hidden life, which fans greatly appreciate.
This movie also takes an intimate look at the life of the King of Pop culture. This movie seems to justify why millions of fans worshipped him from all around the world.
The movie also tells us about the support of his loved ones in climbing the stairs of success. Michael Jackson is happily alive in the hearts of millions of fans who supported him through thick and thin.
11. BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky
- Director: Caroline Suh
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Blackpink: Light Up the Sky is the first K-pop original documentary based on the life of the girl group from South Korea, Blackpink. The film takes us through their journey of rising to fame and a Little peep into their daily lives.
The group members featured in the movie include Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, who influenced new music and introduced k pop culture to the world. The film also portrays their famous Coachella performance in 2019; Blackpink was the first k pop girl group to perform at Coachella.
10. Wham!
- Director: Chris Smith
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Wham! is one of the most popular and well-known documentaries on Netflix.
To offer you a sense of the story, this new Documentary chronicles the events in 1982. It concentrates on the relationships between George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, who joined forces to take over the globe.
We witnessed both pals’ final performances at Wembley Stadium in July 1986. Not only does this movie have a compelling storyline, but it also features a fantastic collection of pop tunes, including “Club Tropicana,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” “I’m Your Man,” and of course “Last Christmas.”
09. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé
- Director: Beyoncé, Ed Burke
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé depicts the life of an iconic singer from America, Beyoncé, in the eight months of rehearsal of Beyoncé’s most popular Beychella performance. The film features raw and unedited footage that makes you dive into the singer’s life.
It makes you feel the emotional roller coaster she had to go through in that period. The Documentary was directed, produced, and written by the legend herself. The movie was regarded as one of the best music documentaries on Netflix.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé was regarded as one of the greatest concert films in music history. The film received many awards, including Best Music Film at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards and Best Music Documentary during the IDA Documentary Awards.
Read More: The 30 Best True Crime Documentaries on Netflix Right Now
08. Quincy
- Director: Rashida Jones, Alan Hicks
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
This Documentary revolves around the life of legendary record producer, singer, and film producer from America, Quincy Jones. The film received the Grammy Award for Best Music Film at the Grammy Awards, 2019.
Quincy showcases the intriguing journey of Quincy Jones in becoming what he is now. The film records the event and rare footage that helps in understanding his life better.
You will be surprised that his daughter, Rashida Jones, and Alan Hicks directed this biographical Documentary.
07. What Happened, Miss Simone?
- Director: Liz Garbus
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
What Happened, Miss Simone? is a biographical film based on the life of the most iconic black singer and pianist, Nina Simone, and her journey of becoming a civil rights activist while shifting to Liberia.
The film also contains unseen interviews with Simone’s daughter and friends. After watching this heart-felt Documentary, you will understand her gloomy eyes, mental illness, and assertive demeanor, through which she overcomes all the negatives in her life.
06. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
This pseudo-documentary is one of the most popular Netflix music documentaries. It is based on the life of Bob Dylan during the Rolling Thunder Revue concert in 1975.
It is filled with fictional and non-fictional content as well. The Documentary is directed by the director of No Direction Home, Martin Scorsese.
This film is mostly a collection of outtakes of Bob’s film, Renaldo and Clara, released in 1978. The film focuses on the interactions with crucial personalities in the tour, such as Dylan, Joan Baez, Sam Shepard, Ronee Blakley, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Roger McGuinn, Ronnie Hawkins, Larry Sloman, Scarlet Rivera, and many others. It also shares the raw interviews of the people playing the role in the film.
05. The Sparks Brothers
- Director: Edgar Wright
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
The Sparks Brothers is a documentary film that reveals significant insights, archival footage, and in-depth interviews of Ron Mael and Russell Mael.
It also includes brief interviews of Beck and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, Alex Kapranos from Franz Ferdinand, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert from Joy Division, and Nick R Hooded from Duran Duran.
The director of this movie, Edgar Wright, also interacted with the producers and collaborators of the band to give the viewers a detailed analysis. The list of people includes Todd Rundgren, Giorgio Moroder, Jane Wiedlin, and many others.
The interactions of former members of the group who worked with the band for so many decades, including Les Bohem, were also included.
The interview subjects to the rise of the band. The short interviews with fans, such as Mike Myers, Jason Schwartzman, and Tosh Berman were also included in the film.
04. Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
This concert film talks about the last performance of Justin Timberlake, titled The 20/20 Experience World Tour, which happened in Las Vegas.
It was also the director’s last film, Jonathan Demme, as he passed away in the same year. The tour contains 25 band members of The Tennessee Kids, who gave some of the most fantastic performances in history. It was one of the most popular and legendary tours of the decade.
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids amalgamates the singers from 34 shows. The movie proves that Justin Timberlake is a living legend.
03. No Direction Home
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
This film reveals the period in the life of Bob Dylan between the early days of his career in 1961 to his retirement.
It also reveals the motorcycle accident in 1966. The film encloses Dylan’s rise from a folk singer to one of the most popular singers.
No Direction Home also includes the electric controversy, influencing him to change his music genre to rock style. The film received a ton of appreciation from the critics. No Direction Home got an impressive score of 88%.
02. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage
- Director: Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
This Documentary revolves around the iconic hard rock band from Canada named Rush. The film sheds light on crucial topics such as the band’s history and music’s evolution.
The film also includes the tape-recorded remark from the band’s original drummer, John Rutsey, who passed away in 2008. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage was very well received by the music fans and was appreciated by the critics.
01. Springsteen on Broadway
- Director: Thom Zimny
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Among other documentaries released in 2018 was Springsteen on Broadway, which Thom Zimny directed.
Bruce Springsteen is a cast member, and Patti Scialfa will also be there. The subject of this Documentary is Bruce Springsteen, a well-known performer, and his life story.
The Documentary offers peeks of Bruce Springsteen’s final performance, which included 236 shows at Broadway’s Jujamcyn’s Walter Kerr Theatre.
Conclusion
These musical documentaries give an in-depth look into the lives of famous singers and performers. These idols not only brought the cultural movement with their music but also helped in encouraging youth through their journey.
It will be inspiring to know more about the rising story of Travis Scott, Taylor Swift, Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake, and many others.
