10 Best Music Docos Of All Time

Music documentaries offer a unique insight into the lives of some of the world’s most iconic musicians. They take viewers on an emotional journey that captures their creative process, as well as the impact they had on popular culture and society. From detailed biopics to intimate rockumentaries, there's no shortage of amazing music docs available to stream today. If you're looking for an inspiring look at some of music's greatest stars, check out our list of 10 best music documentaries ever made.

1. Amy

"Amy" is a much-acclaimed documentary directed by Asif Kapadia and it tells the story of the life and death of Amy Winehouse, the British singer-songwriter. The film was released in 2015 and has been highly praised since then, even winning an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2016. Through her brilliant use of archival footage, Kapadia effectively captures both the highs and lows that defined Amy's life - from her beginnings as a promising jazz student to becoming one of the most acclaimed pop icons of our time. An honest examination of fame, addiction and music, "Amy" is an emotionally powerful documentary that will leave viewers with an understanding about what it means to live with substance abuse. This unforgettable film deserves its spot among one of the best music documentaries ever made.

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2. The Last Waltz

"The Last Waltz" directed by Martin Scorsese is a critically acclaimed concert film that captures the highly anticipated final performance of The Band, a legendary group composed of some of the most iconic musicians of their time. This documentary follows the journey of The Band from their humble beginnings in Ontario to their rise to rock n' roll fame and features interviews with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton who all joined them during this special performance. Not only does "The Last Waltz" include an incredible lineup featuring timeless music, but it also offers insight into how this band influenced other greats within the industry as well as showcasing moments in musical history. It's no wonder why this powerful documentary has been hailed as one of the greatest music documentaries ever made.

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3. Gimme Shelter

"Gimme Shelter," directed by Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin, is an iconic documentary that follows the Rolling Stones on their 1969 tour of the United States. Released in 1970, this controversial film captures the chaotic events surrounding the now legendary Altamont Free Concert, including a fatal altercation between audience members and security personnel. This documentary offers a unique insight into the world of rock n' roll, exploring issues related to fame, excess and even death. It also helped establish Albert Maysles as one of America's most influential filmmakers. With its intense subject matter and groundbreaking cinematography, "Gimme Shelter" has earned its place among the best music documentaries ever made. Blending fact with fiction in powerful ways, it creates an unforgettable piece of music journalism that continues to inspire generations of viewers today.

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4. Woodstock

"Woodstock" is a documentary directed by Michael Wadleigh that captures the essence of the legendary 1969 music festival of the same name. The film was released in 1970, and it not only won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, but also became an iconic cultural phenomenon. Through this movie, viewers are able to gain insight into the impact that Woodstock had on its attendees as well as its lasting legacy in popular culture and music history. Featuring interviews with concert-goers and performances from some of the most iconic musicians of all time such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Santana just to name a few; "Woodstock" is a must-watch for any fan of music documentaries. It truly captures the spirit of the counterculture movement that defined an era.

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5. Stop Making Sense

Considered by many to be one of the finest music documentaries ever made, Jonathan Demme's "Stop Making Sense" is an absolute must-watch for Talking Heads fans. Capturing the energy and charisma of the band at their peak, the film features a live performance from their 1984 world tour. Every song is an absolute treat, from opener Psycho Killer to their final encore performance of Take Me to the River.

The documentary goes beyond just a concert film though; it’s also an exploration of creativity and music-making as we see lead singer David Byrne build up his own solo show piece by piece with help from backup musicians. We also get snippets in between songs which captures some of the group's wittiest banter and off-stage moments.

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6. What Happened, Miss Simone?

"What Happened, Miss Simone?" is an excellent documentary directed by Liz Garbus. It chronicles the life and career of Nina Simone, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Viewers will learn about her highs and lows as she struggled with racism, depression and an ever-changing music industry. Through a combination of powerful archival footage, interviews with family and friends as well as personal recordings by Simone herself, this film paints a comprehensive picture of not just an artist but an activist too. The film earned both critical praise and multiple award nominations when it was released. Watching "What Happened, Miss Simone?" gives viewers insight into the joys and struggles faced by this iconic singer throughout her lifetime.

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7. Muscle Shoals

Directed by Greg 'Freddy' Camalier, "Muscle Shoals" tells the story of the legendary recording studio of the same name located in Alabama. The film focuses on how Rick Hall, FAME Studios and its house band transformed music history and created some of the most iconic American music. Featuring interviews with Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bono and more, "Muscle Shoals" is an engaging exploration into a region's deep musical roots. It is one of the best documentaries to come out in recent years as it celebrates an integral part of music history that had been overlooked for far too long.

The movie follows Hall's journey from poverty to success as he establishes his own studio and works with some of soul music’s greatest names such as Etta James, Wilson Pickett and Clarence Carter.

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8. Searching for Sugar Man

Directed by Malik Bendjelloul, "Searching for Sugar Man" is a 2012 documentary that tells the story of Sixto Rodriguez, an American musician who disappeared from the spotlight in the early 1970s. Despite his lack of commercial success in the United States, Rodriguez became an inspirational figure in South Africa after two South African fans tracked him down decades later. This remarkable documentary follows two passionate fans on their quest to find out what happened to their idol, and discover that despite Rodriguez's obscurity in his home country he was a beloved figure abroad. Through interviews with those closest to Rodriguez, viewers get a chance to learn about this enigmatic artist and gain insight into why his music has been so influential over time. "Searching for Sugar Man" is one of the best music documentaries ever made - it's engaging story captivating audiences around the world.

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9. Montage of Heck

"Montage of Heck", directed by Brett Morgen, is one of the most acclaimed music documentaries ever made. It tells the story of Kurt Cobain, the iconic frontman of Nirvana who tragically passed away in 1994 at the age of 27. The documentary features never-before-seen home movies, recordings and artwork created by Cobain himself which provides an intimate look into his life and career. Morgen's film also includes interviews with those closest to him such as his mother and widow Courtney Love, providing a rare insight into their perspectives on his life and work. This remarkable documentary does not shy away from portraying Cobain's struggles with heroin addiction, depression and celebrity along with its celebration of his artistry that has continued to inspire fans around the world for over 25 years.

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10. The Devil and Daniel Johnston

"The Devil and Daniel Johnston," directed by Jeff Feuerzeig, is widely considered one of the best music documentaries ever made. The film tells the story of outsider musician Daniel Johnston and his rise to cult fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with friends, family members, and other musicians who were close to him during this time period, viewers get an intimate look at both the beauty and tragedy that surrounded Johnston's life. The documentary is praised for its ability to capture both raw emotion and a powerful message about mental illness while still maintaining an appreciation for his music. It won numerous awards at Sundance Film Festival in 2005 including three Grand Jury Prizes for Documentary Feature, Cinematography Award: Documentary, and Director Award: Documentary Feature.

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Conclusion

When it comes to documentaries about music, there are plenty of great ones out there. From the classic rockumentary This is Spinal Tap (1984) to the punk-rock expose Don't Look Back (1967), these documentaries capture the essence of a genre or artist in ways that can be both informative and entertaining. But what are some other gems that focus on music? In addition to the 10 documentaries listed above, there are many others that are also worth checking out, like "Marley" (2012), which offers an intimate look at Reggae legend Bob Marley’s life and career. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, this film provides an up close and personal look into Marley’s history including his rise from poverty in Jamaica to international stardom.

Music documentaries are a powerful tool that can help us understand the significance of music in our lives. They offer a window into the world of music and the people who create it, and they highlight the transformative power of music in shaping culture and society. Whether you're a fan of rock, jazz, hip hop, or any other genre, there's a music documentary out there that's sure to inspire and captivate you.