Music Documentaries
by Moucherot | created - 17 Oct 2011 | updated - 2 months ago | PublicI love documentaries about music. It's not important, if I like the music itself. I just like to see people touring, recording, telling interesting things about their career. If I like the music... even better :) Some films are not dedicated to a certain artist, but to the use of music, music connected to historical events or something like that. Some others are just plain concert-movies :)
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the list!
Here are some other documentaries I've seen, but I couldn't find in the imdb:
1. Celtic Frost - A Dying God; (Starts with their tour for "Monotheism", end with their break-up. Can be found on youtube;7/10)
2. Inside Björk; (I got this on DVD. Tells her career all the way to the album "Vespertine"; 7/10)
3. Pixies - Gouge; (Featured on a DVD I got; People like Bono, David Bowie, PJ Harvey and Thome Yorke share their thoughts; 3/4Pixies - sadly no Kim Deal - tell about their background; 8/10)
4. The artist formerly known as Captain Beefheart; Narrated by John Peel with great Interview-Partners (Members of the magic band and Frank Zappa). I wonder why this isn't on the imdb. (It can be found on youtube) 8/10
THIS LIST IS A WORK IN PROGRESS
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
- Keywords
1. Stop Making Sense (1984)
PG | 88 min | Documentary, Music
Considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: David Byrne, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steven Scales
Votes: 19,931 | Gross: $5.02M
Great performances and interesting dramaturgical ideas in a film which shows one of my absolute favorite bands burning down the concert hall. 10/10 (Simply on top of the list, because of the picture; from here on the list is in alphabetical order.)
2. All by Myself: The Eartha Kitt Story (1982)
87 min | Documentary
Documentary profile of singer-actress Eartha Kitt.
Director: Christian Blackwood | Stars: Eartha Kitt, Kitt McDonald, Cecil Gorey, Michael Smith
Votes: 41
Interesting Film about the great entertainer. Great, silently filmed Performances are mixed with, funny, scary and -at times a bit too- soul-stripping interviews. (They visit the grave of her mother, who had to give her away and she bursts out in tears) I watched it fully on youtube. 7,5/10
3. Amy (III) (2015)
R | 128 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Russell Brand
Votes: 54,918 | Gross: $8.41M
They try to make you watch "Amy", but please say "No, No, No". It's a pity: They did serious research and talk to many interesting people, but make it a yellow-press-documentary serving your voyeuristic needs. You see so many Photos Amy would never have liked to be published, but don't deliver one full performance of a song. The focus this movie chooses is appaling. :) 3/10
4. American Hardcore (2006)
R | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986
Director: Paul Rachman | Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher, Lucky Lehrer
Votes: 3,599 | Gross: $0.28M
Well Folks, This is a topic I really know a lot about. The movie didn't really show me anything new. Of course it should be enjoyable for hardcore-newbies too, but it's a shame, that there are bands, that just don't get mentioned (especially "DEAD KENNEDYS"). 6/10
5. American Juggalo (2011)
24 min | Documentary, Short, News
A look at the often mocked and misunderstood subculture of Juggalos, hardcore Insane Clown Posse fans, who meet once a year for 4 days at The Gathering of the Juggalos.
Director: Sean Dunne | Stars: Anthony Douglas Sanners, Vanilla Ice
Votes: 323
7/10 - Interesting short documentary about a festival for Insane Clown Posse Fans (Juggalos). Somehow frightening.
6. Anvil (2008)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Since 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams.
Director: Sacha Gervasi | Stars: Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni, Scott Ian
Votes: 16,837 | Gross: $0.67M
No matter how frustrating their story might be at times. This movie makes you want to start a band, no matter if you're into metal or not. 8/10
7. The Archive (2009)
8 min | Documentary, Short, Music
A brief look at the world's largest vinyl record collection and the current state of the American record industry.
Director: Sean Dunne | Star: Paul Mawhinney
Votes: 85
Short Documentary about the biggest vinyl collection (more than 3 mio. items) in the world. The collection and the problems the collector Paul Mawhinney got with it are the center of attention in this little flick. You see some of the most valuable items and get to know the reasons why the owner wants to sell it. It's rather sad in tone but definitely worth watching. You can do so on youtube. 7,5/10
8. B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West-Berlin 1979-1989 (2015)
92 min | Documentary, Music
Music, art and chaos in the wild West-Berlin of the 1980s. The walled-in city became the creative melting pot for sub- and pop-culture. Before the iron curtain fell, everything and anything... See full summary »
Directors: Jörg A. Hoppe, Heiko Lange, Klaus Maeck | Stars: Andi, Bela B., Blixa Bargeld, Ben Becker
Votes: 2,193
10/10 - Great documentary with lots of great material. Charmingly narrated. It was cool. :)
9. The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye (2011)
Not Rated | 72 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on artist Genesis Breyer P-Orridge and his wife and collaborator, Lady Jaye, centered around the transformations the pair underwent for their Pandrogyne project.
Director: Marie Losier | Stars: Genesis P-Orridge, Lady Jaye Breyer P'Orridge, Big Boy Breyer P'Orridge, Edley Odowd
Votes: 687
I really liked it, though it's not really what the title is saying. It's more or less a biography/portrait of Genesis Breyer P-Orridge. Lady Jaye and the Pandrogyny-Project of her and Genesis make up maybe 20 Percent of the movie. Still, the movie gives great insights into the work and mind of the unexpectedly witty Genesis P-Orridge. Plus: It doesn't exploit the title-giving characters. Only once, when you see Genesis crying in rememberance of Lady Jaye, I thought: "Hm, this could have been done a little less (psychic)-reality-TV-like". All in all: 8/10
10. Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream (2013 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the life and music of singer Beyonce Knowles.
Directors: Beyoncé, Ed Burke, Ilan Y. Benatar | Stars: Beyoncé, Ilan Y. Benatar, Ebony Knowles, Solange
Votes: 2,279
The shot are really great when it comes to looks. But all in all the interview-situations and the looks behind the scenes seem really staged. The performance-scenes on the other hand are cool. 6/10
11. Black Metal: A Documentary (2007 Video)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Music
Pagan/Folk Metal has been growing in popularity, and has overthrown Black Metal in Europe. These bands have tested the American shores and have played sold-out shows. The time has come to ... See full summary »
Director: Bill Zebub | Stars: Abbath, Agathon, Martin Eric Ain, Cronos
Votes: 107
Many Musicians talk about the onimous phenomenon of Black Metal. Some completeley disqualify themselves by racist and homophobic opinions. The documentary itself is really low-budget and consists mostly of interviews. Still you can feel, that it's done by fans of the genre and part of their love spreads through the screen. It can be found on youtube. 6,5/10
12. Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2005)
R | 103 min | Documentary, Comedy, Music
A mix of Dave Chappelle's sketch comedy and musical interludes, inspired in part by the 1973 documentary Wattstax.
Director: Michel Gondry | Stars: Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu
Votes: 9,623 | Gross: $11.72M
I had a fun time with it. I bought it because of Erykah Badu and kept it because of the rest. I think it would have been great if there was a little more music in the movie itself. The Bonus-Material of the DVD is therefore filled with full performances 8/10
13. Cease to Exist (2007)
84 min | Documentary, Crime, Music
"Cease To Exist" explores the music motive to the Manson murders and uncovers Charles Manson's relationship with Beach Boys' drummer Dennis Wilson and record producer Terry Melcher.
Director: Ryan Oksenberg | Stars: Colin Moneymaker, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson
Votes: 88
About Charles Manson, his connection to the Beach Boys and how his plans of becoming a musician turned into becoming the leader of a group which killed 11 people. Well, this one is no big production. The director certainly spent much time researching, but somehow he presents his results in a strange style. At times when people talk about the murders, there is some strange background-music which makes it seem almost ironic. Plus: Some Information is simply left out. I would have loved to hear something about how Manson interpreted the Beatles' White Album, as this features "Helter Skelter", which was important for Manson. Still, it's an interesting little film, which should be supported and can be fully watched here on the imdb. 7/10
14.
Classic Albums (1997– )
Episode:
Nirvana: Nevermind
(2005)
74 min | Documentary, Music
It has sold millions and is responsible for the birth of grunge. This documentary looks at the story behind how Nirvana came to record Nevermind and the effect it was to have on the music ... See full summary »
Director: Bob Smeaton | Stars: Samuel Bayer, Kurt Cobain, Steve Diggle, Dave Grohl
Votes: 667
Well those documentaries certainly have a bit of a TV-Feeling to it. It could look a bit better. Still you get informations and see Dave grohl talking, which is always a pleasure. I also liked the parts when Butch Vig, the record's producer, shows the different tracks, of which the songs are made of. Funny material. 7/10
15. Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary (2016)
Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An exploration of the global power and impact of the music of John Coltrane where the passions, experiences and forces that shaped his life and revolutionary sounds are revealed.
Director: John Scheinfeld | Stars: Denzel Washington, Reggie Workman, Ravi Coltrane, Ashley Kahn
Votes: 2,496 | Gross: $0.41M
Interesting film with cool interviews. I would have liked more performance-footage but a great film. 8/10
16. There Is No Authority But Yourself (2006)
64 min | Documentary, Music
Director: Alexander Oey | Stars: Steve Ignorant, Eve Libertine, Penny Rimbaud, Gee Vaucher
Votes: 95
Informing look at this great anarcho-punk-band/collective. Good interviews and archive-footage explain the key-points of the band. More live-footage would have been nice in my opinion.
17. Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul (2005)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, History, Music
Award-winning director Fatih Akin takes us on a journey through Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia, and challenges familiar notions of east and west. He looks at the vibrant ... See full summary »
Director: Fatih Akin | Stars: Alexander Hacke, Ahmed Ulug, Cem Yegul, Mehmed Ulug
Votes: 6,495 | Gross: $0.07M
I liked it very much. Quite silent and slow in tempo. Beautiful images of a great city with great musicians + Alexander Hacke. 8/10
18. David Bowie: A Reality Tour (2004 Video)
Not Rated | 148 min | Documentary, Music
In a career chock full of "you've never seen him like this" moments, you've never seen David Bowie as you will in A Reality Tour. The rock legend and his ace band blaze through stunners ... See full summary »
Director: Marcus Viner | Stars: David Bowie, Gerry Leonard, Sterling Campbell, Earl Slick
Votes: 590
Great Concert with a good setlist makes this one a pure win for any David-Bowie-Fan out there. 9/10
19. A Band Called Death (2012)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the 1970s punk trio Death, and their new-found popularity decades after they disbanded.
Directors: Mark Christopher Covino, Jeff Howlett | Stars: Bobby Hackney, David Hackney, Dannis Hackney, Robbie Duncan
Votes: 4,000 | Gross: $0.13M
8/10 - Great story about this forgotten proto-punk-band. The movie turns out a bit long in the end i think. But it's good anyway.
20. The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)
PG-13 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Daniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.
Director: Jeff Feuerzeig | Stars: Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill Johnston, Laurie Allen
Votes: 10,522 | Gross: $0.33M
8/10 - It's a great film about a very cool musician. Sometimes you feel like a voyeur watching it.
21. Die Ärzte - Die Band, die sie Pferd nannten (2004 Video)
360 min | Music
Stars: Bela B., Björn Beton, König Boris, Rodrigo González
Votes: 135
The best german band (in my opinion :) in a great concert. Cool choice of songs and funny DVD-Features (subjective camera sometimes suggests, that you are really visiting this concert; you can choose between being a girl and a boy) make this worthwhile for every Die-Ärzte-Fan and Fan to be. Plus: They got a funny dvd-commentary on disc 2. 9/10
22. Dig! (2004)
R | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the once-promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, and the friendship/rivalry between their respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor.
Director: Ondi Timoner | Stars: Anton Newcombe, Courtney Taylor-Taylor, Joel Gion, Matt Hollywood
Votes: 6,687 | Gross: $0.13M
Great Film. The editing makes those 107 Minutes fly by. Interesting story as well of course. 9/10
23. Doctor Prince & Mister Jackson (2009 TV Movie)
65 min | Documentary
This documentary explores the differences and similarities between music stars Michael Jackson and Prince.
Director: Philip Priestley | Stars: Prince, Lisa Coleman, Nelson George, Michael Jackson
Votes: 41
24. Don't Look Back (1967)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary covering Bob Dylan's 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth, Joan Baez
Votes: 10,000
One of the rockumentaries which really captures great moments behind-the-scenes and on stage. To see a young Bob Dylan using sentences like "I'm not taking responsibility for those cats" ("Cat" as a slang-expression) is really funny and this plus the great music makes a great film. 9/10
25. Dream Theater: Live at Budokan (2004 Video)
180 min | Music
A live concert recorded at the Nippon Budokan Hall on April 26, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan.
Directors: Yuji Morihara, Mike Portnoy | Stars: James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy
Votes: 730
Good Film. Still I think, that 3 hours of music are great when you're in a concert and might get a bit long on dvd. Not being a big Dream-Theater-Fan this happened to me. But if you like their music (and sick drumsolos) this one surely won't disappoint. 6/10
26. Dub Echoes (2008)
75 min | Documentary, Music
Through interviews with over 40 key names on the history of dub, electronic music and hip hop, "Dub Echoes" connects the dots between of the otherwise fragmented relation between all this genres.
Director: Bruno Natal | Stars: Victor Axelrod, Howie B., Lloyd Barnes, Steve Barrow
Votes: 203
Cool and insightful interviews give you lots of information. Sometimes you wish for a bit more archival footage. 7/10
27. Festival Express (2003)
R | 90 min | Documentary, History, Music
The filmed account of a large Canadian rock festival train tour boasting major acts like Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead and The Band.
Directors: Bob Smeaton, Frank Cvitanovich | Stars: Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, The Band, Rick Danko
Votes: 2,414 | Gross: $1.17M
This one sort of bored me sometimes. But still great footage, maybe not in the right order for my taste ;) 6/10
28. The Filth and the Fury (2000)
R | 108 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A film about the career of the notorious punk rock band, the Sex Pistols.
Director: Julien Temple | Stars: Paul Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon, Glen Matlock
Votes: 6,203 | Gross: $0.61M
Great documentary on one of the most important bands of my life. This documentary is why i created this list. The only thing that bothers me a tiny little bit is all those Sex Pistols of today sitting in the dark, but hey, that's not a real big thing to complain about. 9/10
29. Fix: The Ministry Movie (I) (2011)
110 min | Documentary, Biography
Provides an insider's view of the groundbreaking, outrageous, creative juggernaut that was the band Ministry - during their world tour - as front man Al Jourgensen slips into drug addiction... See full summary »
Director: Doug Freel | Stars: Al Jourgensen, Paul Barker, Trent Reznor, Maynard James Keenan
Votes: 283
9/10 - Doesn't really tell the ministry-story, but gives you a picture of the vibe they spread in the middle of the 90s. Some interviews could be a bit more insightful, but still it was a great rockumentary.
30. Foo Fighters: Back and Forth (2011)
Not Rated | 101 min | Documentary, Music
Rising from the ashes of Nirvana, the Foo Fighters became a Grammy-winning sensation on their own. Sixteen years of the band's history comes to life in this documentary, from their demo ... See full summary »
Director: James Moll | Stars: Shawn Cloninger, William Goldsmith, Jessy Greene, Dave Grohl
Votes: 6,518
7/10 - Solid documentary that somehow estranged me from the band a bit. I think they behave rather awkwardly together. Still, that's actually not the film's fault, but it didn't make me enjoy the experience. Sorry, film!
31. Francesco und der Papst (2011)
90 min | Documentary
Director: Ciro Cappellari | Stars: Francesco Janucci, Pope Benedict XVI, Georg Gänswein, Federico Lombardi
Votes: 22
Interesting Film about the life of 11-year old Francesco, who is part of the boy-choir at the vatican. Every sunday he and his friends from the choir sing at St. Peter's Basilica in the presence of the pope. Then Francesco is chosen to sing a solo for Benedict XVI. You see how Francesco is practicing with his teachers and what his brothers think of his singing. Plus you get rare insights in the life of the pope travelling around or hanging out at the Vatican ;) I wonder why this one is so little known. Here's the link for the german film-site: http://www.papst-film.de/ 8,5/10
32. Full Metal Village (2006)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, Music
The documentary examines the lives of the residents of a small German village in the Schleswig-Holstein region, Wacken, through a series of interviews and visual tableaux as it prepares for the annual Wacken Open Air Festival.
Director: Sung Hyung Cho | Stars: Uwe Trede, Lore Trede, Klaus H. Plähn, Irma Schaack
Votes: 1,092
Wacken in northern Germany is a small village, that hosts europe's biggest metal festival once a year. The first hour you see the lives, stories and opinions of people living in Wacken. The last half hour features metalheads invading the city. Short performances (> one song) by Bands Kreator and Ensiferum are featured. At Times a bit boring. 6/10
33. Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal (2006)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal is the story of how bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus and others pioneered a new form of heavy metal in the early 1980's.
Director: Rick Ernst | Stars: Lee Altus, Russ Anderson, Death Angel, Tom Angelripper
Votes: 1,836
Interesting documentary with lots of cool people talking. Some more, some less relevant. 8/10
34. Gimme Shelter (1970)
GP | 91 min | Documentary, Music, Thriller
When three hundred thousand members of the Love Generation collided with a few dozen Hells Angels at San Francisco's Altamont Speedway, the bloody slash that transformed a decade's dreams into disillusionment was immortalized on this film.
Directors: Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin | Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Charlie Watts
Votes: 12,857 | Gross: $0.25M
Very good and crazy documentary, that seems to come from another world. Harrowing, fascinating and also rocking in the same time. 9/10
35. Global Metal (2008)
93 min | Documentary, Music
A continued examination of the heavy metal subculture focusing on the adaptation and performance of heavy metal in various global communities, and how the increased import of Western cultural forms has impacted new global markets.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Tom Araya, Ken Ayugai, Rafael Bittencourt, Max Cavalera
Votes: 4,887
Metal: A Headbanger's Journey Part II. Director Sam Dunn travels 7 countries (Israel, Indonesia, India, China, Saudi-Arabia, Japan, Brazil) and shows how important Metal and Music in General can be to people living in totalitarian systems. Interesting look at a global phenomenon. 8/10
36. Goisern Goes East (2008– )
30 min | Documentary, Music
Stars: Hubert von Goisern, Maria Moling, Marlene Schuen, Maria Craffonara
Austrian Multitalented Musician Hubert Von Goisern is shipping down the danube heading East in this six-part mini-series. Sometimes it's a little too much "filming-the-water-of-the-ever-changing-danube-with-poetic-music-underscore" and too little music done by the peolpe on board of the ship. Still it's fascinating to see musicians facing storms and simply enjoying to create something together. 7/10
37. Golden Lemons (2003)
81 min | Documentary
At the center of the raging deadlock.
Director: Jörg Siepmann | Stars: Tal Cook, Ted Gaier, Lord Grunge, Jackson
Votes: 26
German Punk Band "Die goldenen Zitronen" on tour through the states opening up for Synthesizer-Musician "Wesley Willis". The Band themselves don't like it. I do. Great On-The-Road-Footage 7/10
38. Hated: GG Allin & the Murder Junkies (1993)
Not Rated | 52 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Documentary about notorious punk rock performer GG Allin.
Director: Todd Phillips | Stars: GG Allin, Merle Allin, Brian Unk Hunter, Shireen Kadivar
Votes: 3,518
Very interesting, but also frightening. Imagine a car accident and add people talking about why they like it.
39. Heavy Metal Parking Lot (1986 Video)
Not Rated | 17 min | Documentary, Short, Music
A look at the wild scene outside a Judas Priest concert.
Directors: John Heyn, Jeff Krulik | Stars: John Cloud Jr., Judas Priest
Votes: 1,545
In 1986 some fans waiting for a judas priest concert get interviewed in the parking lot in front of the venue. Great fun!
40. Sigur Rós: Heima (2007)
97 min | Documentary, Music
In the summer of 2006, Sigur Rós returned home to play a series of free, unannounced concerts for the people of Iceland.
Director: Dean DeBlois | Stars: Amiina, Hildur Arsaelsdottir, Jon Thor Birgisson, Orri P. Dyrason
Votes: 8,333
Great landscapes, insightful interviews and good acoustic-performances make me forget, that I actually don't really like the music. ;) Fun Fact: This movie is available on demand on almost every plane of IcelandAir, as they got seperate screen in front of every seat. That's where I saw it. 7,5/10
41. Hip-Hop Evolution (2016– )
TV-MA | 90 min | Documentary, Music
MC and journalist Shad Kabango meets with Hip-Hop's biggest stars to retrace how Hip-Hop became the world's most popular music, but realizes that Hip-Hop's true legacy is something much more profound.
Stars: Shad, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Cheo Hodari Coker
Votes: 6,446
Very interesting Mini-Series. Cool interviews and overall great footage make this a highly interesting watch. It's a pity, that it stops in the mid-90s and doesn't look into smaller sub-genres. Still definitely worth a look. 9/10
42. History of the Eagles (2013)
Not Rated | 187 min | Documentary, Music
The life and times of the super successful American soft-rock band, Eagles.
Stars: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh
Votes: 2,806
It's fun to watch part of their drama unfold. I don't really enjoy their music, so it was a bit too long for me. All these soft-rocking concert-scenes... It's too much for me. 6,5/10 :)
43. Ichiban Reggae Japan (2009)
61 min | Documentary, Music
Experience the raw edgy sounds of Jamaica's Reggae/Dancehall music and culture on the streets of Japan.
It's ok. Some interviews are not that insightful and the cameraman really filmed a lot of dancing women. A real big lot. Apart from that you learn something about dancehall in japan.
44. If I Should Fall from Grace: The Shane MacGowan Story (2001)
91 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Music videos and archived footage of ex-Pogues singer Shane MacGowan. We follow his life from the early days in Ireland and England, through his formation of - and later dismissal from - The Pogues, to his new band The Popes.
Director: Sarah Share | Stars: Nick Cave, Philip Chevron, Victoria Mary Clarke, Elvis Costello
Votes: 372
Sometimes really hard to watch. McGowan sometimes seems lost in drugs and can barely be understood in interviews. Even more tragic when you see the great archival material of live performances and interviews from the 80s. Interviews with family members, ex-members of the pogues and Nick Cave (!) make this quite interesting. 7/10
45. Imagine: John Lennon (1988)
R | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A biography of the rock music star.
Director: Andrew Solt | Stars: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, George Harrison
Votes: 5,179 | Gross: $3.75M
Interesting collage of footage, that focuses more on the man, than on the music. Still it features great interview-partners (unfortunately no Beatles) and gives you lots of insight. 9/10
46. Instrument (1999)
Not Rated | 115 min | Documentary
A collaboration between filmmaker Jem Cohen and the Washington D.C. band Fugazi, covering the 10 year period of 1987-1996. Far from a traditional documentary, this is a musical document; a ... See full summary »
Director: Jem Cohen | Stars: Brendan Canty, Joe Lally, Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto
Votes: 994
Interesting, experimental but sometimes a bit boring documentary about Fugazi! 8/10
47. Joy Division (2007)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Music
A chronological account of the influential late 1970s English rock band.
Director: Grant Gee | Stars: Richard Boon, Anton Corbijn, Kevin Cummins, Bob Dickinson
Votes: 3,861
Good documentary with great interviews and interesting live-footage. I don't know if I was a bit sensitive, but it really dragged me down and gave me a bleak look for some time after watching. I didn't really want to listen to some Joy Division. :) 7/10
48. Korn: Deuce (2002 Video)
Not Rated | 150 min | Documentary, Music
This Korn DVD includes the band's first home video Who Then Now? and features the music video collection from Korn to Issues.
Directors: Nathan 'Karma' Cox, Fred Durst, Todd McFarlane | Stars: Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu, Jonathan Davis, Fred Durst, Ice Cube
Votes: 301
Funny documentary which shows the band-members behind their dark new-metal-like performance-egos and tells the story of the rise of this band.
49. Korn: Live (2002 Video)
Not Rated | 75 min | Music
To celebrate the release of their tenth studio album, The Path Of Totality, legendary rockers Korn performed live to a sold-out crowd at the famed Hollywood Palladium. This performance ... See full summary »
Director: Jim Gable | Stars: Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu, Jonathan Davis, Korn, James 'Munky' Shaffer
Votes: 131
Sometimes the music gets a bit lame on this video i think. The computer-animations are also kind of unnecessary. All in all it's ok. Fans should definitley check it out. It also features the original line-up. 6,5/10
50. Kurt & Courtney (1998)
R | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
A documentary on the life of Kurt Cobain and his relationship with Courtney Love.
Director: Nick Broomfield | Stars: Courtney Love, Nick Broomfield, Kurt Cobain, Mari Earle
Votes: 7,354 | Gross: $0.44M
A rather stupid director goes around interviewing weird people (except for Cobain's aunt) about the relationship of cobain and love. He demonizes Courtney Love and doesn't realize, that the people he's talking to are almost irrelevant for his topic. DON'T WATCH IT! 2/10
51. Kylesa: Making of Spiral Shadow (2010 Video)
38 min | Documentary, Short
A behind the scenes look at Kylesa recording their fifth album "Spiral Shadow" at the Jam Room in Columbia, SC.
Stars: Corey Barhorst, Phillip Cope, Jay Matheson, Carl McGinely
Here you can see the sludge-metal-band Kylesa recording their great album "Spiral Shadow". The band members share their thoughts on effect-pedals and say what they want to reach with that album. I guess it's more of a fan-thing. But who but a fan will watch this, as it is only available on the DVD of the limited Edition of the album :) 7,5/10
52. Lemmy (2010)
116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the life and career of revered heavy-metal musician Lemmy Kilmister.
Directors: Greg Olliver, Wes Orshoski | Stars: Lemmy, Phil Campbell, Mikkey Dee, Dave Navarro
Votes: 8,592
Many, many important musicians share their thoughts, but sometimes the interviews turn out a bit long, I think. The insight in Lemmy's history in return is a bit short I think. Nonetheless you see some great Motörhead-Live-Footage. And one song played by Metallica with Lemmy on bass in its entirety. 6,5/10
53. Lennon or McCartney (2014)
34 min | Documentary, Short, Music
550 Artists. 1 Question. Lennon or McCartney.
Director: Matt Schichter | Stars: Aaron Paul, Aasif Mandvi, Adam Lambert, Adam Levine
Votes: 154
Funny idea. Some of the artists and actors are a bit irrelevant though. Would have been more interesting if the names had been bigger. 6,5/10
54. Leonard Cohen: Live in London (2009 Video)
Not Rated | 157 min | Music
Canadian living legend Leonard Cohen, one of the most respected and influential singer-songwriters in history, gives a rare performance in London, England.
Director: Edward Sanders | Stars: Roscoe Beck, Leonard Cohen, Rafael Gayol, Neil Larsen
Votes: 287
Great Live-Performance with a great choice of songs by one of the best songwriters out there. 9/10
55. Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones (1990)
PG-13 | 115 min | Documentary, Music
A unique look at the legendary musician, arranger, composer and producer offers a collage of memories, sounds and intimate interviews with musical greats in a rousing showcase.
Director: Ellen Weissbrod | Stars: Clarence Avant, George Benson, Big Daddy Kane, Richard Brooks
Votes: 221 | Gross: $0.78M
This documentary tries to narrate as a collage and fails doing so, I think. So many of music's greats (Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra...) get to say something about Quincy Jones but you don't understand what they mean, because the context is unclear. That's a pity 5/10
56. Listening to You: The Who at the Isle of Wight 1970 (1998 TV Special)
85 min | Music
This is the film of The Who's appearance at the third (and final) Isle of Wight festival in 1970. This is regarded as the band's finest performance.
Director: Murray Lerner | Stars: Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Pete Townshend
Votes: 524
It's cool to see the Who rockin' out. I like it, that they play many songs from the album "Tommy". But somehow the sound isn't really "full". Usually I'm not the kind of guy who complains about such things :) So for me it's a 7/10
57. Live Aid (1985 TV Special)
960 min | Documentary, Music
The broadcast of the biggest benefit concert in history, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief.
Directors: Vincent Scarza, Kenneth Shapiro | Stars: Bob Geldof, Bryan Adams, Stuart Adamson, Mo Amin
Votes: 2,319
Quite a big box (over 15 hours of material) this one really wants to be complete. Of course it was big a historical event in music, but some performances are really cheesy and "eightified". 7/10
58. Live 8 (2005 TV Special)
480 min | Documentary, Music
20 years on from their Live Aid (1985) triumph, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure recruit the world's music superstars once again to perform live and put pressure on Western governments to help Africa and Make Poverty History.
Directors: Bruce Gowers, Nick Hopkin, Michael Maier, Claire Popplewell, Geoff Posner, Richard Valentine, Michael Watt, Paul Flattery | Stars: Bob Geldof, Articolo 31, 4Peace Ensemble, a-ha
Votes: 1,264
20 years after the original this one came along. Some artists like Green Day and Björk are great. Others I think will soon be forgotten. The cast of the 80s is way more legendary. Still it's ok. 6/10
59. loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies (2006)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, Music
loudQUIETloud is the story of this unforseen plot twist. A deeply compelling portrait of four band members and their difficult, tense, and ultimately triumphant return.
Directors: Steven Cantor, Matthew Galkin | Stars: Frank Black, Kim Deal, David Lovering, Joey Santiago
Votes: 1,416 | Gross: $0.00M
60. Made in Sheffield (2001)
52 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the music of Sheffield, England in the 1970s and early 1980s, when bands such as Caberet Voltaire, The Human League, ABC, Def Leppard, Heaven 17, Pulp, I'm So Hollow, Artery, The ... See full summary »
Director: Eve Wood | Stars: ABC, Paul Bower, Jarvis Cocker, The Damned
Votes: 136
This one is unfairly unknown. Quite entertaining look at the birthplace of 80s Electronic-Pop. Heaven 17 and ABC get interviewed. Plus: Jarvis Cocker tells how it was for him growing up in Sheffield, surrounded by this kind of music. If you are interested in this kind of music, you should definitley go for this rather short (52. Min.) docu. 7/10
61. Marley (2012)
PG-13 | 144 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the life, music, and legacy of Bob Marley.
Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, Jimmy Cliff
Votes: 14,476 | Gross: $1.41M
Long documentary that still seems to fly by. Many great people are interviewed and every station of his life gets mentioned. Sometimes you wish for a bit more of background-information. Still the makers of this film definitely did a huge amount of research to come up with all the great material that is shown. An additional part about the aftermath and Marley becoming a cultural icon would have been nice in my opinion. 8/10
62. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005)
R | 96 min | Documentary, Music
An examination of the heavy metal music subculture that tries to explain why, despite the longevity and popularity of the genre, fans are marginalized and ridiculed for their passion.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen, Jessica Joy Wise | Stars: Tom Araya, Gavin Baddeley, Blasphemer, Randy Blythe
Votes: 12,473
If you want to get to know the world of metal this is a real great first step. Many important people share their thoughts and you can feel the director's -who is the headbanger from the title :)-passion for this music. 8/10
63. Metallica: S&M (2000 TV Special)
Unrated | 145 min | Documentary, Music
A live Metallica concert backed by a 80 piece symphony orchestra, conducted by Michael Kamen. Two songs are debuted, "- Human" and "No Leaf Clover". A documentary is included. It also was released on audio CD.
Director: Wayne Isham | Stars: Metallica, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett
Votes: 4,442
Way too big for my taste. They bomb you with strings and bore you with Bombast-Arrangements. Still it's nicely filmed. 5/10
64. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
Not Rated | 84 min | Documentary, Music
The iconic metal band struggles for two years to create their album St. Anger, dealing with alcoholism, the loss of their bass player, and the challenge of working with a psychotherapist.
Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky | Stars: James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo
Votes: 20,334 | Gross: $1.22M
Informing Look behind the facade of a suffering giant. 8/10
65. The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2015)
PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and other international artists of The Silk Road Project discuss their philosophies on music and culture.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Yo-Yo Ma, Kinan Azmeh, Kayhan Kalhor, Cristina Pato
Votes: 743 | Gross: $1.16M
The music-parts are great. The movie also tells the life-stories of the musicians. These parts are definitely important but drag on and on. Everyone gives his wisdom, while you actually just want to hear him/her play. 5/10
66. This Is It (2009)
PG | 111 min | Documentary, Music
A compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.
Director: Kenny Ortega | Stars: Michael Jackson, Alex Al, Alexandra Apjarova, Nick Bass
Votes: 41,891 | Gross: $72.09M
Very interesting -if meanly titled- documentary about the preparations for the then upcoming Michael Jackson Tour. It's really good to see some first hand footage of the King of Pop. You realize, that he still was an artist with a vision and not only a crazed out freak the boulevard press liked to rip apart. 8/10
67. Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark (2014)
TV-14 | 94 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Director Jon Brewer profiles the life of the musician using private journals.
Director: Jon Brewer | Stars: Nat 'King' Cole, Tony Bennett, Ralph Carmichael, Johnny Mathis
Votes: 515
Interesting people share their opinions (Cole's wife, daughters, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte,...) but somehow they mostly just sing praises. The person Cole remains a bit abstract to the viewer. Also some sort of timeline or anything would have been useful. 6/10
68. The Nomi Song (2004)
Not Rated | 98 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Having failed to break into professional opera in his native Germany (where, as an usher in West Berlin's Deutsche Oper, he would serenade the staff after the real performances were over) ... See full summary »
Director: Andrew Horn | Stars: Klaus Nomi, Ann Magnuson, David Bowie, Gabriele Lafari
Votes: 1,122 | Gross: $0.07M
8/10 - Good documentary about this unique musician. The ending really is sad, not only because of his sickness.
69. N.Y.H.C. (1999)
87 min | Documentary, Music
Director: Frank Pavich | Stars: Tim Cohen, Freddy Cricien, Vic Di Cara, Danny Diablo
Votes: 207
8/10 - Interesting look at NYHC, that's more interested in depicting the spirit and people than the exact history of the genre.
70. The Art of Organized Noize (2016)
99 min | Documentary, Music
As pioneers of the Dirty South music movement, Organized Noize is responsible for Outkast, CeeLo, the Goodie Mob and the Dungeon Family. Their production shaped the landscape of hip-hop ... See full summary »
Director: Quincy Jones III | Stars: 2 Chainz, André 3000, Big Boi, Sleepy Brown
Votes: 504
7/10 - Interesting interviews with all the important people. They're all witty and funny. I just think the film could feature a bit more of their music. Still a fun watch.
71. Too Much Future (2006)
93 min | Documentary, Music
Tells the story of punk in the GDR.
Directors: Michael Boehlke, Carsten Fiebeler | Stars: Cornelia Schleime, Colonel, Daniel Kaiser, Bernd Stracke
Votes: 48
7/10 - Interesting documentary that mixes biographies of some individuals and music. Still some important names of this scene get mentioned too rarely according to my knowledge. :)
72. Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)
TV-PG | 81 min | Documentary, Music
A portrait of Keith Richards that takes us on a journey to discover the genesis of his sound as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Keith Richards, Anthony DeCurtis, Steve Jordan, Tom Waits
Votes: 3,662
8/10 - Very good documentary. Interesting people like Tom Waits and Buddy Guy get to talk. Keith is cool and funny and you see some great music happening.
73. The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir (2014)
85 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary that explores Bob Weirs life, through the Grateful Dead, Ratdog, and his childhood.
Director: Mike Fleiss | Stars: John Perry Barlow, Chuck Berry, Neal Cassady, John Coltrane
Votes: 1,814
8/10 - Interesting Film about a musician I shamefully know not so much about. Of course it has to tell the Grateful-Dead-Stoy in some scenes as well. But as the movie is not very long, these parts feel a bit rushed to me. Still: Good interviews, cool music-scenes, good editing.
74. Patti Smith: Dream of Life (2008)
Not Rated | 109 min | Documentary, Music
An intimate portrait of poet, painter, musician and singer Patti Smith that mirrors the essence of the artist herself.
Director: Steven Sebring | Stars: Patti Smith, Lenny Kaye, Oliver Ray, Tony Shanahan
Votes: 1,076 | Gross: $0.03M
Quite emotional look into Patti Smith's Life. Sometimes a bit too much Soul-Striptease for me. Still a good film 7/10
75. People Who Do Noise (2008)
Not Rated | 82 min | Documentary
'People Who Do Noise' is a film about the experimental music of Portland, Oregon. Extensive interviews and intimate performance footage provide an intense portrait of the motivations, ... See full summary »
Director: Adam Cornelius
Votes: 85
Well, the title really explains it all. You see noise-artists from Portland doing their thing and sharing their thoughts on the music. I like what they say. One guy calls music "intentional sound", which I think is a great definition. But I think the movie itself is a bit too small. It's no "People who wrote noise-history" or "People who are important for noise". The intentions could have been bigger. Like this it's a bit boring at times. The full movie can be watched on Youtube 6/10
76. Pixies: Acoustic - Live in Newport (2006 Video)
Not Rated | 101 min | Music
After 10 years apart, the influential alternative rock band, the Pixies, reunite for an all acoustic set at the Newport Folk Festival.
Director: Michael B. Borofsky
Votes: 45
Great easygoing atmosphere on a golden day in newport and the band plays a relaxed acoustic-set. The most laid-back concert-movie I've ever seen. 9/10
77. Pixies: Live at the Paradise in Boston (2006 Video)
Not Rated | 106 min | Music
The Pixies are one of the most influential American acts of all time. Initially spanning the late eighties and early nineties they created the blueprint for alternative rock that would be ... See full summary »
Director: Michael B. Borofsky | Stars: Pixies, Frank Black, Kim Deal, David Lovering
Votes: 46
The rockin companion to "live in newport". Good concert by a band that has found back together. The crowd also enjoys them very much. 8/10
78. Punk: Attitude (2005)
Unrated | 90 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the music, performers, attitude and distinctive look that made up punk rock.
Director: Don Letts | Stars: K.K. Barrett, Roberta Bayley, Jello Biafra, Glenn Branca
Votes: 1,667
This one might not be as famous as "American Hardcore" but it's better in my opinion. It shows more of the scene and interesting people like Jim Jarmusch give us insight in their thoughts. If you want to take a glance at this particular music, go for this one! 8/10
79. Que Caramba Es La Vida (2014)
88 min | Documentary, Music
In the macho world of Mariachi music, only very few women can hold their own. A snapshot of life, death and the things in between - seen from a bird's-eye perspective.
Director: Doris Dörrie | Stars: Magdalena 'Malena' Berrones, Estrallas de Jalisco, Las Pioneras de Mexico, María del Carmen
Votes: 24
Really interesting film about female mariachi-singers. The music is great and the musicians tell interesting stories about their profession. Dörrie gives the people on screen enough time, so that the viewer really gets a look into the lives of these cool musicians. 8/10
80. Queen Live at Wembley '86 (1986 TV Special)
Not Rated | 300 min | Documentary, Music
One of the world's biggest bands return to the scene of their Live Aid (1985) triumph a year earlier to play all their greatest hits in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.
Director: Gavin Taylor | Stars: Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Brian May, Roger Taylor
Votes: 2,742
This is a very big movie in a big stadium by one of the biggest bands ever. Sometimes a bit too big for me and it's a pity, that they never found a cool way to perform "Bohemian Rhapsody". 8,5/10
81. Queen on Fire: Live at the Bowl (2004 Video)
Not Rated | 170 min | Documentary, Music
Complete Queen concert from Milton Keynes Bowl, 5th June 1982. Tracklist: Flash, The Hero, We Will Rock You (Fast), Action This Day, Play the Game, Staying Power, Somebody to Love, Now I'm ... See full summary »
Director: Gavin Taylor | Stars: John Deacon, Brian May, Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor
Votes: 786
For some reason I prefer the choice of songs from this concert. Also great footage. 9/10
82. Rage Against the Machine: The Battle of Mexico City (2001 Video)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Rage Against The Machine's first-ever performance in the Mexican capital is fierce, funky and uncompromising. The Battle Of Mexico City features electrifying performances of "Testify," "... See full summary »
Director: Joe DeMaio | Stars: Noam Chomsky, Tim Commerford, Zack De La Rocha, Tom Morello
Votes: 409
Interesting footage. In-Between the concert footage there are short segments which show the band interviewing Noam Chomsky and wandering through Mexico City. The Band really wants to make a political statement. I think this somehow doesn't work using short skits. The whole anger that unfolds during songs like "Freedom" leaves an impression way bigger. 7/10
83. Rave un2 the Year 2000 (2000 Video)
113 min | Documentary, Music
A 1999 New Year's Eve concert performed by The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, The Time, Lenny Kravitz, and more.
Director: Geoff Wonfor | Stars: Prince, Morris Day, Lenny Kravitz, Rosie Gaines
Votes: 312
Prince is having a party for new year's eve and everyone is invited. Lenny Kravitz, George Clinton, Rosie Gaines and Larry Graham are among the celebrity guests. It's quite a hard-funkin' concert, which features funny outfits and -of course- a very good band. Plus: This is the concert which featured the last live-performance of "1999" 8,5/10
84. Red Hot Chili Peppers: Live at Slane Castle (2003 Video)
102 min | Music
Live at Slane Castle is a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert video released in 2003, two years after the release of their last concert DVD, Red Hot Chili Peppers: Off the Map (2001).
Director: Nick Wickham | Stars: Flea, John Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Votes: 1,160
This is a good solid concert-movie. It's filmed well without any major surprises. The band's playing is great. But I think the setlist could be more thrilling. This is of course a question of individual taste. 8/10
85. Scratch (2001)
R | 92 min | Documentary, Music
The story of the hip-hop DJ from the birth of hip-hop to the invention of scratching and "beat-juggling" vinyl, to the more recent "turntablism" movement. Underdogs and virtuosos who have radically changed the way we hear and create music.
Director: Doug Pray | Stars: The Allies, A-Trak, Craze, DJ Infamous
Votes: 2,905
Great Film which explores the art of turntablism and explains some of the basics. Good Interviews with important figures like Grand Mixer DXT, Mix Master Mike, DJ Qbert, Jazzy Jay, Afrika Bambaataa give profound insights into the way this works. Several Performances prove, that it's also exciting to watch those DJs scratching. Coming from a rock-background, I really learned a lot and at the same time had great fun. 8,5/10
86. Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (2006)
Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the influential musician Scott Walker.
Director: Stephen Kijak | Stars: Sara Kestelman, Arnie Potts, Jarvis Cocker, Scott Walker
Votes: 1,539
9/10 - Great film about this interesting musician. Studio-footage and interviews combined make a stunning portrait.
87. Screamin' Jay Hawkins: I Put a Spell on Me (2001)
102 min | Documentary, Music
Portrait of an important American musician through the testimonies of fellow musicians and people from his environment, but also through archival material and documents from various stages of his life and career.
Director: Nik Triantafyllidis | Stars: Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Frank Ash, Arthur Brown, Eric Burdon
Votes: 192
Good documentary about a favorite of mine. Crazy stories and funny interviews (Diamanda Galas, Jim Jarmusch, Screamin' Jay himself...) make this highly entertaining 8/10
88. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
Director: Malik Bendjelloul | Stars: Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Votes: 72,850 | Gross: $3.97M
Great Documentary about Singer-Songwriter Rodriguez and his "career". He didn't sell any records in the USA, but for some reason got really famous in South-Africa... Only he didn't know about it and kept his roofing job. I won't tell anything more about the story. It's a moving film and makes you want to discover the music of this cool guy. 8/10
89. Sex Pistols: Agents of Anarchy (2009 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 69 min | Documentary, Music
During the past 3 decades, the sex pistols have gone from a rebellious and highly controversial musical phenomenon to national treasures, igniting the Punk movement in Britain and ... See full summary »
Director: Sonia Anderson | Stars: Neal Barry, Paul Cook, Steve Dior, Brian James
Votes: 35
Good, but not as witty, informing and amusing as "The Filth and the Fury". 6,5/10
90. Shut Up & Sing (2006)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) in the wake of singer Natalie Maines' anti-George W. Bush statement at a 2003 concert.
Directors: Barbara Kopple, Cecilia Peck | Stars: Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, Clayton Allen
Votes: 4,987 | Gross: $1.22M
“ SHUT UP & SING travels with the Dixie Chicks, from the peak of their popularity as the national-anthem-singing darlings of country music and top-selling female recording artists of all time, through the now infamous anti-Bush comment made by the group's lead singer Natalie Maines in 2003. The film follows the lives and careers of the Dixie Chicks over a period of three years, during which they were under political attack and received death threats, while continuing to live their lives, have children and of course make music.
„The documentary shows an ugly side of the right wing intimidation the Dixie Chicks face. Among all of the self-anointed patriots who picket them, there is apparently not a glimmer of a notion of what freedom of speech means.“ -Roger Ebert ”
I say: Good 8/10 :)- Moucherot
91. Sign 'o' the Times (1987)
PG-13 | 85 min | Documentary, Music
Highlights from Prince's 1987 European concert tour, including selections from the rock star's album of the same title.
Directors: Prince, David Hogan, Albert Magnoli | Stars: Prince, Sheila E., Sheena Easton, Matt Fink
Votes: 2,481 | Gross: $3.00M
9/10 -Funky, funny, colorful. One great concert-movie
92. The Concert in Central Park (1982 TV Special)
Not Rated | 90 min | Music
The long-awaited reunion concert of the renowned pop music duo, more than a decade after their separation as musical performers.
Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg | Stars: Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, David Brown, Pete Carr
Votes: 643
6/10 - It might be a legendary concert, but it bored me somehow. There's a big band backing the two folkies up, but you don't get to hear it that often. The (actually great) songs all sound almost the same and the camera angles could be more exciting. You almost nver get to see the massive audience.
93. Slow Southern Steel (2010)
90 min | Documentary, History, Music
A film about heavy music in the modern American South, as told by the very people who have created this music during the last two decades. Shot in back alleys, parking lots, and the seedy ... See full summary »
Directors: David Lipke, Chris Terry | Stars: Brent Anderson, Scott Angelacos, Phil Anselmo, Jonathan Athon
Votes: 118
4/10 - "...mwng, south, mwng, south, south..." Only The Eyehategod-guys give some insight i think.
94. Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... (2008– )
60 min | Music
Conceived to provide a forum for in- depth discussion and performance with the most interesting artists and personalities of our time, Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... fuses the best of ... See full summary »
Stars: Elvis Costello, David Furnish, Elton John, Allen Toussaint
Votes: 152
8/10 - It really depends on who is Mr. Costello's guest. Anyway the performances are amazing and Elvis Costello is a walking Music-encyclopedia who knows which questions to ask.
95. Such Hawks Such Hounds (2008)
Not Rated | 84 min | Documentary, Music
Such Hawks Such Hounds explores the music and musicians of the American hard rock underground circa 1970-2007, focusing on the psychedelic and '70s proto-metal-derived styles that have in ... See full summary »
Directors: John Srebalus, Jessica Hundley | Stars: Billy Anderson, Scott 'Wino' Weinrich, Scott Reeder, Matt Pike
Votes: 492
6/10 - The interview-partners are cool, but the movie lacks concept. It seems like they just show you random bands without any connection.
96. Tina Turner: Live in Amsterdam (1996 Video)
Not Rated | 113 min | Documentary, Music
Footage of Tina Turner's amazing three-night stint at the Amsterdam Arena in September, 1996, where she performed all her biggest hits in a spectacular visual production.
Director: David Mallet | Stars: Tina Turner, Jack Bruno, James Ralston, John Miles
Votes: 223
8/10 - This is a really big concert-film. It's a shame that the singing is mixed in the background and that the cutting is really nervous and abrupt. Still an enjoyable ride with a great Tina Turner. Plus: The mlti-Instrumentalist Timmy Cappello is hilarious. :)
97. Tokyo Idols (2017)
TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Music
Girl bands and their pop music permeate every moment of Japanese life. Following an aspiring pop singer and her fans, Tokyo Idols explores a cultural phenomenon driven by an obsession with ... See full summary »
Director: Kyoko Miyake | Stars: Rio Hiiragi, Yuzuha Oda, Masayoshi Sakai
Votes: 1,316
8/10 - Interesting documentary about J-Pop-Girls and their (sometimes slightly weird and desperate and) mostly much older male fans. Could have shown a few more aspects of the topic, still it was interesting and entertaining.
98. Twenty Feet from Stardom (2013)
PG-13 | 91 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill
Votes: 13,944 | Gross: $4.95M
9/10 - Great stories, performances and interviews. Plus: The subject-matter is really interesting and out of the ordinary.
99. Unplugged (1989– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Documentary, Music
Major pop music stars play their songs with only acoustic instruments.
Stars: 10,000 Maniacs, Perry Montague-Mason, Tony Bennett, Julieta Venegas
Votes: 536
I can't include single episodes of this for some reason. But anyway, It's a legendary series which really gained a high degree of importance. Especially in the 90s. The episodes I've seen: Nirvana (10/10) I guess it's the ultimate classic of this show; The Cure (8/10); german punk-band DIE Ärzte (9/10); german punk-band Die toten Hosen (6/10); Alice in Chains (8/10)
100. Until the Light Takes Us (2008)
Not Rated | 93 min | Documentary, Music
Interviews and news footage explore the rise of black metal music in Norway in the 1990s, including artists who were involved in suicide, murder and arson.
Directors: Aaron Aites, Audrey Ewell | Stars: Fenriz, Varg Vikernes, Euronymous, Hellhammer
Votes: 6,680 | Gross: $0.12M
Black Metal explained through the eyes of two icons of the scene. Fenriz and Varg Vikernes are really different characters and that makes the documentary quite thrilling. Plus: I like, that they didn't put any commentary out of the Off. You're encouraged to build your own opinion of the scene and the musicians in it. 7/10
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