Greatest Music Documentaries of All Time
by Visionless | created - 12 Sep 2012 | updated - 14 Mar 2017 | PublicA list compiling the greatest music documentaries ever created. In alphabetical order:
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1. 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: 16,846 | Gross: $0.67M
2. The Beatles Anthology (1995–1996)
TV-14 | 67 min | Documentary, Music
An autobiographical documentary of the greatest of the rock bands.
Stars: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, George Martin
Votes: 9,433
3. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band's musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the '70s to their current heavy rock style.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart, Trent Reznor
Votes: 4,891
4. 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: 6,691 | Gross: $0.13M
5. 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: 10,016
6. 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: 6,206 | Gross: $0.61M
7. 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: 12,896 | Gross: $0.25M
8. 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: 3,522
9. 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: 3,871
10. The Kids Are Alright (1979)
PG | 109 min | Documentary, Music
Interviews, TV clips and concert footage make up this comprehensive profile of The Who, Britain's premiere rock band.
Director: Jeff Stein | Stars: Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Entwistle
Votes: 3,926
11. The Last Waltz (1978)
PG | 117 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison
Votes: 20,184 | Gross: $0.32M
12. Let It Be (1970)
G | 81 min | Documentary, Music
The filmed account of The Beatles' attempt to recapture their old group spirit by making a back to basics album, which instead drove them further apart.
Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg | Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Votes: 6,586 | Gross: $1.06M
13. George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011)
Not Rated | 208 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese examines the life of musician George Harrison, weaving together interviews, concert footage, home movies and photographs.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: George Harrison, Harry Harrison, Peter Harrison, Paul McCartney
Votes: 12,633
14.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
(2005)
Not Rated | 208 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Bob Dylan, B.J. Rolfzen, Dick Kangas, Liam Clancy
Votes: 12,111
15. Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987)
Not Rated | 43 min | Short, Biography, Drama
Karen Carpenter's battle with anorexia nervosa and the cultural influence of the Carpenters in the 70s.
Director: Todd Haynes | Stars: Merrill Gruver, Michael Edwards, Melissa Brown, Rob LaBelle
Votes: 3,333
16. We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen (2005)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A feature-length documentary chronicling early 80's punk rock band the Minutemen, from their beginnings in San Pedro, California, to their demise after the death of singer D. Boon in 1985.
Director: Tim Irwin | Stars: Milo Aukerman, Joe Baiza, Kevin Barrett, Scott Becker
Votes: 1,063
17. The Clash: Westway to the World (2000 Video)
60 min | Documentary, Music
A career retrospective of British punk band The Clash, featuring exclusive interviews with the entire band.
Director: Don Letts | Stars: Terry Chimes, Terence Dackombe, Topper Headon, Mick Jones
Votes: 1,141
18. Woodstock (1970)
R | 184 min | Documentary, History, Music
Oscar-winning musical chronicle that brilliantly captures the three-day rock concert and celebration of peace and love that became a capstone for the Sixties.
Director: Michael Wadleigh | Stars: Joan Baez, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker
Votes: 18,471 | Gross: $50.00M
19. 1991: The Year Punk Broke (1992)
Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary, History, Music
David Markey's documentary of life on the road with Sonic Youth and Nirvana during their tour of Europe in late 1991. Also featuring live performances by Dinosaur Jr, Babes In Toyland, The Ramones and Gumball.
Director: David Markey | Stars: Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley
Votes: 1,582
20. 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: 8,334
21. Pearl Jam Twenty (2011)
Not Rated | 119 min | Documentary, History, Music
A documentary on the band Pearl Jam that marks their 20th anniversary in the year 2011.
Director: Cameron Crowe | Stars: Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Cameron Crowe
Votes: 8,185 | Gross: $0.45M
22. No Distance Left to Run (2010)
Not Rated | 104 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An insightful rockumentary looking at the history of the British rock band, Blur, as they head out on the road for their 2009 reunion tour.
Directors: Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern | Stars: Damon Albarn, Mike Smith, Wayne Hernandez, Sam Freeman
Votes: 1,380
23. 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: 6,521
24. 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: 20,090 | Gross: $5.02M
25. 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
26. 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: 10,537 | Gross: $0.33M
27. I Need That Record! The Death (or Possible Survival) of the Independent Record Store (2008)
Unrated | 78 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary feature examining why over 3000 independent record stores have closed across the U.S. in the past decade. Many sources all pose threats on the very well being of our favorite ... See full summary »
Director: Brendan Toller | Stars: Glenn Branca, Pat Carney, Noam Chomsky, Chris Frantz
Votes: 502
28. The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights (2009)
Unrated | 93 min | Documentary, Music
Follow the White Stripes' 2007 tour of Canada, as the duo avoided the conventional by playing in buses, cafes and for Indian tribal elders.
Director: Emmett Malloy | Stars: Alex Debogorski, Maria Durham, Jack White, Meg White
Votes: 2,501
29. Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)
PG | 103 min | Documentary, Music
A film shot over during a two-night performance by Neil Young at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Pegi Young, Ben Keith
Votes: 3,306 | Gross: $1.83M
30. Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
PG | 108 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary covering Neil Young's October 22, 1978 concert performance at the Cow Palace.
Director: Neil Young | Stars: Neil Young, Ralph Molina, Frank 'Pancho' Sampedro, Billy Talbot
Votes: 991
31. I Am Trying to Break Your Heart (2002)
Unrated | 92 min | Documentary, Music
First-time filmmaker and award-winning photographer Sam Jones documents the recording of Wilco's album, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."
Director: Sam Jones | Stars: Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Leroy Bach, Glenn Kotche
Votes: 2,212 | Gross: $0.45M
32. Be Here to Love Me (2004)
Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Be Here to Love Me - Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of musician Townes van Zandt.
Director: Margaret Brown | Stars: Joe Ely, Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson
Votes: 1,418 | Gross: $0.13M
33. End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)
TV-14 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The story of the punk rock band The Ramones.
Directors: Jim Fields, Michael Gramaglia | Stars: Rick Rubin, Tommy Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Johnny Ramone
Votes: 3,892 | Gross: $0.39M
34. 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: 995
35. Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten (2007)
Not Rated | 124 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
As the front man of the Clash from 1977, Joe Strummer changed people's lives forever. Four years after his death, his influence reaches out around the world, more strongly now than ever before.
Director: Julien Temple | Stars: Joe Strummer, Steve Jones, Mick Jones, The 101ers
Votes: 4,184 | Gross: $0.25M
36. 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: 1,668
37. Lightning Bolt: The Power of Salad (2002 Video)
Not Rated | 71 min | Documentary, Music
Lightning Bolt's 2001 tour through the United States, featuring live performances and interviews with the the band, friends and family.
Directors: Peter Glantz, Nick Noe | Stars: Brian Chippendale, Brian Gibson, John Dwyer, Jeff Rosenberg
Votes: 182
38. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
A look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Eugene Tatu, Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline
Votes: 4,869
39. You're Gonna Miss Me (2005)
91 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary about rock pioneer Roky Erickson, detailing his rise as a psychedelic hero, his lengthy institutionalization, his descent into poverty and filth, and his brother's struggle with their religious mother to improve Roky's care.
Director: Keven McAlester | Stars: Byron Coley, Paul Drummond, 13th Floor Elevators, Don Erickson
Votes: 1,092 | Gross: $0.00M
40. It Might Get Loud (2008)
PG | 98 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White.
Director: Davis Guggenheim | Stars: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White, Dallas Schoo
Votes: 13,552 | Gross: $1.61M
41. 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: 3,601 | Gross: $0.28M
42. 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: 20,354 | Gross: $1.22M
43. New York Doll (2005)
PG-13 | 75 min | Documentary, Music
A recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, Arthur "Killer" Kane, of the rock band The New York Dolls, is given a chance at reuniting with his band after 30 years.
Director: Greg Whiteley | Stars: Arthur Kane, David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, Nina Antonia
Votes: 1,828 | Gross: $0.22M
44. Nico Icon (1995)
67 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A look into the many lives of Christa Päffgen, otherwise known as Nico; from cutie German mädchen to the first of the supermodels, to glamorous diva of the Velvet Underground, to cult item,... See full summary »
Director: Susanne Ofteringer | Stars: Nico, Tina Aumont, Christian Päffgen, Edith Boulogne
Votes: 748 | Gross: $0.21M
45. Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)
Not Rated | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The life and work of the enigmatic folk rock singer-songwriter.
Director: John Scheinfeld | Stars: Gerry Beckley, Lee Blackman, Perry Botkin Jr., Ray Cooper
Votes: 1,871 | Gross: $0.03M
46. Meeting People Is Easy (1998)
Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary, Music
An entertaining "rockumentary" about Radiohead that shows some of the tedium of being a rock star, as well as some of the fun stuff.
Director: Grant Gee | Stars: Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien
Votes: 3,299 | Gross: $0.05M
47. The Fearless Freaks (2005)
Not Rated | 103 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the evolution of the Oklahoma band The Flaming Lips.
Director: Bradley Beesley | Stars: Bradley Beesley, Steve Burns, Dolly Coyne, Kenny Coyne
Votes: 1,145
48. Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988)
PG-13 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius.
Director: Charlotte Zwerin | Stars: Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Jimmy Cleveland, Harry Colomby
Votes: 1,313 | Gross: $0.52M
49. 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: 5,182 | Gross: $3.75M
50. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream (2007)
Not Rated | 259 min | Documentary, Music
"Runnin' Down A Dream," a film directed by cinema legend Peter Bogdanovich, is the story of one of America's great rock and roll bands told as never before.
Director: Peter Bogdanovich | Stars: Neil Armstrong, Mick Avory, Ron Blair, Peter Bogdanovich
Votes: 2,164
51. Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
PG | 108 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary about the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists.
Director: Paul Justman | Stars: Joe Hunter, Jack Ashford, Uriel Jones, Richard 'Pistol' Allen
Votes: 3,849 | Gross: $1.60M
52. 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
53. Soul Power (2008)
PG-13 | 92 min | Documentary, Music
A filmed account of the Zaire 74 soul music festival, originally intended to be in concert with the famous Rumble in the Jungle bout in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974.
Director: Jeffrey Kusama-Hinte | Stars: Muhammad Ali, James Brown, Don King, Afrisa
Votes: 925 | Gross: $0.21M
54. 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: 4,005 | Gross: $0.13M
55. Oasis: Supersonic (2016)
R | 122 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Oasis's breakthrough years documented into a detailed depiction of the infamous brothers from Manchester forming the band in the early 90's leading up to the legendary performance at Knebworth.
Director: Mat Whitecross | Stars: Paul Arthurs, Christine Biller, Mark Coyle, Debbie Turner
Votes: 12,394 | Gross: $0.24M
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