30+ of the best ever music films
by brock-43 | created - 02 Jun 2014 | updated - 21 Jan 2019 | PublicHere are my personal favorite films about music. Either concert films or documentaries. Excluded here are the "Classic Album" series, as there would be simply too many to list. Also worth seeking out, the Henry Rollins show for it's incredible range of guests both musical, political and philosophical.
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1. 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: 20,108 | Gross: $0.32M
My personal benchmark must see concert documentary and probably one of the best concert films ever made. The Band are awesome and the all-star line up is quite insane. Who do they not have on the bill?!
Of note, a Neil Diamond performance for people who don't like Neil Diamond.
2. 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: 19,939 | Gross: $5.02M
Augmented Clothing, Augmented Band. Sheer joy.
3. Sound City (2013)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the fabled recording studio that was located in Van Nuys, California.
Director: Dave Grohl | Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood, Vinny Appice
Votes: 13,439 | Gross: $0.42M
Great Exploration of the relationship between technology and music. OK, so it's a little bit of a Dave Grohl "I've got an awesome sound desk" wankfest, but I constantly have to hand it to the guy for inspiring people to just forget the *beep* and play your ass off.
4. Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012)
R | 106 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on rap music and its rise to global prominence.
Directors: Ice-T, Andy Baybutt | Stars: Ice-T, Dr. Dre, Chuck D, Snoop Dogg
Votes: 3,620 | Gross: $0.29M
Ice-T's excellent guide to the birth and dominance of Classic Hip Hop and Rap. One of the very best films of the genre.
5. The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town (2010)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, Music
Takes us into the studio with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for the recording of their fourth album.
Director: Thom Zimny | Stars: Mike Appel, Roy Bittan, Clarence Clemons, Obie Dziedzic
Votes: 560
A testament to the genius and determination of Bruce Springsteen
6. 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
Is this movie be funnier than Spinal Tap? If so, only because it's real.
7. 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: 2,161
An expertly made, in depth and detailed look at the music and career of Tom Petty. Over 3 hours long and could have been longer!
8. 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
A message for life and music.
9. Muscle Shoals (2013)
PG | 111 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A documentary that celebrates Rick Hall, the founder of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and the signature sound he developed in songs such as "I'll Take You There", "Brown Sugar", and "When a Man Loves a Woman".
Director: Greg 'Freddy' Camalier | Stars: Rick Hall, Aretha Franklin, Keith Richards, Candi Staton
Votes: 4,290 | Gross: $0.70M
Similar to Standing in the Shadows of Motown, but has a wider more emotional appeal.
10. Monterey Pop (1968)
Not Rated | 78 min | Documentary, History, Music
A film about the greatest pre-Woodstock rock music festival.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Ravi Shankar, Country Joe McDonald
Votes: 4,915 | Gross: $0.00M
It's cinema verite meets Hippis and great music.
11. Shut Up and Play the Hits (2012)
Not Rated | 108 min | Documentary, Music
On April 2nd 2011, LCD Soundsystem played its final show at Madison Square Garden. Documenting this once in a life time performance and an intimate portrait of James Murphy as he navigates the lead-up to the show, the day after, and the personal and professional ramifications of his decision.
Directors: Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern | Stars: James Murphy, Chuck Klosterman, Keith Wood, Nancy Whang
Votes: 2,887 | Gross: $0.51M
Great production values. Both melancholic and uplifting, James Murphy's music is self-deprecating post-modern ironic punk funk awesome.
12. 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
An awesome look at the fine line between crazy and genius. daniel Johnson is extremely likable.
13. 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: 13,947 | Gross: $4.95M
Great voices. A movie that vocalists will love.
Best bit... Mick Jagger saying "Backup singing is alright but it would get boring going ohh ahh all day"
14. Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
G | 105 min | Documentary, Music
Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro's takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians' careers.
Director: Wim Wenders | Stars: Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Octavio Calderon
Votes: 20,481 | Gross: $7.00M
A classic and one of the most accessible music documentaries ever. Even my wife likes this one.
15. 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: 12,617
Expertly made. Great music.
16. 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: 72,857 | Gross: $3.97M
The untold story of the Superstar next door
17. 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
If you're a Pixies fan you've probably already seen this...
18. Jimi Plays Monterey (1986)
Not Rated | 50 min | Documentary, Music
Jimi Hendrix's landmark concert in Monterey County Fairgrounds in California in which he plays signature songs like "Purple Haze," "Foxy Lady," and "Wild Thing."
Directors: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, John Phillips
Votes: 1,432
Hendrix's set from the the Monterey Pop festival. Perfectly good guitars are smashed and burnt alive.
19. 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
A dreamy yet crystalline portrait of musician, poet and activist Patti Smith.
20. 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: 13,546 | Gross: $1.61M
It does get loud! THE movie for guitar players. You'll be inspired by either one Jack White, The Edge or Jimmy Page depending on what your style is.
21. Here Is What Is (2007)
90 min | Documentary
A behind-the-scenes look at Grammy-winning Canadian composer and record producer Daniel Lanois.
Directors: Daniel Lanois, Adam Samuels, Adam Vollick | Stars: Brady Blade, Brian Blade, Aaron Embry, Brian Eno
Votes: 56
Master producer and musician Daniel Lanoi's personal statement about the nature of creativity and music. Told with sensitivity and nuance.
22. Mistaken for Strangers (2013)
Not Rated | 75 min | Documentary, Comedy, Music
Tom Berninger chronicles his time spent on the road as a member of the tour crew for The National, the rock & roll band fronted by his brother, Matt.
Director: Tom Berninger | Stars: Tom Berninger, Matt Berninger, Bryce Dessner, Bryan Devendorf
Votes: 4,605 | Gross: $0.14M
A heartwarming story about family. Sometimes feels a little contrived, but if your a fan of The National, you'll be fine! :)
23. Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Ginger Baker looks back on his musical career with Cream and Blind Faith; his introduction to Fela Kuti; his self-destructive patterns and losses of fortune; and his current life inside a fortified South African compound.
Director: Jay Bulger | Stars: Ginger Baker, Femi Kuti, Eric Clapton, Stewart Copeland
Votes: 3,614 | Gross: $0.11M
Entertaining look at a absolute non-compromising personality and ego of master rock drummer Ginger Baker.
24. 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
Need to know about Metal fast?! Here are your crib notes. A well made first person documentary
25. Heartworn Highways (1976)
Not Rated | 92 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The best music and the best whiskey come from the same part of the country.
Director: James Szalapski | Stars: Peggy Brooks, Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, Rodney Crowell
Votes: 937
Three words are really only needed, "Townes Van Zandt" - The best music of the 70's was possibly "Outlaw Country".
26. Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night (1988 TV Special)
Not Rated | 64 min | Documentary, Music
Rock 'n' roll legend Roy Orbison and some friends, legends in their own right, get together and perform some of Orbison's songs.
Stars: Roy Orbison, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello
Votes: 1,185
It's in Black and White. Tom Waits is in it too.
27. 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
For everyone who thinks Leonard Cohen is depressing. See his masterpieces arranged and played brilliantly. Surprising to see that this was pretty much the exact same show that I saw in New Zealand a few years after, but great none the less.
28. Breadcrumb Trail (2014)
90 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the Louisville, Kentucky band Slint with a focus on their seminal final album, Spiderland.
Director: Lance Bangs | Stars: Steve Albini, Todd Brashear, Ethan Buckler, Ian MacKaye
Votes: 740
This one is all about little known post-rock band Slint. I forget, but is critic David Fricke in this? It's not a real documentary unless David Frick is in it! ... or Bono. Ohhh, they've got the guy that produced Nirvana.
29. 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: 6,570 | Gross: $1.06M
It's the Beatles! Arguing and playing some music too. Yoko is there too.
30. Modulations (1998)
75 min | Documentary, Music
The evolution of electronic music and its many genres. How the wide range of styles and scenes formed through experimentations on sound formation.
Director: Iara Lee | Stars: Arthur Baker, Afrika Bambaataa, Carl Cox, David Kristian
Votes: 487 | Gross: $0.14M
A vibe caught in time. Bleep bleep squark, it's the turn of the century! The wild west of what we now politely call EDM (electronic Dance Music)
31. The Wrecking Crew! (2008)
PG | 101 min | Documentary, History, Music
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew", a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bing Crosby.
Director: Denny Tedesco | Stars: Brian Wilson, Dick Clark, Cher, Herb Alpert
Votes: 3,667 | Gross: $0.80M
The band behind the greatest album of all time... Pet Sounds of course.
32. Artifact (2012)
Not Rated | 103 min | Documentary, Music
Telling harsh truths about the modern music business, this riveting and award-winning documentary gives intimate access to singer/actor Jared Leto ("Requiem for a Dream," "Dallas Buyers ... See full summary »
Director: Jared Leto | Stars: Jared Leto, Shannon Leto, Tomo Milicevic, Irving Azoff
Votes: 4,691
33. Jandek on Corwood (2003)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary, Music
"The longest-running, weirdest, loneliest enigma in popular music is a guy from Texas who calls himself Jandek." Jandek on Corwood is the 89-minute documentary that explores this man, his world and his music.
Director: Chad Freidrichs | Stars: Byron Coley, Calvin Johnson, Barry Hansen, John Foster
Votes: 307
34. The Song Remains the Same (1976)
PG | 137 min | Documentary, Music
The line forms here for the world's greatest and possibly most influential band--Led Zeppelin. This mesmerizing movie built around Zep's famed 1973 concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden is convincing proof why.
Directors: Peter Clifton, Joe Massot | Stars: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham
Votes: 9,024
35. Bring on the Night (1985)
PG-13 | 97 min | Documentary, Music
Documents the preparation and rehearsals for Sting's first solo concert, as well as his supporting band's opinions on their leader and his controversial efforts.
Director: Michael Apted | Stars: Miles A. Copeland III, Gil Friesen, Vic Garbarini, Omar Hakim
Votes: 654 | Gross: $1.89M
36. Willie Nelson at the Teatro (1998)
52 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary of producer Daniel Lanois and his team as they record Willie Nelson album at the Teatro.
Director: Wim Wenders | Stars: Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Bobbie Nelson
Votes: 60
37. 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
38. 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: 1,062
39. 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
40. 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
41. 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: 12,865 | Gross: $0.25M
42. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
R | 82 min | Comedy, Music
Spinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.
Director: Rob Reiner | Stars: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Votes: 147,270 | Gross: $4.74M
43. 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: 18,448 | Gross: $50.00M
44. 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: 9,420
45. 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: 10,004
46. Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (2012)
PG-13 | 113 min | Documentary, Music
Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me is a feature-length documentary film about the dismal commercial failure, subsequent massive critical acclaim, and enduring legacy of pop music's greatest cult phenomenon, Big Star.
Directors: Drew DeNicola, Olivia Mori | Stars: Billy Altman, Jon Auer, Lester Bangs, Chris Bell
Votes: 1,438 | Gross: $0.11M
47. 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: 989
48. 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: 3,327
49. 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: 1,415 | Gross: $0.13M
50.
Great Performances (1971– )
Episode:
Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story
(2007)
TV-G | 155 min | Music, Musical
Spectacular rise & disgraced collapse of Memphis' socially-conscious, neighborhood-based Stax Records, which spawned many of the best soul sounds of the 60's and 70's is told mostly by its ... See full summary »
Directors: Robert Gordon, Morgan Neville | Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Jim Stewart, Estelle Axton, Deanie Parker
Votes: 216
51. 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: 3,921
52. 24 Hour Party People (2002)
R | 117 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
In 1976, Tony Wilson sets up Factory Records and brings Manchester's music to the world.
Director: Michael Winterbottom | Stars: Steve Coogan, Lennie James, John Thomson, Paul Popplewell
Votes: 39,657 | Gross: $1.13M
53. 20,000 Days on Earth (2014)
Not Rated | 97 min | Documentary, Drama, Music
Writer and musician Nick Cave marks his 20,000th day on the planet Earth.
Directors: Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard | Stars: Nick Cave, Susie Bick, Warren Ellis, Darian Leader
Votes: 11,966 | Gross: $0.28M
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