Beyond the Microphone: 18 Music Documentaries and Concert Films You Can Stream
Here’s a varied selection of music documentaries about timeless greats and the pop stars of today
It’s always a fascinating activity to think about the pop stars of our time and wonder whether or not they’ll be remembered—as legends, pioneers, icons—years or decades from today. Contemporary documentaries about their lives, their creative vision, and their artistry then serve as ways to immortalize them, allowing them to remain frozen in time, ideally at the peak of their career. For others, the documentaries are made after their decades-long reign, produced once they’ve settled into their status as legends and classics.
With BLACKPINK set to “light up the sky” tomorrow, we’ve rounded-up 18 music documentaries to check out, from Dolly Parton’s Here I Am to Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana, and everything else in between—all available for streaming, purchase, or rental.
18 Music Documentaries and Concert Films
18 Music Documentaries and Concert Films
Miss Americana (2020) | Netflix
‘Miss Americana’ chronicles the politicization of Taylor Swift, her move from being America’s sweetheart, the good girl trying to please everyone but herself, to finally letting go and, in her own words, “stepping into the daylight.” It features her cats, her fiery-haired publicist, multiple glasses of wine, her mom, and a glimpse into her songwriting and recording process. Bonus: Check out the 1989 World Tour, available on Apple, and the Reputation Stadium Tour, available on Netflix.
Dolly Parton: Here I Am (2019) | Netflix
Dolly Parton might just be the most universally loved artist—and dare we say celebrity?—of all time. In a year that is decidedly “Dolly,” this documentary charts the stories and meanings behind some of her most iconic songs, from “The Bridge” to “I Will Always Love You.” ‘Here I Am’ features interviews from her friends and colleagues, providing insight and access into her highly successful career.
Olé Olé Olé! A Trip Acrosss Latin America (2016) | Netflix
This documentary produced by The Rolling Stones follows the legendary band on their tour of Latin America in 2016, culminating in their historic show in Havana, Cuba—a logistical nightmare, brought about by scheduling conflicts following former President Barack Obama’s visit to the island nation and raising a few eyebrows (the Pope’s, namely) when the date they agree on lands on Good Friday. Still, this film captures the essence of the Stones, and is a treat for anyone—devoted fan or otherwise—watching.
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017) | Netflix
Premiering in 2017 after the release of Lady Gaga’s fifth studio album Joanne, this documentary gives viewers an “unfiltered, behind-the-scenes access” to one of the most productive and memorable years in Gaga’s career. It documents her preparation for for her Super Bowl halftime show performance, her time on American Horror Story: Roanoke, her struggle with fibromyalgia, and her thoughts on men, Madonna, and music producers.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019) | Netflix
Following Beychella in 2018, ‘Homecoming’ explores, by zeroing in on one particularly historic moment, how Beyoncé came to be one of the—if not the—greatest entertainer of our time. Featuring rehearsal footage, onscreen revelations, and the Coachelle performances themselves, ‘Homecoming’ is a soulful and inviting look into the visionary that is Beyoncé.
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015) | Netflix
In this revelatory and compelling portrait of one of music’s most exceptional artists, viewers are invited—nay, commanded—to look at Nina Simone in all of her glory. The film, which gets its title from a poem by Maya Angelou, recounts the artist’s inevitable transformation into one of the most outspoken voices of the civil-rights movement.
Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (2015) | Netflix
Even 17 years after his death, Frank Sinatra’s legacy remains a force in the industry. With the release of ‘Sinatra: All or Nothing at All,’ fans, scholars, and anyone else interested in knowing more about one of the most iconic voices in music are treated to a four-hour exploration of the crooner’s life. The film, released during his centennial, chronicles his early life, beginnings in the industry, famed romances with the leading actresses of the time, work against racial injustice, and his friendship with John F. Kennedy.
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) | Netflix
Who better to capture the essence of Bob Dylan than Martin Scorsese, who, in 2005, came out with ‘No Direction Home,’ a documentary film that centers on Dylan’s life as well as his influence on pop culture and music? In ‘Rolling Thunder Revue,’ Scorsese blends fiction and non-fiction as he covers Dylan’s 1975 concert tour of the same name. Without distinguishing which is fictional and which is factual, the film leaves much to the viewer to figure out which moments are real, and which ones aren’t.
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids (2016) | Netflix
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids (2016) | Netflix This concert film documents the final performances of Justin Timberlake’s two-year tour promoting his third and fourth studio albums, The 20/20 Experience and The 20/20 Experience — 2 of 2. The film, helmed by acclaimed director Jonathan Demme, zeroes in on Timberlake as a performer and artist, giving fans and viewers insight into his craft.
Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017) | Netflix
Producer and music industry exec Clive Davis is responsible for the careers of several highly successful artists and acts, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, Billy Joel, Westlife, Whitney Houston, and Barry Manilow. In ‘The Soundtrack of Our Lives,’ Davis is portrayed as a “tender musical fairy godfather” (Variety) as viewers are given access to a different side of the music industry: the producers working alongside the artists. The film maps out how Davis helped define each artist he came to work with, nurturing and caring for them.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009) | Netflix
The film, regarded to be the “first concert rehearsal movie ever” (Hollywood Reporter), was to be Michael Jackson’s comeback, primed to launch a planned run of 50 concerts, all sold-out, at the O2 Arena in London. Tragically, he passed away just before the shows could open. ‘This Is It’ documents the preparations and rehearsals for the shows, giving viewers a glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most legendary entertainers.
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012) | Apple
‘Part of Me,’ named after one of Perry’s most popular songs, documents her life and career, from her childhood to the deterioration of her highly publicized marriage (and later, divorce) to Russell Brand. Moments and performances from her California Dreams Tour feature in the film, as well as cameos from her friends in the industry: Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Adele, and Jessie J.
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (2019) | Netflix
In this exploration of American cultural icon Miles Davis’ life and career, those who know him best, from scholars to family and friends, reflect on the journey it took for him to get to where he is. Davis, known throughout America to be the perfect embodiment of cool, is treated to a deconstruction in this film, reminding why fans love him and opening the eyes of those who are yet to grasp his excellence.
Whitney (2018) | Apple
Unlike many of the other selections in this list, 2018’s ‘Whitney’ is a more somber and almost cheerless glimpse into the life of beloved musical icon Whitney Houston. Weaving moments from her life and interviews from her family members, friends, and colleagues, ‘Whitney’ asks the viewers to look the subject as more than just a performer, an artist, a visionary, but rather to see her as a human being—flawed, troubled, brave.
Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) | Apple
Spike Lee’s exploration of Michael Jackson’s rise to pop stardom hinges on Jackson’s seminal album, Off the Wall. This 2016 film is Lee’s second documentary focusing on the King of Pop, following his work on ‘Bad 25’ in 2012. ‘Motown to Off the Wall’ is a two-hour celebration of one of the most influential entertainers in popular music.
One Direction: This Is Us (2013) | Apple
Released at the height of One Direction’s popularity across the world, ‘This Is Us’ gives fans and viewers an intimate look into the lives of the boy band’s five members: Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne. The film features footage from the group’s shows during their Take Me Home Tour as well as moments from their lives before and after their appearance on the X-Factor, the show that would change the course of their lives forever.
Spirits in the Forest — A Depeche Mode Film (2019) | Apple
Directed by Anton Corbijn, ‘Spirits in the Forest’ covers the band’s final show of their Global Spirit Tour at the Waldbühne in Berlin, Germany, intertwined with the stories of six fans—how they discovered Depeche Mode, what the band means to them, and how important fans are to the success of any musical act.
Songwriter (2018) | Apple
Directed by Murray Cummings, Ed Sheeran’s cousin, ‘Songwriter’ follows the creative process of the English hitmaker, responsible for songs like “The A-Team,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “Castle on the Hill,” “Perfect,” and “Shape of You” being played repeatedly on radios from 2011 until the present. The film, purposely impersonal to an extent (“I didn’t really want personal things in it,” Sheeran told the Los Angeles Times), charts the work Sheeran puts into his songwriting.
Lead photos from IMdB, @taylorswift, @beyonce
Top Stories
Metro Beauty Picks Of The Week
BEAUTYMar 14, 2023