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16 best music documentaries on netflix.

The best music documentaries on Netflix show just how much the streaming service has to offer to music lovers.

Whether it's behind the scenes of a movie franchise or a famous musician, die-hard fans relish the opportunity to get a deeper look into the workings of an artist.  As one of the top streaming platforms, Netflix has created–and given viewers access to–riveting stories focussing on some of the music industry's top artists.

Viewers are captivated by the emotional and heartfelt struggles artists face in making names for themselves, and they love watching them share their stories through documentaries. A variety of music documentaries on Netflix show the rise and fall of Grammy-winning artists, their lives before fame, and how they adjust to life in the limelight.

Updated on June 30th, 2022, by Shawn S. Lealos: While they might not be as popular as a scripted drama series like Stranger Things or a superhero movie like Spider-Man: No Way Home , there is a lot to love about a good music documentary. While Netflix will always offer the mainstream releases like those above, the streaming giant also knows that one key to keeping its subscription totals from dropping is to offer niche things that a smaller, but an important, group of subscribers want to see. Music documentaries fit that description, with some offering concert footage, others offering a look at the lives and travels of the musicians, and others looking posthumously at the greats of yesteryear. Since the streaming service often switches out what they offer, this list removed those docs that left and added some more great music documentaries on Netflix.

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)

If there is one iconic and legendary filmmaker who loves to make music documentaries, it is Martin Scorsese. He created one of the most legendary music documentaries of all time in the 1970s with  The Last Waltz , with The Band's final concert. One singer at that show who performed was Bob Dylan and Scorsese has since made two documentaries about that legendary singer as well.

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No Direction Home  is one of the best music documentaries on Netflix, released in 2005. It tells the story of Dylans' life from his arrival in New York in 1961 and his retirement from touring in 1966.

The Sparks Brothers (2021)

Edgar Wright had a great year in 2021 when it came to movies. He released the horror-thriller  Last Night in Soho and then followed that up with a documentary titled The Sparks Brothers , following the careers of the legendary and iconic indie music sensations.

The great news is that The Sparks Brothers is on Netflix now for all to see. For those unaware,  The Sparks Brothers spent their entire career overlooked and ahead of the curve, meaning they made music that would be popular a few years later, but never had a chance to enjoy the height of that surge because they always changed their styles to whatever they felt was next. This music documentary on Netflix is possibly even better for people who have never heard of the band.

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)

One of the most iconic rock bands in history is Queen, and their performances and songs recorded with the late Freddy Mercury remain legendary. However, after Mercury died, the band mostly disappeared outside of some concerts with names like George Michael and Eddie Vedder taking the lead role.

That all changed when Queen hired American Idol finalist Adam Lambert to become their new lead singer. The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story is an original documentary on Netflix that tells the story of how the young singer helped bring the band back to the spotlight again.

ReMastered: The Two Killings Of Sam Cooke (2019)

Netflix has an original documentary series called ReMastered which tells the story in each doc about different musical artists. One of the best in the series hit in 2019 with  The Two Killings of Sam Cooke . The story is a hybrid mix of a music documentary and a true crime story as it focuses on the murder of Sam Cooke in 1964 at the age of 33.

Sam Cooke was a soul singer who was also outspoken on civil rights issues. The title refers to how Sam Cooke died twice - once literally and once was the death of his promising musical career, with part of the documentary showing how important his music was in spreading his message of equality. Fans might also remember the name Sam Cooke from the movie One Night in Miami .

If I Leave Here Tomorrow (2018)

When looking through the music documentaries on Netflix, there is one titled  If I Leave Here Tomorrow and it tells the story of the legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. It mostly focuses on lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and is put together with interviews and archival footage.

The band formed in 1964 and became major stars in the 1970s thanks to songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird." Sadly, a plane crash in 1977 killed Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, and left the rest of the band members seriously injured. This documentary on Netflix looks at the band up to that point.

Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020)

Shawn Mendes has never shied away from sharing his life with his fans, as it gives him the ability to connect with them on a deeper level. In 2020, Netflix released Shawn Mendes: In Wonder,  which chronicles the past few years of his life and his journey to a bigger level of stardom.

The documentary showcases Mendes in a much more raw form, chronicling his struggles with anxiety and depression—even the nights where he feels the most alone. Among it all is his devotion to family, fans, and even his deep romance with fellow artist Camilla Cabello.

Keith Richards: Under The Influence (2015)

The notorious guitarist of the world-renown rock band The Rolling Stones, Netflix's 2015 documentary Keith Richards: Under The Influence offers a glimpse into the life of the aging rocker. Tracking his progress in the studio as he records a solo album while simultaneously recounting how he attained fame, it's a story all Stones fans need to hear.

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Borrowing a few elements from his autobiography Life , Under the Influence examines Richards' philosophies on everything from classic blues singers to the human condition. It's one of the most fascinating music documentaries on Netflix, even for those who may not be familiar with the musician.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

Many famed artists from generations gone by have helped define music history. One of these artists is American singer, Nina Simone, who not only awed with her vocals but also inspired others with her civil rights activism. The music documentary on Netflix,  What Happened, Miss Simone? features never-seen-before archival footage of the singer, as well as interviews with her daughter and family.

The music documentary is eye-opening, as it chronicles Simon's rise as one of the most profound jazz singers. Fans also get to see Simone's story of becoming an activist determined to take a stance.

Quincy (2018)

Simply titled  Quincy , this 2018 Netflix documentary is an intimate look into the life and career of Quincy Jones. The movie hit big and even won the Grammy for Best Music Film at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Co-directed by Jones' daughter Rashida Jones , the movie tells the immense story of the 27 Grammy award-winning industry giant.

From his early days in childhood to his rise in music, the movie tells it all. Viewers get to see the artist in his prime to his more personal battles with health issues and the industry. There are even heartwarming interviews and stories of Hollywood's and the music industry's finest, depicting him as one of the greatest of all time.

BLACKPINK: Light Up The Sky (2020)

Television, movies, and the music industry have been hit hard with a deep love and admiration for K-Pop and South Korean culture. K-Pop bands like BTS and BlackPink have taken over billboard charts and reached global stardom. In 2020, Netflix released the documentary  BLACKPINK: Light Up The Sky,  which focuses on the journey of Korea's top girl group BlackPink.

Fans of K-Pop and even newcomers can watch the personal stories of four young girls from different walks of life strive for the same dream. From their exhausting days as trainees to sold-out arenas around the world, BlackPink successfully became the top girl group in K-Pop music history.

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)

Originally released in 2004, Some Kind of Monster catalog's the development of Metallica's most reviled album, St. Anger, along with all of the difficulties and infighting that came with it. Considered by members of the band to be Metallica's darkest period , Some Kind of Monster highlights the bleak realities that sometimes come with fame.

With band co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich constantly at each other's throats, the world's most recognizable heavy metal band seems to be falling apart at the seams. Fortunately, they would endure these turmoils and come out on the other side with a hard-hitting and insightful piece of heavy metal media.

Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell (2021)

There are countless documentaries and specials about the life of rapper Christopher Wallace, A.K.A. The Notorious B.I.G, though many of them place a major emphasis on his mysterious death. The 2021 documentary Biggie: I Got A Story to Tell not only gives viewers rare footage of the rapper and in-depth interviews, but it's also a celebration of his life and career.

RELATED:  10 Best Hip-Hop Documentaries To Watch After Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell

Among the best music documentaries on Netflix, this one has it all, from Biggie's early years to his journey to becoming the rap icon he was destined to become. Told through interviews and stories from his family and friends, Biggie is showcased as a multi-dimensional artist and person whose life ended tragically at the height of his career.

Homecoming (2019)

Homecoming  is considered to be a concert film, but many see it as an inside look and documentary about Beyoncé's creative process and her impact on a cultural movement. Written and directed by Beyoncé herself, the movie centers around the events leading up to and the day of her performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

The movie received unanimous critical acclaim, with many praising it for its impactful moments, behind-the-scenes shots, and showing what makes Beyoncé the global icon that she is. There's so much more, as the documentary also details how Beyoncé is the first black woman to headline the festival and the impact of this.

Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)

In 2017, Netflix released a cinéma vérité style documentary titled Gaga: Five Foot Two about the hit artist, Lady Gaga. The movie takes place over a year, showcasing the personal life of Gaga, from meeting her fans, working on new music, and even her battle with chronic pain caused by the onset of fibromyalgia.

The timeline of the movie is specific, as it takes place as Gaga is in the process of creating her fifth studio album, "Joanne." There's just about everything to explore here, from her Super Bowl performance and her emotional struggles to her guest role in American Horror Story .

ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads

Posthumously dubbed the "King of the Delta Blues Singers," Robert Johnson is often considered to be one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Known for his uncanny skill, he lived an enigmatic and strange life, and it was rumored that he had sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his amazing abilities as a musician.

Over the decades, speculation and rumor melded into an urban legend, and Johnson's legacy is often treated as something akin to an American folktale. Haunted by either the Devil himself or demons of his own making, Robert Johnson was a fascinating musician whose tale demands attention .

Miss Americana (2020)

Just about everyone has heard of Taylor Swift at this point, and fans of the singer and even those who aren't will be moved and awe-struck by the story told in this, one of the best music documentaries on Netflix. It takes place as Swift begins her 2019 album" Lover."

Being in the limelight for so many years, Swift reveals her inner turmoil and struggles that she kept from the public. The movie uses interviews, camera footage, home videos, and more, as well as her own voice to tell her story of battling body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, and even the scrutiny she faces on the internet.

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The Best Music Documentaries On Netflix

Unearthing the vibrant tapestry of music history, Netflix's collection of top-tier music documentaries lets you dive into the heart of electrifying concert performances, riveting artist biographies, and insightful behind-the-scenes tours. Crafted by master storytellers, these engrossing films straddle the crossroads of culture and sounds, delivering an immersive experience that’s nothing short of a symphony for your senses. 

Illuminating the power and passion inherent in the world of music, Netflix's music documentaries create a captivating ambiance that mesmerizes and uplifts audiences worldwide. By exploring different genres, eras, and artists, these films offer a panoramic view of music's transformative impact on societies and souls alike. Beyond being mere entertainment, they weave together narratives that reverberate the pulsating rhythms of human existence, making them some of the finest pieces of cinema available on streaming platforms. 

The kaleidoscope of options on offer includes gems such as the famed Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened , a gripping exposé that chronicles the disastrous unraveling of the Fyre Music Festival. Then there's If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd , an intimate exploration of the Southern rock band’s tumultuous journey. Films like Echo in the Canyon delve into Los Angeles' rich musical heritage, while Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage paints an evocative portrait of the iconic Canadian rock band . Each entry comes equipped with streaming buttons for a seamless viewing experience across Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Max, and Amazon Prime. 

The new and old music documentaries streaming now on Netflix provide a compelling blend of harmonious sounds and emotive storylines. They resonate with a universal appeal that transcends borders and generations. So, whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or a casual viewer eager to explore the sonorous landscape of this art form, these cinematic masterpieces beckon you toward a thrilling auditory adventure, proving why they stand as the best music documentaries on Netflix.

Echo in the Canyon

Watch This Show If You Love :  The Wrecking Crew, The History of Rock 'n' Roll: California Dreamin' (1966-1976), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream, Laurel Canyon: A Place in Time, Sound City Why Should I Stream?  Explore the birthplace of folk-rock music with Echo in the Canyon , a documentary that reveals the fascinating history of Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon and its impact on modern music. With interviews from legendary artists such as Tom Petty, Brian Wilson, and Jackson Browne, this film provides an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of a groundbreaking sound. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into a crucial turning point in pop culture.

Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives

Watch This Show If You Love : The Defiant Ones, Mr. Saturday Night - The Life and Times of Sir Reuben Tishkoff, Hitmakers: The Changing Face of the Music Business, Muscle Shoals, Stax Records: Respect Yourself Why Should I Stream?  Get a front-row seat to the incredible career of one of the most influential figures in the music industry, Clive Davis , with this riveting documentary. Featuring exclusive interviews and rare performances from legendary musicians like Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston, this film truly showcases Davis's undeniable impact on popular music throughout his storied career. This is an essential watch for any fan of contemporary music.

If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd

Watch This Show If You Love :  Freebird...The Movie, Allman Brothers Band - After the Crash, Sweet Home Alabama - The Southern Rock Saga, ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas, Bad Company: Merchants of Cool Why Should I Stream?  Celebrate Southern rock royalty with If I Leave Here Tomorrow , which tells the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd's rise to fame and tragic fall through candid interviews and never-before-seen footage. Delving into their classic hits like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird," this poignant documentary pays homage to a band whose legacy continues to reverberate through modern rock music . Stream it now for a touching tribute to these unforgettable musicians.

Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute

Watch This Show If You Love :  Dolly Parton: Here I Am, Coat of Many Colors, Christmas on the Square, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, Pure & Simple with Dolly Parton Why Should I Stream?  Join a star-studded lineup as they celebrate country music legend Dolly Parton in Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute . With performances by Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, and more, this heartfelt celebration honors Parton's incredible career while also raising money for her favorite charity - MusiCares. Stream now for a night filled with fantastic tunes and touching tributes to one of music's most beloved figures.

Remastered: Who Shot The Sheriff? A Bob Marley Story

Watch This Show If You Love :  Marley, Bob Marley and the Wailers Live at the Rainbow, Catch a Fire with Bob Marley and Chris Blackwell, Heartland Reggae featuring Bob Marley Live, Legend Why Should I Stream?  Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of reggae legend Bob Marley with this intriguing documentary that investigates an assassination attempt on his life. Remastered: Who Shot The Sheriff?  offers a deep dive into Jamaica's tumultuous political climate during the 1970s while exploring the true impact of Marley's revolutionary music. It is a must-watch for fans seeking to understand the man behind the iconic tunes and powerful messages.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

Watch This Show If You Love :  No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, I'm Not There., Don't Look Back, Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration, Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid Why Should I Stream?  The genius collaboration between two iconic artists - Bob Dylan, one of our time's greatest songwriters, and Martin Scorsese, a master filmmaker - results in Rolling Thunder Revue . This mesmerizing documentary offers rare glimpses into Dylan's enigmatic personality while showcasing electrifying concert footage from his controversial 1975 tour. It is an unmissable treat for any music lover, especially those who appreciate Dylan's poetic lyrics and enduring influence.

John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky

Watch This Show If You Love :  The U.S. vs John Lennon, Imagine: John Lennon, Living in the Material World, Good Ol' Freda, Beatles Stories Why Should I Stream?  Discover the intimate relationship between legendary Beatles musician John Lennon and avant-garde artist Yoko Ono in this revealing documentary. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews, John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky  provides a candid look at one of popular culture's most intriguing love stories, set against the backdrop of their creative partnership and quest for peace. Watch now to witness an extraordinary bond that defined an era.

Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

Watch This Show If You Love :  Fyre Fraud, Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage, TanaCon: What Really Happened?, Ja Rule - Follow the Rules, Internet Scamming in Ghana Why Should I Stream?  Dive headfirst into one of the biggest scandals in recent pop culture history with Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened , chronicling the disastrous Fyre Festival that humiliated organizers, deceived attendees, and shocked social media users worldwide. This captivating documentary exposes both human greed and naivety while offering valuable insight into our modern obsession with status symbols and influencer culture. Don't miss out on this cautionary tale that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

20 Feet from Stardom

Watch This Show If You Love :  Standing in the Shadows of Motown, Muscle Shoals, Searching for Sugar Man, Hired Gun, Twenty Feet From Stardom - Darlene Love's Story Why Should I Stream?  Step behind the scenes with 20 Feet from Stardom , an Academy Award-winning documentary spotlighting the unsung heroes who breathe life into our favorite songs - backup singers. With compelling stories from artists such as Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and Lisa Fischer, this captivating film explores the struggles and triumphs of talented performers who often go uncredited for their essential contributions to music. Celebrate these hidden gems by streaming this must-watch documentary.

What Happened, Miss Simone?

Watch This Show If You Love :  Nina Simone Live at Montreux 1976, Nina Simone, Princess Noire, The Amazing Nina Simone, Four Women - The Nina Simone Philips Recordings, To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story Why Should I Stream?  Witness an intimate portrayal of singer, pianist, civil rights activist Nina Simone in this critically acclaimed Netflix documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?  Featuring previously unreleased footage and interviews with close friends and family members, this powerful film dives deeply into Simone's artistic brilliance and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Experience an emotional journey through the highs and lows of an iconoclastic artist who left an indelible mark on American culture.

Dolly Parton: Here I Am

Watch This Show If You Love :  Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute, Coat of Many Colors, Christmas on the Square, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, Pure & Simple with Dolly Parton Why Should I Stream?  Explore both sides - personal anecdotes and legendary music career - of the iconic country star Dolly Parton in Dolly Parton: Here I Am . Featuring exclusive interviews with Parton herself, as well as candid commentary from fellow artists like Jane Fonda, this entertaining and enlightening documentary offers a comprehensive glimpse into the life and work of a true American treasure.

The Black Godfather

Watch This Show If You Love :  Hitsville: The Making of Motown, Muscle Shoals, Stax Records: Respect Yourself, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives Why Should I Stream?  Venture into the incredible story of entertainment industry titan Clarence Avant, known as The Black Godfather , with this enthralling Netflix documentary. With interviews featuring Bill Clinton, Quincy Jones, Snoop Dogg, and more, this film pays tribute to a man whose influence stretches far beyond the realms of music and film. Watch now for an inspiring look at a trailblazing figure who shattered barriers in Hollywood.

Keith Richards: Under the Influence

Watch This Show If You Love :  Keith Richards and The X-Pensive Winos Live at the Hollywood Palladium, Crossfire Hurricane, Sympathy for the Devil (Jean-Luc Godard film), Cocksucker Blues (Robert Frank film), Stones in Exile Why Should I Stream?  Gain unparalleled access into the life and creative process of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards with Keith Richards: Under the Influence . This fascinating documentary delves into the sources of inspiration that fuel one of rock's most enduring legends, from blues icons to reggae masters. Don't pass up the chance to witness the inner workings of a true musical genius.

Watch This Show If You Love : Quincy Jones - Listen Up! The Lives of Quincy Jones, In the Heat of the Night (TV series), Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, "Q" - An Evening with Quincy Jones and his Orchestra, Miles Ahead Why Should I Stream?  Celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic record producer Quincy Jones with Quincy , an intimate documentary co-directed by his daughter Rashida Jones. This loving tribute showcases Jones's immeasurable contributions to popular music through rare footage and heartfelt interviews with industry legends like Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack Obama. Watch now for an inspiring look at a true creative genius who shaped countless careers.

• # 172 of 277 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
• # 31 of 129 on The Best Pop Music Documentaries
• # 19 of 129 on The Best Black Documentaries

The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip Of Bob Weir

Watch This Show If You Love :  Long Strange Trip: The Untold Story of the Grateful Dead, Festival Express, Sunshine Daydream, Grateful Dawg, Anthem to Beauty Why Should I Stream?  Embark on a psychedelic journey through the life of Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir in The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip Of Bob Weir . This insightful documentary provides a rare look at Weir's unique relationship with bandmate Jerry Garcia, as well as the countercultural legacy they created together. Don't miss the chance to explore this boundary-pushing musician's fascinating story.

Miss Americana

Watch This Show If You Love :  Taylor Swift - Journey to Fearless, The 1989 World Tour Live, Reputation Stadium Tour, City of Lover Concert, Speak Now World Tour Live Why Should I Stream?  Experience a revealing look into the life of global superstar Taylor Swift with Miss Americana , a documentary that showcases her journey from country music prodigy to pop culture icon. Through candid interviews and intimate moments, this film delves into Swift's personal growth and evolving perspective on fame, feminism, and creativity. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern celebrity.

• # 155 of 173 on The Best Movies About Music
• # 108 of 129 on The Best Pop Music Documentaries
• # 2 of 9 on Every Taylor Swift Documentary And Concert Film, Ranked By True Swifties

Remastered: Devil at the Crossroads

Watch This Show If You Love :  Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? The Life & Music of Robert Johnson, Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads, Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World, I Am the Blues, The Soul of a Man Why Should I Stream?  Uncover the enigmatic legacy of blues musician Robert Johnson in Remastered: Devil at the Crossroads . This captivating Netflix documentary explores Johnson's mysterious life and rumored deal with the devil that catapulted him to fame as one of history's most influential blues artists. Delve into this fascinating tale driven by evocative storytelling and stirring musical performances.

Remastered: Tricky Dick and the Man in Black

Watch This Show If You Love :  Johnny Cash at San Quentin, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story, All the President's Men (1976 film), Frost/Nixon (2008 film) Why Should I Stream?  Explore the fascinating intersection between politics and music with Remastered: Tricky Dick and the Man in Black . This compelling documentary recounts Johnny Cash's 1970 White House performance during Richard Nixon's presidency, revealing how Cash used his platform to advocate for social justice issues despite political pressure. Don't miss this captivating examination of two American icons' complex relationship.

Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell

Watch This Show If You Love : Notorious (film), Tupac & Biggie (documentary), Murder Rap, Who Killed Tupac? (TV miniseries), City of Lies (film) Why Should I Stream?  Discover new perspectives on hip-hop legend Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls, in Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell . Compiled from previously unseen home videos and exclusive interviews with friends and family members, this insightful documentary paints a vivid portrait of Biggie’s life beyond his storied career as one of rap's greatest MCs ever known.

I Called Him Morgan

Watch This Show If You Love :  Miles Ahead, Born to Be Blue, Chet Baker - Let's Get Lost, Mo' Better Blues (1990 film), Round Midnight (1986 film) Why Should I Stream?  Discover the tragic tale of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan in I Called Him Morgan , which delves into his tumultuous marriage to Helen Morgan, who ultimately took his life during a snowy New York City night in 1972. Through poignant interviews and rare performance footage, this engrossing docu-drama illuminates the life and art of a musical genius.

Strip Down, Rise Up

Watch This Show If You Love :  Blackfish City, Crazy Horse: Paris' Most Famous Cabaret, Magic Mike Live: London, Burlesque to Broadway, Feminists: What Were They Thinking? Why Should I Stream?  Witness the transformative power of pole dancing as a form of self-expression and empowerment in Strip Down, Rise Up . This inspiring documentary follows women from various backgrounds as they embark on a journey to reclaim their bodies and overcome personal challenges through this liberating art form. Stream now for an uplifting look at the healing potential found within movement and vulnerability.

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé

Watch This Show If You Love :  Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream, Lemonade Film, On The Run Tour: Beyoncé and Jay Z, Beyoncé Live at Roseland: Elements of 4, I Am... Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas Why Should I Stream?  Experience an electrifying concert spectacle with Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé , which offers a behind-the-scenes look at her groundbreaking 2018 Coachella performance. Celebrating black culture and history while showcasing mesmerizing dance routines and powerful renditions of hit songs, this captivating documentary is essential viewing for both die-hard fans and casual admirers alike.

• # 136 of 173 on The Best Movies About Music
• # 240 of 277 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
• # 117 of 129 on The Best Pop Music Documentaries

Gaga: Five Foot Two

Watch This Show If You Love :  Lady Gaga Presents the Monster Ball Tour, Lady Gaga - One Sequin at a Time, Lady Gaga - Inside the Outside, Lady Gaga and the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular, A Star is Born (2018 film) Why Should I Stream?  Get up close and personal with pop superstar Lady Gaga in Gaga: Five Foot Two , an intimate documentary that follows her journey through the creation of her fifth studio album 'Joanne'. Revealing raw moments of vulnerability alongside triumphant performances, this compelling portrait offers unparalleled access to one of today's most dynamic artists.

• # 39 of 129 on The Best Pop Music Documentaries
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• # 52 of 327 on The Best Netflix Original Movies Ever

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

Watch This Show If You Love :  What We Started, The American Meme, Go-Go's Unsealed - The Go-Go's with DJ AM, We Are Your Friends (2015 film), Daft Punk Unchained Why Should I Stream?  Get a taste of the adrenaline-fueled world of DJ and electronic dance music pioneer Steve Aoki in I'll Sleep When I'm Dead . This captivating documentary follows Aoki's relentless work ethic, global touring schedule, and unwavering passion for his craft. Watch now for an exhilarating glimpse into the fast-paced lifestyle of one of EDM's most influential figures.

Britney vs Spears

Watch This Show If You Love :  Framing Britney Spears, Britney: For the Record, Britney's Dance Beat, Crossroads (2002 film), I Am Britney Jean Why Should I Stream?  Delve into the controversial conservatorship battle involving pop icon Britney Spears with Britney vs Spears , an eye-opening documentary that chronicles her ongoing legal struggles for personal autonomy. With exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage, this film sheds new light on Spears's fight against exploitation while highlighting her enduring impact on popular culture.

Who Killed Jam Master Jay?

Watch This Show If You Love :  Biggie & Tupac, Notorious B.I.G.: Bigger Than Life, Murder Rap, Inside Death Row with Trevor McDonald, Hip-Hop Evolution Why Should I Stream?  Investigate one of hip-hop's greatest unsolved mysteries with Who Killed Jam Master Jay? , delving into the enigmatic murder case involving Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay whose life was tragically cut short in 2002 inside a Queens recording studio. This gripping documentary unravels a tangled web of conspiracy theories and potential suspects, seeking justice for a beloved figure in the music community.

ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke

Watch This Show If You Love :  Lady You Shot Me: Life and Death of Sam Cooke, Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown, Otis Redding: Soul Ambassador, Standing in the Shadows of Motown, The Murder of Fred Hampton Why Should I Stream?  Examine the complicated legacy of soul singer Sam Cooke in ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke . This provocative documentary delves into both his untimely death under mysterious circumstances and the assassination of his civil rights activism by powerful forces within the music industry. Watch now for a stirring tribute to one of history's most influential voices.

Sample This

Watch This Show If You Love :  Copyright Criminals, Scratch, Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest Why Should I Stream?  Discover the fascinating world of music sampling with Sample This , a captivating documentary exploring how the Incredible Bongo Band's 1973 song "Apache" became one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop history. Featuring interviews with prominent DJs, producers, and artists like Questlove and Grandmaster Flash, this insightful film offers an intriguing glimpse into the creative process behind some beloved tunes.

The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America

Watch This Show If You Love :  Shine a Light, Havana Moon, Stones in Exile, Charlie Is My Darling, Gimme Shelter Why Should I Stream?  Join rock legends The Rolling Stones on an epic journey through South America with The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America . This exhilarating tour documentary captures electrifying performances in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and more while offering rare insights into the band's enduring cultural impact. Don't miss this chance to witness the timeless magic of these iconic musicians.

Blackpink: Light Up the Sky

Watch This Show If You Love :  BTS: Burn the Stage, Twice: Seize the Light, K-Pop Extreme Survival, Breakers, High School Musical (2006 film) Why Should I Stream?  Witness the meteoric rise of K-pop phenomenon BLACKPINK with Blackpink: Light Up the Sky , an intimate glimpse at their journey to global superstardom. Featuring behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, and thrilling performances, this captivating documentary showcases each member's unique talents while demonstrating their unwavering commitment to artistry amid intense pressure from fame.

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The Best Music Documentaries on Netflix

Learn the stories behind your favorite music..

You don't need to know the difference between a flugelhorn and a flumpet to appreciate a good music documentary. With the right mix of charismatic and offbeat personalities, rigorous attention to detail, and a judicious limitation of outright hagiography, the result can be simply a great movie (see: Don't Look Back ).

Of course, loving the subject only makes a music doc more enjoyable, and Netflix has a solid selection of music docs to help you wile away the hours pondering what it would be like if  you  had become a rock 'n' roll star. 

ALSO READ: The best docs and docuseries available to stream on Netflix , and the best documentaries of 202 1 .

Biggie: I Got a Story To Tell (2021)

Die-hard rap fans have known since The Notorious B.I.G.’s second and final studio album Life After Death that the legendary Brooklyn rapper had a story to tell, but this Netflix’s documentary about the hip-hop icon reveals how so much of his story has actually gone overlooked. Thanks to rare footage captured by Biggie’s childhood friend Damion “D-Roc” Butler and archived in-depth interviews,  Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell offers an expansive look at Christopher Wallace’s meteoric rise as a rapper, his evolving psyche, and his unrealized ambitions. Rather than yet another doc focused on the lead-up to his still unsolved murder, this must-watch feature celebrates his life and adds a bit of light to the dark cloud surrounding his untimely death.

BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky (2020)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you should be at least slightly aware that K-pop is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, phenomenon in music right now. It's not necessarily new, but it's still new to some—and this documentary about the current reigning queens of the genre, BLACKPINK, is an excellent entry point. Documentarian Caroline Suh ( Salt Fat Acid Heat ) chronicles their rise in this film, from their early days being primed by their agency YG Entertainment with archival footage to today with contemporary interviews. For those curious about the dynamics of YG and its business model of more or less manufacturing stars from young ages, you won't find that here;  Light Up the Sky is more interested in turning the stage lights on these four artists to spotlight their individuality, struggles, and triumphs. It'll certainly give you a newfound respect for the girl group, or if you're already a Blink, expect to love these girls even more. 

Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017)

Director Chris Perkel's documentary on Clive Davis is the equivalent of a greatest hits package. Literally: The music biz exec famously signed and brought success to some of the biggest acts in history, including Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, and many others. It's also a sweeping, loving overview of the life and career of the influential former Columbia and Arista Records president and RCA chair, with many iconic talking heads singing his praises. Though the doc veers into hagiography rather than a strictly informational look, seeing how Davis touched decades upon decades of popular music is a hit in itself.

Excuse Me, I Love You (2020)

Need to be immersed in a world of sexy, saccharine pop perfection? Let Ariana Grande help you with that. This tour documentary sits you in the front row on the London stop of Ari's Sweetener World Tour to see her dazzling performances of hits like "God Is a Woman," "7 Rings," and many others. Because the concert doc, directed by longtime music documentarian Paul Dugdale, can at times feel manufactured to tailor to Grande's controlled image—she is credited as an executive producer—you won't find much unveiled about her personality or the music industry beyond what appears under the spotlight. That doesn't deny the pop star's allure or talent, though: Fans of her music will be served a bubblegum pop delight on a silver platter.

Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)

There is the Lady Gaga of then—the meat dresses, the lobster hats—and, as chronicled in this behind-the-scenes doc, the Gaga of now, a forceful, musical talent who's just as vulnerable as every other "little monster" on the planet. Gaga: Five Foot Two contextualizes the woman behind the belted anthems in everyday life, from seconds before her big Super Bowl halftime show to the doctor's office, where reality hits hard. As MTV's Diary once bluntly stated, "You think you know... but you have no idea."

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé  (2019)

2018's Coachella, now dubbed "Beychella," has already gone down in history thanks to Beyoncé's monumental headlining performance. In  Homecoming , the pop icon not only places you in the front row of the concert, but gives an in-depth look at the the show's conception and production, exploring her creative process and just how important it was to her to highlight the influence of HBCUs and celebrate black culture in her set. The film is more than the spectacle of the icon and her career-spanning music; it finds Beyoncé in a rare intimate light, breaking down what has become the unmatchable artistry that's made her a global superstar.

I Called Him Morgan (2016)

Stop us if you've heard this one before: A preternaturally gifted jazz musician is murdered by his common-law wife, who went to prison for murder before being paroled and moving to North Carolina. Two decades later, she gives an interview to her night school teacher, then dies a year later. Two decades after that, a documentary comes out, based on her interviews and recollections of the jazz musician's contemporaries. Sound familiar? Of course not. The story of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, who was shot to death following a gig during a New York City blizzard, and his wife/murderer is singular, making I Called Him Morgan necessary viewing for any jazz fan and everyone interested in the limits of human relationships.

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2016)

EDM superstar Steve Aoki is the son of Benihana founder Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki, and is known for throwing cakes into audience member's faces during crazed, acrobatic live sets. These two facts probably confirm whatever preconceived notions of EDM non-fans hold, but this look at Aoki's career and approach to music also illuminate a scene too often stereotyped as just a bunch of rich kids doing molly and dancing. Though that's there, too.

jeen-yuhs (2022)

Kanye "Ye" West is an endlessly complicated figure—being a recording artist who was once an outspoken, groundbreaking titan in rap, but has become synonymous with controversy. This three-parter attempts to reframe the narrative by focusing on the early stages of his career. Consisting of intimate footage shot by Clarence "Coodie" Simmons, who also narrates, and Chike Ozah, the directors of West's breakout "Through the Wire" video, the film takes you back to West's time in Chicago, when he was attempting to be seen as more than a producer by an increasingly indifferent recording industry. The rare, early clips of him in the studio, the Rock-A-Fella offices, and spending time with his late mother position the film as an underdog story. But like its subject, jeen-yuhs is also frustrating in its inability to tell a full story, as the filmmakers started losing access as his star ascended, and fails to touch on many career-defining moments. But those who have had a hard time reckoning with being a fan in recent years may still find something fascinating here.

John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky (2018)

For a long time, Yoko Ono spoke about having an expansive collection of old footage of John Lennon. It was made available in this documentary that explores their relationship and the making of his iconic record Imagine . Being so intimate, it's understandable why Ono had held onto these archives for years, but for fans of the artist, it's a gift to finally see them live in this film that shows his artistry up close and personal. It seats you right in their Tittenhurst Park home to examine their creative process, which Ono contributed to far more than she gets credit for. A film both about their partnership and the social change of the times Imagine came to be, you'll better understand their idealism, and it'll make you feel the peace and love . 

Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)

If there ever was a quintessential rock star, it may as well be Keith Richards. The Rolling Stones' guitarist had his heyday in the rock and roll-, drug-, and sex-entrenched '60s and '70s, but this documentary proves he’s just as interesting and still on a high—albeit an emotional one—today. The film focuses on the musician’s present, featuring original interviews and footage from the recording of his recent solo record,  Crosseyed Heart . And of course, there's some insightful Stones anecdotes of the past. At the forefront of the film, Richards shows the old man's still got it.

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)

What happens when you put a metal band well past its prime into group therapy sessions as the members try to record a new album? Some Kind of Monster . In the early 2000s, Metallica took the drastic step of hiring a therapist to help them work through the (many, many) intrapersonal issues they'd built up after spending more than a decade together. The resulting album, St. Anger , famously inspired divided opinions (what the hell is going on with those drums?), but the documentary is a masterpiece.

Miles Davis: Birth of Cool (2019)

If you have yet to familiarize yourself with jazz icon Miles Davis, make this documentary your opportunity to do so. The legendary trumpet player and band leader is of course best known for his musicianship but also his particularly difficult personality, all of which is dissected and demystified here in a biographic format that charts his entire life and innovative career over two hours. While he remains an enigma, the documentary does all in its power to make Davis more personable, bringing it all back to his influential music.

Miss Americana (2020)

There is a scene early in director Lana Wilson's Taylor Swift documentary Miss Americana where the pop star says, "My entire moral code is a need to be thought of as good." It's something that stands out, because while most everybody wants to be good, her obsession with the perception of goodness is something jarring to hear coming so blatantly from a major celebrity. Much of the film examines Swift's relationship with idea, rehashing many of her publicity blunders that turned her into somewhat of a pop-culture villain. While there is little of anything new on the star with its content spooned straight from Swift's camp, she tries her hardest to provide a more honest analysis of herself—and there is plenty to chew on. As intensely as she controls her brand, there’s a sense she’s still figuring it all out. 

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)

Martin Scorsese loves a long-ass rock doc. He's also a big Bob Dylan fan. More recently, he released Rolling Thunder Revue , but his first Dylan documentary is 2005's sprawling, three-and-a-half-hour-long No Direction Home ,  which chronicles the musical legend’s life from growing up as Robert Zimmerman in Minnesota to becoming a folk legend. In particular, the film focuses on his burst of stardom in the Greenwich Village scene and controversial turn towards rock music shortly after between the years 1961–1966. The film is a classic Dylan text and one for obsessives, featuring astounding archival footage and rare interviews to absorb, and an enlightening watch as Scorsese paints a full picture of the artist famously shrouded in mystery.

Quincy (2018)

There’s no denying you’ve heard Quincy Jones’ records, whether you know it or not—it’s safe to say he’s left his mark on the music industry. Now a career veteran, the industry icon shares insight into his life and career in a documentary directed by his daughter, actress Rashida Jones. While the family-spearheaded film doesn’t dive too deep into the controversial world that is Quincy Jones, it does provide an intimate look of his life, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago during the Great Depression to working with Michael Jackson. Featuring a number of exclusive interviews, Quincy Jones will feel like an old friend by the end of the film, one with particularly interesting stories about Lionel Richie and other icons.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese  (2019)

Bob Dylan has long been surrounded by lore, and Martin Scorsese's documentary on his mid-'70s tour further plays into that legend. Rather than a straight concert film that touts never-before-seen backstage footage, Scorsese looks at the Rolling Thunder Revue tour and its revolving door of groundbreaking guests, from Allen Ginsberg to Joan Baez, as Dylan's means of exploring the endless bounds of creativity. With interviews from Dylan himself, influential collaborators, and even fictional characters, it's a dizzying doc about the mythos of the artist and his endeavors. Of course, there's straight concert shots and clips from behind the scenes, too, but they serve to contort viewers' ideas of  what's real  and what's not here. It's like an inside joke for devoted Dylan-heads, or a fascinating look for entry-level fans at how he makes art. 

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)

The Show Must Go On suggests that it's the result of fate that Queen founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor met Adam Lambert and have been able to carry on their live act with him as their vocalist. While no one could replace the late, great Freddie Mercury, one watch of this doc and you, too, will be convinced that it's by some sort of miracle that the rockers met Lambert when he was still a contestant on American Idol.  Full of recent performances of Queen's beloved stadium anthems, it's an entertaining watch, particularly for Queen fans who will see just how much joy fills the group's second life. 

Sinatra: All or Nothing At All (2015)

Alex Gibney ( The Inventor , Going Clear ) goes deep on Frank Sinatra in this two-part documentary that nears four hours in total. Although that's not even enough to contain the multitudes and stories of Ol' Blue Eyes' life, it does as superb a job as it can to tell his life story, growing up humbly in Hoboken, New Jersey, to becoming the Sultan of Swoon, changing music and celebrity culture forever even as he battled his flaws. Told in the singer's own words through archival interviews and rare concert footage, as well as interviews with everybody in his life from his children to Mia Farrow, it's as personal a look at an American icon who's always felt like an untouchable myth even after he's long gone.  

The Sparks Brothers (2021)

It doesn't matter if you know anything at all about the band Sparks, made up of the brothers Russ and Ron Mael, going into Edgar Wright's loving and long documentary. You'll emerge a fan, regardless. Wright sets out to explain the underground phenomenon behind Sparks, which has weaved in and out of the public eye since the early '70s. The director methodically goes through the Maels' discography, highlighting their pop experiments and deeply amusing and bizarre lyrics. It's meticulous and also enormously funny, featuring insight from the Maels themselves as well as devoted fans like Flea, Weird Al, and Mike Myers. There are animated recreations, recreations acted out by the elder Maels, and tons of archival footage. Mostly, you leave feeling a towering affection for these weirdos and their weirdo music, which is likely exactly what Wright intended.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

Nina Simone was an icon, a talent without parallel, a socially engaged artist, a person with mental illness... and so much more. As a Black woman artist coming of age during the turbulent years of post-World War II America, Simone inspired legions of fans and alienated some of the people closest to her. Through interviews and archival footage, this somewhat standard approach to documentary filmmaking uncovers new layers of a totally nonstandard performer.

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9 Great Music Documentaries to Stream on Netflix

No hagiographies to be found here, with looks at the lives and careers of Quincy Jones, Nina Simone and Taylor Swift, among others.

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By Noel Murray

Pop, rock and R&B fans will find a decent assortment of top-shelf concert films on Netflix, including “Springsteen on Broadway,” Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” and “Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids.” But performances alone don’t tell the fuller story of a musical act or a cultural movement. For that, you need a good documentary , combining exciting old footage with probing new interviews, and putting an artist into proper context.

Netflix is currently streaming a healthy assortment of good music docs. Here are 9 of the best. (Please note, movies and TV series regularly cycle on and off streaming services, so some of the titles below may not be available at the time you read this.)

( For more ideas of what to stream, here are the 50 best movies currently on Netflix .)

‘Song Exploder’ (2020)

Musicians analyze their own work in this enlightening and often unexpectedly touching docu-series, based on the podcast of the same name. In each episode, the host Hrishikesh Hirway listens closely to songs while sitting across from the people who wrote and performed them, as they talk about everything from their inspirations to the nuts-and-bolts creative decisions they made during the recording process. The roster of guests is eclectic: The first batch includes R.E.M., Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ty Dolla Sign (with more episodes on the horizon). But although the drift of the conversations changes depending on who’s talking, everyone involved is committed to celebrating both the mysteries and the practical how-tos of music-making.

‘Echo in the Canyon’ (2019)

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Byrds’ seminal folk-rock version of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Jakob Dylan assembled musicians from his own generation who had been inspired by the sounds of Los Angeles in the late 1960s. The younger Dylan interviews surviving members of the Byrds, the Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and the Mamas and the Papas; and he sings alongside the likes of Fiona Apple, Beck and Regina Spektor. This short, sunny documentary is an entertaining rock history lesson, detailing the shared influences and enduring inspiration of some of the ’60s biggest hitmakers. ( Stream it here . )

‘Hip-Hop Evolution’ (2016-20)

You’ll need to carve out some time in your schedule to watch all of “Hip-Hop Evolution,” a 16-part series that’s been spread across four seasons. But this project is worth the effort. Each episode has a theme and purpose: whether it’s describing a subgenre or covering a key moment in the history of rap. A lot of the feature documentaries about hip-hop remain stuck in the ’80s and ’90s; but “Hip-Hop Evolution” presses on into the 2000s, making room for the “Dirty South” sound, the experiments of the Neptunes crew, the controversies surrounding the mixtape revolution and more. ( Stream it here . )

‘Miss Americana’ (2020)

Taylor Swift comes from a generation of pop stars who’ve never had much of an “offstage” component to their careers. They expose themselves constantly, on social media and in their songs. Yet “Miss Americana” is still genuinely revealing. Lana Wilson spent a few years with Swift, during a time when she was moving into new phases with her sound and public persona. This film is about an idol trying to figure out how to use her influence wisely; but it’s also about the difficulties of wielding a strong voice in an era when fans and haters alike gather on the internet to dissect and question everything. ( Stream it here . )

‘No Direction Home’ (2005)

Martin Scorsese directed this lengthy look back at one of Bob Dylan’s most fruitful creative periods: between 1961 and 1966, when he rose to prominence in the Greenwich Village folk scene, before leaving the New York traditionalists behind to embrace oblique literary expression and raw rock ’n’ roll. Not just a doc about Dylan, “No Direction Home” is also about the changes sweeping through American culture in the first half of the 1960s, and how the artists who survived and thrived were the ones who could steal from the past while keeping an eye on the future. ( Stream it here . )

‘Quincy’ (2018)

Who better to make a documentary about Quincy Jones than his own daughter: the actress, writer and producer Rashida Jones? “Quincy” was shot over the course of several years by Jones and Alan Hicks. Their film combines a detailed and admiring biography of an EGOT-winning musician with more down-to-earth scenes of the man’s daily life in the present day, coping with increasingly poor health and heavy demands on his time. What emerges is an intimate portrait of a towering cultural figure. ( Stream it here . )

‘Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened’ (2019)

For a few days in the spring of 2017, social media was abuzz with stories about the massive failures of the Fyre Festival, a multiday pop concert and party that went off the rails almost as soon as crowds started arriving at an island in the Bahamas. Chris Smith’s “what went wrong” post-mortem documentary relies on footage shot by both the organizers and the attendees, alongside interviews laced with apologies and gallows humor.

‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’ (2015)

The jazz and R&B singer Nina Simone had a complicated relationship with the press, the music business and her own friends and family — in part because of mental illness, and in part because she was politically outspoken and confrontational. Liz Garbus’s documentary “What Happened, Miss Simone?” includes interviews from people who knew Simone, which supplement extended performance footage, in which Simone stares down her audiences while singing some of the most thrilling American popular music of the 1960s. ( Stream it here . )

‘ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas’ (2019)

During ZZ Top’s rise to chart success in the 1970s and ’80s, the Texas trio cultivated a certain mystique, taking on larger-than-life stage personas while mostly ignoring a rock press that didn’t seem to understand or respect what they were doing. Because of all that, the documentary “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas” tells a story that even ZZ Top fans may not fully know: about three gifted mavericks who channeled their shared love of the blues, acid rock and garage bands into weird, witty and danceable songs. ( Stream it here .)

Inside the World of Taylor Swift

A Triumph at the Grammys: Taylor Swift made history  by winning her fourth album of the year at the 2024 edition of the awards, an event that saw women take many of the top awards .

‘The T ortured Poets Department’: Poets reacted to Swift’s new album name , weighing in on the pertinent question: What do the tortured poets think ?  

In the Public Eye: The budding romance between Swift and the football player Travis Kelce created a monocultural vortex that reached its apex  at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Ahead of kickoff, we revisited some key moments in their relationship .

Politics (Taylor’s Version): After months of anticipation, Swift made her first foray into the 2024 election for Super Tuesday with a bipartisan message on Instagram . The singer, who some believe has enough influence  to affect the result of the election , has yet to endorse a presidential candidate.

Conspiracy Theories: In recent months, conspiracy theories about Swift and her relationship with Kelce have proliferated , largely driven by supporters of former President Donald Trump . The pop star's fans are shaking them off .

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8 encore-worthy musician biopics to watch at home

From moody period pieces to triumphant underdog stories

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The dizzying highs and the crushing lows of real-life fame within the music industry have long been a source of fascination for Hollywood. Maybe it’s the ready-made “three-act structure” most of the stories fall into, or the pageantry inherent to performing music on stage that is so appealing to filmmakers. Regardless, biopics about musicians are a part of the film landscape nearly every year. This year’s big entry for the genre is Elvis . Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the man behind the 2001 fantasy musical Moulin Rouge! , this latest take on Elvis Presley’s life focuses heavily on the complicated relationship Presley had with his manager Col. Tom Parker (played by multiple Academy Award winner Tom Hanks) and looks to have all the visual splendor one would expect from the acclaimed director tackling a story about the King of Rock and Roll.

To get you prepped for Elvis , we have compiled a list of quality music biopics that you can check out at home right now on various streaming services. It covers multiple eras and styles of music, but the stories of struggle, success, fortune, and temptation are captivatingly universal.

Control tells the tragic life story of Ian Curtis, frontman for the British post-punk band Joy Division. Dealing with epilepsy and severe depression, the influential singer-songwriter took his own life at 23 years old — just one day before Joy Division was set to leave for their first North American tour. Control takes a look at his life from his high school years up to his sudden death less than a decade later. It paints a picture of how sometimes all the success and familial love in the world aren’t enough to numb feelings of emptiness and isolation. This somber story is made palpable by stunning black-and-white imagery from music video director Anton Corbijn (Nirvana’s “ Heart-Shaped Box”), a compelling wounded lead performance from Sam Riley ( Maleficent ), and numerous hypnotic songs performed by the actors themselves, taken from Joy Division’s only two albums.

Control is available to watch for free with ads on Pluto TV, Freevee, Plex, and Tubi.

Biopics are intended to shed light on their subjects — to help humanize mythic figures for an audience of die-hards and casual fans alike. That is not what this 2014 film about the Godfather of Soul does. Don’t misunderstand; Get on Up tries to humanize James Brown. It provides a view of all the triumphs and tragedies of his life mixed in with quiet moments, and ping-pongs the viewer between them with abandon. This kaleidoscope approach to his life story is fascinating, and anchored by a performance from the late Chadwick Boseman that ranks among his best. Yet, it will not bring a deeper understanding of why James Brown was the man or performer he was. He exists in the film almost as a fully formed contradictory enigma. Get on Up captures the undeniable charisma of the man and the electric feeling of his live performances. You won’t know the “whys” of James Brown from watching this one, but you’ll be entertained and enamored all the same.

Get on Up is available to watch on Netflix.

Love & Mercy

One approach biopics can take is focusing on singular moments in a person’s life rather than trying to cover the entirety of it. A good example of this is 2014’s Love & Mercy , about the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. The singer-songwriter famously suffered a nervous breakdown in the mid-1960s and lived as a recluse for several years. Love & Mercy dramatizes his story by splitting it into two distinct pieces. The first is about Wilson’s deteriorating mental state as he crafts the band’s most acclaimed album, Pet Sounds (and the immediate aftermath of its commercial failure). The second is about the period 20-plus years later, when Wilson is living a solitary life under the controlling thumb of his ever-present therapist. He meets and falls in love with a woman named Melinda Ledbetter, who helps him break free of that toxic relationship and learn to live again.

The scenes with the younger Wilson (portrayed by a sweetly innocent Paul Dano) in the studio are shot in a faux-documentary style that allows the viewer to experience the joy of creation directly with him, even as he grows more and more detached from those around him. The older Wilson is embodied by an appropriately disheveled John Cusack in scenes that are more traditionally presented, as the viewer is led through the story of his budding romance with Melinda (Elizabeth Banks) and their struggle against the control of Wilson’s therapist (a cartoonish but compelling Paul Giamatti). The latter-day struggles of Wilson to regain his life give Love & Mercy an arc that should resonate with anyone who has found a way to persevere through hard times thanks to the people they care about.

Love & Mercy is available to watch on HBO Max.

Mötley Crüe’s collaborative autobiography The Dirt is considered by many to be the greatest “tell-all” memoir ever written about the hair metal scene. Its epic and “so outlandish it must be true” tales direct from the members of the band about their origins, life on the road, and all the unreal excess they experienced was always ripe for adaptation. The stories in the book are chaotic and brash, and on every other page you wonder how the band managed to avoid death or permanent injury.

Directed by Jeff Tremaine (the Jackass franchise), who knows a thing or two about self-destructive bro squads, the adaptation captures the chaotic energy of the original book by using multiple narrators that sometimes contradict each other but always keep the story barreling forward from one unbelievable or melodramatic moment to the next. The result is an energetic movie that feels both cheekily meta and lively. It’s a glossy, loud, and fast-paced package that feels perfectly suited for Mötley Crüe’s brand of image-conscious mayhem.

The Dirt is available to watch on Netflix.

The Doors is director Oliver Stone’s love letter to the idea of famed frontman Jim Morrison. Music biopics often exaggerate or simplify the facts of a story to make it more fitting for a cinematic adaptation, but here Stone completely ignores nuance and fully embraces the “print the legend” aspect of these stories. He presents The Doors’ lead singer as equal parts poetic, death-obsessed wannabe mystic and magnetic drunken buffoon. There’s no real nuance between these seemingly conflicting traits in this tale of the band’s formation and rise up until Morrison’s tragic death by overdose. The overt exaggeration, devotion to mythmaking over facts, and self-indulgent nature of the film might all be unbearable if not for Stone’s captivatingly hallucinogenic directing, Val Kilmer’s tour-de-force performance as Morrison, and a top-tier supporting cast that includes Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan, Mimi Rogers, and Michael Wincott. It may not be all that accurate, but The Doors feels like the perfect distillation of the vibes of the band and their long-lasting appeal.

The Doors is available to watch on Prime Video and Paramount Plus .

The Runaways

The Runaways were never meant to last. But in the scant four years the all-girl cult rock group was active, they were hugely influential. They began trends that helped open the door for more women in the world of heavier music and launched the careers of more than one rock mainstay. However, they were teenagers at the time of the band’s inception, and not really equipped for the harsh world they had been launched into. This 2010 film, centered around guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and the band’s fleeting frontwoman Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), deals with the inevitable crash that occurred as the group tried to cope with sudden success at a young age.

Filled with great music (some even performed by the actors themselves), The Runaways encapsulates the youthful energy of the rock pioneers well. It greatly streamlines the band’s history — narrowing it to a tale of Jett’s determination and Currie’s disintegration as they mutually edge ever closer to true stardom. Stewart and Fanning are suitably alluring as the yin and yang of The Runaways . Their presence, coupled with an unhinged Michael Shannon playing their controversial manager as a sort of glam-rock mad scientist, makes the film one to check out.

The Runaways is available to watch on Hulu and for free with ads on Tubi.

Walk the Line

This biopic of beloved country music icon Johnny Cash is often held up as one of the gold standards of the genre. It tells the story of Cash’s rise in the music industry with all the tragedy, substance abuse, and eventual redemption typically expected from biopics. This one rises to the top because of the exceptional craft from writer-director James Mangold ( Logan ) and everyone else involved with its production. The other aspect that truly sets Walk the Line apart is its heavy focus on the romance Cash had with fellow country star June Carter. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon have a profound amount of chemistry in the roles, which translated to them both being nominated for Academy awards due to their performances — with Witherspoon even winning the honor of Best Actress that year. Both were also part of the Grammy award-winning soundtrack for the film that featured numerous Cash and Carter songs covered by the pair.

Walk the Line is available to rent on purchase on digital VOD platforms like Apple and Google Play.

Wu Tang: An American Saga

It’s a challenge trying to condense the story of one performer or band into a single movie. Now imagine trying to properly summarize the story of 10 highly influential musicians with a history as ripe for dramatic retelling as the individual members of the storied hip-hop collective known as the Wu Tang Clan. All those larger-than-life personalities could not be given their proper due with just the handful of minutes that a standard biopic film would allow each of them.

Wu Tang: An American Saga addresses this by expanding the biopic format from a single film into a multi-season limited series. The show tells a rags-to-riches story of rival corner kids during the crack cocaine epidemic of the early ’90s rising above the violence of their local conflicts to come together over a shared love of music. Created by Wu Tang founder RZA, this true (but appropriately embellished) approach to the group’s history should appeal to not only fans of the group, hip-hop, and biopics, but to anyone who enjoys gritty television dramas like HBO’s The Wire or FX’s Snowfall .

Wu Tang: An American Saga is available to watch on Hulu .

The best movies leaving Netflix, Hulu, and Prime at the end of April 2024

The 27 best movies on netflix right now, the best tv of 2024 so far.

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Music Lovers Will Be Instant Fans Of These 26 Movies On Netflix

From Gaga: Five Foot Two to Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga , here are music movies you can’t miss.

While anyone who has anything to do with music can likely be considered a “musician,” not everyone feels the same way. Some argue that pop isn’t real music , some believe the only real music is classical, and some might insist that indie music is the only genre worth listening to. But as the many movies about music that are out there show, there are plenty of ways to be a “real” musician and express your love for the craft and industry.

Whether you're loud and dramatic, quiet and temperamental, or somewhere in-between, all musicians know there's nothing like connecting to your emotions and projecting them outward to create art. And while sometimes musically-inclined folks channel their energy and emotions into dropping a surprise album like Beyoncé or releasing a greatest hits record, they also sometimes just want to relax and watch a movie that will speak to their soul.

Without further adieu, here are 26 movies on Netflix that are perfect for musicians (and non-musicians) alike. From Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana to The Dirt , there’s something for everyone on this list, so press pause on that new playlist you’re making and settle in for the best the streaming platform has to offer.

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1. tick, tick... BOOM!

Andrew Garfield stars as Jonathan Larson in this autobiographical musical about the beloved Rent playwright — and as he told Bustle in November, saying yes to the project was one of the “handful of no-brainers in my life.” The Oscar-nominated Netflix musical, helmed by Lin-Manuel Miranda in his directorial debut, is an affirming watch for musicians who know the pressure of juggling their art, family, friends, and day job — but still find a way to make their music anyway.

2. The Forty-Year-Old Version

There’s no age limit on pursuing your passion: a heartening reminder for musicians and creatives of all kinds. Radha Blank serves as star, director, and writer of The Forty-Year-Old Version, which follows a playwright as she rekindles her love for rap music — and changes her life along the way. The uplifting Netflix original earned critical acclaim, including an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture.

3. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Based on August Wilson’s play of the same name, this Oscar-winning film follows 1920s blues singer Ma Rainey ( Viola Davis ) and focuses on an infamous Chicago studio session, during which she clashed with her white producers and recorded the titular song. Also featuring Chadwick Boseman in his final role, the movie was praised by critics for its costume design and celebration of Black culture and music.

4. Miss Americana

Directed by Lana Wilson, this 2020 documentary chronicles Taylor Swift’s career from the moment she learned Reputation had been snubbed in the big four Grammy categories in 2018 up until the release of her seventh album, Lover , in 2019. Miss Americana offers viewers a deeply personal look into her mother’s battle with cancer, the singer’s decision to publicly reveal her political views, as well as her 2017 sexual assault trial .

This Grammy award-winning documentary chronicles the life and career of iconic record producer Quincy Jones, the mastermind behind Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party,” Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, and Donna Summer’s self-titled 1982 album, as well as soundtracks for The Wiz and The Color Purple . Co-directed by his daughter Rashida Jones , the film provides backstories for his work with Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Jackson, and many more legendary musicians.

6. Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives

Featuring interviews with Simon Cowell, Alicia Keys , Jennifer Hudson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and more, this documentary dives into the life of celebrated music executive Clive Davis, former CEO of RCA Music Group and current CCO of Sony Music Entertainment. Credited for launching the careers of Whitney Houston , Barry Manilow, and more, Davis’ story is one that every musician should know.

This 2019 coming of age drama follows August Monroe (Khalil Everage), a shy teenager with a knack for making hip-hop music as he strikes up a friendship with a struggling producer, and the pair sets out to break into the Chicago music scene. Featuring Anthony Anderson and Uzo Aduba as well as original music from Chicago rapper Young Chop, Beats is sure to warm your creative heart — and perhaps even strike some inspiration.

8. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

If you’re craving a feel-good musical, why wait for the holidays? Yes, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey may be about a toymaker’s family coming together in time for Christmas — but it’s very much a movie for music lovers, too. John Legend co-wrote the soundtrack, which features Usher, Ricky Martin, and Anika Noni Rose, to name just a few familiar voices. Plus, the movie’s message about embracing your gifts and harnessing your own power? Pretty relevant for musicians, too.

9. A Week Away

Released in 2021, this teen musical is kind of like the Christian version of Disney Channel’s Camp Rock. It also stars Bailee Madison, who coincidentally acted in the network’s Wizards of Waverly Place as a child. Centered around a troubled teen named Will (Kevin Quinn) who chooses to attend summer camp over going to juvenile hall, the film follows him as he meets Avery (Madison), one of the only campers willing to accept him despite his past.

10. Get On Up

This film is sure to make you feel good — pun intended. Starring the late Chadwick Boseman as the legendary James Brown, Get On Up tells the story of the funk musician’s life and career, from singing in church to recording classic hits like “I Feel Good” and “Get Up Offa That Thang.” It also features a stacked ensemble cast that includes Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis, Jill Scott, Octavia Spencer, and Allison Janney.

11. Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell

Executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs and Biggie’s mother Voletta Wallace and named after his 1997 song of the same name, this 2021 Netflix original documentary tells the story of The Notorious B.I.G.’s life long before he was known for hits like "Big Poppa" and "Juicy." It also features interviews with figures from the rapper's life, including Wallace, his grandmother, and his ex-wife Faith Evans.

12. Shawn Mendes: In Wonder

Released alongside a concert film, Netflix’s Shawn Mendes: In Wonder offers viewers a look into many aspects of the singer-songwriter’s career and everyday life, from touring to his creative process, his relationship with Camila Cabello , and even his experiences with anxiety and depression. Featuring footage from his 2019 self-titled stadium tour, the documentary also served as a prelude to his 2020 album, Wonder.

13. Gaga: Five Foot Two

Directed by Chris Moukarbel, this 2017 film is a deep dive into the life of international superstar Lady Gaga , documenting the making of her album Joanne, the lead-up to her halftime performance at Super Bowl LI, and the moment she landed the lead role in A Star Is Born . It also features personal footage of her experience living with chronic pain and fibromyalgia as well as a fly-on-the-wall view of her time working with Mark Ronson — and a scene where she hits his car.

14. Les Misérables

Even if you’re not into musicals, every musician should be familiar with the iconic Les Misérables , or at least songs like “I Dreamed A Dream” and “On My Own.” And what better version of the musical to see than the 2012 film adaptation starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway that won three Golden Globes and three Oscars, including Hathaway’s first win for Best Supporting Actress ?

15. Begin Again

Set in New York City, this 2013 musical dramedy stars Keira Knightley as a singer-songwriter named Gretta who’s down on her luck after breaking up with her longtime boyfriend and collaborator. Mark Ruffalo plays Dan Mulligan, a struggling record label executive and recent divorcée who meets Gretta and signs her before recording an album together in various locations throughout the city. Also starring Adam Levine , Hailee Steinfeld , and James Corden , Begin Again received critical acclaim upon release and earned a Best Original Song Oscar nomination for Knightley’s “Lost Stars.”

16. Dolly Parton: Here I Am

Released in 2019, this British documentary tells the story of prolific songwriter and iconic singer Dolly Parton , who’s written countless hits from “Jolene” to “I Will Always Love You” and “Here You Come Again.” Named after Parton’s song of the same name from her 1971 Coat of Many Colors album, the film features interviews with family, friends, and the country legend herself.

17. Count Me In

Drummers will love this 2021 documentary directed by Mark Lo, which explores the role of legendary percussionists in rock bands throughout many decades. Clem Burke of Blondie and the Ramones, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, and Abe Laboriel Jr. of Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton’s respective touring bands are just a few of the drummers interviewed about their craft in Count Me In . From their backgrounds to life on the road and why they picked up sticks in the first place, this film is a perfect watch for any musician looking for inspiration.

18. The Dirt

Based on the band’s 2001 memoir The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band and developed for over a decade, this 2019 biopic tells the story of glam metal band Mötley Crüe — sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and extreme success all included. Its soundtrack features the band’s hits like “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood” as well as four new recordings: “The Dirt” with Machine Gun Kelly, “Ride with the Devil,” “Crash and Burn,” and a cover of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin.”

19. David Foster: Off the Record

This 2019 documentary tells the life story of Grammy-winning Canadian musician and record executive David Foster, known for his work with Dolly Parton, Chaka Khan, Olivia Newton-John, Dionne Warwick , and Donna Summer, among others. The film also features interviews with many of his collaborators and peers, including Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand , Michael Bublé, Diane Warren, and more.

20. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Every year, countries around the world — America not included — send a hopeful musician to the Eurovision Song Contest with an original song to represent their territory in hopes of winning. (Previous winners include Celine Dion and ABBA.) This Oscar-nominated film offers an Americanized, comedic take on the competition, stars Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, and pop star Demi Lovato , and boasts an Oscar-nominated soundtrack produced by Savan Kotecha (who has worked with Ariana Grande and Britney Spears ).

21. Britney Vs Spears

Netflix’s contribution to the #FreeBritney discourse explores Britney Spears’ conservatorship and the pop culture phenomenon that was the “Stronger” singer’s rise to fame. For those who are interested in the backstories of their favorite musicians — or simply want to analyze early aughts media coverage with a new lens — this 2021 documentary is a must-watch that will get you caught up on the conversation.

22. BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky

Released just after the group’s debut album, The Album , which features hits like “Ice Cream” and “How You Like That,” this documentary follows the meteoric rise of South Korean girl group BLACKPINK, the Billboard Hot 100’s highest-charting female Korean act. Light Up the Sky has been critically praised for offering fans a deeper look into the individual personalities of the group’s four members: Rosé, Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa.

23. Someone Great

Starring Gina Rodriguez as a Rolling Stone journalist who was recently dumped by her boyfriend, this 2019 rom-com follows her as she enlists her friends for one final adventure in New York City before she moves to San Francisco. The film features music from Selena , Lorde , Mitski, and Lil’ Kim, as well as a scene revolving around Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” that helped the song rise to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 two years after its initial release.

24. Roxanne Roxanne

This 2017 musical drama tells the real-life story of New York rapper Roxanne Shante, known for her songs “Roxanne’s Revenge” and “Queen of Rox (Shanté Rox On),” starring Chanté Adams as the musician. Named after her memorable 1980s hip-hop rivalry with fellow rapper The Real Roxanne, the film is produced by Pharrell Williams and also features Mahershala Ali and Nia Long.

25. The After Party

Known for his hit “iSpy,” this 2018 comedy stars rapper Kyle as aspiring musician Owen Ellison, who is eager to be heard by high-profile music executives and make it big — no matter how many times he fails. Also starring Teyana Taylor and featuring cameos from Wiz Khalifa , DJ Khaled, the late DMX , and Fifth Harmony’s Dinah Jane , The After Party is a musician’s coming-of-age story jam-packed with famous faces.

26. Jem and the Holograms

Based on the 1980s cartoon Jem , this 2015 musical-fantasy film follows a teen named Jerrica (Aubrey Peeples), who performs in a band under the moniker, a nickname from her late father. Thanks to a robot he built that comes to life, the band members embark on a scavenger hunt that leads them to stardom in this film that also stars Hayley Kiyoko , Juliette Lewis, and Molly Ringwald.

Whether you're a pop lover, a crooner aficionado, or a hardcore rocker, there's a movie out there for every type of musician to enjoy.

This article was originally published on June 13, 2016

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As the Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ proved, the best music biopics can have a cultural impact that goes far beyond devoted fans. Here are 30 must-sees.

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Technology may have impacted on the way we consume music in the 21st Century, but our love of the cinema remains undiminished. Indeed, as global smashes such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Judy, and Straight Outta Compton have shown, the best music biopics can account for some of the biggest draws in the movies. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy our list of the 30 best music biopics to grace screens both big and small. If we’ve missed any of your favorites, let us know in the comments section.

30: Jersey Boys

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Jersey Boys is adapted from the Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, which first debuted in 2005. In both cases, the subject is the story of New Jersey rock and pop troupe The Four Seasons, with original members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio serving as executive producers, and Gaudio composing the film’s music. The biopic was advertised as the story of four kids “from the wrong side of the tracks”, and thus drugs, excess, and The Four Seasons’ regular run-ins with mobsters are all part and parcel of one of 2014’s most memorable films.

29: Miles Ahead

First released in 2017, Miles Ahead was something of a labor of love for Don Cheadle, who co-wrote the script, and co-produced and made his directorial debut with the movie, not to mention while also playing the lead, the colossal jazz legend Miles Davis . Cheadle’s herculean efforts failed to win over some of the critics, but he did a great job capturing Davis’, attitude, drug-fuelled paranoia, and even his famous death-ray stare in this compelling and passionate biopic.

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28: Nowhere Boy

First released in the UK in 2009 and then granted a US cinema release to coincide with what should have been John Lennon ’s 70th birthday, on 9 October 2010, Nowhere Boy revisits the future Beatle’s early years in Liverpool, taking in the creation of his first band, The Quarrymen, and their gradual transition into The Beatles . Unlike Ian Hart in Backbeat , Aaron Taylor-Johnson bears little physical resemblance to the young Lennon, but he captures the wit of the adolescent future Beatle. There’s a strong supporting cast, too, with Anne Marie-Duff playing Lennon’s mother, Julia, and Kristin Scott-Thomas attempting to instill discipline as John’s stern yet dependable Aunt Mimi.

27: Get On Up

Tate Taylor’s James Brown biopic, Get On Up , is a rollercoaster ride for the viewer as the action jumps around from the 80s to the 60s and the 30s, connecting events through thematic links rather than chronology. If you can keep up, however, there’s plenty to savor here, not least because Chadwick Boseman puts in a superlative performance in the lead role, capturing Brown’s strutting, fireproof confidence in all its glory. Curiously, Get On Up struggled at the box office in 2014, but it’s a critical favorite (renowned US critic Robert Christgau wrote, “It’s great – better than The Help , which I quite admire, and Ray , which I love”) that’s well worth rediscovering.

26: Great Balls Of Fire!

Jerry Lee Lewis’ reputation as one of rock’n’roll’s greatest hellraisers will always precede him. However, Jim McBride’s 1989 biopic leans more towards the positive, concentrating on The Killer’s irresistible rise to rock’n’roll stardom, which may have seen him overtake Elvis Presley if it hadn’t been for his controversial marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown, whose biography the film is partially based upon. Great Balls Of Fire! has its critics, but Alec Baldwin plays Jerry Lee’s infamous pastor cousin, Jimmy Swaggart, with aplomb, and Dennis Quaid – whose performance was praised by Lewis himself – is superb in the lead role.

25: The Doors

The Doors should perhaps simply have been titled The Jim Morrison Movie , as director Oliver Stone ( Midnight Express , Wall Street , Natural Born Killers ) homes in almost exclusively on the life and times of the band’s iconic frontman, often pushing the contributions of his bandmates off into the sidelines in this big-budget biopic from 1991. However, while hardcore fans, and The Doors themselves, voiced their disapproval, the critics disagreed, with Rolling Stone awarding it four stars. In retrospect, it’s fair to say Stone took some hefty liberties with the real story, but for all that, Val Kilmer is hypnotic as Morrison, and if you can overlook the more hackneyed Hollywood clichés, The Doors is well worth searching out.

24: 24 Hour Party People

Director Michael Winterbottom’s 24 Hour Party People follows the seismic – and sometimes surreal – career arc of Factory Records boss Tony Wilson through the decades. It takes in his work with Joy Division, including the memorable scene where Wilson (his dry-witted persona captured beautifully by Steve Coogan) inks their recording contract in his own blood, through to the opening of the iconic – if bank-breaking – Haçienda nightclub. Fiction sometimes makes a mockery of fact (though there is real-life footage of Sex Pistols ’ legendary gig at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall), but it’s still an enthusiastic and heartfelt tribute to both the late 80s Madchester era and one of the UK’s most singular independent record labels .

23: The Runaways

Based on lead singer Cherie Currie’s book, Neon Angel: A Memoir Of A Runaway , this self-explanatory 2010 biopic covers the rise and fall of groundbreaking all-girl 70s rock sensations The Runaways. Primarily centering around the relationship between the band’s two prime movers, Currie (played by Dakota Fanning) and Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart), but with Michael Shannon also doing a sterling job as their Svengali-esque manager/producer, Kim Fowley, The Runaways offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight. Jett herself told Interview magazine that the film perfectly captured “the glam and intensity” of Los Angeles in the mid-70s.

22: Love & Mercy

Director Bill Pohlad and writers Michael Alan Lerner and Oren Moverman cast The Beach Boys ’ Brian Wilson in an honest light in 2015’s Love & Mercy . The iconic singer-songwriter’s story is tailor-made for cinema, with Love & Mercy homing in on the pivotal mid-60s period during which the group created their masterpiece, Pet Sounds , and the struggles Wilson subsequently faced. Actors Paul Dano and John Cusack weigh in with astonishing dual performances as Wilson, in different stages of his career, and further kudos should be doled out for the film’s painstaking recreation of The Beach Boys’ recording methods.

You could argue that 8 Mile isn’t truly a biopic, as Eminem ’s Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith is a fictional character. However, you could just as easily feel it deserves a high ranking on any self-respecting list of the best music biopics for providing genuine insight into Detroit’s millennial hip-hop scene through the superstar rapper’s early career in the city. Further lifted by Eminem’s passionate and ultra-frank performance, 8 Mile significantly raised hip-hop’s global profile and, thanks to its Oscar-winning spin-off hit, “Lose Yourself,” it not only recouped its expensive budget ($40 million), but generated whopping box office receipts believed to have topped $240 million.

20: Backbeat

Director Iain Softley’s Backbeat (1994) delved into The Beatles’ pre-fame Hamburg era, when The Fab Four were The Fab Five with the ill-starred Stu Sutcliffe on bass. The Beatles’ songs were re-recorded for the film by an all-star alt.rock outfit including Dave Grohl , R.E.M. ’s Mike Mills, and Sonic Youth ’s Thurston Moore, while the script concentrated on the close friendship between Sutcliffe and John Lennon, played convincingly by Stephen Dorff and Ian Hart, respectively. Backbeat has since been praised by insiders including Julian Lennon and Pete Best, and it was adapted into a successful theatrical production in 2010.

1997’s Selena is the story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, who transitions from precocious child talent to fast-rising pop star in both the US and her native Mexico, only to be murdered by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of her fan club, when she was just 23. In itself, it’s a sensational storyline, though the biopic’s appeal may have remained at cult level had Jennifer Lopez not been cast in the starring role. In fairness, J-Lo plays the part to perfection, earning earned widespread praise and a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of the singer. Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr, meanwhile, served as producer and consultant to ensure the film avoided the worst Hollywood excesses.

18: Bound For Glory

Loosely adapted from his partly fictionalized 1943 autobiography of the same name, Bound For Glory is a beautifully framed portrait of the enigmatic Woody Guthrie. Luxuriously shot by director Hal Ashby, it features David Carradine in the lead role and follows the pioneering folk star on his Grapes Of Wrath -esque migration from his Dust Bowl Oklahoma home to the promised land of California during the height of the Great Depression. Carradine puts in a compelling performance as Guthrie, and may well have secured an Oscar had Bound For Glory not been up against the likes of All The President’s Men , Rocky, and Taxi Driver in 1976.

17: La Bamba

His tragic death alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 , inevitably overshadowed Richie Valens’ life prior to La Bamba . However, Luis Valdez’ heartfelt 1987 portrayal of the charismatic, Mexico-born rock’n’roll trailblazer helped redress the balance. Lou Diamond Phillips is electric in the lead role, but while the film is broadly chronological, it isn’t a straight depiction of Valens’ life, as it delves into how Valens’ professional success impacted on the lives of his half-brother, Bob Morales, his girlfriend Donna Ludwig and the rest of his family. The film did brisk business on both sides of the Atlantic, with Los Lobos’ version of the titular song topping the US and UK charts.

Produced and directed by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood, Bird (1988) stars Forest Whitaker as the brilliant but mercurial jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker . The stuff of legend, Parker’s storied life struggles included battles with drug addiction, the death of his child, and a heart attack before his own premature death, aged 34, by which time he’d long since joined jazz’s pantheon of greats. Constructed as a montage of scenes from Parker’s life, Bird is riveting and it later yielded a Best Director Golden Globe for Eastwood and a Cannes Film Festival Best Actor gong for Whitaker.

15: Sid & Nancy

Sid & Nancy , Alex Cox’s retelling of punk icon Sid Vicious’ doomed love affair with Nancy Spungen, polarised opinion from the off. Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon later savaged it in his autobiography – and he has a point, because (as Malcolm McLaren did with The Great Rock’n’Roll Swindle ) the script takes major liberties with the band’s real story. Despite this – and the fact it was a financial failure upon release, in 1986 – Sid & Nancy has since been reappraised. Respected US critic Roger Ebert dubbed the late duo “punk rock’s Romeo and Juliet”, and the film’s leads, Gary Oldman ( Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy , Darkest Hour ) and Chloe Webb turn in passionate, poignant performances which have set Sid & Nancy ’s reputation as a cult classic in stone.

14: I’m Not There

The collective brainchild of Love & Mercy ’s Oren Moverman and Velvet Goldmine director Todd Haynes, the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There (2007) is often as enigmatic as its influential subject. On paper, the premise – on-screen stars Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Ben Whishaw, and the much-missed Heath Ledger portray Dylan at different stages in his life – would seem ambitious to say the least, yet Haynes weaves the narrative together beautifully and the cast all play a blinder, ensuring that I’m Not There is a Bob Dylan biopic that even the casual fan should watch.

13: Behind The Candelabra

Directed by Steven Soderbergh ( Sex, Lies, And Videotape , Erin Brockovich ), the Liberace biopic Behind The Candelabra (2013) was in production for the best part of a decade and was originally a made-for-TV movie. After hitting the silver screen, however, the film won several Emmys and a Golden Globe. Based on Liberace’s latter-day lover Scott Thorson’s memoir of the same name, it details the flamboyant pianist’s final decade, with both Michael Douglas (Liberace) and Matt Damon (Thorson) turning in terrific performances. Moving and salacious, it’s an absorbing biopic that even the vaguely curious should check out.

Several directors have attempted to capture Elvis Presley ’s mercurial life since his premature death, in 1977, but John Carpenter’s made-for-TV Elvis (1979) remains the benchmark. The then little-known Kurt Russell received an Emmy nomination for his memorable portrayal of The King, capturing his brooding charisma without lapsing into parody. While Russell didn’t actually sing in the movie (he lip-synched to vocals recorded by country star Ronnie McDowell), he succeeded in channeling the raw power of Presley at his electrifying best onstage.

11: Control

Inevitably creating a myth and a lasting cult status, Joy Division singer Ian Curtis killed himself aged just 23, just as his Manchester-based band were on the cusp of mainstream success after two superb, critically-acclaimed albums. Anton Corbijn’s excellent 2007 biopic, Control , peels away much of the legend and hearsay to reveal Curtis the human being: a complex and flawed individual who ultimately can’t reconcile having an affair while being married with a young child. Both Sam Riley, as Curtis, and Samantha Morton, as his wife, Deborah, are highly compelling, and the director’s reliance on black-and-white footage vividly captures the starkness of the Mancunian landscape a decade before the city morphed into the epicenter of cool during the Madchester era.

10: What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Adapted from the book I, Tina , by Tina Turner and Kurt Loder, this popular biopic was big news at the box office in 1993, grossing almost $40 million in the US alone. Directed by Brian Gibson, it deals with the tempestuous relationship between Ike and Tina Turner, whose string of remarkable, Phil Spector-produced hits are unable to mask the fact Tina is suffering at the hands of her abusive spouse. Post-divorce, Tina would become a global superstar in her own right, and she’s portrayed sympathetically here by the Golden Globe-winning Angela Bassett, while Laurence Fishburne is equally inspired as the cruel, volatile Ike.

9: La Vie En Rose

French actress Marion Cotillard had already begun to prove herself on the global stage during the early 00s with roles in mainstream films such as Ridley Scott’s A Good Year , in which she played opposite Russell Crowe. However, few would have expected her to shine as brightly as she did while playing chanteuse extraordinaire Edith Piaf in Olivier Dahon’s La Vie En Rose . Indeed, Cotillard does a remarkable job of capturing The Little Sparrow’s vulnerability and volatility as she rises from the gutter to staging performances in France’s grandest music halls in this memorable 2007 biopic. The actress rightly received an Academy Award for the role, marking the first time an Oscar was awarded for a French-language role.

8: The Buddy Holly Story

Released in 1978, director Steve Rash’s Buddy Holly biopic features Gary Busey turning in an admirable portrayal of the Lubbock-born singer-songwriter who influenced iconic future names including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones . Still eminently watchable, it charts Holly’s life from teen rocker in Texas to global stardom with The Crickets, and his latter-day solo career, involving a heavy touring schedule that would prematurely claim his life in an ill-fated plane crash in February 1959. Busey rightly received an Oscar nomination for his performance and The Buddy Holly Story remains a consistently acclaimed entry in the best music biopics of all time.

7: Coal Miner’s Daughter

Reputedly hand-picked by the artist herself, Sissy Spacek turned in an arguable career-best performance in her portrayal of troubled country star Loretta Lynn in this much-acclaimed 1980 biopic. Based upon Lynn’s autobiography, and also featuring Tommy Lee Jones and The Band ’s Levon Helm, Coal Miner’s Daughter follows the legendary singer’s life, from her desperately poor childhood to superstardom, with Spacek’s inspirational performance yielding her an Academy Award. It remains a biopic with across-the-board appeal, and its spin-off soundtrack album also sold half a million copies and went gold.

Lavishly shot with no expense spared, 1984’s Amadeus is One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest director Miloš Forman’s fictionalized biography of the groundbreaking 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with the plot homing in on the notorious rivalry between Mozart (played with ruthless intensity by Tom Hulce) and Italian composer Antonio Salieri (F Murray Abraham) at the court of Emperor Joseph II. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, it’s a grandiose epic in the best possible sense of the term and it went on to win a staggering eight Academy Awards, including an Oscar for Best Picture.

5: Lady Sings The Blues

One icon played another in 1972’s Lady Sings The Blues , with soul diva Diana Ross turning in a commanding performance as legendary jazz chanteuse Billie Holiday . Directed by Sidney J Furie of The Ipcress File fame, the film follows the jazz star from her traumatic youth through her rise to fame. While the storyline pulls few punches where Holiday’s personal demons are concerned, it ends on a high note, recreating her triumphant return to the stage at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Lady Sings The Blues received five Academy Award nominations, and even notoriously sniffy US film critic Roger Ebert admitted Ross’ portrayal of Holiday was “one of the great performances of 1972.”

4: Walk The Line

One of 2005’s most successful films, director James Mangold’s much-anticipated Johnny Cash biopic didn’t disappoint. Based upon two separate autobiographies penned by the iconic singer-songwriter, Walk The Line featured electrifying performances by Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, and delves into the highs and lows of The Man In Black’s life, from his musical career and his romance with Carter through to his tussles with drugs and alcohol, and his legendary shows at America’s notorious Folsom Prison, in January 1968. Widely acclaimed, Walk The Line bagged five Oscar nominations, with Witherspoon taking home the Best Actress Award.

3: Straight Outta Compton

NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015) was directed by F Gary Gray, but the influential hip-hop outfit’s surviving members were involved all the way down the line, with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre producing, and Ice Cube being played by his real-life son O’Shea Jackson, Jr. Consequently, this is a biopic which pulls few punches and strives to keep it real – at least from the group’s perspective. Highly absorbing throughout, Straight Outta Compton went on to scoop a truckload of industry awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and it also inspired Dr. Dre’s widely-acclaimed solo album Compton .

Written, directed, and produced by Taylor Hackford, Ray (2004) focuses on 30 years in the life of pioneering soul music/R&B icon Ray Charles , tracing the arc of his career from his early years in the clubs on North America’s chitlin’ circuit through his crossover success with Atlantic Records, his commercial decline during the 70s and his remarkable latter-day comeback, winning a Grammy for his Chaka Khan collaboration “I’ll Be Good To You.” Jamie Foxx oozes charisma in the lead role and his career-defining performance earned him five industry awards, including an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.

1: Bohemian Rhapsody

One of the biggest releases of 2018, Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody blew away the competition in the commercial sense, with Billboard dubbing it the highest-grossing music biopic of all time at the end of the year. Critically, however, it was also a phenomenon, attracting multiple industry awards, including the coveted Best Actor for Rami Malek’s magnificent portrayal of Freddie Mercury . It completely changed all expectations of what the best music biopics can achieve.

June 4, 2021 at 4:36 am

Dirt – Motley Crue

June 5, 2021 at 1:52 am

‘…then little-known Kurt Russell’?

The Real Thang

September 14, 2023 at 7:06 am

Bohemian Rhapsody was hot garbage and an obvious Hollywood controlled retelling. THE TEMPTATIONS for whatever is not in this list and should be top 10.

Daniel A Ribel

March 27, 2024 at 4:13 pm

Not including Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS shows you have little attention span. It was nominated everywhere and Austin Butler made Kurt Russell look ridiculous. Butler was not only Oscar and SAG nominated, but won the Foreign Press Golden Globe,International Press Satellite,UK BAFTA Australia AACTA international,Irish IFTA International, Catalonia Spain Sant Jordi, South African Film Critics ect and actually made millions of new Elvis fans around the world

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50 music biopics to see before you die

From rap renegades to popstar sensations

Words by Mark Beaumont

’24 Hour Party People’

With Steve Coogan playing the missing link between Alan Partridge and Tony Wilson, Michael Winterbottom’s retelling of the Factory Records story (misadventure? Farrago?) was a ferocious rock ’n’ roll farce of a biopic shot through with tragedy, rebirth, vision, extravagance, blood-inked record contracts and some of the worst business decisions this side of Elon Twitter.

Where to watch: Prime Video

‘8 Mile’

Ostensibly fictional, Eminem ’s gritty cinematic debut as struggling Detroit battle rapper B-Rabbit was a semi-autobiographical outing more thinly veiled than Matt Hancock’s contempt for the public. Add in an award-winning original soundtrack and this de facto Marshall Mathers: The Movie began looking like rap’s own Rocky.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘Amadeus’

Deciding not to let the inconvenient facts of history get in the way of a good yarn, Peter Shaffer and Milos Forman concocted a fictional clash of the classical titans as the young, flighty and alcoholic Mozart – renowned pop star of the powdered wig – becomes embroiled in a deadly rivalry with court composer Antonio Salieri.

Where to watch: Rent it on Rakuten TV

‘Backbeat’

Recommended.

With anything beyond Beatlemania presumably considered too over-documented – or simply sanctified ground – filmmakers have leant towards The Beatles ’ lesser-known early years. And the tragic romance of original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and his fiancée Astrid Kirchherr, and his troubled relationship with John Lennon , was a fascinating, little-told story that helped illuminate the near-mythological Hamburg era, recreated for the soundtrack by a supergroup of Dave Grohl , Greg Dulli, Thurston Moore and Mike Mills.

Where to watch: Blu-ray available on Amazon

‘Behind The Candelabra’

Michael Douglas and Matt Damon won plaudits aplenty for their portrayals of one-man Vegas show Liberace and the “assistant” and lover he tried to mould into a younger version of himself, right down to actual plastic surgery. A case study in how loneliness, obsession and addiction can sometimes come emerald-studded.

‘Bird’

Forest Whitaker’s breakthrough performance was as revered jazz saxophonist Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker in Clint Eastwood’s time-hopping, impressionistic biopic, delving into his collaborations with Dizzy Gillespie at the dawn of bebop and his ultimately fatal descent into hard drugs. The jazz club scenes, though, offer full ’40s immersion.

Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video, YouTube and others

‘Blaze’

The stories of lesser-known figures meeting early ends before their genius is fully appreciated tend to add a heart-wrenching twist to the genre of tragic music biopics. Ethan Hawke’s evocative and music-filled tribute to country singer Blaze Foley who, after a string of misfortunes which saw all three of his studio album recordings confiscated, lost or stolen, was shot dead at 39.

Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime, Google Play and others

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

For all its powerful recreations of musical landmarks like the Live Aid set, it was Rami Malek’s Herculean achievement in bringing Freddie Mercury to life in all his stage-stealing glory that made the Queen biopic unmissable, and a bar-setter for the big name biopics to come.

Where to watch: Netflix and Disney+

‘Born To Be Blue’

The drug-drenched days of classic jazz proved rich territory for the music biopic in the wake of 1988’s Charlie Parker flick Bird . Robert Budreau’s semi-fictional portrait of Chet Baker, played by Ethan Hawke, was more cavalier with the facts than most, taking Baker’s biography as a launch point for its own engrossing interpretation of the master.

Where to watch: Freevee

‘Bound For Glory’

Loosely adapted from an already semi-fictional autobiography, Hal Ashby’s film about Woody Guthrie hitch-hiking and box-car jumping his way to Los Angeles to find work during the Great Depression, there to become a musical voice for downtrodden casual workers and one of radio’s first protest singers, was distant cousins to the truth by the time it reached the screen. But a beautiful evocation of Guthrie’s formative Americana and its marriage to the nation’s landscapes and principles nonetheless.

Where to watch: DVD available on Amazon

‘Cadillac Records’

Revolving around the colourful stories of Chuck Berry , Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Etta James and Howlin’ Wolf – played by a starry cast list including Mos Def and Beyonce – Cadillac Records was to Chicago of the 1940s-60s what 24 Hour Party People was to the Manchester of the 1970s-90s. Adrien Brody plays Leonard Chess of the legendary Chess Records, and even Keith Richards makes an appearance, albeit played by Marc Bonan.

Where to watch: Rent it on Apple TV, CHILI and more

‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’

Sissy Spacek perfectly captured Loretta Lynn through the ages, from troubled teens through honky-tonk hardships and the Grand Ole Opry to her years of celebrated – and equally troubled – 1960s successes. Recording the soundtrack herself, Spacek won an Oscar for her portrayal of the First Lady Of Country Music.

Where to watch: Rent it on Prime Video, Google Play and more

‘Control’

One-time NME photography legend and video director for U2 and Depeche Mode , Anton Corbijn was ideally placed to tell the cinematic story of Joy Division , based on Deborah Curtis’ book Touching From A Distance . His moody, monochrome visual aesthetic carried the film all the way to the Oscars.

Where to watch: Sky and Now Cinema

‘Creation Stories’

If Factory deserved a biopic, Creation was undoubtedly next of the rock ’n’ roll independent labels in line. Alan McGee ’s life has been lived as on-the-edge as many of the bands he signed (besides maybe Primal Scream ) and – in a film co-written by  Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh – Ewen Bremner captured his brash, wild-at-heart vivacity and vision, and the drug-fuelled chaos of the label itself, in this indie cinephile’s fantasia. Oasis , the Mary Chain, the Scream and My Bloody Valentine all feature and the soundtrack is virtually a Best Of of ‘80s and ‘90s indie rock.

Where to watch: NOW

‘Elvis’

Baz Luhrmann brought every ounce of his Moulin Rouge energy and pizazz to The King’s full biographical span, spotlighting his turbulent and exploitative relationship with Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). Austin Butler’s Elvis , meanwhile, challenged Rami Malek’s Freddie Mercury for the most convincing on-screen rendition of a seemingly unplayable icon.

Where to watch: Rent it on Prime Video, Apple TV and more

‘Funny Girl’

With Barbra Streisand reprising her Broadway role in her first cinema outing, several stars were reborn with Funny Girl : Streisand as an acclaimed screen actress – she won an Oscar for a performance that Roger Ebert described as “more fun to watch than anyone since the young Katharine Hepburn” – and Fanny Brice, the singer, actress and comedienne from the 1920s whose life story, and stormy relationship with gambler Nicky Arnstein, was plucked from the annals of entertainment history, Hollywood-ed up a bit and transformed into one of the finest cinema musicals ever made.

‘Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life’

From his childhood in occupied France during WWII to his affairs with the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, Gainsbourg’s rise to fame might have been more charmed than heroic. But Joann Sfar’s biopic injected surrealist notes into an already mysterious life story – Gainsbourg’s animated alter-ego The Mug, for instance, guides him down dark paths at pivotal moments – making for a fantasy-meets-reality movie as enigmatic as Gauloises cigarette smoke.

Where to watch: Prime Video/Studio Canal

‘Get On Up’

From the pen of Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, James Brown ’s biopic was an unconventional, non-linear, stream-of consciousness affair, all the better to portray one of funk’s most conflicted characters: Godfather Of Soul, abusive husband, civil rights activist, gun-toting drug maniac and more. With this much drama, and Chadwick Boseman strutting and leaping like the sex machine in overdrive, who needs a fourth wall?

Where to watch: Rent it on Prime Video, Apple TV+ and more

‘Greetings From Tim Buckley’

Delivering two folk heroes for the price of one, Daniel Algrant’s Buckley dynasty biopic centres more around the younger Jeff than the elder Tim as he wrestles with the legacy of a father he’d only met once, as well as his own burgeoning talent. Sensitive and touching, it highlights the inter-generational power of music; a bloodline when all else is staunched.

Where to watch: Rent it on Google Play and YouTube

‘I’m Not There’

By his own calculation, Bob Dylan contains multitudes. In trying to capture him on celluloid, then, director Todd Haynes clearly decided one actor would never be enough. Instead, he cast six separate actors, including Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchett, to play separate fictionalised facets of Dylan’s persona, interlocking into a bizarre but brilliant impression of both myth and man.

Where to watch: ITVX

‘Jimi: All Is By My Side’

The simple idea of Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix – surely the most no-brainer casting in music biopic history – made Jimi… a must-watch. And, for all its faults (not least the factual ones, with Hendrix’s lover Kathy Etchingham proclaiming the depiction of her relationship with the guitar god “absolute nonsense”) ‘Dre’s charisma carried the film so convincingly you’d barely notice they couldn’t clear any of Hendrix’s songs.

Where to watch: Prime Video/Curzon

‘Judy’

Renée Zellweger earned herself an Oscar by taking on the life and songs of the iconic Judy Garland, revisiting her childhood and tortured Oz years in flashback from the struggles of her final year on the London stage. Zellweger’s barnstorming and heartbreaking renditions of Garland classics power the movie along; no Johnny One Note, she.

Where to watch: Disney+

‘La Bamba’

Overshadowed for several decades for the misfortune of having died in the same 1959 plane crash as Buddy Holly , Ritchie Valens finally had his story told in La Bamba , a rags-to-far-too-brief-riches tale packed with drama, exuberance and sentimentality, which made stars of both Lou Diamond Phillips (as Valens) and soundtrack mainstays Los Lobos .

Where to watch: To rent on Amazon Prime, CHILI and more

‘Lady Sings The Blues’

Noting, perhaps, the awards heaped upon Streisand’s turn in Funny Girl , Diana Ross made the screen that bit more silver in the role of Billie Holiday , a part which was all diva but precious little glamour. Pulling no punches in portraying the drug and alcohol abuse which saw Lady Day dead at 44, this was Ross as downtrodden as we’ve ever seen her and Holiday as the very embodiment of the blues.

Where to watch: Roku

‘Last Days’

Gus Van Sant’s depiction of the final hours of Blake – a fictionalised Kurt Cobain (yes, it counts as a biopic) – was a solemn, mundane watch, encapsulating the thin façade of fame and the everyday nature of mental collapse. Michael Pitt’s blankness, whether entertaining Yellow Pages reps, dead-eyed in a rock club or simply wandering the house waiting for the right time to die, spoke volumes.

Where to watch: CHILI

‘La Vie En Rose’

The story arc of a legendary torch singer surviving a gritty childhood to rise to fame through the clubs, then descend into hard drugs and romantic trauma and die at 47 – particularly when told in non-linear flashback from backstage at their final show – has become something of a biopic cliché. But Olivier Dahan’s Edith Piaf movie transcended the genre largely thanks to Marion Cotillard’s Oscar winning (albeit lip-synced) performance.

Where to watch: Prime Video, Disney+ and more

‘Love & Mercy’

Flitting between the psychological tumult surrounding the recording of ‘Pet Sounds’ in 1966 and his mistreatment at the hands of Dr Eugene Landy in the 1980s, The Beach Boys ’ tortured keystone Brian Wilson received a sensitive and touching portrayal in Love & Mercy . Atticus Ross’ hallucinogenic soundtrack, melting Beach Boys harmonies into kaleidoscopic soundscapes, made it all the more relevant.

‘Lisztomania’

With Roger Daltrey playing Franz Liszt, Ringo Starr as the Pope and Rick Wakeman as Thor, Ken Russell’s surrealist fantasy vision of the world’s first pop star played merry hell with the facts – although, to be fair, history doesn’t record whether Liszt could maintain a 10-feet erection or cheated death to fly back to earth from heaven in a spaceship to destroy a vampire Wagner, who had transformed into a Frankenstein Hitler with a machine gun guitar. But everyone involved, including the modern viewer, has a blast.

Where to watch: Rent it on Prime Video, Apple TV+ and CHILI

‘Miles Ahead’

More time-hopping around the life of a drug-troubled jazzster, this time focusing on Miles Davis ’ reclusive late-‘70s period. Don Cheadle is convincing as the numbed-out Davis and Ewan McGregor brings the (fictionalised) drama as a music writer who convinces him to get his career back on track by chasing down lost recordings of recent work. As free-form as jazz itself, Miles Ahead was an impressionistic triumph.

Where to watch: Prime Video/Freevee

‘Notorious’

The first cinematic retelling of the East Coast-West Coast feud between Biggie Smalls and Tupac had all the trappings of a blockbuster – drugs, guns, sex, money, assassinations – but made for a more insightful, human experience by probing the man behind the hip-hop bravado. Naturi Naughton’s Lil’ Kim is a scene-stealer too.

‘Nowhere Boy’

Sam Taylor-Johnson’s directorial debut took Julia Baird’s biography of her half-brother John Lennon ’s early life as the basis for a dramatic dissection of Lennon’s tangled teenage years. With the formation of The Quarrymen with Paul McCartney and George Harrison acting as a backdrop, Lennon’s dislocated relationship with his mother Julia, and its tragic end, help root Lennon’s artistic fire in the ultimate roc k’n’ roll origin story.

‘Ray’

Among all of the jazz, blues and R&B legends with a hardship tale fit for the big screen, Ray Charles had one of the toughest – poverty, abuse, blindness, family loss, heroin, affairs, arrests, rehab, Charles survived it all. Jamie Foxx brought all this to vivid life, and plenty of stunning performance scenes to boot.

‘Respect’

It was a tough ask for Jennifer Hudson to live up to the Queen Of Soul’s formidable vocals, but the sheer drama of Aretha Franklin ’s life is gripping enough on its own. Alcoholism, domestic abuse, tragedy and assault, though somewhat glossed over here, fuel Franklin’s powerhouse songs, which still bulge the screen.

‘Rocketman’

Having scored a major hit with Bohemian Rhapsody, director Dexter Fletcher turned his lens to another flamboyant superstar of the era; Taron Egerton slipped into Elton John’s devil-falcon jumpsuit with the requisite vivacity, and charted his descent into hedonistic addiction, depression and isolation with convincing pathos. Happily, unlike so many biopic’d singers, Elton emerges, well, still standing.

Where to watch: Rent it on Apple TV+, Prime Video and more

‘Selena’

Jennifer Lopez came into her own as a screen darling with her portrayal of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla Pérez, murdered at 23 by the embezzling president of her thriving fan club. Released just two years after Selena’s death, the film was more of a fact-setting exercise than a deep dive into Pérez’s character, but Lopez tackled it with relish.

Where to watch: Rent it on Prime Video, YouTube and more

‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’

Having become the king of motion capture by playing a virtual Gollum in the Lord Of The Rings franchise as well as King Kong, Andy Serkis turned his physical skills to the more subtler cause of depicting polio-stricken new wave icon Ian Dury, carrying Mat Whitecross’s tribute with appropriate cockiness.

‘Shine’

Having restarted the piano lessons he gave up at 14, Geoffrey Rush picked up an Oscar for his portrayal of disturbed Australian pianist David Helfgott in Scott Hicks’ celebrated Shine . The film followed the troubled home life of this piano prodigy up to his breakdown while becoming obsessed with perfecting Rachmaninov’s highly challenging ‘Concerto No. 3’, named after the number of hands you need to play the damn thing.

Where to watch: DVD for sale on Amazon

‘Sid And Nancy’

The least romantic Romeo & Juliet in rock ’n’ roll history, the fatal love affair between heroin addicts Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen is viscerally delivered in Alex Cox’s fittingly punk portrait of the doomed duo. Gary Oldman’s Sid gained most plaudits, but you can also spot Iggy Pop , Nico , Courtney Love and a pre-fame Slash in there.

Where to watch: Rent it on Apple TV+, Prime Video and BFI Player

‘Straight Outta Compton’

Riots, FBI raids, internal fights and electric gigs; Straight Outta Compton’s official depiction of the rise, split and resurrection of N.W.A. is amongst the most vital music biopics of all time. And if you’re after casting authenticity, having Ice Cube’s own son play him was a stroke of genius.

Where to watch: Sky and NOW

‘Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story’

Years before Team America: World Police , Todd Haynes made this short college biopic of Karen Carpenter largely using modified Barbie and Ken dolls to play the characters on scaled-down sets, and featuring a completely unlicensed soundtrack. One copyright infringement lawsuit from Richard Carpenter later the withdrawn film became a cult classic, although we may never know why Barbie Karen was being spanked so much throughout.

Where to watch: You’ll have to seek this one out yourself…

‘Telstar: The Joe Meek Story’

Adapted from Nick Moran and James Hicks’ play, Telstar… set about detailing the madcap sonic inspirations and strange obsessions (poltergeists, aliens, Phil Spector bugging his phone) of schizophrenic 1960s producer Joe Meek, right up to the mysterious circumstances of his death, shooting his landlady and then himself. Con O’Neill is a live-wire tour de force; nice cameo from The Libertines ‘ Carl Barat as Gene Vincent too.

Where to watch: Prime Video, Rakuten TV and Pluto TV

‘The Buddy Holly Story’

As riveting as any disaster movie, Holly’s legendary end on February 2, 1959 – The Day The Music Died – looms as large as Titanic ’s iceberg over The Buddy Holly Story , a film akin to the opening chapter of a regular biopic that’s cut horrifically and meaninglessly short. Gary Busey’s Holly – setting the bar for actors playing and singing the songs in music films – injects the whole thing with a fitting rock ’n’ roll fervour and, in cinema history, tragedy has rarely struck at such a high.

Where to watch: Rent it on Apple TV+

‘The Doors’

Hazy and hallucinogenic – the “kiss the snake” acid trip in the desert sequence is so iconic in drug cinema circles that The Simpsons spoofed it – Oliver Stone’s Doors movie captured the mythology of Jim Morrison to sensual and whiskey-sodden perfection. Val Kilmer plays the Lizard King as a beautiful/doomed rock poet caught halfway between Sunset Strip and the seventh dimension, pure self-destructive hedonism in human form.

‘The Pianist’

That Roman Polanski’s WWII drama concerned the real-life Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman, a popular Polish radio artist and composer, was almost secondary to the film’s importance as a record of the inhumanities of the Holocaust. Still, with music a lifeline helping Adrien Brody’s Szpilman survive the atrocities of the Warsaw Ghetto, it remains one of the most powerful music films to date.

‘The United States Vs. Billie Holiday’

A bit of a muddle of a movie – and some jazz experts even question the premise that the FBI targeted Holiday with drug charges to stop her singing civil rights ballad “Strange Fruit” – but Andra Day inhabits Holiday with a hypnotic intensity and vulnerability in Lee Daniels’ spotlight on her tempestuous 1950s.

‘Velvet Goldmine’

Transposing Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and Berlin era onto the fictional Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), adding elements of Bryan Ferry and Marc Bolan – and with Ewan McGregor as an amalgam of Iggy Pop and Lou Reed – Todd Haynes mashed the ‘70s rock world into a colourful and surreal blast of glam pop culture, and a love affair between British and American music (we’re counting it).

‘Walk The Line’

The rags-to-riches-to-drugs-to-breakdown story is the blueprint for most music biopics. But James Mangold’s exploration of the life and many hardships of Johnny Cash stands apart for its ability to channel the pain of the man into the impact of his music, largely thanks to Joaquin Phoenix’s glowering presence as Cash and Reese Witherspoon’s charming June.

Where to watch: Disney+, Prime Video

‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’

Proudly proclaiming that no actual research into accordion pop spoofster Al Yankovic ’s real life was conducted for the film, Weird… is a canny pastiche of the rock biopic, covering Al’s ‘childhood’ being told to give up on his dreams by his parents to his rebellion teenage polka parties, a spoof-pop revelation over a packet of bologna and the LSD trip that inspires him to write ‘Eat It’ before Michael Jackson . An affair with Madonna ? Brushes with the Pablo Escobar cartel? Dan Radcliffe goes along with it, so you do too.

‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’

Angela Bassett – a future music biopic regular – got her breakthrough as Tina Turner in Brian Gibson’s unflinching portrayal of the singer’s abusive marriage to singing partner Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne) and her subsequent ascendence to solo superstardom.

‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’

One of the earliest examples of the form saw James Cagney take on the role of Broadway showman, producer and composer George M Cohan, writer of ‘Yankee Doodle Boy’ and ‘Give My Regards To Broadway’. Three Oscars later, it cemented the music biopic as an award-winning concern.

• Related Topics
• Chuck Berry
• Depeche Mode
• John Lennon
• Joy Division
• Keith Richards
• The Beatles
• Thurston Moore
• Woody Guthrie

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12 Best Music Production & Musician Movies On Netflix

These are the best music production and musician movies for all music lovers. Netflix has content for songwriters, music producers, and musicians.

If you’re a music lover, there’s no doubt that Netflix has plenty of content for you. From documentaries to films, there are tons of great options to choose from.

In this article, we’ll be highlighting the best music production and musician movies on Netflix.

Whether you’re a songwriter, music producer, or musician, there’s something here for everyone. Each movie includes a trailer and Rotten Tomatoes score to help you decide what to watch.

The Best Music & Musician Movies

1. song exploder.

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% Critics – 84% Audience

Song Exploder is based on a podcast that interviews the world’s greatest musicians to figure out their thought processes when creating music.

There are 8 episodes that include an extensive list of music creators such as Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda, R.E.M., Ty Dolla $ign, Dua Lipa, The Killers, and Nine Inch Nails.

During the different episodes, musicians talk about the creative process behind an individual song while breaking the music down into various components.

The process can range from songwriting to recording to post-production.

This show will be inspiring for songwriters, musicians, and band members.

Song Exploder

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Critics – 58% Audience

The film is directed by Brian Welsh. Some of the cast and crew members include Anthony Anderson, Uzo Aduba, Khalil Everage, Dreezy, and Dave East.

This film tells the story of a teenager who is a music prodigy that uses music production to deal with anxiety issues.

Anthony Anderson, who is a failed music producer in the film, tries to build a relationship with the struggling teen to get back into the music industry.

This film is full of great-sounding beats.

Beats Movie

3. What We Started

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% Critics – 99% Audience

It is an American documentary film about electronic dance music that premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

The documentary starts with Carl Cox, and it chronicles three decades of electronic dance music.

It focuses on the careers of Carl Cox and Martin Garrix. But it also includes other individuals such as Erick Morillo, Moby, David Guetta, Steve Angello, etc.

What We Started

4. Sample This

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Critics – 63% Audience

This is a documentary film about how one song, the Incredible Bongo Band’s “Apache,” played a major part in defining hip-hop culture. This film was directed by Dan Forrer.

Even if you don’t have much rap knowledge, this movie is still worth seeing. It focuses on the studio musicians whose contributions are well-known but whose identities are not.

It highlights how a forgotten record by the Incredible Bongo Band helped cement the foundation of hip-hop.

Sample This

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% Critics – 84% Audience

This Netflix documentary film is about the life as well as the career of Quincy Jones. He is an iconic record producer, as the mastermind behind Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party,” Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, and more.

The movie tells everything about his early childhood days to his rise in music. The movie also highlights the record producer in his prime and his battles with health issues and the industry.

This movie got a big hit, and it also got the Grammy for Best Music Film at the 2019 Grammy Awards. This movie was co-directed by Jones’ daughter, Rashida Jones.

6. Rhythm And Flow

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Critics – 78% Audience

Rhythm + Flow is a must-watch film if you are into hip-hop. It is a Netflix music competition reality show. In this show, the contestants appear before regular judges T.I., Chance the Rapper, Cardi B, and an onslaught of popular guest judges.

The contestants show off their songwriting skills, stage presences and share their personal life and struggles.

The show judges offer words of encouragement and either send the contestants to the next round or back home.

The thing where the show excels beyond its competition is in its execution. Overall, Rhythm + Flow offers a strong new take on reality television music competitions.

If you like rap and R&B, and/or music competitions, and/or reality television, then it can be a great experience watching it.

Rhythm & Flow

7. This Is Pop

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Critics – N/A Audience

This movie shows how pop music reflects and influences culture. It is an anthology documentary series that discusses different aspects of pop music in each episode.

Some episodes focus more on specific groups such as Boyz II Men or a movement, like Swedish pop, while others look at technology, business, or larger ideas.

This is Pop has many things that can be enjoyed, and it is a beautiful documentary suitable for any music fan in general.

It teaches you a lot through the music you love and the artists you know. The episodes make you want to continue the journey into this wonderful world of music.

You can also skip around the series to episodes that peak your interest rather than trying to watch the entire series. Don’t worry; each episode of This is Pop is independent of the others.

This Is Pop

8. Metallica – Some Kind of Monster

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Critics – 83% Audience

This is an American documentary film about the American heavy metal band Metallica. It is a documentary about Metallica’s making of their album ‘St. Anger’ as well as the difficulties they had to go through in the process.

This film follows the band from 2001 to 2003, and the title of the film shares its name with the song of the same name from St. Anger.

This film got positive reviews from the critics as per whom this was an interesting film that provided a behind-the-scenes look at the tensions and personal relationships in one of the biggest bands of all time.

This film got the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2005.

Some Kind Of Monster

9. Steve Aoki: I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Critics – 58% Audience

This is a Grammy-nominated documentary film about the American DJ as well as producer Steve Aoki. Justin Krook directs this movie, and it is a heart-pumping yet heart-wrenching documentary about Steve Akoi.

This movie debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Netflix in 2016.

It shows the life of Steve Aoki as a DJ and as a producer. It also highlights his life as a family man in Japan and his relationship with his father, owner of the restaurant chain Benihana.

We Got This Covered gave this film a 3/5 review and described it as a fine look into the life of Steve Aoki that exposes both the positives and negatives in his life that have led to mainstage stardom.

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

10. Travis Scott – Look Mom I Can Fly

This is a documentary film about the rise of Scott to the top of the musical landscape and the release of his album Astroworld.

It depicts the rollercoaster kind of journey of Scott to become one of the biggest rappers in the world, from his hit Antidote to the album Astroworld.

It tells the story of how he juggles controversy, fatherhood, and career while he is in the spotlight.

This film features things like:

• Footage of the rapper dating back to 2014
• Interviews with Scott, Jenner, and rappers Kanye West and Sheck Wes

It is a great, wholesome, and feel-good kind of film. It highlights the point that hard work and determination can bring great success in certain cases.

Look Mom I Can Fly

11. David Foster: Off The Record

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Critics – 53% Audience

This is a Canadian documentary film that Barry Avrich directs. This film premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival as a TIFF Special Event.

This movie is a documentary highlighting the life story of Grammy-winning Canadian musician and record executive David Foster.

It received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards in 2021.

Off The Record

12. ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads

This is a documentary film about Robert Johnson, a blues singer, songwriter, and musician. He is considered to be one of the greatest blues performers of all time.

Brian Oakes directed this movie, and Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist wrote the movie.

This movie takes a closer look at the short and mysterious life of Robert Johnson.

The documentary’s title comes from the myth about how he made a deal with the Devil at a crossroads in rural Mississippi to achieve musical success.

Devil At The Crossroads

Here are a couple more music-related movies that you may be interested in that appear on Netflix from time to time.

1. Straight Outta Compton (2015): The story of how N.W.A. revolutionized music and pop culture.

2. Walk the Line (2005): A biopic exploring Johnny Cash’s rise to fame, drug struggles, and complex relationship with June Carter.

3. Rocketman (2019): Elton John’s fantastical biopic filled with stunning performances and great music.

4. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): A film capturing the story of Freddie Mercury and the rise of the rock band Queen.

5. Ray (2004): Biographical film on the life of musician Ray Charles, with an Academy Award-winning performance by Jamie Foxx.

6. Love & Mercy (2014): A biopic that explores the life of Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson and the creation of the album Pet Sounds.

7. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013): In 1961, a musician facing difficulties tries to make his way through the folk scene of Greenwich Village.

8. Control (2007): Biopic of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis, addressing his early days, rise to fame, and struggles with mental health.

9. A Star is Born (2018): The movie is centered around a musician, played by Bradley Cooper, who struggles with alcoholism. He meets a talented young singer, portrayed by Lady Gaga, and they fall in love.

10. La Vie en Rose (2007): A biopic of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf. The film explores her early life, career, and struggles.

11. Purple Rain (1984): A film that captures the life of an ambitious young man, played by Prince, who escapes his turbulent home life through music.

12. Get On Up (2014): This is a story about James Brown, who overcame extreme poverty and went on to be one of the most influential musicians in history.

13. Bird (1988): Directed by Clint Eastwood, this film captures the troubled life and career of the celebrated jazz musician, Charlie Parker.

14. This is Spinal Tap (1984): A mockumentary about a fictional rock band, showing the over-the-top world of rock music.

15. Once (2007): This is a contemporary musical that narrates the story of a busker and an immigrant. The plot follows their adventurous week in Dublin, where they collaborate to write, rehearse, and record songs that recount their love story.

16. Almost Famous (2000): A teenage boy has been given the opportunity to write a story for Rolling Stone Magazine while traveling with an emerging rock band on their concert tour.

17. School of Rock (2003): Dewey Finn, formerly a member of a rock band, gets dismissed from the group and takes up a substitute teaching position at a private elementary school. He aims to transform his class into a rock band, despite the school’s strict and formal environment.

I hope you like this list of musician and music producer movies and shows.

Have you watched any of these? Do you have any films you think should be added to the list?

Please let us know in the comments.

Written By Mark V.

Mark Valenzuela is a professional blogger, entrepreneur, and educator with more than 15 years of experience in music production. In 2008, Mark founded Hip Hop Makers, a top resource for aspiring music producers and beatmakers. He specializes in content on music production, software, gear, and free music resources. Committed to empowering creators of all levels, Mark continues to inspire and help music creators pursue their dreams.

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Taylor Swift documentary ‘Miss Americana’: Everything You Need to Know About the Film on Netflix - Netflix Tudum

Taylor Swift’s ‘Miss Americana’: Everything You Need to Know About the Film

If you’re looking to relive some of your favorite Taylor Swift moments after seeing her record-breaking 2023 tour, it’s about time to visit (or revisit) the 2020 documentary Miss Americana . The film — by Emmy-winning director Lana Wilson ( Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields , After Tiller ) — is a snapshot of the pop culture icon during a transformational period in her life, and documents Swift’s nearly two decades in the limelight. From her preteen performances to her 2018 Reputation tour to penning her 2019 album Lover , the documentary shows Swift reflecting on her upbringing, her values, the pressures of fame, and her sprawling career achievements.

When will  Miss Americana be released?

Stream it now . 

Where can I find the trailer for  Miss Americana ?

Scroll up to the top of this article and check it out.

Who’s in  Miss Americana ?

The documentary revolves around Swift, a 12-time Grammy winner and 40-time American Music Award winner. The film also features Panic! At The Disco lead singer Brendon Urie; Swift’s mother, Andrea Swift; record producer and musician Jack Antonoff; and actor and Swift’s then-partner, Joe Alwyn. 

What happens in  Miss Americana ?

The film documents Swift creating songs for her 2019 album Lover at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, reflecting on her rise to fame and her songwriting process, and grappling with missing out on Grammy noms following the release of 2017’s Reputation . Amidst footage from her first concerts as a child, her 2006 self-titled debut album release, and her 2018 Reputation tour, Swift looks back on how she’s become who she’s become, the adversity she’s faced, and how her opinions of herself — and her outspokenness on divisive political issues — has changed. The film also features Swift’s original song “Only the Young,” which she wrote and recorded to coincide with the documentary’s release.

Where does  Miss Americana take place?

The music documentary takes place in a number of locations Swift frequents, like her New York City apartment, her Nashville home, and NYC’s legendary recording studio Electric Lady Studios. 

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In this revealing documentary, Taylor Swift embraces her role as a songwriter and performer — and as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice.

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15 Best Biopics on Netflix Right Now

Biopics have now become a hot genre because there’s something about real-life stories of certain individuals that lure filmmakers. It may be an entire lifetime of a person or just a few crucial years that act as an amazing storyline for a film. It’s no surprise why biopics are able to do so well. Extraordinary stories of successful people or people who had a deeper cause to serve society, all of these inspire us to live a better life. But these stories become more impactful when they are based on the lives of real individuals. Some make us believe in ourselves and our goals while some restore our faith in humanity. The good news is that a great number of these movies are already available on Netflix. So all you have to do is scroll down and choose one of the few biopic movies that we have listed. Here’s the list of really good biopic movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now.

15. Roxanne Roxanne (2017)

Directed and written by Michael Larnell, ‘Roxanne Roxanne’ is an autobiographical musical drama film that stars Chanté Adams, Mahershala Ali, Nia Long, and Elvis Nolasco. Roxanne Shante, a young rapper from New York, has already made her reputation as one of the most feared battle emcees in the 80s. Whoever had seen her perform knew that she was all set to become a hip-hop legend. ‘Roxanne Roxanne’ recounts Shante’s inspiring story as she worked tirelessly to provide for her family and achieved musical success in the process.

14. Come Sunday (2018)

This film is based on an episode of the public radio series called ‘This American Life’. The biopic is about an internationally renowned pastor who went by the name Carton Pearson. When Carton defied the morals of the church and started preaching that there is no hell, he found himself being ostracized by his own church and the Christian community who labeled him as an unorthodox non-conformist. The film has a lot of mixed opinions when it comes to the reviews because it goes against the religious values of a lot of people. But don’t let the reviews fool you, this film is great and has some amazing cinematography with acting.

13. Milk (2008)

Starring Sean Penn and James Franco, ‘Milk’ tells the life story of Harvey Milk starting from his 40th birthday all the way up to his death. The film traces his journey as he struggles to fight for gay rights in the country as an activist and later becomes California’s first gay elected official. The biopic also highlights his relationships with two men along the way and how the death of one really moves him. ‘Milk’ is an extremely moving film and will make you truly feel the struggles of Harvey Milk and all the gay activists of that era.

12. First They Killed My Father (2017)

Directed by Angeline Jolie , this one is the true story of a 5-year-old girl named Loung Ung and her struggles with her family when the Khmer Rouge had taken over Cambodia in the year 1975. Their terrorizing rule led to the death of over 2 million Cambodians. The film shows how Ung and her siblings were sent to Labor Camps and were trained to become soldiers at such a young and delicate age. This film holds a great amount of historical accuracy and clearly, a lot of effort has been into portraying Loung Ung’s story. It does not focus too much on showing the violence and gore prevailing at that time and instead shows the underlying terror and chaos during the time which makes this one a great watch.

11. Christine (2016)

Christine Chubbuck was a TV reporter back in the 70s. This film tells her story by narrating her struggles as a working woman, pressures from her home and also her own depression . This film has been quite under the radar but deserves more appreciation. It tends to get inside your head with its depressing characters and storyline with uncomfortable slow burn throughout. Note that this movie can be triggering for those who are already going through something but overall, it’s a very good movie with some brilliant acting.

10. Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed (2021)

Featuring Bob Ross, Steve Ross, Vicky Ross, and John Thamm, ‘Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed’ is a biographical documentary film directed by Joshua Rofé. As the name suggests, the movie revolves around the rise of the titular protagonist, a brilliant painter and television host, who spread love, joy, and happiness to the millions of viewers glued to his programs on their television screens from around the world. With great success came significant financial burdens. While offering a touching overview of Bob’s inspiring life, the film immediately turns its attention towards the battle for his business empire that saddened and infuriated a lot of his fans.

9. Baggio: The Divine Ponytail (2021)

Written by Ludovica Rampoldi and Stefano Sardo, ‘Baggio: The Divine Ponytail’ is a biographical sports film that stars Andrea Arcangeli, Valentina Bellè, and Thomas Trabacch. The Letizia Lamartire directorial recounts the inspiring life story of Roberto Baggio, a former footballer who dedicated 22 years of his life to the sport. From successes to his failures and regretful mistakes, the movie captures everything. It also introduces viewers to the man behind closed doors and his relationship with his loved ones. Roberto’s affinity to Nichiren Buddhism and his adherence to its philosophy is also deeply discussed.

8. Sergio (2020)

Greg Barker’s ‘Sergio’ is a biographical drama movie produced by Wagner Moura, Brent Travers, and Daniel Dreifuss. The film focuses on Sérgio Vieira de Mello, a United Nations diplomat who, after working tirelessly on several international political programs for more than three decades, decides to do something about the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. Despite warnings not to visit Baghdad in the middle of conflict, Sérgio tries to negotiate the withdrawal of American troops so that the country can achieve freedom. However, his attempts do not go as planned as he gets trapped in the basement of a hotel after a terrorist attack.

7. Mank (2020)

Directed by David Fincher, ‘Mank’ is a black-and-white biographical drama film that revolves around the development of the popular 40s film ‘Citizen Kane’ and its screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. It is set in the 1930s and offers an exciting insight into the Hollywood of the time. However, the films’ focus remains on the development of the iconic movie and challenges faced by Herman along the way.

6. The Dirt (2019)

Written by Rich Wilkes and Amanda Adelson, ‘The Dirt’ is a biographical comedy-drama film that is based on Neil Strauss’s book ‘The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band.’ After spending several crucial years of his early life with his abusive mother, Frank Carlton Feranna Jr. ventures into the outside world in search of his father and eventually stumbles upon the purpose of his life. When he met Tommy Lee in 1980, the musician shared his plan to form a new band, and the two joined hands to include other members in the team. After the inclusion of Mick Mars and Vince Neil, the Mötley Crüe was formed and, in just a few years’ time, became one of the most popular rock bands on the planet.

5. Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Featuring stand-out performances by Eddie Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, and Craig Robinson, ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ is a biographical comedy film written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. It revolves around a struggling artist named Rudy Ray Moore, who is desperately trying to get his music on the air in the 1970s. Unfortunately, he has had little success, and his future is still clouded in uncertainty. However, on one ordinary night, an unexpected encounter with a homeless man changes Rudy’s life as he discovers his true calling and ends up entertaining the world, albeit in his own humble and small way.

4. A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018)

Inspired by Josh Karp’s 2006 non-fiction book of the same name, ‘A Futile and Stupid Gesture’ is a biographical comedy-drama film written by John Aboud and Michael Colton. The David Wain directorial follows Douglas Kenney, who, along with his classmate Henry Beard lays the foundations of a monthly magazine named the National Lampoon. The duo leaves the life-transforming opportunity of attending law school for their ambitious goal and, with Douglas’ big vision, manages to change the American comedy scene in innovative ways.

Read More: Best Christian Movies on Netflix

3. Schumacher (2021)

Directed by Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, and Michael Wech, ‘Schumacher’ is a German sports documentary film that focuses on the inspiring career of the titular protagonist and features Corinna Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Jean Todt among many others. The movie offers an intimate understanding of German Formula One racing driver Michael’s personal and professional life using unseen videos, archive footage, and interviews. From his early go-kart career to the struggle with the death of Ayrton Senna, ‘Schumacher’ paints a moving portrait of the legendary racer with an accurate depiction of his failures, successes, and fears.

Read More: Best Horror Movies on Netflix

2. Barry (2016)

Directed by Vikram Gandhi, ‘Barry’ is a drama movie that centers upon Barack Obama’s college days and gives viewers a unique perspective on his life. In the early 1980s, the 44th President of the United States reached New York as a 21-year-old exchange student to Columbia University, where he made friends with his roommate, Will. Barack participated in debates about philosophy and American society and took an active interest in political affairs. ‘Barry’ gives viewers an intimate understanding of what Obama was like during his early 20s and offers a closer look at the interests that eventually made him the leader he is today.

Read More: Best Black Movies on Netflix

1. The Most Hated Woman in America (2017)

Tommy O’Haver’s ‘The Most Hated Woman in America’ is a biographical drama film that stars Melissa Leo, Peter Fonda, Sally Kirkland, and Rory Cochrane. The film centers upon Madalyn Murray O’Hair, an activist, atheist, and proponent for the separation of church from the state who fiercely advocated for his beliefs despite the challenges in her path. Unfortunately, she gets kidnapped in the mid-90s along with her son Garth and granddaughter Robin by people who detest her ideas which eventually ends tragically.

Read More: Best Suicide Movies on Netflix

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18 biopics to watch on Netflix right now

• Biographical movies exploring the lives of real people are always popular films.
• Actors are often given awards for these roles while audiences learn more about historical figures.
• Insider lists the 18 best biopics to watch on Netflix listed in chronological order by release year.

'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway took on the title roles in this movie, which focus on American criminals, Bonnie and Clyde, infamous bank robbers during the Great Depression.

Both landed Oscar nominations for their portrayals. In fact, the movie earned five acting nominations in total (winning supporting actress for Estelle Parsons), plus nods for best director and best picture, too.

'The Pianist' (2002)

Controversial director Roman Polanski won best director for this movie that is based on the autobiography of Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman.

The movie also won best actor for its young star Adrien Brody, too, for his critically acclaimed performance as Szpilman. 

'Milk' (2008)

Gus Van Sant's "Milk" tells the story of gay rights activist Harvey Milk , the first-ever openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.

Sean Penn won an Oscar for playing Milk, while a stellar supporting cast includes James Franco, Josh Brolin, and Diego Luna.

The movie was written by Dustin Lance Black, who also won an Oscar for his work.

'Ip Man' (2008)

"Ip Man" and its three sequels are the ultimate compendium of the life and times of Ip Man, the grandmaster of Wing Chun and the teacher of Bruce Lee. 

The stunning cinematography and choreography help to bring a unique visual style to these biographical films.

Good news, too. "Ip Man" two, three, and four are all also on Netflix, so you can watch the entire saga.

'The Social Network' (2010)

Aaron Sorkin's masterful screenplay served as the basis for this film, which explores how Mark Zuckerberg created what would later be known as Facebook.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Zuckerberg, while Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Rooney Mara chip in with outstanding supporting performances, too. The movie competed for multiple Oscars, but ultimately only won for Sorkin's script despite David Fincher being a hot contender for best director. 

'My Week With Marylin' (2011)

There have been many biographical films and TV shows that have explored the life of Marilyn Monroe , but none match up to Michelle Williams' performance as the iconic actress.

This movie cleverly focuses on one week in 1956, when Monroe was shooting the 1957 film "The Prince and the Showgirl" with Laurence Olivier (played in this film by Kenneth Branagh).

While shooting the film in London, Monroe is escorted around the town by a young, hopeful filmmaker (Eddie Redmayne).

'The Iron Lady' (2011)

Meryl Streep won her third Oscar for this biopic, winning best actress for playing Margaret Thatcher .

While the movie itself received luke-warm reviews, this is worth a watch for Streep's powerhouse performance alone as we are shown Thatcher's life from a young politician to her days as Prime Minister to the years when her health began to decline.

'Get on Up' (2011)

The late, great Chadwick Boseman starred in multiple biopics, but his performance as James Brown in "Get on Up" is one of his very best.

This biopic tells the complete story of Brown's life as he rose from poverty to become one of the most iconic musicians of all time.

'Fruitvale Station' (2013)

Michael B. Jordan made a name for himself with this heartbreaking and tragic movie following the story of Oscar Grant III.

The movie, which also stars fellow future MCU star Brie Larson, follows Oscar on the last day of 2008, which detailed how he was killed at the hands of police.

'Philomena' (2013)

Steve Coogan traded in his comedy chops for more drama with this movie, which he also wrote (with Jeff Pope).

Coogan plays a journalist who agrees to take on the story of an elderly Irish woman's (Judi Dench) search for her long-lost son, who was taken away from her by nuns when she was forced to live in a convent.

Dench earned an Oscar nomination for her funny and moving performance.

'The Theory of Everything' (2014)

This movie explores the lives of Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his now ex-wife Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones), from their times as university students to Hawking's diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and onwards.

Jones earned an Oscar nomination for her role while Redmayne won the Oscar for best actor.

'Legend' (2015)

Another case of an actor's performance outshining their own film. In "Legend," Tom Hardy takes on the dual role of Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, as the film follows the rise and fall of the infamous gangsters.

Hardy is unrecognizable in both roles and this film is worth watching for him alone.

'Trumbo' (2015)

Bryan Cranston earned his first and (so far) only Oscar nomination for his portrayal of blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, the man who wrote "Spartacus," "Roman Holiday" and "The Brave One."

This biopic follows Trumbo's early success in the industry to his eventual blacklisting in Hollywood for being a member of the USA's communist party and his career thereafter.

'Steve Jobs' (2015)

Another killer script from Aaron Sorkin served as the basis for this quietly-thrilling look at Steve Jobs, the late creative who built Apple.

The movie cleverly focuses on three separate product launches in different years, showing the sort of person Jobs was at work and at home.

Despite a troubled production history, which saw a change of actors and directors more than once, the movie soars with Michael Fassbender in the lead role of Jobs. He and Kate Winslet were both nominated for Oscars.

'The Founder' (2016)

This is the story of how one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the world was made: McDonald's.

Michael Keaton stars as the shady, ruthless, and ambitious businessman Ray Kroc, who stole the McDonald brothers' fast food business out from under them.

'The Two Popes' (2019)

While a movie about two Popes chatting for two hours might not sound thrilling, it actually is.

Written by "The Theory of Everything" scribe Anthony McCarten, Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins star as the future Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, respectively.

The two men engage in conversational battles of wit, principles, and conflicting opinions as Pope Benedict's time as the head of the Catholic Church comes to an end.

'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile' (2019)

In Zac Efron's darkest ever role , the "High School Musical" alum plays serial killer Ted Bundy.

Told from the point of view of his longtime girlfriend Liz (Lily Collins), who refused to believe the truth about Bundy, we learn of the horrific nature of one of America's most infamous killers.

'Mank' (2020)

Nominated for 10 Oscars and winning two , David Fincher's expertly-crafted movie explores the life of Hollywood screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and how he wrote "Citizen Kane."

Oldman earned an Oscar nomination for playing Mankiewicz, while Amanda Seyfried landed her first-ever Oscar nod for her supporting performance as actress Marion Davies.

Fincher presents this story in the format of a 1940s movie itself, complete with reel-change cigarette burns, which indicate when a film reel needs to be changed.

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

• Main content

11 of the best music documentaries, films and TV shows to watch on Netflix

From music impresarios to genre deep dives, no one does music documentaries better than Netflix

Whether you're in the mood for a genre deep dive, a pop-culture romp or a biography of an icon, you can count on Netflix to deliver the goods when it comes to music documentaries, films and series. 

Netflix has built up quite a repertoire when it comes to music content and its extensive library now spans its own original music TV shows and documentaries (some of which are included in this list), as well as harvesting some absolute treats from elsewhere.

With so much on offer, it can be more than a little tricky to pick through the service's suggestions to find something that will appeal to your sensibilities. So we've compiled a shortlist of some of the very best Netflix has to offer, from streaming classics to brand new documentaries, which we think every music fan will be able to appreciate, no matter their tastes.

• The best music documentaries included in Amazon Prime

Like a Rolling Stone: The Life & Times of Ben Fong-Torres

Packed with anecdotes of music legends, hippy counterculture, print media and vinyl, this documentary about legendary music journalist Ben Fong-Torres has access to so many rich veins of ephemeral nostalgia that, much like its subject, it's admirably restrained in its sentimentality.

With his erudite knowledge of popular music, reserved professionalism, dry humour and loud shirts, Fong-Torres joined Rolling Stone magazine at its inception as senior editor in 1968 and was quietly responsible for shaping the publication's now much-mythologised reputation as well as mentoring many of its staff. But he grew up the son of Chinese immigrants in post-war America during the Chinese Exclusion Act, and Fung-Torres faced so much daily racism and exclusion that, despite his prodigious talent, he was initially doubtful he could ever become a writer. 

Through his love of popular music, he found a sense of belonging. However, those formative experiences of being marginalised stayed with him, drawing him to stories of those similarly treated and leading many music greats to open up to him with uncharacteristic frankness. It's easy to see why Fong-Torres was so widely respected among musicians and, in some cases, the only journalist they would speak to. Not that they always liked what he wrote, but as the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir says, if Fong-Torres criticised them, they probably deserved it.

One of the highlights of this documentary is Fong-Torres sifting through his sprawling archive of yellowing cassette tapes featuring his interviews with a dizzying array of talent. From this treasure trove, we hear Tina Turner explain how Mick Jagger learned to dance from studying her show side of stage; Ray Charles discuss the indignity of touring in segregated states and Stevie Wonder recount hearing someone tell him that being Black is a greater disability than being blind.

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Profiling one of the 20th century's best profilers is no easy task, and director Suzanne Joe Kai does an excellent job of comprehensively chronicling and condensing a vast amount of social, music, media and personal history into 1 hr and 42 minutes. Occasionally snippets of the myriad of interviews with adulating celebrities feel a touch crammed in, which unsettles the overall narrative coherence and is at odds with the assertions that Fong-Torres wasn't bothered by fame or its proximity. But it's a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging film that's essential viewing for anyone with even the slightest interest in music or journalism.

The Sparks Brothers

In an age of effortless information, many music documentaries can often struggle to turn up anything that constitutes new ground regarding their subjects. During their six-decade career, tangible facts about the enigmatic multi-genre duo Sparks (Ron and Russell Mael) have become so entangled with their cultivated mythology, born from their absurdist performances and inscrutable songwriting, that this new definitive biography, The Sparks Brothers, will be something of a revelation for even the most ardent of fans.

Whether you're a fully-fledged member of the Kimono cult, or you just quite like trying to sing along to palpation inducing This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us, or indeed you're a total newcomer, The Sparks Brothers is so impeccably comprehensive and directed with such tangible delight by Edgar Wright ( Shaun Of The Dead , Hot Fuzz , Baby Driver ) that it instantly captivates viewers, taking them along for an intoxicating, stranger than fiction rollercoaster ride.

In a rare feat for a rock doc, Wright builds a cinematic universe worthy of his surrealist subjects that manages to retain an elusive air of performance art. Embracing the theatricality of the brothers Mael, Wright and animator Joseph Wallace mix collage cutouts with stop motion puppetry to illustrate both personal anecdotes and those that have become media folklore, such as John Lennon calling Ringo Starr to tell him that Adolf Hitler was playing keyboards on Top of the Pops (impeccably voiced by Nick Frost and Simon Pegg). Even the excessive roster of talking-head interviews, including Mike Myers, Weird Al Jankovic, Flea, Tony Visconti and Beck, are done in a distinctive, playful style that is anything but cliché.

The Sparks Brothers has a 98% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes for a good reason; if you love music, it's a must-watch.

Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy

Epic multi-part music documentaries being all the rage, Netflix’s new four and a half-hour film Jeen-yuhs is a timely, fascinating, if troubling study of Kanye West that looks set to prove essential viewing, regardless of your opinion on his more recent, headline-grabbing behaviour.

Released in three parts over the coming weeks, the first episode of Jeen-yuhs introduces us to West as an ambitious 21-year-old producer, prized (and occasionally taken advantage of) by other artists for his beats, but desperate to rap himself. While it now seems surreal to see West accosting PAs at the Roc-a-Fella Records offices, begging them to listen to future classics like  All Falls Down , it’s easy to see why his endearing but frantic attempts to secure a record deal weren’t immediately successful. He doesn’t sound like his contemporaries and, presciently large ego aside, he doesn't act like them either, constantly whipping in and out of his retainers to the disgust of the artists he’s trying to impress.

Directed by West’s longtime friend, Clarence ‘Coodie’ Simmons, who has been filming him since 2004, and Chike Ozah, Jeen-yuhs may not be wholly objective but it presents West as an artist with an empathetic frankness, and offers us a voyeuristic glimpse into his creative process and the early 2000’s hip-hop scene. The directors' close relationship to their subject also produces some of the film’s most poignant moments, such as when West’s unreservedly devoted mother Donda, who died in 2007, reveals the tenacious bond between mother and son. It’s impossible to watch without feeling moved. Hated, adored, but never ignored, this Kanye West documentary is fascinating viewing.

Inventing David Geffen

Whether you consider media mogul David Geffen a rags to riches sensation worthy of admiration for his unmitigated success in the worlds of music and film or a ruthless businessman cashing in on the talent of others, the story of his life, as he puts it forth, is a fascinating pop culture ride every bit as entertaining as the acts he represented.

This documentary features Geffen himself recalling his impoverished childhood in Brooklyn before making his way to LA and stealthily working his way up from mailroom boy at the William Morris Agency (a job he obtained by falsifying academic credentials) to talent agent after noticing that "they earn the most while knowing the least".

After going solo, Geffen managed acts including Laura Nyro and Crosby, Stills and Nash. By the time he was 30, he had founded Asylum Records signing artists such as The Eagles, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell. Mitchell's recollection of writing Free Man in Paris about Geffen and his continued bashfulness about the song gives a brief glimpse behind his carefully constructed facade.

With a life and career that encompasses his eponymous label, home to a diverse roster with the likes of Nirvana, Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Peter Gabriel and Olivia Newton-John; founding Dreamworks film studios; and nearly marrying Cher, there's no shortage of glittering talking heads who gush over – and occasionally critique – Geffen. The result, fact or fiction, is an engaging treat for music lovers.

The Defiant Ones

The Defiant Ones  is a four-part series that charts the partnership between Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine and rapper and record producer Dr. Dre. As much as being a music documentary, it's a story of entrepreneurship and how an artform helped build an empire for two pioneering individuals.

Not only are there hours of fascinating interviews with all the main players in the story but plenty of archive film footage of two masters at work. It's clear that both know a great track when they hear one and also how to get ahead in the cutthroat world of the music business (and later in consumer tech). But of course, as is so often the case, it also shows two people who are utterly driven to be successful. 

Thankfully, Dre and Iovine prove articulate and interesting interviewees, modest and self-aware (even as multi-millionaires sat in their luxurious homes) and with enough crazy tales from life and business that could have filled many documentaries. Sit back, relax, be impressed, entertained and inspired.

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Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives

Netflix just loves a documentary about media impresarios, and this two-hour feature on Clive Davis is ripe with nine decades-worth of history-making anecdotes that make Forest Gump look like an underachiever.

Growing up in a middle-class Jewish family in 1930s Brooklyn, Davis was still in his teens when his parents passed away in quick succession, an event that both devastated him and drove his unrelenting work ethic, initially as an entertainment lawyer and later as president of CBS Records.

Despite not having a musical background, Davis discovered that he had 'golden ears', a gift that, according to showbiz lore, led to him signing the likes of Janis Joplin, Gil Scott-Heron, Whitney Houston and Patti Smith. Davis' ears not only helped him discover artists but also influenced his shrewd management, allegedly pushing Bruce Springsteen to write Blinded by the Light by repeatedly rejecting his first album until he came up with a hit, and forcing Simon and Garfunkel to release Bridge Over Troubled Water as the lead single for their final album. And then there was his knack for relaunching stars such as Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, who had unbelievably fallen out of favour with the record-buying public.

Don't expect any big personal revelations – there's the odd juicy tidbit such as Davis claiming to decline Joplin's advances, and plenty of scandals involving payola and bitter corporate betrayal – but it's the examination of his relationship with Houston, from first discovering her and guiding her career (apparently insisting that the intro to I Will Always Love You remain a cappella ) to his feelings of ineptitude as he witnessed her decline, that is most telling.

Echo in the Canyon

This slightly patchy documentary pays homage to the folk-rock scene that grew out of Laurel Canyon in the mid-60s. It follows Jakob Dillon (Bob’s son) as he gathers some musician friends – Fiona Apple, Nora Jones, Beck and Regina Spektor – together for what is essentially a tribute show to the bands that defined the era, including The Byrds, The Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. 

Be warned: the film’s pacing is uneven, often self indulgently luxuriating over live footage of Dillon’s covers that are presumably a handy device to avoid paying for music rights. And there are pretty conspicuous gaps in the narrative too. There are no mentions of Joni Mitchel, Jim Morisson, Love, The Eagles or James Taylor, though Ringo Starr and his sports car seem to get plenty of screen time. There’s also no allusion to the Manson clan and the notorious murders committed at Cielo Drive that undeniably impacted the spirit of freedom and openness that had permeated the Canyon music community.

But despite these hefty caveats, Echo in the Canyon’s focus on the songs themselves is gently rewarding, as are many of the interviews with Crosby and Stills as well as Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, who gamely divulges on her musical ménage à trois with fellow band members, unapologetically grinning, “I was a very busy girl”.

ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium

Massacre at the Stadium is a very different kind of music documentary about the life of Victor Jara, a Chilean folk singer, songwriter and poet in the 1960s. His outspoken criticism of General Pinochet, who became the country's dictator by way of an American-backed coup ousting the democratically elected socialist president in 1973, resulted in his torture and murder by loyalist soldiers. A crime that went unexamined and unpunished for over 40 years.

Despite its graphic sounding title, the filmmakers refrain from getting too detailed on the violence that Jara endured, instead choosing to focus on his life, music and influence as well as the unrelenting activism mounted by his wife Joan Jara in the face of repression and bureaucratic indifference. His songs, both of protest and daily life, take front and centre, with artists including Bono and Bruce Springsteen paying tribute to his talent and bravery.

 Tick, Tick... Boom! 

A musical about the process of writing a musical: if the thought of Broadway legends suddenly breaking into a song about the futility of eating Sunday brunch in a New York diner fills you with dread, then you might assume that Tick, Tick... Boom! is not for you. 

But although Lin-Manuel Miranda's film about composer Jonathan Larson (played by an inconceivably talented Andrew Garfield) before he achieved the mega success of Rent might appear all showbiz jazz hands and heavy vibrato, it's actually an engaging reflection of a musician desperately seeking inspiration while struggling against the brutality of failure and the creative slog.

The narrative only examines Larson's life as he works on Superbia – a failed futuristic rock opera reimagining of George Orwell's 1984. It's interspersed with songs, both staged and interpolated, from what would be his next project, a one-man show called Tick, Tick… Boom! about the existential dread he felt about turning 30 without achieving success in his field, opening with the lament that he would soon be "older than Stephen Sondheim when he had his first Broadway show, older than Paul McCartney when he wrote his last song with John Lennon".

Larson did, of course, go on to be incredibly successful, but he sadly didn't live to see his work become celebrated, dying of a heart disorder at the age of 35 on the day of the first preview of Rent, for which he posthumously won the Tony Awards for best musical, best book and best score, as well as a Pulitzer.

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What Happened, Miss Simone?

A fascinating story of extraordinary talent.

The story of one of music’s truly troubled souls,  What Happened, Miss Simone?  is a fairly by the book's documentary – but you can’t really go too wrong with a character like Nina Simone, as her brilliance and music shine through everything.

A life filled with difficulties is traced with a vast amount of wonderful archive material and contemporary interviews; it’s the story of a fascinating life that frustrated the young Eunice Waymon from the start.

She yearned to be a ‘serious’ classical musician, but as a black girl in segregated North Carolina suffered instead from racism and discrimination at every turn. She would become, as Nina Simone, a major participant in the civil rights movement – which again set her all too often on a different path from financial opportunity, much to the annoyance of her husband and manager.

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What We Started

Netflix documentaries have almost become rubber stamps of endorsement for genres that up until recently would not have found mainstream approval, or even been considered by many to be 'serious' music.

What we Started chronicles three decades of electronic dance music with a focus on the careers of Carl Cox and Martin Garrix with interviews with stars from the genre's past, present and future including  Erick Morillo, Ed Sheeran, Moby, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Usher and Tiesto. The film expertly juxtaposes their various paths over time as it charts the genre's rise trying to keep both newcomers and the already initiated entertained.  

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• Cast & crew
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Back to Black

The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
• Eddie Marsan
• Jack O'Connell
• 65 User reviews
• 67 Critic reviews
• 49 Metascore

• Nick Shymansky

• Perfume Paul
• Great Auntie Renee

• Uncle Harold
• Auntie Melody

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Marisa Abela had done most of the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

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