20 essential music documentaries to stream right now

As a music lover and someone who has seen my fair share of biographical documentaries, I must say that each one of these films offers a unique and poignant glimpse into the lives of some truly exceptional artists. From Tupac Shakur to Whitney Houston, each artist’s story is as captivating as their music.

Over the past ten years, the streaming era has led to a surge in documentary production. No matter what your preference in nonfiction subjects might be – serial killers, cult leaders, athletes, swindlers, or animal lovers specializing in exotic creatures – you’ll likely find numerous documentaries on those topics just a few clicks away.

It’s fortunate that we can appreciate a compelling story about something relatable to all humans: music. Lately, there’s been a surge in pop music documentaries covering various topics, such as Wham! and Jennifer Lopez. In just the past few months, captivating full-length films about Celine Dion and Elton John have premiered on streaming services, offering a fresh perspective on these legendary artists. Apple TV+ is also planning to release a film about Fleetwood Mac. Moreover, these platforms provide an opportunity for viewers to delve into great documentaries from the early days of pop music as well.

If you’re a music enthusiast, eager to learn more about the lives and careers of musicians – whether they’ve been mistreated, misjudged, or simply gifted beyond measure – we’ve put together a collection of exceptional documentaries that you can stream right now. This list has been curated by TV critic Robert Lloyd and reporter Meredith Blake, and although it’s not exhaustive, it serves as an excellent starting point for those seeking one fantastic music documentary or several. Please be aware that some highly-regarded titles, such as “Truth or Dare,” “Amy,” and “Some Kind of Monster,” are currently only available for rental and therefore not included in this list.

‘Jazz on a Summer’s Day’ (1959)

Would I call this memento of the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival the best of all concert films? I would. Certainly it’s the most visually beautiful, co-directed by the American fashion photographer Bert Stern (best known for Marilyn Monroe’s last photo session) with editor Aram Avakian. Creamy and atmospheric, with a keen sense of color and light, it arranges performances from four days into a single, morning-to-night concert, beginning with Thelonious Monk and ending with Mahalia Jackson. Along the way are the likes of Sonny Stitt, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O’Day in her big feathered hat, Chuck Berry backed by jazz musicians (this must be the only version of “Sweet Little Sixteen” to include a clarinet solo), Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden doing their “Rocking Chair” double act, and much more. (Stream on Plex and Kanopy.) — Robert Lloyd

‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’ (2015)

Liz Garbus’ documentary about the life and career of singer-pianist Nina Simone is incredibly captivating, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. Originally aiming for a career in classical piano, destiny led Simone down a different path, where she utilized her training to create a unique fusion of jazz, blues, Bach, soul, and pop that made her a celebrated figure from the late 1950s onwards. The film explores various themes, including race, personal agency, mental health struggles, and the tumultuous relationships often found in show business when an individual is also viewed as a commodity. However, Simone’s extraordinary talent truly stands out – every performance, shown throughout the documentary, is nothing short of mesmerizing. (Available to stream on Netflix.) – R.L.

‘Dont Look Back’ (1967)

Currently, Bob Dylan or Timothée Chalamet is experiencing a surge of attention due to the upcoming biopic “A Complete Unknown.” For a gritty, black-and-white look at the real deal in action, check out D.A. Pennebaker’s cinema vérité documentation of Dylan’s 1965 tour of England. Here, Dylan transforms from a highly regarded Folk Hope to an Artistic Rebel. The Dylan portrayed here can be endearing or haughty, sometimes both simultaneously – childish yet wise. His solo performances, as captured by Pennebaker, are riveting and beautiful, but he also skillfully captures the public excitement and private moments. This footage is also where the iconic “Subterranean Homesick Blues” cue-card proto-video was born, added as a sort of overture. You can stream it for free on Max and Criterion Channel until January 1. (R.L.)

Bob Dylan, ever elusive, has starred in or inspired numerous movies. Here are five to watch before the arrival of ‘A Complete Unknown’ starring Timothée Chalamet.

Dec. 11, 2024

‘Long Strange Trip’ (2017)

Regarding the Grateful Dead’s music and the culture they fostered, Amir Bar-Lev’s four-hour docuseries may seem just right or excessively long depending on your perspective. However, for those not indifferent to them, this film, sweet yet bittersweet, humorous yet tragic, inspiring, and affectionate without being biased, truly warrants its length. As a band that didn’t follow a predetermined path (“I don’t know where I’m going,” as one of their songs puts it, “but I’m going to go for it”), they inadvertently created a devoted fanbase that persists even today. The band members, particularly Jerry Garcia, offer insightful commentary on the essence and genesis of their music and the collective consciousness that shaped it. As Phil Lesh, the bass player (who passed away this year), put it, “The moment is king; no one person can conceive of everything themselves.” (Streaming on Prime Video.) – R.L.

‘The Velvet Underground’ (2021)

Todd Haynes’ documentary “The Velvet Underground” creatively tackles the challenge of portraying a musical group whose recorded material was sparse but whose influence endured for half a century. The film uses photographs, snippets from related films, and silent footage shot by mentor Andy Warhol, which can be both confusing and enlightening. Ultimately, the movie skillfully narrates their story, capturing the unique, edgy atmosphere of this New York City-based band like no other. Similar to many rock ‘n’ roll tales, it’s a saga of collaborative talents fueling each other’s creativity before personal disagreements and ambition lead to their demise; however, not every band leaves such an indelible mark. (Available for streaming on Apple TV+.) — R.L.

‘Zappa’ (2020)

In contrast to “The Velvet Underground” dealing with restricted resources, the director Alex Winter had unrestricted access to Frank Zappa’s extensive archives, filled with countless recordings, films, and seemingly every piece of footage he ever made. This energetic exploration into the life, art, and era of Frank Zappa is enriched with unseen clips and photos that even die-hard fans haven’t caught yet; anecdotes from friends, family, and collaborators add depth to a person who was both a public figure and a private individual. Winter focuses less on the comedian with scatological humor and more on the serious musician, delving into the early work with the Mothers of Invention and the orchestral music Zappa composed throughout his lifetime. As the composer states, “My aspirations are straightforward: I just want to achieve excellent performances and recordings of everything I ever wrote, so I can listen to it.” (Stream on Tubi, Prime Video, and Hulu.) — R.L.

‘20 Feet From Stardom’ (2013)

Morgan Neville’s Academy Award-winning film focuses on the unsung heroes of the music industry – the backup singers, predominantly women of color, who infused soul into recordings and glamour to stage shows from the 1960s onwards. The movie features insights from Darlene Love, Claudia Lennear, Merry Clayton, Táta Vega, among others, as they discuss the challenges of overcoming discrimination, luck, and the transition from behind the scenes to center stage. There’s a sense of melancholy woven throughout the film, as these gifted women struggle to attain stardom despite changes in taste and production that have made even session work less common. However, the music remains the heart of the story, and there’s a lot of it. As Jo Lawry, a backup singer for Sting, puts it, “There’s something magical that happens when you harmonize with someone, if you don’t appreciate that, then I wonder, what do you appreciate?” (Stream on the Roku Channel.) – R.L.

‘Always for Pleasure’ (1978)

Les Blank’s documentaries, which often blend music, culture, and food, are accessible on both Kanopy and the Criterion Channel. Among these, “Chulas Fronteras” (Tex-Mex norteño), “The Blues According to Lightning Hopkins,” “Spend It All” (Cajun life), and “In Heaven There Is No Beer” (polka culture) are some of his works that you shouldn’t miss. However, I find myself revisiting “Always for Pleasure,” a deep dive into New Orleans by Blank, showcasing the city beyond its tourist facade, revealing its ordinary yet extraordinary life, even during funerals. Musicians like Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, the Neville Brothers, and the Wild Tchoupitoulas in their vibrant costumes are featured, along with numerous anonymous brass and percussion players. Singer Irma Thomas shares her cooking secrets for beans. If you’re a fan of “Treme,” this is a must-watch! (Stream on Kanopy and Criterion Channel.) — R.L.

‘The Decline of Western Civilization’ (1981)

Penelope Spheeris’ iconic film, set amidst Los Angeles punk’s early but evolving phase, portrays a unique blend of black musical comedy, anarchic bohemianism, and rebellious performances by bands such as X, the Bags, Black Flag, Fear, and others. The movie captures these groups both on stage and in their personal lives, offering glimpses into their homes (Darby Crash of the Germs cooks breakfast, John Doe from X tattoos Top Jimmy, Ron Reyes of Black Flag showcases his living quarters). Interviews with fans, some self-aware while others less so, provide additional insights. One fan expresses his anger: “Living in this city and seeing everything – all the old people, the buses, the dirt.” Those from a specific era and taste might recognize familiar faces or perhaps see reflections of themselves. (Stream on Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, Kanopy, and YouTube.) — R.L.

‘Patti Smith: Dream of Life’ (2008)

According to Patti Smith, life doesn’t follow a straight or simple path as depicted in this unconventional documentary. Instead, each person has their unique internal realm that isn’t always tidy. Over the course of several years from the mid-90s to the mid-00s, photographer Steven Sebring captured Smith’s life journey and assembled the fragments into an artistic mosaic. The film showcases Smith both onstage, where she is deeply devoted to her art in a near-religious manner, and offstage, where she is a caring mother, daughter, and friend – displaying a playful and affectionate side. A distinctive feature of this rock documentary is the subject spending time with family, particularly Smith’s heartwarming interactions with her father. Smith remarks, “My dad makes the best coffee,” to which her father humbly replies, “Don’t make too much of it.” (Streaming on Tubi, Pluto, and YouTube.) — R.L.

‘Summer of Soul (or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)’ (2021)

Documentaries can give a fresh perspective on something you thought you knew well, or uncover history that has been overlooked or deliberately hidden. This is exactly what happened when Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson created the delightful, Oscar-winning film, “Summer of Soul,” about the Harlem Cultural Festival. Unlike Woodstock, which occurred just a few hours away during the same summer and has been extensively celebrated since, the Harlem Cultural Festival slipped into obscurity. Hidden in a basement for decades, footage from around 40 hours of this event was used to create “Summer of Soul.” The film showcases captivating performances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and B.B. King. News clips and contemporary interviews offer sufficient context to understand the cultural environment, but never detract from the enchantment. (Stream it on Hulu.) – Meredith Blake

‘Tina’ (2021)

In 2021, when the documentary “Tina” was released, Tina Turner’s life story – particularly her breakaway from an abusive marriage with Ike Turner and the successful solo career that ensued – had already become legendary in rock music lore, thanks to the popular autobiography “I, Tina” and the biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It”. However, “Tina” offers a revealing perspective on the woman behind the legend. Born Annie Mae Bullock, Turner was given her stage name by Ike, with whom she started performing as a teenage girl full of insecurity. Directors T.J. Martin and Dan Lindsay do not shy away from depicting the violence Turner faced during her marriage, but “Tina” is also a tribute to her extraordinary charm. The film stands out for its extensive interviews with Turner herself, marking her final public appearance before she passed away in 2023. (Stream on Max.) — M.B.

‘Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary’ (2024)

As a music enthusiast and fan, I’ve found myself captivated by an amusingly quirky documentary titled “Yacht Rock.” This intriguing series was born in the late 90s when a group of like-minded individuals in Los Angeles began creating spoof videos centered around the soft-rock legends of the ’70s and early ’80s. The series gained traction, sparking a resurgence in appreciation for the polished tunes produced by artists such as Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Toto, and many others who intersected in the L.A. music scene before MTV took over.

‘The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart’ (2020)

This documentary, titled “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” sheds light on the fact that while the Bee Gees were famously associated with disco due to the massive success of the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, they were far more than just a one-hit-wonder band. Born in Australia and making their way to England in the 1960s, the Brothers Gibb, Barry, Maurice, and Robin, produced an array of hit records throughout their career. Despite the anti-disco sentiment, their music was versatile and adaptable, transitioning from high-pitched falsettos to jumping on the disco bandwagon as the times changed. The film delves into the captivating stories behind some of their most iconic hits, like “Jive Talkin’,” which was inspired by the sound of a car crossing a bridge. Ultimately, this film is a celebration of a group that was unfairly criticized but serves as a bittersweet tribute to brotherhood. Stream it on Max. (— M.B.)

‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ (2024)

If you were born in the 1980s, you likely remember “We Are the World” being played frequently on the radio and recognizing it as a charity single from 1985 aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. However, you may not have given much thought to the immense logistical task of bringing together numerous music legends, with their large egos and big hairdos, into a Los Angeles recording studio to record the song. Directed by Bao Nguyen, “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a captivating documentary that recounts the behind-the-scenes story of how Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson wrote the song and orchestrated an all-star team, including Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, and Tina Turner, to record the track in one long, sleepless night after the American Music Awards. The documentary is suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you wonder if Prince will make an appearance or find out which artists will get solo verses, even though you might already know the answer. It’s a humorous and touching piece of ’80s nostalgia that will make you admire the genius of producer Quincy Jones, appreciate the endurance of Richie who also hosted the AMAs that night, and reminisce about when pop music seemed larger than life. (Available on Netflix.) – M.B.

‘Milli Vanilli’ (2023)

Initially, Milli Vanilli was a highly successful pop duo during the late 1980s and early 1990s, often making headlines for their unique looks and style that perfectly fit the MTV era. However, it was later exposed that they didn’t sing any of the songs on their hit album “Girl You Know It’s True.” In reality, a scheme masterminded by German producer Frank Farian had them lip-syncing to recordings made by other artists who were less marketable due to their appearance. The Milli Vanilli scandal, which has long been seen as a humorous warning against chasing fame at any cost, is now being reinterpreted as a heartbreaking narrative about the mistreatment of artists – particularly Black artists – within the music industry. (Stream on Paramount+) — M.B.

‘Nothing Compares’ (2022)

30 years after Sinéad O’Connor infamously tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live” in 1992, her passing sparked renewed appreciation for her actions as a protest against the Catholic Church. Kathryn Ferguson’s film “Nothing Compares,” released in 2022 before her death, provides a compassionate reevaluation of O’Connor, a celebrity who faced brutal canceling for standing up for truth. The film is built around an extensive interview with O’Connor, who discusses her turbulent childhood, meteoric rise to fame, and the harsh criticism she endured. “Nothing Compares” honors the raw emotional intensity of her music, her courage to challenge injustice, and a unique persona that defied societal norms for young, female pop stars during the 90s and 2000s. (Available for streaming on Paramount+.) — M.B.

‘Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck’ (2015)

Filmmaker Brett Morgen delved into Kurt Cobain’s personal archives for numerous years to create this film, offering a multilayered, surprisingly intimate portrayal of the late Nirvana lead vocalist. The movie employs artwork, journal entries, audio recordings, and Super 8 footage depicting a blonde-haired Cobain strumming a toy guitar, demonstrating how the singer expressed his childhood turmoil—particularly the tumult caused by his parents’ divorce—through his music, ultimately becoming an uneasy Gen X icon. Unlike typical rock documentaries, it avoids common tropes and instead features interviews with Cobain’s immediate family, bandmate Krist Novoselic, and wife Courtney Love, rather than relying on a procession of talking heads to explain Nirvana’s influence. The outcome is not a saintly portrayal, but an enlightening look into the brief life of an artist who was both tormented and gifted. (Stream it on Max.) — M.B.

‘Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur’ (2023)

In the crowded landscape of musical biographies, this five-part docuseries titled “Dear Mama” distinguishes itself by delicately intertwining Afeni Shakur’s political activism with her son Tupac’s musical heritage. Directed by Allen Hughes, renowned for his Emmy-winning work on “The Defiant Ones,” the series offers a chronological narrative that paints intricate portraits of both mother and son. It reveals how Afeni, an intelligent and driven woman, became involved with the Black Panther Party in New York, demonstrated courage in court without formal legal training, and battled drug addiction. It also introduces Tupac, a bright and sensitive teenager who was tragically killed at 25, whose way with words would later earn him recognition as a key figure in West Coast gangsta rap. The series skillfully highlights the intriguing similarities between Tupac and Afeni, despite their sometimes tumultuous relationship. (Available for streaming on Hulu.) — M.B.

‘Whitney’ (2018)

Under the guidance of director Kevin McDonald, renowned for his work on “Marley,” this poignant documentary delves into the dark struggles that haunted Whitney Houston in the years leading up to her untimely death at age 48 due to accidental drowning. With a voice reaching transcendental heights and an unmatched beauty, Houston seemed destined for pop stardom during the MTV era. However, as “Whitney” suggests, the self-sacrifice and denial that propelled her meteoric rise may have equally contributed to her tragic downfall.

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2024-12-28 15:39