Music Documentaries Seen
by MHersh34 | created - 08 Sep 2017 | updated - 3 days ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Anvil (2008)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
Since 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams.
Director: Sacha Gervasi | Stars: Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni, Scott Ian
Votes: 16,844 | Gross: $0.67M
2. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream (2007)
Not Rated | 259 min | Documentary, Music
"Runnin' Down A Dream," a film directed by cinema legend Peter Bogdanovich, is the story of one of America's great rock and roll bands told as never before.
Director: Peter Bogdanovich | Stars: Neil Armstrong, Mick Avory, Ron Blair, Peter Bogdanovich
Votes: 2,164
3. Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back (2014)
Not Rated | 104 min | Documentary, Music
Some bands deserve another shot, and another...and another...and another.
Director: Regina Russell Banali | Stars: Steven Adler, Eric Baker, Frankie Banali, Kevin Boisvert
Votes: 481
4. We Are Twisted Fucking Sister! (2014)
Not Rated | 135 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
They were the Grand Funk of Glam and the NY Dolls of Metal. Some considered Twisted Sister a joke, others called them the greatest bar band in the world. While microcosm of Punk/New Wave ... See full summary »
Director: Andrew Horn | Stars: Sally Avellino, Donna Boccuzzi, Garry Bushell, Phil Carson
Votes: 1,751
5. Joe Cocker: Mad Dog with Soul (2017)
90 min | Documentary
The story of singer Joe Cocker is told through archive footage and interviews for close associates.
Director: John Edginton | Stars: Joe Cocker, Phil Crookes, Vic Cocker, Ray Charles
Votes: 836
6. Woodstock (1970)
R | 184 min | Documentary, History, Music
Oscar-winning musical chronicle that brilliantly captures the three-day rock concert and celebration of peace and love that became a capstone for the Sixties.
Director: Michael Wadleigh | Stars: Joan Baez, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker
Votes: 18,469 | Gross: $50.00M
7. The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary showcase, what life was like for the music artists living during the Los Angeles Heavy Metal scene in the mid and late 1980s.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Joe Perry, Steven Tyler, Gene Simmons, Alice Cooper
Votes: 4,314 | Gross: $0.37M
8. All Things Must Pass (2015)
Not Rated | 94 min | Documentary, History, Music
'All Things Must Pass' is a documentary that explores the rise and fall of Tower Records, and its legacy forged by its rebellious founder, Russ Solomon.
Director: Colin Hanks | Stars: Russ Solomon, Michael Solomon, Heidi Cotler, Paul Brown
Votes: 3,560 | Gross: $0.17M
9. Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago (2016)
113 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The history of legendary rock band Chicago is chronicled from their inception in 1967 all the way to the present.
Director: Peter Curtis Pardini | Stars: Lee Loughnane, Robert Lamm, Walter Parazaider, James Pankow
Votes: 686
10.
Independent Lens (1999– )
Episode:
Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey
(2013)
R | 105 min | Documentary
A documentary on Arnel Pineda, who was plucked from YouTube to become the new singer for the rock & roll band, Journey.
Director: Ramona S. Diaz | Stars: Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory
Votes: 1,249
11. Supermensch (2013)
R | 85 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The life and career of the legendary Hollywood insider, Shep Gordon.
Directors: Beth Aala, Mike Myers | Stars: Shep Gordon, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Douglas, Alice Cooper
Votes: 3,403 | Gross: $0.21M
12. Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
TV-MA | 132 min | Documentary, Animation, Biography
An authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.
Director: Brett Morgen | Stars: Kurt Cobain, Wendy O'Connor, Don Cobain, Jenny Cobain
Votes: 32,139
13. Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Ginger Baker looks back on his musical career with Cream and Blind Faith; his introduction to Fela Kuti; his self-destructive patterns and losses of fortune; and his current life inside a fortified South African compound.
Director: Jay Bulger | Stars: Ginger Baker, Femi Kuti, Eric Clapton, Stewart Copeland
Votes: 3,616 | Gross: $0.11M
14. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
PG-13 | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.
Director: Malik Bendjelloul | Stars: Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Votes: 72,921 | Gross: $3.97M
15. History of the Eagles (2013)
Not Rated | 94 min | Documentary, Music
The life and times of the super successful American soft-rock band, Eagles.
Stars: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh
Votes: 2,811
16. Paul Williams: Still Alive (2011)
PG-13 | 87 min | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
A documentary about legendary songwriter and 70's icon Paul Williams.
Director: Stephen Kessler | Stars: Paul Williams, Warren Beatty, Robert Blake, Karen Carpenter
Votes: 984 | Gross: $0.04M
17. The Song Remains the Same (1976)
PG | 137 min | Documentary, Music
The line forms here for the world's greatest and possibly most influential band--Led Zeppelin. This mesmerizing movie built around Zep's famed 1973 concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden is convincing proof why.
Directors: Peter Clifton, Joe Massot | Stars: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham
Votes: 9,037
18. Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (2005)
R | 96 min | Documentary, Music
An examination of the heavy metal music subculture that tries to explain why, despite the longevity and popularity of the genre, fans are marginalized and ridiculed for their passion.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen, Jessica Joy Wise | Stars: Tom Araya, Gavin Baddeley, Blasphemer, Randy Blythe
Votes: 12,485
19. Who the Fuck Is That Guy? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago (2017)
85 min | Documentary, Music
'Who The Fuck Is That Guy'? The Fabulous Journey Of Michael Alago tells the astonishing story of a gay Puerto Rican kid growing up in a Hasidic Brooklyn neighborhood, who got on the subway ... See full summary »
Director: Drew Stone | Stars: Michael Alago, Phil Anselmo, Mina Caputo, Cheetah Chrome
Votes: 558
20. The Wrecking Crew! (2008)
PG | 101 min | Documentary, History, Music
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew", a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bing Crosby.
Director: Denny Tedesco | Stars: Brian Wilson, Dick Clark, Cher, Herb Alpert
Votes: 3,680 | Gross: $0.80M
21. Family Band: The Cowsills Story (2011)
90 min | Documentary, Biography, Family
The story of the real-life family pop group consisting of six kids and their mother that inspired TV's "Partridge Family".
Directors: Bill Filipiak, Louise Palanker | Stars: Bill Cowsill, Bob Cowsill, Richard Cowsill, Paul Cowsill
Votes: 457
22. Hired Gun (2016)
Not Rated | 98 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary film about session and touring musicians that are hired by well established and famous bands and artists like Metallica, KISS, and Billy Joel. These hired guns may not be household names, but are still masters of their craft.
Director: Fran Strine | Stars: John 5, Kenny Aronoff, Corey Britz, Kara Britz
Votes: 2,213
23. Kiss: X-treme Close-Up (1992 Video)
Music
An in-depth interview with Gene, Paul, Bruce & Eric. X-Treme close you takes you from the very beginnings of Kiss up to the early 90s. Interviewed by Jay Leno and featuring music videos through out.
Directors: Bill Bowman, Mark Rezyka | Stars: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer
Votes: 197
24. If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd (2018)
TV-14 | 97 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
This authorized documentary will explore the music and backstory of the legendary American band. With the songs from the first six Skynyrd albums driving the narration, the film focuses on ... See full summary »
Director: Stephen Kijak | Stars: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Johnny Van Zant
Votes: 1,663
25. Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation (2019)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, History
In August 1969, 500,000 people gathered at a farm in upstate New York. What happened there was far more than just a concert. Woodstock tells the story of a legendary event that defined a ... See full summary »
Directors: Barak Goodman, Jamila Ephron | Stars: John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Joel Makower, Bob Spitz
Votes: 1,963 | Gross: $0.08M
26. Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017)
Not Rated | 123 min | Documentary
A look at the life and work of music producer, Clive Davis.
Director: Chris Perkel | Stars: Clive Davis, Simon Cowell, Jimmy Iovine, Sean 'Diddy' Combs
Votes: 1,222
27. Echo in the Canyon (2018)
PG-13 | 82 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.'s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
Director: Andrew Slater | Stars: Lou Adler, Fiona Apple, The Beach Boys, Beck
Votes: 4,011 | Gross: $3.33M
28. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band's musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the '70s to their current heavy rock style.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart, Trent Reznor
Votes: 4,891
29. ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (2019)
91 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet.
Director: Sam Dunn | Stars: Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard, ZZ Top
Votes: 1,977 | Gross: $0.01M
30. KISS My A**: The Video (1994 Video)
90 min | Documentary, Music
Paul Stanly and Gene Simmons discuss the origins of Kiss while displaying memorabelia and concert footage spanning 1975 - 1992.
Directors: Mitchell Kanner, KISS, Jack Edward Sawyers | Stars: Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley
Votes: 110
31. Duran Duran: There's Something You Should Know (2018)
TV-MA | 58 min | Documentary, Music
Charting their trajectory over four decades, the band's story is told through seven of their albums. Each record uncovers a compelling chapter in the band's journey.
Director: Zoe Dobson | Stars: Duran Duran, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor
Votes: 603
32. The Terry Kath Experience (2016)
80 min | Documentary
A journey into the mind of one of the most underrated guitarists in rock history. Follow Terry's daughter as she discovers the truth around the life and death of a father she never knew.
Director: Michelle Kath Sinclair | Stars: George Buetow, Mat Campbell, Mike Campbell, Peter Cetera
Votes: 296
33. The Rainbow (2019)
71 min | Documentary, Music
While the world around it has changed dramatically, The Rainbow Bar and Grill has remained as one of the last bastions of true Rock n' Roll on Hollywood's famed Sunset Strip. Legendary musicians recount their stories from the iconic venue.
Director: Zak Knutson | Stars: Wendy Dio, Micky Dolenz, Brent Fitz, Lita Ford
Votes: 378
34. The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019 TV Movie)
86 min | Documentary
A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.
Directors: Christopher Bird, Simon Lupton | Stars: Freddie Mercury, Queen, Rami Malek, Joe Jonas
Votes: 2,340
35. David Foster: Off the Record (2019)
TV-MA | 106 min | Documentary
The Victoria, BC-born Foster mixes rare archival footage, interviews and unprecedented access to Foster to chart the career of the multihyphenate who has helped sell more than a half-billion records collaborating with various artists.
Director: Barry Avrich | Stars: Paul Anka, Carole Bayer Sager, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé
Votes: 676
36. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)
TV-MA | 111 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An exploration of the history of the Bee Gees, featuring revealing interviews with oldest brother Barry Gibb, and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice.
Director: Frank Marshall | Stars: Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Peter Brown
Votes: 5,624
37. Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell (2021)
R | 97 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
This documentary features rare footage filmed by Christopher Wallace's best friend, Damion "D-Roc" Butler, and interviews with his closest friends and family, revealing a side of Biggie Smalls that the world never knew.
Director: Emmett Malloy | Stars: The Notorious B.I.G., Damion Butler, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Voletta Wallace
Votes: 5,557
38.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Inventing David Geffen
(2012)
Not Rated | 115 min | Documentary, Biography, History
David Geffen's far-reaching influence - as agent, manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and philanthropist - has helped shape American popular culture for the ... See full summary »
Director: Susan Lacy | Stars: David Geffen, Irving Azoff, Jackson Browne, Cher
Votes: 586
39. Wham! (2023)
TV-14 | 92 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham career, from '70s best buds to '80s pop icons.
Director: Chris Smith | Stars: Bananarama, Bono, David Bowie, Boy George
Votes: 8,948
40. Dio: Dreamers Never Die (2022)
127 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The first career spanning documentary on the heavy metal vocalist to be authorized by the artist's estate includes scenes with peers, family and friends; never before seen footage; personal photos.
Directors: Don Argott, Demian Fenton | Stars: Ronnie James Dio, Wendy Dio, Mick Wall, Dave Feinstein
Votes: 1,451
41. The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
PG-13 | 96 min | Documentary, Music
On January 25th 1985, dozens of the era's most popular musicians gathered in Los Angeles to record a charity single for African famine relief. Setting egos aside, they collaborated on a song that would make history.
Director: Bao Nguyen | Stars: Lionel Richie, Harriet Sternberg, Wendy Rees, Harry Belafonte
Votes: 11,221
42. Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (2024)
TV-MA | 56 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Follows the history of Bon Jovi, featuring personal videos, photos, and music that provide a look at Jon Bon Jovi's life and the band's journey from New Jersey clubs to global fame.
Stars: Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Phil X
Votes: 592
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