We love motion pictures that may do a lotof issues directly — like music documentaries! Sounding nearly as good as they appear, music docs are sometimes dramatic, rags-to-riches (and generally again once more) tales filled with spicy tales and engaging histories. And right here's a bit of secret about musicians: they don't know easy methods to be boring.

Netflix’s music documentaries showcase a variety of genres, from hip-hop to rock to classical. Whether or not you’re a devoted Bob Dylan fan or a ride-or-die member of the BeyHive, there’s a film to fit your style.

01 of 18

The Best Evening in Pop (2024)

January, 1985. Reagan is sworn in for a second time period, Beverly Hills Cop is the No. 1 film on the Cineplex, and 46 legendary artists collect someplace in Hollywood to report a tune. The aim? To boost cash for African famine reduction. The end result? Historical past made. The brainchild of Quincy Jones, “We Are The World”turned out to be far more than only a single, snowballing right into a doc of time and place. This fly-on-the-wall music documentary covers all of it, from Cyndi Lauper's wail to Bruce Springsteen's growl to the truth that poor Huey Lewis needed to comply with Michael Jackson.

Where to watch The Greatest Night in Pop: Netflix

02 of 18

Rolling Thunder Revue (2019)

America was in turmoil in 1975: post-Vietnam, post-Watergate, pre-bicentennial. After which there was Bob Dylan lined in white clown make-up, providing a soundtrack for the entire affair. Bringing his Rolling Thunder Revue tour to small levels throughout the nation, Dylan and his band of merry pranksters (Allen Ginsberg, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez) performed music… and a lot extra.

Dylan's imaginative and prescient was a type of selection present gone wild, packing the night with songs, costumes, poetry, and pranks, a lot of it caught on movie. Who higher to edit the footage (plus new interviews with many faux/composite individuals) than Dylan super-fan Martin Scorsese? The result’s a movie EW’s critic referred to as each "highly effective and playful" and "Dylan’s private magical thriller tour."

Where to watch Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorcese:Netflix

03 of 18

Homecoming: A Movie by Beyoncé (2019)

Calling this a "live performance movie" is like calling haute delicacies a Blissful Meal; it simply doesn't do the masterpiece that’s Homecoming justice. Directed by Queen B herself, the doc captures two of Beyoncé's legendary Coachella performances, providing a glimpse into months of rehearsals, choreography, childcare, and unimaginable work ethic.

Marching bands, cameos, chill-inducing segues, and an viewers that can’t consider their luck solely provides to the spectacle. As EW’s author put it: "What she and her large workforce pull off is among the most rousing tributes to Black music — and the indefatigable Beyoncé — anybody may have imagined."

Where to watch Homecoming, A Film by Beyonce: Netflix

04 of 18

What Occurred, Miss Simone? (2015)

You'd be hard-pressed to discover a documentary topic extra fascinating than Nina Simone. The girl was iconic, whether or not she was singing songs — like "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and the highly effective "Pirate Jenny" — or talking her thoughts and standing up for what she believed in.

Based on EW’s critic, this doc provides a "clear-eyed primer on the girl whose expertise carried her from an impoverished childhood in Tryon, N.C., to the world’s most rarefied levels — and whose political defiance almost ended her profession." Whereas speaking heads (together with members of the family and her musical director) assist clarify her historical past, the music tells her actual story.

Where to watch What Happened, Miss Simone?: Netflix

05 of 18

American Symphony (2023)

This documentary brings us greater than Jon Batiste's wonderful music; it's additionally a critical tear-jerker that profiles his spouse, acclaimed author Suleika Jaouad, and her leukemia analysis. American Symphony is a wonderful movie concerning the artistic course of and the way it weaves into an artist's private life. The digicam stays shut, capturing painful moments (Jaouad within the hospital), sweetness (exchanging marriage ceremony rings fabricated from inexperienced twist ties), and most of all, Batiste's unimaginable ardour.

Where to watch American Symphony:Netflix

06 of 18

Quincy (2018)

This Grammy-award-winning documentary, co-directed by his daughter (Rashida Jones of Parks and Rec fame) captures the late, legendary Quincy Jones. His life, as offered right here, was a unending circulate of creativity, journey, and love, together with shut friendships/working partnerships with Frank Sinatra (who credited Jones with injecting new power into his music) and his romance with actress Peggy Lipton (Rashida’s mother).

He underwent two mind surgical procedures, recorded about 3,000 songs and 300 albums, and landed an EGOT. But regardless of all of his achievements, Jones comes off as supremely chill, undeniably cool, and at his essence, a person who cherished his household.

Where to watch Quincy: Netflix

07 of 18

Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley (2024)

Whether or not you're an Elvis scholar or an informal fan, one efficiency most likely stands out to you — his 1968 TV particular. Baz Luhrmann's movie provides the manufacturing the goosebump-inducing hero's journey it deserves, and this music doc dives even deeper right into a peak second in his profession — when the King made a comeback.

The footage is mesmerizing, presenting a leather-clad, tanned, barely nervous Elvis taking part in rock 'n roll soaked in gospel and blues and lighting it on fireplace. In an enchanting flip, this present turned the truest expression of Elvis' ardour, a love for music that by no means left him even throughout his darkest hours.

Where to watch Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley: Netflix

08 of 18

Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017)

Most movies have Q&As following their premieres; Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives opted for a star-studded Radio Metropolis Music Corridor live performance that includes the likes of Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, and Earth, Wind & Hearth, which tells every part we have to learn about who Davis was — a famous person in his personal proper.

As a person who spent 50 years discovering the largest names in music, Davis had vary, y'all, signing and supporting Janis Joplin, the Kinks, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Whitney Houston (whose struggles broke his coronary heart), and the Grateful Useless. Bob Weir stated he had a "golden ear," whereas Patti Smith stated he had a "weak point for artists." Davis was the last word A&R man, and this music documentary brings us alongside for the trip.

Where to watch Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives: Netflix

09 of 18

The Solely Woman within the Orchestra (2024)

Sure, we cherished Tár, however this documentary about an actual lady within the male-dominated world of classical music ain't it. And that's an excellent factor! Detailing the extraordinary journey of double bassist Orin O'Brien, who was the primary full-time feminine member of the New York Philharmonic, this quick movie captures the fantastic world of rehearsals, music lessons, tiny flats, and pure music geekery. In different phrases, if you would like a glimpse right into a life dedicated to creativity, look no additional.

Where to watch The Only Girl in the Orchestra:Netflix

10 of 18

Duran Duran: There's One thing You Ought to Know (2018)

You possibly can't inform the story of the Nineteen Eighties with out Duran Duran, and vice versa. The video age arrived across the similar time these British blokes did, and their first music video, "Ladies on Movie," cemented their place in popular culture. Issues solely obtained hotter from there (good day, "Hungry Just like the Wolf").

However what's maybe gotten misplaced within the shuffle of historical past — or drowned out by screaming followers — is the band's sheer expertise, each musically (densely layered, extremely lush pop) and visually, from their New Romantic fashion to their report covers (Patrick Nagel’s "Rio" paintings outlined a technology). This movie units the report straight, reminding us of each their artistry and their era-defining coolness.

Where to watch Duran Duran: There's Something You Should Know:Netflix

11 of 18

WHAM! (2023)

Seeing the identify Chris Smith (mastermind behind American Film) makes a documentary a must-watch, and WHAM! isn’t any exception. This movie exudes pleasure, shade, and life with a surprisingly gritty edge. One of many memorable moments comes in the beginning, with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley driving round London circa 1981 on their bicycles, hitting up report corporations with their tapes.

Smith's 'zine-like strategy is riveting, protecting WHAM's first single, a rap tune they carried out like a celebration on Prime of the Pops, pages from Andrew's mum's scrapbook, BBC information clips, a record-signing at a Sam Goody in a U.S. mall, purchasing for shorts, and bopping world wide. When you're already a fan, you'll swoon. If not, get able to be transformed.

Where to watch WHAM!:Netflix

12 of 18

Gaga: 5 Foot Two (2017)

Dramatic? Inspirational? Surprising? Would you count on something much less? Girl Gaga's mesmerizing documentary, 5 Foot Two, is a journey, mom, and we wouldn't need it every other manner. From critical well being struggles to intense fan interactions, from recording with Mark Ronson to studying about her late aunt Joanna (who she named an album after), from falling off a horse to procuring at Walmart… the entire thing ends with a bang (her Tremendous Bowl efficiency). The decision? Gaga: 5 Foot Two is gripping with a capital G.

Where to watch Gaga: Five Foot Two:Netflix

13 of 18

Miss Americana: Taylor Swift (2020)

Greater than only a movie for die-hard superfans, Miss Americana is a finely crafted doc of a younger lady in a cultural whirlwind of her personal making. As EW’s author put it, that is an "intimate movie" that totally enters the World of Swift, "capturing the singer not simply in her public-facing moments but additionally in her private areas, poring over previous diaries, cooking with associates, and turning into emotional as she fiercely debates a crucial picture resolution along with her advisors." In different phrases, even with out the songs, this film could be a banger. With it? Considered one of our favourite music documentaries ever.

Where to watch Miss Americana:Netflix

14 of 18

It's Solely Life After All (2023)

Cardboard containers labeled "Amy's Tapes." Flannel shirts. Entrance-porch swings. This Indigo Ladies documentary is as earnest and humble as their music. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers discuss themselves so modestly that it's simple to overlook their legendary standing.

Using Amy's previous video digicam footage and current-day interviews, It's Solely Life After All covers quite a lot of floor — music, politics, the heartbreaking ways in which homophobia harm their profession, friendship, insecurity, and survival. There are such a lot of fascinating takes on this movie, together with their views on faith and SNL (the parodies bothered them as a result of they have been by no means invited on the present). You'll by no means watch Barbie's escape (that includes "Nearer to Wonderful") fairly the identical manner.

Where to watch It's Only Life After All:Netflix

15 of 18

Girls First: A Story of Ladies in Hip-Hop (2023)

"We don't await others to validate our dopeness. We all know we're dope. They'll catch up." YES! This four-part sequence is uplifting, empowering, and crammed with wonderful girls (from musicians to producers to professors) saying killer stuff you'll need to write down, placed on a poster, T-shirt, billboard, or all three. So energizing it simply would possibly exchange your morning espresso, seeing legends from Queen Latifah to Saweetie to MC Lyte to Tierra Whack discuss music — and play it — is solely elegant. Watch it now, thank us later.

Where to watch Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop: Netflix

16 of 18

Shania Twain: Not Only a Woman (2022)

This documentary sees Shania Twain (sounding just like the small-town Canadian gal she is) inform her personal story, usually instantly into the digicam, whereas sitting cross-legged in quite a lot of cozy dwelling rooms. It begins along with her early days, from her mom making her sing in bars, to her gawky pre-teen efficiency in a rustic music present, to her Pat Benatar section full with headband.

Issues took a tragic flip at 22 when she turned a caregiver to her younger siblings after their dad and mom’ deaths. For a second, she thought of getting a "common job," however she fortunately turned towards her true calling: music. Her hardships drove her focus and put her on a path towards country-pop stardom… a narrative we all know has a cheerful ending.

Where to watch Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl:Netflix

17 of 18

TLC Without end (2023)

Tionne Watkins was the "T," Lisa Lopes was the "L," and Rozonda ("Chilli") Thomas was the "C" — three little letters that made up the best-selling lady group America has ever seen. This doc is a incredible reminder of how they have been mild years forward — from their fearless lyrics to their saggy garments (oh, keep in mind the condom-over-the-eye look?).

With a string of hits, from “Waterfalls” to “No Scrubs,” they outlined the early ‘90s. However tragedy intervened, together with Watkins’ sickle cell analysis, Lopes' authorized troubles, and her eventual loss of life in a automotive accident at age 30. Nonetheless, the remaining two girls continued making music, touring, and holding the reminiscence of TLC alive.

Where to watch TLC Forever:Netflix

18 of 18

Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival on the Royal Albert Corridor (2022)

When you thought CCR was truly from the South, we will't blame you. And we will't actually fault them both — in spite of everything, "Born on the Bayou" sounds higher than "Born within the Bay Space." Value a look ahead to Jeff Bridges’ narration alone, this documentary reveals the legendary band's total live performance on the Royal Albert Corridor in London. Fortunately, the movie additionally covers their origin story, starting with an opportunity meet-up at El Cerrito Excessive the place their group was referred to as the Blue Velvets. CCR has such nice power, even all these years later, that their now-classic standing appears written within the stars. Take it from the Dude.

Where to watch Travelin' Band:Netflix

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