When you are making a music-related documentary, one of the first questions many people will ask you is “what is your favorite music doc?”. And, of course, you can never give a short, simple answer because there are so many amazing documentaries out there and choosing just one is impossible. There are docs about particular bands, docs about a specific genre of music, docs that cover major concert events…and so many more. So instead of choosing just one, I thought I’d put together a list of ten of my favorite music documentaries (in chronological order):
Gimme Shelter (1970)
A music documentary that should have been a celebration of the final night of the Rolling Stones triumphant 1969 US tour. Instead, it documented one of the most horrible nights in rock concert history. Benefiting from being in the right (or wrong) place at the right/wrong time, the Maysles brothers captured the infamous killing of a concertgoer by the Hell’s Angels, who were hired by the band to do security at the Altamont Speedway event.
The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
A three-part deep dive into the LA’s music scene, the trilogy of films covers the punk scene at the dawn of the ’80s, the indulgent metal years of the late ’80s and the late 90s rebirth of punk. Filled with amazing live footage, the film feels like a insider’s view of a scene that was generally closed off to people outside the inner circle. Director Penelope Spheeris would go on to utilize her rock sensibilities to direct Wayne’s World.
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense (1984)
Stop Making Sense is really a concert film, not a documentary, but this Jonathan Demme-directed film is so good it set the bar for all concert feature films that would come after. There was probably no better band to point a camera at in 1984 than the Talking Heads, largely due to David Byrne’s obsession with the visual design of their live show, and Demme captures it perfectly with his theatrical cinematographic style.
Hype! (1996)
It was inevitable that a film (or several) would be made about the early ’90s in Seattle, but luckily Hype! does a great job providing insight into the culture that made the “grunge” scene an international phenomenon, as well as the regret that many in the scene had when they saw that culture consumed by corporate interests.
Rhyme & Reason (1997)
One of the best films to document the history of hip-hop and the culture that surrounds it. There are no shortage of artists in the film, telling the story in their own words and bringing a first-person urgency to sometimes hair-raising stories.
Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
Following a group of legendary Cuban musicians in their quest to record and perform their music outside of their home country, this Academy Award-winning documentary is a no-brainer for any list of best music documentaries.
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco (2002)
Another example of being in the right place at the right time, this documentary was originally envisioned as a relatively straightforward “making of” story, following Wilco as they recorded their fourth album (eventually released as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot). It accomplishes that, but filmmaker Sam Jones captured much more, as the tensions between the artists and their record label (as well as within the band itself) create a compelling story of the difficulties of maintaining long-term friendships and retaining artistic integrity.
Dig! (2003)
Another documentary that dives even deeper into the concept of artistic integrity, Dig! follows friends (and rivals) The Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jonestown Massacre as both bands attempt to make a name for themselves in the late ’90s alternative scene. While the Dandy Warhols obtain major-label support and reap the accompanying rewards, the Brian Jonestown Massacre are doomed to a self-defeating spiral of poor decision making and catastrophic live performances. Utilizing hundreds of hours of footage, the film delivers a lot of unfiltered insight into the behind-the-scenes world of indie bands.
Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
Probably the best documentary about a “failed” band, Anvil! was filmed by Sacha Gervasi, a filmmaker who joined up with the band 20 years after his time with them as a roadie in the 1980s. It offers a lighthearted look at a band often described as “Spinal Tap but real”.
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)
If you aren’t a fan of Canadian prog-rockers Rush, you may not enjoy this one as much as I do. But if you are, then you are in for a treat.
BONUS NON-DOCUMENTARY FILM: 24 Hour Party People (2002)
One more film that isn’t a documentary but deserves mention here as my favorite music-related movie of all-time.
A biopic (of sorts) that follows Tony Wilson (TV personality, founder of Factory Records and manager of the Hacienda nightclub) in his quest to bring the Manchester music scene to the masses. 24 Hour Party People loosely follows the story of Wilson and the bands he signed to his fledgling record label: Joy Division/New Order, A Certain Ratio and the Happy Mondays. The film is funny, engaging and expertly melds archival footage with director Michael Winterbottom’s artfully crafted shots.