Music Documentaries to Watch
by shawnevans666 | created - 07 Jun 2013 | updated - 8 months ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Don't Look Back (1967)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary covering Bob Dylan's 1965 tour of England, which includes appearances by Joan Baez and Donovan.
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth, Joan Baez
Votes: 10,014
2. The Idea of North (1970 TV Movie)
58 min | Documentary, Drama, Fantasy
The Idea of North is part filmed docudrama, part fantasy, part forerunner of music television. Based on the radio play by Glenn Gould, North's montage of words, images and music tells a ... See full summary »
Director: Judith Pearlman | Stars: Bob Burns, Geoffrey Read, Glenn Gould, Jim Lotz
Votes: 13
3. Can (1972)
54 min | Documentary, Music
Can's legendary "Free Concert," recorded in Cologne's Sporthalle, Germany, on February 3, 1972.
Director: Peter Przygodda | Stars: Holger Czukay, Michael Karoli, Irmin Schmidt, Damo Suzuki
Votes: 14
4. Saravah (1972)
100 min | Documentary
Documentary about Brazilian music circa 1969, with extremely rare scenes, such as the only color footage of Pixinguinha, images of João da Baiana, one of the fathers of Samba, Maria ... See full summary »
Director: Pierre Barouh | Stars: Maria Bethânia, João da Baiana, Paulinho da Viola, Raul de Souza
Votes: 58
5. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1979)
PG | 90 min | Documentary, Music
The July 3rd, 1973 historic concert of the 'leper Messiah'. This was to be David Bowie's last concert with the Ziggy persona and the Spiders from Mars. A great medley of 'Wild Eyed Boy From... See full summary »
Director: D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Mick Woodmansey
Votes: 2,993 | Gross: $0.16M
6. Chulas Fronteras (1976)
58 min | Documentary, Music
"Chulas Fronteras" examines the origins and social significance of the traditional Tejano (or 'Tex-Mex') music that developed along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Director: Les Blank | Stars: Ramiro Cavazos, Los Alegres De Teran, Los Pinguinos del Norte, Rumel Fuentes
Votes: 182 | Gross: $0.01M
7. Baby Snakes (1979)
R | 166 min | Documentary, Comedy, Music
Rock artist Frank Zappa hosts a concert in New York City. This movie contains tons of on-stage footage, off-stage footage, and animation.
Director: Frank Zappa | Stars: Frank Zappa, Adrian Belew, Tommy Mars, Terry Bozzio
Votes: 923
8. The Kids Are Alright (1979)
PG | 109 min | Documentary, Music
Interviews, TV clips and concert footage make up this comprehensive profile of The Who, Britain's premiere rock band.
Director: Jeff Stein | Stars: Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Entwistle
Votes: 3,926
9. AC/DC: Let There Be Rock (1980)
PG | 98 min | Documentary, Music
Filmed coverage of Australian band AC/DC's '79 appearance in Paris intercut with quasi-fictional interludes.
Directors: Eric Dionysius, Eric Mistler | Stars: AC/DC, Phil Rudd, Bon Scott, Cliff Williams
Votes: 1,276 | Gross: $1.37M
10. Frank Zappa: New York and Elsewhere (1980 TV Movie)
44 min | Documentary, Music
Directors: Rudi Dolezal, Hannes Rossacher | Stars: Frank Zappa, Ike Willis, Tommy Mars, David Logeman
Votes: 11
11. Star Wars: Music by John Williams (1980 TV Movie)
59 min | Documentary
Stars: Antony Horder, Ben Burtt, Irvin Kershner, Gary Kurtz
Votes: 61
12. Black and Blue (1980)
87 min | Documentary, Music
Concert film of 1980 East Coast U.S. performance by heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.
Director: Jay Dubin | Stars: Vinny Appice, Black Sabbath, Eric Bloom, Blue Öyster Cult
Votes: 78
13. Caribbean Nights: The Bob Marley Story (1982)
Documentary, Music
The life of Bob Marley with interviews from family and friends, and features rare footage of Bob Marley. Captures the feel and timelessness of the music and the man himself.
Directors: Charles Chabot, Jo Menell | Stars: Al Anderson, Aston Barrett, Carlton Barrett, Chris Blackwell
Votes: 33
14. Four American Composers (1983 TV Movie)
220 min | Documentary
This is a 4-part documentary that follows four different contemporary composers performing/creating/building their shows. Peter Greenaway leads us, with a great sense of balance between the... See full summary »
Director: Peter Greenaway | Stars: Robert Ashley, John Cage, Meredith Monk, Philip Glass
Votes: 137
15. Stop Making Sense (1984)
PG | 88 min | Documentary, Music
Considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: David Byrne, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steven Scales
Votes: 20,039 | Gross: $5.02M
16. Louie Bluie (1985)
Not Rated | 75 min | Documentary, Music
About the obscure country-blues musician and idiosyncratic visual artist Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, member of the last known black string band in America.
Director: Terry Zwigoff | Stars: Howard Armstrong, Ted Bogan, Yank Rachell, Ikey Robinson
Votes: 900
17. Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
PG | 120 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
This documentary movie covers two concerts at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, to celebrate Chuck Berry's 60th birthday, and also discusses his life and career.
Director: Taylor Hackford | Stars: Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley
Votes: 1,569 | Gross: $0.72M
18. Uncle Meat (1987 Video)
100 min | Comedy, Music, Sci-Fi
Biff Debris becomes obsessed with trying to record a hit single.
Director: Frank Zappa | Stars: Phyllis Smith Altenhaus, Dick Barber, Massimo Bassoli, Rodney Bingenheimer
Votes: 202
19. Big Time (1988)
PG | 87 min | Documentary, Music
Bringing his unique sense of humor to this bizarre and original piece of moviemaking, Tom Waits takes the audience through a musical journey with his jazzy, quirky, bluesy tunes presented as you would never, ever, ever expect.
Director: Chris Blum | Stars: Tom Waits, Michael L. Blair, Ralph Carney, Greg Cohen
Votes: 902 | Gross: $0.15M
20. The True Story of Frank Zappa's 200 Motels (1988 Video)
59 min | Documentary
The bizarre story behind the creation of Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer's film 200 Motels (1971).
Director: Frank Zappa | Stars: Phyllis Smith Altenhaus, Dick Barber, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Theodore Bikel
Votes: 120
21. I Went to the Dance (1989)
84 min | Documentary, Music
Film on the history of the toe-tapping, foot-stomping music of French Southwest Louisiana.
Directors: Les Blank, Chris Strachwitz | Stars: Barry Jean Ancelet, Alphonse Ardoin, Dewey Balfa, Rodney Balfa
Votes: 103
22. One Warm Line: The Legacy of Stan Rogers (1989)
46 min | Documentary, Music
Stan Rogers returns to Nova Scotia, the inspiration for many of his songs and the home of many of his family members.
Directors: Alan Collins, Robert Lang | Stars: Stan Rogers, Garnet Rogers, Ariel Rogers, Jim Morison
Votes: 23
23. Remembering Otis (1989 TV Movie)
48 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary examining the life and career of the late singer Otis Redding.
Directors: David Dawkins, Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker | Stars: Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.s, The Mar-Keys
Votes: 22
24. The Eyes Scream: A History of the Residents (1991 Video)
50 min | Documentary
A pseudo-documentary about the band The Residents blends comedy with live clips, music videos, interviews and documentary footage. Spanning the years 1972 to 1990, and including clips from ... See full summary »
Director: John Sanborn | Stars: Penn Jillette, The Residents, Teller
Votes: 22
25. Soldiers of Music (1991)
88 min | Documentary
Directors: Bob Eisenhardt, Susan Froemke, Albert Maysles | Stars: Mstislav Rostropovich, Galina Vishnevskaya
Votes: 58
26. Music for the Movies: Bernard Herrmann (1999)
58 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary that explores the work of a composer who created music for over 50 films, collaborating with such diverse directors as Orson Welles, Nicholas Ray, and Martin Scorsese.
Director: Joshua Waletzky | Stars: Philip Bosco, Elmer Bernstein, Claudine Bouché, Royal S. Brown
Votes: 208
27. Time Will Tell (1992)
90 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The life story of Nesta Robert Marley, Rastafarian prophet who with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer brought the powerful message of reggae music to the world outside their native Jamaica. ... See full summary »
Director: Declan Lowney | Star: Bob Marley
Votes: 177
28. Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King (1993)
90 min | Documentary
From their underground days recording songs in their bedroom to their rise as one of rock music's most alternative bands, this documentary chronicles Jad and David Fair's formation of Half Japanese.
Director: Jeff Feuerzeig | Stars: Byron Coley, David Fair, Jad Fair, David Greenberger
Votes: 285
29. New Order Story (1993 Video)
120 min | Documentary, Music
Director: Kevin Hewitt | Stars: Keith Allen, Arthur Baker, John Barnes, Colin Bell
Votes: 163
30. Stepping Razor: Red X (1992)
103 min | Documentary, Music
On a fall night in 1987, three men forced their way into Peter Tosh's home in Kingston, Jamaica. Inside, they drew guns and forced their way upstairs where they confronted Tosh and some ... See full summary »
Director: Nicholas Campbell | Stars: Edward 'Bigs' Allen, Lloyd 'Rocky' Allen, Andrea Davis, Roy Garrick
Votes: 158
31. The Last Klezmer: Leopold Kozlowski, His Life and Music (1994)
85 min | Documentary, Music
Director: Yale Strom | Star: Leopold Kozlowski
Votes: 31
32. The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists (1995)
Not Rated | 54 min | Documentary
This documentary from Les Blank follows the indomitable Gerald "The Maestro" Gaxiola, who turned to a life of prolific art making after years as an aircraft mechanic, traveling salesman, and body builder.
Director: Les Blank | Stars: Gerald Gaxiola, Alice Gaxiola, Peter Mollica, Peter William Brown
Votes: 265
33. Steve Reich: City Life (1995 TV Movie)
60 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Director: Manfred Waffender | Star: Steve Reich
Votes: 16
34. Sworn to the Drum: A Tribute to Francisco Aguabella (1995)
Not Rated | 35 min | Documentary, Short, Music
A documentary about the music and influence that Francisco Aguabella has had on the world.
Director: Les Blank | Stars: Bill Graham, Francisco Aguabella, John Santos, Carlos 'Patato' Valdés
Votes: 151
35. Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? The Life & Music of Robert Johnson (1997)
77 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An in-depth, award-winning documentary on the life and music of legendary bluesman ROBERT JOHNSON. Mixing rare photographs, exclusive interviews, and dramatic re-creations, director PETER ... See full summary »
Director: Peter Meyer | Stars: Danny Glover, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, John Hammond
Votes: 144
36. George Clinton: The Mothership Connection (1998 Video)
Documentary, Music
Star: George Clinton
Votes: 68
37.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart
(1998)
TV-14 | 73 min | Documentary, Biography, History
About the musician, poet and composer Lou Reed. The rebel who made rock and roll into avant garde.
Director: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders | Stars: Lou Reed, David Bowie, David Byrne, John Cale
Votes: 349
38. Genghis Blues (1999)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary, Music
San Francisco bluesman and composer, Paul Peña makes a musical pilgrimage to the land of Tuva.
Director: Roko Belic | Stars: Richard Feynman, B.B. King, Kongar-ol Ondar, Paul Pena
Votes: 1,438 | Gross: $0.32M
39. The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack (2000)
PG-13 | 112 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
With the help of her mother, family, friends, and fellow musicians, Aiyana Elliott reaches for her father, legendary cowboy troubadour, Ramblin' Jack Elliott. She explores who he is and how... See full summary »
Director: Aiyana Elliott | Stars: Jack Elliott, Gil Gross, Arlo Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson
Votes: 333 | Gross: $0.22M
40.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Bob Marley: Rebel Music
(2000)
TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Profile of the life and music of the legendary reggae singer.
Director: Jeremy Marre | Stars: Rita Marley, Bob Marley
Votes: 223
41. American Roots Music (2001– )
Documentary, Music
Stars: Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Arlo Guthrie
Votes: 38
42. Nine Hundred Nights (2001 Video)
58 min | Documentary, Music
Director: Michael Burlingame | Stars: Peter Albin, Sam Andrew, Dave Getz, James Gurley
Votes: 71
43.
VH1 Legends (1996– )
Episode:
Sam Cooke
(2001)
90 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
This film documents the rise of legendary singer Sam Cooke, from his beginnings as a gospel singer to his crossover to the pop and R&B charts. Includes interviews with Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and more.
Director: Mary Wharton | Stars: Lou Adler, J.W. Alexander, Dick Clark, Charles Cooke
Votes: 59
44. Screamin' Jay Hawkins: I Put a Spell on Me (2001)
102 min | Documentary, Music
Portrait of an important American musician through the testimonies of fellow musicians and people from his environment, but also through archival material and documents from various stages of his life and career.
Director: Nik Triantafyllidis | Stars: Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Frank Ash, Arthur Brown, Eric Burdon
Votes: 192
45. Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
PG | 108 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary about the Funk Brothers, a group of Detroit musicians who backed up dozens of Motown artists.
Director: Paul Justman | Stars: Joe Hunter, Jack Ashford, Uriel Jones, Richard 'Pistol' Allen
Votes: 3,849 | Gross: $1.60M
46. The Blues (2003)
770 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary series about the origin and history of The Blues.
Stars: B.B. King, Ike Turner, Pinetop Perkins, Dick Waterman
Votes: 1,250
47. The Howlin' Wolf Story (2003)
87 min | Documentary
Music documentary about giant blues legend Chester 'Howlin' Wolf' Burnett, including rare performances, his influence on the Rolling Stones, and more.
Director: Don McGlynn | Stars: Howlin' Wolf, Hubert Sumlin, Barbra Marks, Bettye Kelly
Votes: 236
48. Music for a Blue Train (2003)
48 min | Documentary, Music
A bluesy mood piece featuring an eclectic line-up of musicians who busk in Montreal's metro, or subways. Bad News Brown, a charismatic harmonica player, acts as our witty impromptu host.
Director: Mila Aung-Thwin | Star: Paul Dumas Frappier
49.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Muddy Waters: Can't Be Satisfied
(2003)
TV-14 | 51 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Muddy Waters is the archetypal blues-man. He was raised as a sharecropper in the Mississippi Delta, where he learned to play an acoustic guitar. He went to Chicago in 1943, and the band he assembled established the electric blues sound.
Directors: Robert Gordon, Morgan Neville | Stars: Chuck D, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards
Votes: 106
50. Lightning in a Bottle (2004)
PG-13 | 103 min | Documentary, Music
Antoine Fuqua's documentary on the blues, shot at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Director: Antoine Fuqua | Stars: Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, Buddy Guy, Solomon Burke, Mavis Staples
Votes: 740 | Gross: $0.20M
51. Moog (2004)
Not Rated | 72 min | Documentary, History, Music
Bob Moog shaped musical culture with some of the most inspiring electronic instruments ever created. This "compelling documentary portrait of a provocative, thoughtful and deeply ... See full summary »
Director: Hans Fjellestad | Stars: Charlie Clouser, Herbert Deutsch, Keith Emerson, Woody Jackson
Votes: 642
52. Slayer: Still Reigning (2004 Video)
Not Rated | 62 min | Documentary, Music
Most Slayer fans still hold up their album REIGN IN BLOOD as the band's true masterpiece. So when it came to recording a visual document of the band--entitled STILL REIGNING--the band turned to their 1986 record for inspiration.
Director: Dean Karr | Stars: Tom Araya, Dave Lombardo, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King
Votes: 335
53. The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)
PG-13 | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Daniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.
Director: Jeff Feuerzeig | Stars: Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill Johnston, Laurie Allen
Votes: 10,535 | Gross: $0.33M
54. Electric Purgatory: The Fate of the Black Rocker (2005)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, History, Music
A documentary on the struggles of the black rock musician and the stigma they face in the black community and the music industry.
Director: Raymond Gayle | Stars: Flip Barnes, Chuck Berry, Charlie Braxton, Cody ChesnuTT
Votes: 58
55. The Fearless Freaks (2005)
Not Rated | 103 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the evolution of the Oklahoma band The Flaming Lips.
Director: Bradley Beesley | Stars: Bradley Beesley, Steve Burns, Dolly Coyne, Kenny Coyne
Votes: 1,145
56. Minimum-Maximum (2005 Video)
126 min | Documentary, Music
The first-ever official concert film of the electronic band Kraftwerk, taped on its 2004 world tour, supporting its first album of new material in 17 years, "Tour de France Soundtracks."
Director: Kraftwerk | Stars: Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben, Fritz Hilpert, Henning Schmitz
Votes: 164
57.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
(2005)
Not Rated | 208 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Bob Dylan, B.J. Rolfzen, Dick Kangas, Liam Clancy
Votes: 12,111
58.
Independent Lens (1999– )
Episode:
Parliament Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove
(2005)
TV-14 | Documentary
Director: Yvonne Smith | Stars: Cholly Bassoline, Pedro Bell, Armen Boladian, Jerome Brailey
Votes: 16
59. Gargandi snilld (2005)
87 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary about the bustling Icelandic musical scene. This documentary covers some of Iceland's most talented and well-known musicians.
Director: Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon | Stars: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Barði Jóhannsson, Walter Durkacz, Úlfur Eldjárn
Votes: 464
60. Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music (2005– )
360 min | Documentary, Music
Soul music has conquered the world in the last 50 years - growing from the raw, electric rhythms of the black underclass, it is now a billion dollar industry with R&B and hip-hop dominating... See full summary »
Stars: Colin Salmon, James Brown, Etta James, Jerry Butler
Votes: 114
61. You're Gonna Miss Me (2005)
91 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary about rock pioneer Roky Erickson, detailing his rise as a psychedelic hero, his lengthy institutionalization, his descent into poverty and filth, and his brother's struggle with their religious mother to improve Roky's care.
Director: Keven McAlester | Stars: Byron Coley, Paul Drummond, 13th Floor Elevators, Don Erickson
Votes: 1,092 | Gross: $0.00M
62. Fela: Fresh from Africa (2006)
90 min | Documentary
An African Rhythm Mentary on Fela's historic visit to New York City. A defining moment for this legendary Nigerian cultural warrior, as he headed into his final decade.
Director: Edward Jaheed Ashley | Star: Fela Kuti
63. Led Zeppelin: The Origin of the Species (2006 Video)
70 min | Documentary
The roots of each band member of Led Zeppelin.
Stars: Keith Altham, Clem Cattini, Alan Clayson, Chris Dreja
Votes: 39
64. loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies (2006)
Not Rated | 85 min | Documentary, Music
loudQUIETloud is the story of this unforseen plot twist. A deeply compelling portrait of four band members and their difficult, tense, and ultimately triumphant return.
Directors: Steven Cantor, Matthew Galkin | Stars: Frank Black, Kim Deal, David Lovering, Joey Santiago
Votes: 1,415 | Gross: $0.00M
65. Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)
PG | 103 min | Documentary, Music
A film shot over during a two-night performance by Neil Young at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Pegi Young, Ben Keith
Votes: 3,305 | Gross: $1.83M
66.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home
(2006)
TV-14 | 85 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Hear the story of Woody Guthrie's creative energy, personal imperfections and family tragedy.
Director: Peter Frumkin | Stars: Peter Coyote, Rick Sharp, Robin Wiley, Peter Mark Joliat
Votes: 147
67. Amazing Journey: The Story of the Who (2007)
Not Rated | 237 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on The Who, featuring interviews with the band's two surviving members, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey.
Directors: Paul Crowder, Murray Lerner, Parris Patton | Stars: Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, Keith Moon
Votes: 1,368
68. Dreams to Remember (the Legacy of Otis Redding) (2007)
92 min | Documentary
Directors: Phillip Galloway, David Peck | Stars: Rob Bowman, Wayne Jackson, Karla Redding, Otis Redding
Votes: 19
69. Sigur Rós: Heima (2007)
97 min | Documentary, Music
In the summer of 2006, Sigur Rós returned home to play a series of free, unannounced concerts for the people of Iceland.
Director: Dean DeBlois | Stars: Amiina, Hildur Arsaelsdottir, Jon Thor Birgisson, Orri P. Dyrason
Votes: 8,334
70.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Les Paul: Chasing Sound
(2007)
TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The Authorized biography of Les Paul, " The Wizard of Waukesha". The name Les Paul is synonymous with the electric guitar. As a player, inventor, and recording artist(Paul had two #1 hits ... See full summary »
Director: John Paulson | Stars: Susan Baker, The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Tony Bennett
Votes: 222
71. Dub Echoes (2008)
75 min | Documentary, Music
Through interviews with over 40 key names on the history of dub, electronic music and hip hop, "Dub Echoes" connects the dots between of the otherwise fragmented relation between all this genres.
Director: Bruno Natal | Stars: Victor Axelrod, Howie B., Lloyd Barnes, Steve Barrow
Votes: 203
72. Kraftwerk and the Electronic Revolution (2008 Video)
Not Rated | 180 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An in-depth look at the history of the krautrock scene, including the most successful band Kraftwerk.
Director: Chrome Dreams | Stars: Thomas Arnold, Karl Bartos, Diedrich Diederichsen, Dieter Moebius
Votes: 207
73. Loki: Arnaldo Baptista (2008)
120 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The biography of Arnaldo Baptista, founder of Mutantes, has his narrative sewn by emotional testimonies by the artist. Packed with songs that marked the epoch, the film reveals the trajectory of one of the biggest names in Brazilian rock.
Director: Paulo Henrique Fontenelle | Stars: Devendra Banhart, Arnaldo Baptista, Lucinha Barbosa, Bill Bartell
Votes: 274
74.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Marvin Gaye: What's Going On
(2008)
TV-14 | Documentary, Biography, History
When Marvin Gaye died in 1984, he left behind one of the great legacies in American music.
Director: Sam Pollard | Star: Jesse L. Martin
Votes: 116
75. Patti Smith: Dream of Life (2008)
Not Rated | 109 min | Documentary, Music
An intimate portrait of poet, painter, musician and singer Patti Smith that mirrors the essence of the artist herself.
Director: Steven Sebring | Stars: Patti Smith, Lenny Kaye, Oliver Ray, Tony Shanahan
Votes: 1,076 | Gross: $0.03M
76. People Who Do Noise (2008)
Not Rated | 82 min | Documentary
'People Who Do Noise' is a film about the experimental music of Portland, Oregon. Extensive interviews and intimate performance footage provide an intense portrait of the motivations, ... See full summary »
Director: Adam Cornelius
Votes: 85
77. Playing for Change: Peace Through Music (2008)
76 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on undiscovered musicians all over the world.
Directors: Mark Johnson, Jonathan Walls
Votes: 106
78. Radiohead: In Rainbows - From the Basement (2008)
63 min | Documentary, Music
A live performance by Radiohead of their 2007 album In Rainbows.
Director: David Barnard | Stars: Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Malcolm Hughes, Ed O'Brien
Votes: 286
79. Shine a Light (2008)
PG-13 | 122 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A career-spanning documentary on The Rolling Stones, with concert footage from their "A Bigger Bang" tour.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood
Votes: 12,301 | Gross: $5.36M
80. The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry (2008)
Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The definitive life story about Jamaican musical legend Lee 'Scratch' Perry.
Directors: Ethan Higbee, Adam Bhala Lough | Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Carl Bradshaw, The Clash, Eve
Votes: 242
81. American Artifact: The Rise of American Rock Poster Art (2009)
Not Rated | 88 min | Documentary
American Artifact chronicles the rise of American rock poster art since it's birth in the'60s. Award-winning director, Merle Becker crosses the country interviewing the rock poster artists ... See full summary »
Director: Merle Becker | Stars: Mark Arminski, Lani Barry, Stan Beinstein, Julie Belcher
Votes: 41
82. Iron Maiden: Flight 666 (2009)
112 min | Documentary, Music
A chronological account of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden's 2008 world tour through India, Australia, Japan, USA, Canada, Mexico and South America in a jet piloted by the band's front man, Bruce Dickinson. Features interviews with the musicians, their road crew and fans.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain
Votes: 5,635
83. Led Zeppelin: Dazed & Confused (2009 Video)
Approved | 57 min | Documentary
A rare look at Led Zeppelin, from their humble beginnings to their status as rock gods. Take a journey where incredible heights and extreme lows helped forge one of the greatest rock bands ever.
Director: Sonia Anderson | Stars: Robert Plant, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Nick Tauber
Votes: 543
84.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Neil Young: Don't Be Denied
(2009)
TV-14 | Documentary, Biography, History
Told in Young's own words, the film weaves hours of exclusive interviews with previously unseen performance footage from the star's own extensive collection.
Stars: Stephen Stills, Neil Young
Votes: 120
85. NYC Foetus (2009)
78 min | Documentary
A documentary about composer/producer/performer J.G. Thirlwell and his musical alter-egos, including Foetus, Steroid Maximus and Manorexia.
Director: Clement Tuffreau | Stars: Martin Bisi, Jennifer Charles, Brian Emrich, Michael Gira
Votes: 14
86. Wheedle's Groove (2009 Video)
Not Rated | 87 min | Documentary, History, Music
In 1972, a thriving Seattle soul music scene was on the verge of national recognition. In 1975, almost suddenly, the scene died and was quickly forgotten by the changing city. In 2001, ... See full summary »
Director: Jennifer Maas | Stars: Mark Arm, Kenny G, Benjamin Gibbard, Quincy Jones
Votes: 55
87. Down: Diary of a Mad Band - Europe in the Year of VI (2010 Video)
122 min | Music
Live footage from the band's first European tour.
Director: Pepper Keenan | Stars: Phil Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Kirk Windstein, Rex Brown
Votes: 14
88. Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone (2010)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A career retrospective of Fishbone, an all African-American rock band from Los Angeles who created a high energy blend of funk, metal, ska, and punk and experienced a career as chaotic and unique as the music they created.
Directors: Lev Anderson, Chris Metzler | Stars: Norwood Fisher, Angelo Moore, Chris Dowd, Walter A. Kibby II
Votes: 399
89. Mighty Uke (2010)
76 min | Documentary, Music
Mighty Uke travels the world to discover why so many people of different nations, cultures, ages and musical tastes are turning to the ukulele to express themselves, connect with the past, and with each other.
Director: Tony Coleman | Stars: James Hill, Tiki King, Jake Shimabukuro, Sylvie Simmons
Votes: 55
90. Paul Quarrington: Life in Music (2010)
60 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
This documentary is a character-driven, cinematic essay featuring Paul Quarrington, writer-musician-filmmaker, coming to terms with his life and death through the power of music.
Director: Bert Kish | Stars: Dorothy Bennie, Dave Bidini, Michael Burke, Rebecca Campbell
91. Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune (2010)
Unrated | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, History
From civil rights to the anti-war movement to the struggles of workers, folksinger Phil Ochs wrote topical songs that engaged his audiences in the issues of the 1960s and 70s. In this ... See full summary »
Director: Kenneth Bowser | Stars: Salvador Allende, Erik Andersen, Joan Baez, Jello Biafra
Votes: 415 | Gross: $0.26M
92.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Sam Cooke: Crossing Over
(2010)
TV-14 | 54 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A documentary capturing the life of Sam Cooke.
Director: John Antonelli | Stars: Lou Adler, Herb Alpert, James Brown, Jimmy Carter
Votes: 105
93. Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)
Not Rated | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The life and work of the enigmatic folk rock singer-songwriter.
Director: John Scheinfeld | Stars: Gerry Beckley, Lee Blackman, Perry Botkin Jr., Ray Cooper
Votes: 1,871 | Gross: $0.03M
94. Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend (2011)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Musical
Based on footage shot in the early seventies and lost for more than thirty years, NAACP IMAGE AWARD winner Esther Anderson takes us on a journey to Jamaica and into 56 HOPE ROAD, Kingston, ... See full summary »
Directors: Ester Anderson, Gian Godoy | Stars: Ester Anderson, Aston Barrett, Carlton Barrett, Countryman
Votes: 119
95. Color Me Obsessed: A Film About the Replacements (2011)
Not Rated | 123 min | Documentary, Music
For some aging music fans and kids with a passion for musical history, The Replacements are rock and roll defined. This Minneapolis quartet took a teenage-punk attitude, threw it in a ... See full summary »
Director: Gorman Bechard | Stars: Robert Voedisch, Tommy Ramone, Tom Arnold, David Foley
Votes: 374
96. Cry Baby: The Pedal that Rocks the World (2011 Video)
57 min | Documentary
Cry Baby: The Pedal That Rocks The World tells the story of the wah wah effect pedal, from its invention in 1966 to the present day. Musicians, engineers, and historians discuss the impact ... See full summary »
Directors: Max Baloian, Joey Tosi | Stars: Bob Bradshaw, Jerry Cantrell, Del Casher, Bobby Cedro
Votes: 59
97. Give Me the Banjo (2011)
Not Rated | 90 min | Documentary
A comprehensive look at a quintessential American musical instrument, the banjo, from its African roots to contemporary jazz and into the 21st century.
Director: Marc Fields | Stars: Greg Adams, Stevie Barr, James Bollman, Gus Cannon
Votes: 100
98. Sigur Rós: Inni (2011)
74 min | Documentary, Music
Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós melds its sonic landscape with visuals in this concert film/documentary.
Director: Vincent Morisset | Stars: Jon Thor Birgisson, Orri P. Dyrason, Georg Holm, Kjartan Sveinsson
Votes: 719 | Gross: $0.12M
99. Neil Young Journeys (2011)
PG | 87 min | Documentary, Music
Neil Young returns to his birth Canadian province of Ontario to revisit his old haunts and to perform in Toronto's vintage Massey Hall.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Star: Neil Young
Votes: 838 | Gross: $0.21M
100. Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall (2011 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary
Selling over 200 million records worldwide, Pink Floyd has produced some of the most celebrated music in Rock history. This is their incredible story.
Director: Sonia Anderson | Stars: Sonia Anderson, Joe Boyd, Jenny Fabian, Rachel Fury
Votes: 370
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