Music documentaries of my life
by KeinMensch | created - 25 Jan 2014 | updated - 08 Jan 2023 | PublicThis list is an effort to try and record all music documentaries I've seen in my life so far. I'm including anything, from the very best to the worst of the worst and in no particular order. This list is very far from being complete and I'm also including music videos (simply music, like live gigs etc, not documentaries).
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1. 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: 12,483
2. Wild Style (1982)
R | 82 min | Drama, Music
South Bronx graffiti artist Zoro is commissioned to paint a backdrop for a hip-hop concert.
Director: Charlie Ahearn | Stars: Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, Fab 5 Freddy, Patti Astor
Votes: 2,947
3. Hated: GG Allin & the Murder Junkies (1993)
Not Rated | 52 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Documentary about notorious punk rock performer GG Allin.
Director: Todd Phillips | Stars: GG Allin, Merle Allin, Brian Unk Hunter, Shireen Kadivar
Votes: 3,518
4. 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: 18,456 | Gross: $50.00M
5. Heavy Metal Parking Lot (1986 Video)
Not Rated | 17 min | Documentary, Short, Music
A look at the wild scene outside a Judas Priest concert.
Directors: John Heyn, Jeff Krulik | Stars: John Cloud Jr., Judas Priest
Votes: 1,546
6. Dream Deceivers (1992)
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary, Music
Two young men shoot themselves in a churchyard. Ray Belknap dies; James Vance - severely disfigured - survives. Their parents take heavy-metal icons Judas Priest to court, claiming the band... See full summary »
Director: David Van Taylor | Stars: K.K. Downing, Suellen Fulstone, Erich Granzen, Rob Halford
Votes: 350
7. The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
A look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.
Director: Penelope Spheeris | Stars: Eugene Tatu, Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline
Votes: 4,868
8. 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: 4,312 | Gross: $0.37M
9. Lemmy (2010)
116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the life and career of revered heavy-metal musician Lemmy Kilmister.
Directors: Greg Olliver, Wes Orshoski | Stars: Lemmy, Phil Campbell, Mikkey Dee, Dave Navarro
Votes: 8,599
10. Global Metal (2008)
93 min | Documentary, Music
A continued examination of the heavy metal subculture focusing on the adaptation and performance of heavy metal in various global communities, and how the increased import of Western cultural forms has impacted new global markets.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Tom Araya, Ken Ayugai, Rafael Bittencourt, Max Cavalera
Votes: 4,888
11. 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: 5,625
12. Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal (2006)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal is the story of how bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus and others pioneered a new form of heavy metal in the early 1980's.
Director: Rick Ernst | Stars: Lee Altus, Russ Anderson, Death Angel, Tom Angelripper
Votes: 1,836
13. Black Metal Satanica (2008)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the music genre Black Metal, containing interviews with bands such as Watain, Ondskapt, Mordichrist and many more.
Director: Mats Lundberg | Stars: Bjørn Almar, Erik Danielsson, Niklas Kvarforth, Mordichrist
Votes: 305
14. Promised Land of Heavy Metal (2008)
90 min | Documentary, Music
Promised Land of Heavy Metal is a documentary about Finland, the only country where heavy metal has become mainstream. Starring Alice Cooper, Mr Lordi, and Ville Valo.
Director: Tanja Karttunen | Stars: Kuisma Aalto, Rutter Mark Alec, Alice Cooper, Mike D'Antonio
Votes: 73
15. Heavy Metal Britannia (2010 TV Movie)
90 min | Documentary, Music
Tracing the roots of Heavy Metal music within the UK.
Director: Chris Rodley | Stars: Black Sabbath, Ritchie Blackmore, Budgie, Biff Byford
Votes: 206
16. Heavy Metal in Baghdad (2007)
R | 84 min | Documentary, Music, War
In the late summer of 2006, in the middle of the insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to meet and interview the only heavy metal band in Iraq, ... See full summary »
Directors: Suroosh Alvi, Eddy Moretti | Stars: Firas Al-Lateef, Suroosh Alvi, Marwan Reyad, Faisal Talal
Votes: 1,166
17. Punk: Attitude (2005)
Unrated | 90 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the music, performers, attitude and distinctive look that made up punk rock.
Director: Don Letts | Stars: K.K. Barrett, Roberta Bayley, Jello Biafra, Glenn Branca
Votes: 1,668
18. American Hardcore (2006)
R | 100 min | Documentary, History, Music
The History of American Punk Rock 1980-1986
Director: Paul Rachman | Stars: Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher, Lucky Lehrer
Votes: 3,599 | Gross: $0.28M
19. Kurt Cobain About a Son (2006)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Music
In this visual essay style documentary, intimate audio of journalist Michael Azerrad's interviews with Kurt Cobain is played over more recently photographed footage of Cobain's Washington state homes and haunts.
Director: AJ Schnack | Stars: Kurt Cobain, Evan Fortin, Nathan Streifel, Michael Azerrad
Votes: 3,848 | Gross: $0.08M
20. We Call It Techno! (2008 Video)
100 min | Documentary, Music
Directors: Maren Sextro, Holger Wick | Stars: Goetz Bielefeldt, Danny Bruder, Alex Azary, Claus Bachor
Votes: 126
21. Modulations (1998)
75 min | Documentary, Music
The evolution of electronic music and its many genres. How the wide range of styles and scenes formed through experimentations on sound formation.
Director: Iara Lee | Stars: Arthur Baker, Afrika Bambaataa, Carl Cox, David Kristian
Votes: 488 | Gross: $0.14M
22. Seven Ages of Rock (2007)
Documentary, Music
Seven Ages of Rock is about the history of rock music. It comprised six 60-minute episodes, with a final episode of 90 minutes. Each episode focused on one type of rock music, each typified by one or two artists or bands.
Stars: Julian Rhind-Tutt, Charles Shaar Murray, David Fricke, John Harris
Votes: 689
23. Metal Evolution (2011–2014)
Documentary, Music
Metal Evolution is broken down into episodes about a different piece of metal history. The series includes interviews with and about Alice Cooper, Slash, Lemmy, Rob Zombie, members of ... See full summary »
Stars: Sam Dunn, Scott Ian, Bruce Dickinson, Deena Weinstein
Votes: 2,651
24. 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: 16,840 | Gross: $0.67M
25. VH1's Heavy: The Story of Metal (2006 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary
The four part documentary focuses on the origins, subgenres, and the bands of heavy metal music, paying close attention to influential bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, ... See full summary »
Director: Michael John Warren | Stars: Sebastian Bach, Frankie Banali, Geezer Butler, Malcolm Dome
Votes: 334
26. Black Metal: A Documentary (2007 Video)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Music
Pagan/Folk Metal has been growing in popularity, and has overthrown Black Metal in Europe. These bands have tested the American shores and have played sold-out shows. The time has come to ... See full summary »
Director: Bill Zebub | Stars: Abbath, Agathon, Martin Eric Ain, Cronos
Votes: 107
27. Iron Maiden: Live After Death (1985 Video)
R | 90 min | Documentary, Music
Part of their World Slavery Tour, this, their Long Beach Arena shows, have finally come to the format of DVD. Bringing you the early tracks of their career and with the themes and backdrops... See full summary »
Director: James Yukich | Stars: Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain
Votes: 1,628
28. Iron Maiden: Maiden England (1989 Video)
95 min | Documentary, Music
On November 27th and 28th 1988, Iron Maiden filmed their two sold-out concerts at Birminghams NEC.
Director: Steve Harris | Stars: Bruce Dickinson, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Steve Harris
Votes: 784
29. Metallica: Cliff 'Em All! (1987 Video)
Unrated | 90 min | Comedy, Documentary, Music
Cliff 'Em All, Metallica's first video, is a tribute to late original bassist Cliff Burton. James Hetfield describes it as "a compilation of bootleg footage shot by sneaky Metallifux, stuff... See full summary »
Directors: Doug Freel, Jean Pellerin | Stars: Cliff Burton, Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Metallica
Votes: 1,541
30. 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
31. There Is No Authority But Yourself (2006)
64 min | Documentary, Music
Director: Alexander Oey | Stars: Steve Ignorant, Eve Libertine, Penny Rimbaud, Gee Vaucher
Votes: 95
32. Queercore (1997)
Documentary, Short
The urban on-line dictionary defines queercore as "Gay-themed, underground, independent music; usually punk rock (Team Dresch, Pansy Division, The Butchies, The Need, etc.)" See for yourself.
Director: Scott Treleaven | Stars: Chris Freeman, Jon Ginoli, Anita Smith, Martin Sorrendeguy
Votes: 9
34. The Day the Country Died (2007)
120 min | Documentary, Music
Through interviews with major players in the anarchist-punk movement, DAY THE COUNTRY DIED explores the evolution of a genre. Those sharing their views include Colin Jerwood of Conflict, ... See full summary »
Director: Roy Wallace | Stars: Jon Active, Petesy Burns, Francisco Carreno, Gerald Evans
Votes: 31
35. The Punk Singer (2013)
Not Rated | 81 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A look at the life of activist, musician, and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the "riot grrrl" movement of the 1990s.
Director: Sini Anderson | Stars: Kathleen Hanna, Carrie Brownstein, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett
Votes: 3,084 | Gross: $0.12M
36. Punk's Not Dead (2007)
Not Rated | 93 min | Documentary, Music
On the edge of the 30th anniversary of punk rock, Punk's Not Dead takes you into the sweaty underground clubs, backyard parties, recording studios, and yes, shopping malls and stadium shows... See full summary »
Director: Susan Dynner | Stars: Craig Aaronson, Colin Abrahall, Adri, Lorraine Ali
Votes: 1,063
38. A Band Called Death (2012)
Not Rated | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the 1970s punk trio Death, and their new-found popularity decades after they disbanded.
Directors: Mark Christopher Covino, Jeff Howlett | Stars: Bobby Hackney, David Hackney, Dannis Hackney, Robbie Duncan
Votes: 4,003 | Gross: $0.13M
39. Taking Woodstock (2009)
R | 120 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
A man working at his parents' motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969.
Director: Ang Lee | Stars: Demetri Martin, Henry Goodman, Edward Hibbert, Imelda Staunton
Votes: 30,008 | Gross: $7.44M
40. 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: 1,961 | Gross: $0.08M
41. Gimme Danger (2016)
R | 108 min | Documentary, Music
An in-depth look at legendary punk band The Stooges.
Director: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Bob Waller, The Stooges
Votes: 6,505 | Gross: $0.44M
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