Best music documentaries: 10 Unmissable films every music fan should stream

Key takeaways

• No fuss, no viruses: Every film is available on a major streaming platform (Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+).

• Perfect for music lovers: Find documentaries about pop icons, hip hop’s biggest stars, punk rock legends, and hidden gems from the music world.

• See your favourites in a new light: Get behind the scenes, enjoy never before seen footage, and dive into music history with these brilliant films.

• Something for every taste: From powerful concert films to intimate portraits, there’s a story here for everyone, whether you love the classics or want the latest releases.

• Curated for 2025: We’ve included must-watch new releases along with timeless essentials, so you won’t miss what’s trending now.

What's so special about music documentaries?

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of your favourite songs?

Music documentaries pull back the curtain and let us step right into the wild ride of the music industry. From rare performance footage to candid interviews, these films capture the highs, the heartbreak, and everything in between.

What makes these stories special?

It’s the way they blend live performances, archive footage, and those never-before-seen moments that remind us music is more than sound: it’s life, rebellion, and community. Whether you’re watching legendary band members or hip hop’s biggest stars, you get a front-row seat to music history in the making.

Ready for a deep dive? Here come the picks.

Top 10 best music documentaries

1. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (Netflix)

Let’s kick off with a concert film that’s more than just concert footage: it’s a celebration of a global phenomenon in full creative control. I’ll admit, Beyoncé saturation is real. There was a time when you couldn’t escape her voice if you tried, but when “Homecoming” landed on Netflix, it was a whole new level. This brilliant film captures her historic Coachella performance and, trust me, even if you’re not a card-carrying member of the Beyhive, you’ll find something magnetic here.

What sets it apart? It’s packed with performance footage, rare behind the scenes glimpses, and candid interviews with family members and band members. Beyoncé opens up about the drive, discipline, and vision that made her show a milestone in music history. It’s both an intimate portrait and a powerful reminder of what it takes to create a moment that echoes across the music world.

Where to watch: Netflix

Tip: Seen Beyoncé live yet? Her shows are as epic as this film, keep an eye on upcoming tour tickets.

2. Return of the King: Elvis Presley (Netflix, Prime Video)

Few names carry as much weight in music history as Elvis Presley. “Return of the King” is one of the best music documentaries for understanding how Elvis transformed not just American music, but global culture. The film blends rare footage, archive interviews, and performance highlights to paint an intimate portrait of a man who lived as both a superstar and a mystery.

This isn’t just about the hits (though you’ll get plenty of those), it’s about the making of a legend, the struggles behind the scenes, and how Elvis set the stage for modern pop and rock. You’ll see historic moments, stories from band members and family members, and never before seen footage that gives fresh insight into his life on and off stage.

Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video

Tip: Love the King? Elvis tribute shows are still a global phenomenon, grab tickets to see the magic performed live, and let yourself get lost in the music.

3. The Greatest Night in Pop (Netflix)

If you love music history, “The Greatest Night in Pop” is pure gold. This documentary takes you behind the scenes of one of the most legendary moments ever: the recording of “We Are the World.” You’ll see band members and music industry legends like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, all coming together for a single night packed with rare footage and candid interviews.

It’s not just a concert film; it’s about the challenges, nerves, and genuine camaraderie as some of popular music’s biggest stars try to make magic in one session. Expect wild stories, never before seen footage, and those historic moments you only get when egos, talent, and hope collide in a recording studio.

Where to watch: Netflix

Tip: Want to feel the magic in real life? Choir shows, tribute concerts, and benefit gigs often capture the same spirit, grab a ticket and experience it with a live audience.

4. Gaga: Five Foot Two (Netflix)

Ready to see what makes a pop icon tick? “Five Foot Two” brings us close, uncomfortably close, at times, to Lady Gaga’s world during a turbulent period of her career. It’s packed with candid interviews, personal archives, and a behind the scenes view of how she reinvented herself with each album. Gaga isn’t just about flashy outfits and viral moments; here, you see the grit, the chronic pain, and the wild ride of stardom.

It’s one of those music documentaries where the performance footage is as powerful as the quiet moments at home. And if you ever doubted her place in music history, this intimate portrait will set you straight. You’ll walk away with a new respect for her vision, and maybe even hit play on some tracks you haven’t heard in a while.

Where to watch: Netflix

Tip: Gaga’s fans are some of the most passionate around. Planning to catch her live one day? Trust us, her concert film energy is the real deal in person.

5. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (Netflix)

If you ever needed proof that truth is stranger than fiction, Fyre delivers. This is the concert film that turned into a global meme, a wild ride through one of the music industry’s biggest fiascos. The film captures every jaw-dropping misstep, from the VIP tents that turned out to be disaster relief shelters to the behind the scenes scramble of a festival crumbling in real time.

It’s loaded with candid interviews, rare footage, and those moments you almost can’t believe actually happened. You’ll get the full picture of how hype, social media, and a few terrible decisions managed to blow up the music world, at least for a weekend. Looking for interesting stories? You found one.

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Miss Americana (Netflix)

You think you know Taylor Swift, but Miss Americana takes you somewhere different. This documentary is less about pop stardom and more about transformation, personal and public. Taylor lets the cameras in for everything: studio sessions, live performances, tough family conversations, and the moment she decides to speak out on issues that matter to her.

It’s a surprisingly intimate portrait, filled with never before seen footage and small moments that remind you what it’s like to be vulnerable, even when you’re one of the world’s most successful artists. If you’re curious about how the music business shapes a person, or just love a good reinvention story, this is one of the best music documentaries you’ll stream this year.

Where to watch: Netflix

Tip: Swifties know: there’s nothing like seeing Taylor’s hits live. Keep an eye out for new concert dates, they disappear fast.

7. Wham! (Netflix)

Sometimes the best music documentaries are the ones that just make you smile. “Wham!” dives into the meteoric rise of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, tracing their wild ride from high school friends to global pop icons. The film is packed with never before seen footage, classic concert moments, and a behind the scenes look at how two ordinary kids took over the music world in the ’80s.

What sets “Wham!” apart is its honest, joyful vibe. You get candid interviews, a peek into the creative process, and plenty of performance footage of those favourite songs everyone knows by heart. It’s a brilliant film for anyone who loves pop, the energy of live audiences, or just a really good documentary series about friendship and fame.

Where to watch: Netflix

Tip: Love Wham! or the spirit of the ’80s? Check out retro parties in your city; sometimes the best music memories are the ones you make yourself.

8. Quincy (Netflix)

You can’t talk about music history without mentioning Quincy Jones. This documentary is more than a look back, it’s a wild ride through decades of creativity, reinvention, and sheer talent. “Quincy” lets us into his world, from his personal archives and family moments to rare footage with icons like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

You’ll see just how much of the music world Quincy has shaped, with candid interviews and honest looks at his relentless drive. It’s an inspiring, sometimes funny, sometimes sobering intimate portrait of a man who changed the sound of generations.

Where to watch: Netflix

Tip: Quincy’s influence touches jazz, pop, hip hop, and beyond, explore live shows in your city and you’ll probably catch echoes of his genius on stage.

9. The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter (Prime Video)

If you want a real slice of music history, Gimme Shelter is essential viewing. This concert film doesn’t just show legendary performances, it puts you right in the middle of the action during one of the Rolling Stones’ most historic moments. You get rare footage from the infamous Altamont Free Concert, along with candid interviews and behind the scenes drama that changed the music world forever.

What makes this one of the best music documentaries out there? It’s a brilliant film that pulls no punches, showing the highs and the chaos of life on the road. Featuring interviews with band members and never before seen footage, it’s a raw, powerful experience that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV+

Tip: Love the Stones? There’s nothing like a live audience when the classics kick in, grab tickets if you ever get the chance to see a tribute show.

10. Chris Brown: Welcome to My Life (Prime Video)

This one’s for the R&B fans and anyone interested in the music industry’s tough side. Chris Brown: Welcome to My Life doesn’t shy away from controversy, it’s packed with candid interviews, family members sharing their side, and plenty of performance footage. The documentary goes deep into his rise, his personal battles, and how a night in 2009 nearly changed his career forever.

What stands out is how open Chris is about his struggles with fame, pressure, and redemption. It’s not always comfortable to watch, but if you want never before seen footage and a behind the scenes look at a global phenomenon trying to rebuild, this is one of the more interesting stories out there.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Tip: Into Chris Brown, R&B or hip hop’s biggest stars? Explore live shows for a chance to see today’s talent up close, because sometimes the best stories are still unfolding on stage.

FAQs: Music documentaries & streaming

What is considered the best documentary of all time?

In the music world, “20 Feet From Stardom” and “Amy” come up time and time again. They’re more than just concert films: they dig deep into artists’ lives, showing the real, raw stories behind the songs. Both won major awards and changed how people see the music industry. Of course, the “best” documentary depends on what you love: some fans still swear by classics like “Don’t Look Back” (Bob Dylan) or “Gimme Shelter” (Rolling Stones).

Are there any new music documentaries in 2025?

Definitely! Streaming services like Netflix, HBO, and Disney+ are always adding fresh titles. 2025 has already brought some exciting new music documentaries. This year, fans got to watch “Born to Be Wild: The Story of Steppenwolf,” a deep dive into the band’s legacy and their influence on American punk rock and popular music. Another standout is “Break the Beat: Women in Hip Hop,” which offers an intimate portrait of female artists shaping the global phenomenon of hip hop’s biggest stars.

Which streaming service has the most music documentaries?

Netflix is usually top of the list for both quantity and variety, from big-name concert films to deep dives into music history. But don’t count out Prime Video or Apple TV+, which both offer exclusive titles and classic documentaries. If you’re a real music fan, it’s worth exploring each service to see what unique gems they’ve got in their library.

What is the best film for learning about music history?

If you want a real education, “Quincy” is a brilliant film that covers everything from jazz to pop and the evolution of the music business. For classic rock, “Gimme Shelter” or “The Beatles: Get Back” put you right at the heart of key historic moments. These films combine concert footage, interviews, and never before seen material to give you the big picture.

Which music documentary won an Oscar?

Two standouts: “20 Feet From Stardom” won Best Documentary Feature in 2014, and “Summer of Soul” took home the same award in 2022. Both are packed with live performances, rare interviews, and stories that highlight key figures in music history. If you’re hunting for award-winning music documentaries, these are essential viewing.

What is considered the greatest musical of all time?

In terms of movie musicals, titles like “West Side Story,” “The Sound of Music,” and “La La Land” are often called the greatest for their impact and timeless songs. If you’re after the greatest music documentaries, look for those that blend real live performances with behind the scenes storytelling, like “Homecoming” or “Gimme Shelter.”

How does music affect your brain?

Music lights up your brain like nothing else. Studies show it can boost your mood, sharpen your memory, and even help reduce stress. Many documentaries feature artists talking about how music helped them heal, find connection, or even overcome tough moments. Whether you’re listening, watching, or playing, music really is good for you.

What should I take from a music documentary?

Think of a good music documentary as an invitation backstage. You get to see the sweat, the struggle, and the joy that goes into making music. Sometimes, you’ll discover new favourite songs or artists. Other times, you’ll get a new perspective on fame, the music business, or even yourself. At the very least, you’ll walk away with a story to share or a playlist to build.

Is there a documentary about the Newport Folk Festival?

Absolutely, “Festival” (1967) is one of the best music documentaries for anyone interested in the Newport Folk Festival. It captures performances from legends like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, along with historic moments that changed music forever. It’s a time capsule of folk, rock, and cultural change.

What’s the difference between a concert film and a music documentary?

A concert film is all about the show, you get front-row access to live performances, often with incredible sound and stage production. A music documentary goes deeper, exploring the lives of band members, the music industry, and the events shaping the songs. The best music documentaries often blend both, with plenty of performance footage and real stories from behind the scenes.

Hit Play on the best, and experience music for real

So, whether you’re craving rare behind the scenes stories, a wild ride through music history, or just a concert film to get your energy up, these are the best music documentaries streaming right now. Every film on this list brings something special, from never before seen footage to candid interviews and epic live performances.

Got a favourite artist you want to see for real, not just on screen?

Check out TicketSwap for the latest concerts, festivals, and club nights, because some stories are even better when you’re part of the live audience. See you at the next gig!