There is a dizzying array of new music documentaries these days. While it used to be the case that you’d have to catch them on late-night TV channels, streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney+ now present a huge library to browse from at your leisure.
Choice is great and all, but it does make it very difficult to pick something. This article is here to help you out with five docs that should be on your radar.
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Man on the Run (Paul McCartney)
Following the life of bassist and songwriter Paul McCartney, Man on the Run is a fantastic choice for any fan of The Beatles.
Going right back to the very beginning of the artist’s foray into the world of music, fans get to explore the history of one of the industry’s most iconic individuals, with the doc covering his journey from band member to solo artist and everything in between. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the band, it’s still a must-watch.
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Out of the Wishing Well
Out of the Wishing Well is a very personal film for creator Josh Shuman. This Foo Fighters documentary explores the band through the lens of someone whose life they changed, and is complete with captivating first-hand accounts and personal memories.
The documentary has a very raw feel, exploring intimate moments with the band and exclusive snippets. You certainly don’t want to miss this if you’re a Foo Fighters or Nirvana fan, and it’s a great watch for any rock fan in general.
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Billy Joel: And So It Goes
Billy Joel is one of the most iconic musicians of all time, and this documentary tells the whole story.
It explores much more than the musician’s art, delving into personal struggles never before told and his enduring legacy.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes is a mini-series rather than a standalone documentary, so you can watch it in stages if you wish.
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The Best Summer
The Best Summer is a particularly unique documentary in that it’s about a period in time rather than a single artist or act. The piece covers the 90s indie rock scene, sandwiching amazing show footage with exclusive backstage access.
The documentary features performances from iconic acts of the time, like the Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth. It’s a great one if you want to experience a nostalgic trip back to one of the most influential points in music history.
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Antiheroine (Courtney Love)
Antiheroine captures the life and stardom of singer Courtney Love.
Anyone familiar with the musician’s relationship with late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain knows that Love’s life would make for a captivating story, but the documentary delves into much more than this association. It covers her life as a singer in the band Hole and features several prominent artists of the time, such as Michael Stipe, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Butch Walker.
Wrapping Up
The above is only five of what is a growing selection of fantastic music documentaries. There’s plenty more to explore this year, so see what else you can find!
