10 Of The Best Music Documentaries On Netflix
Supersonic
From award-winning director Mat Whitecross, Supersonic tells the remarkable story of seminal 90s rock band Oasis – in their own words. This revealing look at the meteoric rise of the four-piece weaves never-before-seen concert footage with candid interviews and a first-hand account of the backstage sibling rivalry that threatened to destroy the band. From the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years, this palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the most genre and generation-defining British bands that has ever existed.
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Daft Punk Unchained
This is the first-ever documentary film on the most secretive duo in the world. Daft Punk Unchained, directed by Hervé Martin Delpierre, explores an exceptional pop culture phenomenon of the last 20 years: Daft Punk. Between fiction and reality, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have remained determined to control every link in the chain of their creative work. The film highlights key moments of their story, from their first school band in Paris to their historic concert at Coachella festival in 2006 and their spectacular triumph at the 2014 Grammy Awards for the album Random Access Memories. Look out for insight from Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Kanye West and Pete Tong.
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20 Feet From Stardom
Meet the unsung heroes behind the greatest songs of our time. In 20 Feet From Stardom, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, the film boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers – including Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Claudia Lennear, Lisa Fischer, and Judith Hill – whose lives and stories take centre stage for the first time. An uplifting watch.
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Gaga: Five Foot Two
In Gaga: Five Foot Two, Lady Gaga offers a vulnerable look of her life during one of the most pivotal periods in her career yet. Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Chris Moukarbel, the film is shot in the style of cinema verité, giving viewers unfiltered, behind-the-scenes access as Gaga spends time with close friends and family members, records and releases her 2016 album Joanne and deals with personal struggles. On top of professional triumphs, the film shows her at moments when she experiences intense emotional and physical pain, alongside shots that reflect more ordinary aspects of her life, whether it’s attending a family christening, visiting her grandmother or cooking and playing with her dogs at home.
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What Happened, Miss Simone?
Classically trained pianist, dive-bar chanteuse, black power icon and legendary recording artist, Nina Simone lived a life of brutal honesty, musical genius and tortured melancholy. In this striking documentary, director Liz Garbus interweaves never-before-heard recordings and rare archival footage together with Nina’s most memorable songs, to create an unforgettable portrait of one of the least understood, yet most beloved, artists of our time.
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Rolling Thunder Revue
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story was the first Netflix-only release by Martin Scorsese – released a year ahead of his 210-minute epic The Irishman. The film captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Bob Dylan performed during the autumn of that year. Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, Rolling Thunder Revue is a one of a kind experience, one that could only have been made by master filmmaker Scorsese.
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The Defiant Ones
The Defiant Ones tells the stories of Jimmy Iovine and Dr Dre – one the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman, the other straight out of Compton – and their improbable partnership and surprising leading roles in a series of transformative events in contemporary culture. The series includes interviews with music icons as Bono, Eminem, Nas, Stevie Nicks, Gwen Stefani, Tom Petty, Snoop Dogg, Bruce Springsteen and P Diddy, as well as Dre and Iovine themselves, and is essential viewing for anyone interested in the history of hip-hop and modern pop.
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Homecoming
Homecoming presents an intimate look at Beyoncé’s historic 2018 Coachella performance that paid homage to America's historically black colleges and universities. Interspersed with candid footage and interviews detailing the preparation and powerful intent behind her vision, Homecoming traces the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement.
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Whitney: Can I Be Me
Whitney Houston was the epitome of superstar, an 'American princess' and the most awarded female artist ever. Even though Whitney had made millions of dollars, had more consecutive number ones than The Beatles and became recognised as having one of the greatest voices of all time, she still wasn't free to be herself and died at the tragically young age of 48. Made with largely never-before-seen footage and exclusive live recordings, Whitney: Can I Be Me tells her incredible and poignant life story with insights from those closest to her.
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Miss Americana
Miss Americana is a raw and emotionally revealing look at Taylor Swift, one of the most iconic artists of our time, during a transformational period in her life. The film tells the story of Swift navigating the difference between who the world wants her to be, and who she wants to be. Director Lana Wilson offers a luminous and multifaceted window into a global superstar learning to embrace her role not only as a songwriter and performer, but as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice.
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