1. Wham! Glimmers of the ’80s
Close your eyes and imagine this the Best Music Documentaries; the glitz and glam of the 80’s, the era of big music and even bigger hair! This is where we find ourselves with one of the best music documentaries, Wham! (2023). This documentary tells the tale of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, childhood best buds who climbed the ladder to become pop icons in the 80’s, not unlike the journey of a UFC Belt contender.
Weaving through their journey with interviews and archival footage, viewers are privy to an intimate history of the duo. The docu-flick details just how they managed to write their names in the annals of pop history. What started off as a friendly fun gig, burgeoned into an iconic music journey that would eventually shape the sound of a generation. From ’70s best buds to ’80s pop icons, the narrative of Wham! bears a striking similarity to the adventure of today’s best action movies.
2. Daisy Jones & The Six: Of fame and Infamy
You ever heard the saying, “The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long”? Well, this idiomatic gem paints the perfect picture of the story behind one of the most explosive rock bands of the 70’s, Daisy Jones & The Six. In this epic music documentary, you’ll witness the rise and abrupt fall of the band, a journey that serves an emotional rollercoaster you might liken to watching superhero movies.
From hiding in the shadows of the LA music scene to basking in the bright lights of global stardom, Daisy Jones & The Six had it all. However, as often happens in the world of fame, things went sour rather quickly. The band’s shocking split at the height of their success is explored in great detail, revealing the harsh reality behind the glamorous facade of the music industry.
Are you a fan of good horror movies? If yes, you appreciate a good shock, right? Then prepare yourself for the shocking truths exposed in Daisy Jones & The Six.
3. Searching for Sugar Man: The Lost Music Legend
Ladies and gents, next in line in our best music documentaries tour is Searching for Sugar Man. This is an enthralling story of the lost ’70s music icon Rodriguez. The South African sensation who suddenly disappeared was turned into a captivating documentary which won an Academy Award.
The journey to finding Rodriguez, much like the quest to find a perfect undershirt, is filled with twists and turns. Viewers are taken through a compelling odyssey to South Africa, where his biggest fan base was left in the dark about his sudden disappearance. Was it a cruel stunt or a tragic end?
Rodriguez’s extraordinary story serves as a document of the power of music to unite and the lengths at which fans will go to find their icons. It’s a story so surreal, you might equate it to those found in the best sports movies.
4. Amy: Underneath the Spotlight
Contrary to its plain title, Amy, is a complex and heart-wrenching exploration of one of the 21st Century’s most polarizing figures, Amy Winehouse. The documentary delves into Amy’s life, her meteoric rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and the turbulent relationships that peppered her short-lived life. Much like the suspense in the best action movies, you’re kept on the edge of your seat throughout the documentary.
5. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week
What music documentaries list would be complete without The Beatles, right? The Beatles: Eight Days a Week explores the height of Beatlemania from 1962-1966. It’s an exciting trip down memory lane filled with intimate performances and timeless music.
Coming up next are five more mind-blowing documentaries that you definitely must check out…
6. 20 Feet from Stardom
Ever wondered about the talented voices that complement and often amplify the main artists’ performance? 20 Feet from Stardom shines the spotlight onto the overlooked and underappreciated backing singers.
7. The Defiant Ones
Tales of vision, partnership, and defiance. The Defiant Ones* documents the unlikely duo of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, who built an empire and revolutionized the music industry.
8. Standing in the Shadows of Motown
Bands come and go, but the sound of Motown has remained legendary. Standing in the Shadows of Motown tells the untold story of The Funk Brothers, the band behind the Motown sound.
9. Nina Simone: What Happened, Miss Simone?
This compelling documentary explores the life, work, and activism of the legendary Nina Simone. With never-before-seen footage and recordings, it’s a must-watch for any music enthusiast.
10. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
Last but not least, we have Metallica: Some Kind of Monster. This documentary provides an in-depth look into one of the most successful heavy metal bands.
These music documentaries aren’t just about music but also about life, struggle, success, and art. Highly recommended for any music and documentary lovers out there. Enjoy, folks!
