While documentaries have always been an important part of music culture, the digital age and rise of streaming services have seen an explosion in docs covering every genre and facet of the industry. Legendary acts consent in order to carry on their legacy. New artists are covered in hopes of creating a strong artistic statement as their careers flourish. Since there’s so many to choose from, here’s a wide selection from the past few years everyone should check out:
“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (Bee Gees, 2020)
This movie turned me into an ardent Bee Gees defender. Despite their subpar reputation since their prime, the most successful trio in music history had a deeply complicated and personal undertone beneath their stardom. “Broken Heart” highlights the brothers’ relationship in addition to shining light on deep cuts like “Massachusetts” and “New York Mining Disaster 1941.” If you have a free afternoon and any ear for good music, you will be blown away by this one.
Out of Body (Noah Kahan, 2026)
In spite of his sudden meteoric rise to success, “Out of Body” shows Noah Kahan to be a profoundly sensitive voice within a loud industry. As he begins work on what would become “The Great Divide”, Kahan is deeply vulnerable about his struggles with mental health and body dysmorphia. The added cast of his family and wife make “Out of Body” a very humanizing experience. Not a happy movie, but a very powerful one.
20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
Though this one is a bit older, Morgan Neville’s opus on the backup singers of the biggest names in pop music is masterful. “20 Feet from Stardom” dedicates itself to elevating the voices (pun intended) of the Black women who fought tirelessly to achieve success in the industry. It is the only movie on this list preserved in the Library of Congress. It won an Oscar. It deserves both honors and then some. Watch this movie.
Man on the Run (Paul McCartney, 2026)
After the Beatles broke up in 1970, many wondered whether or not Paul McCartney could find success outside of the most successful band in history. “Man on the Run” chronicles his triumphant solo run in the seventies and is an artistic achievement in its own right. The film blends archival photos and studio recordings, as well as the voices of family, former Beatles and Wings bandmates and McCartney himself. The result is an absolutely stunning reminder of one of the greatest comebacks in pop music history.
Driving Home 2 U (Olivia Rodrigo, 2022)
Though Olivia Rodrigo has since released “Guts” and gone on to immeasurable success, “Driving Home 2 U” and its documenting of her debut album is still a worthwhile watch if nothing else than for its studio performances. I’m an absolute sucker for documentaries that are full of stripped down performances of hits and discussion into what made them. If you’re a Rodrigo fan or are like me in that regard, you will have a good time with this movie.
Rock & Roll President (Jimmy Carter, 2020)
While it may seem odd to include a political documentary on this list, the sheer range of interviewees is enough to make any music fan swoon. Among others, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Bono, Paul Simon and USM’s own Jimmy Buffett testify to President Carter’s love and commitment to the American musical tradition. Carter himself is interviewed extensively in one of his last media appearances, and the movie is forthcoming about his political successes and failures. If you have any remote attachment to 20th-century popular music, you will find something to enjoy.
Becoming Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin, 2025)
Despite their status, the Mighty Zep have long been wary of creating a movie about their rise to superstardom. “Becoming Led Zeppelin” made sure the wait was worth it. With the full cooperation of the living members (and archival recordings of the late John Bonham), the film chronicles their genesis up until the end of 1970. Most of “Becoming” is composed of never-before-seen concert footage, and the whole movie should be treated more as a two-hour performance. A must-see for rock fans.
