15 music documentaries you won't want to miss
Many are free to watch now
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
With the news that Becoming Led Zeppelin is set to come to the big screen and Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi is available to stream now, we thought we'd take a look at some great music documentaries, which are available to watch.
Some of these documentaries you can watch for free on streaming services, others you'll need a subscription, or even to pop to the cinemas, for a night out! Wherever you watch them, we're sure you'll enjoy seeing how some of the biggest acts around started out in the music industry.
We've already seen Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now on TV this year, and a new Bruce Springsteen documentary has now been announced called Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. We're also just a week away from the new Disney+ Beach Boys documentary!
Take a look at these music documentaries:
Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now (iPlayer)
For the first time ever, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe let a camera crew backstage on their 'Dreamworld' tour in this BBC documentary with Alan Yentob called Pet Shop Boys: Then and Now.
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (Disney+)
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story is a four-part documentary series following the story Bon Jovi right from the beginning up to the present day. Speaking of handing over control to the documentary's director, Jon explained it was: "The whole truth, nothing but the truth.
"We relinquished all control to the director, which, if you're going to do it, we felt that it should be just to speaking the whole truth. Each of our individual truths, really, and then not to sanitise it to your point."
Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible
Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible is a feature-length film which includes interviews with the likes of Bob Geldof, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie, Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan, The Specials' Jerry Dammers, and Texas' Sharleen Spiteri, along with Manic Street Preachers' James Dean Bradfield, writer Irvine Welsh, actress Molly Ringwald and many album producers.
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band (Disney+)
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band was directed by Bruce Springsteen's longtime collaborator Thom Zimny (Springsteen on Broadway, Willie Nelson & Family, Sly), and it's produced by Zimny, Jon Landau, Springsteen, Adrienne Gerard and Sean Stuart.
The Beatles: Let It Be (Disney+)
This documentary film starring The Beatles was first released in May 1970, in the middle of the band's break-up, but has now been re-released after being restored, on Disney+. The film follows the band as they record songs and rehearse for their last album 'Let It Be'.
WHAM! (Netflix)
From Chris Smith, the director behind the infamous Fyre Fest documentary, fans get the chance to follow Wham! from their early beginnings to the height of their success. The documentary includes footage from George and Andrew's personal archives such as never-before-seen footage, and previously unheard interviews.
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (Netflix)
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese is described as 'Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream', by Netflix. The film captures America in the autumn of 1975, and the music that Bob Dylan performs during that time.
Dolly Parton: Here I Am (iPlayer)
Dolly Parton: Here I Am is a documentary following the country singer from her humble beginnings, up to her present global success. The film includes archive footage and interviews with Dolly herself, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
What Happened, Miss Simone? (Netflix)
What Happened, Miss Simone? is a documentary from director Liz Garbus, who weaves together never-before-heard recordings and rare archival footage of the iconic singer, along with many of her well-known tracks.
Amy (Channel4, Apple TV, Prime Video)
Amy is an Oscar-winning documentary about the late singer, who died at the age of just 27. Amy uses extensive archive footage, along with personal videos to delve into the singer, behind the famous face fans knew. Starting in the early years, and following her as she makes her big break into the music industry.
Whitney (Prime Video)
Whitney is a documentary film featuring exclusive performances and footage of the singer known for her hits such as 'I'm Every Woman' and 'I Will Always Love You'. The film had its world premiere as part of the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, with a cinema release soon after. And was nominated at the 61st Grammy Awards for Best Music Film.
The Beach Boys (Disney+)
Including never-before-seen footage and new interviews, The Beach Boys is a brand new documentary available now on Disney+. The documentary follows the band from their humble beginnings to their worldwide success.
Becoming Led Zeppelin (Cinemas)
The long-gestating Led Zeppelin documentary film Becoming Led Zeppelin is finally set to hit cinema screens, however a date has not yet been announced.
The officially-authorised Becoming Led Zeppelin documentary traces the formation and early years of the fabled rock British band.
Cyndi Lauper's Let The Canary Sing (Paramount+)
Streaming platform Paramount+ have released a brand new feature-length documentary to celebrate the remarkable life and career of American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper. The documentary arrived on Wednesday 5th June, taking the audience on an engaging exploration of a renowned and pioneering artist who has left a remarkable legacy with her art.
Before We Was We: Madness by Madness (ITVX)
Before We Was We: Madness by Madness was added to ITVX on 20th June 2024. The documentary follows the band as they started out from their humble beginnings, before becoming for hits such as. 'Baggy Trousers' and 'One Step Beyond'.
Take That (Netflix)
Netflix announced in August 2024 that a new Take That series was in the works. They said 'A new TAKE THAT series is in production! With access to Gary, Howard and Mark and featuring interviews with Jason and Robbie, this series will give unprecedented insight into one of Britain's most successful and beloved bands.'
Elton John: Never Too Late (Disney+)
Elton John: Never Too Late will be released in selected cinemas on 15th November, followed by a Disney+ release on 13th December. The documentary is directed by R.J. Cutler and Elton's husband David Furnish, who also serve as producers on the upcoming title.
Boybands Forever (iPlayer)
Boybands Forever has been announced, as a new three-part series on BBC Two and iPlayer. The series will have interviews with the likes of Robbie Williams and Brian McFadden. The executive producer is Louis Theroux.
Now read:
Becoming Led Zeppelin documentary finally set to hit cinemas
Bon Jovi documentary series out now on Disney+ in the UK
Bruce Springsteen documentary film to stream on Disney+ in the UK