The best music documentaries to watch on repeat (part 1)

The Beatles, the Buena Vista Social Club, Kurt Cobain, the Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, Orelsan… many pop culture stars have been the subject of cult music documentaries. For this first part devoted to the highlights of the genre, we have selected 13 must-see documentaries.

With the release of Peter Jackson’s documentary series The Beatles: Get Back, which revisits one of the Fab Four’s defining moments, we take a look back at some of the greatest music documentaries exploring famous bands and artists.

The Beatles: Get Back, by Peter Jackson (2021)

Without a doubt, the Beatles are to rock what The Lord of the Rings is to heroic fantasy. The godfather of pop culture legend Peter Jackson obviously did not choose his subject at random. This collaboration also appears to be excellent news for fans of the Fab Four. The director shines when he has to weave a story out of a colossal amount of information. It was clearly the case with the intricate trilogy written by Tolkien. And this ability is just as evident in the exceptional editing of countless rushes (60 hours of footage, 150 hours of audio!) used for the documentary series The Beatles: Get Back.

As always, Peter Jackson eschews a short format or an ellipse (his lengthy Hobbit trilogy is a testament to this). And for good reason, the three episodes of the series last on average 2h30 for a total duration of 7h47. This runtime was probably necessary to meticulously reconstruct the eight hours spent by John, Paul, George and Ringo in the intimacy of their studio in 1969.

Stuck somewhere between genius and exhaustion, inspiration and decline, the Fab Four find themselves in a kind of loft – the Twickenham film studios and the Apple Corps studios – to prepare a TV show. A show where they have to reconnect with the excitement of the audience, something that hasn’t happened for them since 1966. All of their minds are elsewhere, except for Paul McCartney, who initiated this concept which no doubt originated in reality TV.

Underlying this extraordinary moment, however, is the Beatles’ swan song (April 1970): Lennon, in particular, only has eyes for Yoko Ono. The Fab Four have never been so beautiful and brilliant, nor so close to collapse. A wonderful ambiguity that makes The Beatles: Get Back an exceptional and unsettling documentary, magnified by the superb shots captured by Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s camera.

Allociné: 4.1/5
Télérama: 5/5
iMDb: 9.2/10

Available on Disney+
Stereo formats, 16:9

Sugar Man, by Malik Bendjelloul (2012)

Sugar Man takes its time to reveal the hero, and that’s what makes it so unique and unmissable. Constantly combining gray areas (anonymity of the main protagonist after decades of success) and suspense, documentary filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul puts into perspective a dizzying and poignant story: that of an American rock and folk musician whose name you may know: Sixto Rodriguez.

Distancing himself from the standard musical documentary, the director sets the stage for a story rich in twists and turns. As the plot draws closer to him, the central protagonist becomes enigmatic, almost mythical. Did Sixto Rodriguez even exist? Part investigation, part social thriller, Sugar Man blurs the lines and amazes. Very politically active during the 1970s, the American singer is a legend in South Africa. Without knowing it, Sixto even became an anti-apartheid icon there, a true symbol for white liberals.

You are not familiar with the central character in this film? All the more reason to watch it! Without any complacency and with an economy of means that is the essence of Sugar Man, Malik Bendjelloul combines emotion with extremely refined editing. The director’s enthusiasm is fully conveyed to the viewer, so much so that one will never listen to the hit “Sugar Man” in the same way again.

Allociné: 4.4/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 8.2/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD, Canal VOD and UniversCiné.
Stereo formats, 16:9

Buena Vista Social Club, by Wim Wenders (1999)

What if cinema could change the history of music? Buena Vista Social Club, a cult documentary by German director Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire, Paris, Texas, etc.) proved it was possible. Thanks to the feature film released in 1999, a band of forgotten Cuban musicians in their eighties suddenly rose to fame: the “Super Abuelos” (super grandfathers), members of the “Buena Vista Social Club”, a legendary club of musicians in Cuba.

Thanks to Ry Cooder, the composer to whom he owes the music for his movies Paris, Texas and The End of Violence, Wim Wenders discovered a breathtaking recording by a Cuban group, the “Buena Vista Social Club”. He then decided to accompany the composer to meet the members of an old studio in Havana, who agreed to confide in him between sessions. The duo didn’t know it yet, but they were about to revive this band of salsa and guajira veterans. The result is a critically acclaimed documentary movie that not only shines a new light on Cuba, but also brings Cuban music back to the forefront.

Allociné: 4/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 7.6/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD and on UniversCiné.
Stereo formats, 16:9

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky (2004)

This movie shot during the genesis of Metallica’s album “St. Anger” is a departure from the classic documentary format. Which makes it all the more valuable and original.

For two years, directors Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky delve into the lives of the band and their demons. The members of the band were going through a difficult period, between turbulent family lives and demanding professional commitments. Worse still, the sudden departure of James Hetfield (singer and guitarist) from rehab weakened the delicate balance of the band. So much so that Metallica were forced to consult a therapist.

From then on, the documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster takes a rather brilliant turn. A dynamic that reminds us of the counterpoint of a mafia series like the Sopranos, where the settling of scores tips over into neurosis. For example, drummer Lars Ulrich ends up confiding in us about the power struggle that haunts Metallica, more precisely about Hetfield’s need for permanent control. Some Kind of Monster is electrifying while inviting the fan or the curious onlooker to share a disturbing slice of reality.

Allociné: 4.4/5
Inrocks: 5/5
iMDb: 7.4/10

Available on Netflix, Some Kind of Monster was aired on Arte in 2008 under the title Metallica, dans l’intimité d’un monstre.
Also available on DVD and Blu-Ray
Stereo formats, 16:9

See also: A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica, by Adam Dubin (1992)

Cobain: Montage of Heck, by Brett Morgen (2015)

Acclaimed at the Sundance and Berlin festivals, Cobain: Montage of Heck distances itself from the legendary aura of Nirvana’s frontman. Far from idolatry, the documentary chooses the thorny path of Kurt Cobain’s torments: his anxieties and his addiction to heroin, in particular.

In this sensitive yet oppressive piece – his daughter Frances Bean Cobain’s first steps did not take place in the safest of environments – the singer and guitarist presents a less monolithic and curiously more human portrait.

Nirvana fans are still waiting for an answer to the riddle left by the band’s tragic fate. But Cobain: Montage of Heck sidesteps all these questions to better focus on the real, intimate and uncompromising. The iconic Kurt Cobain comes down from his pedestal to present his true self, surrounded by anger, love and addiction. Beautiful and disturbing, the archive scenes, often accompanied by Nirvana’s best songs, are also complemented by striking animated sequences. A must-see, whether or not you’re a fan of the illustrious band from Seattle.

Allociné: 4.2/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 7.5/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD and on Canal VOD and UniversCiné
Stereo formats, 16:9

Cocksucker Blues, by Robert Frank (1972)

Sultry and unclassifiable, the Cocksucker Blues musical documentary truly is one of a kind. Remaining in obscurity until its rediscovery in 2008 (via bootlegs posted on YouTube), this film by Robert Frank features the Rolling Stones’ famous 1972 tour. Considered shocking because of its frankness, the film was the subject of much discussion when it was released, before being immediately censored.

Besides the compromising images (drug taking, hotel ransacking, naked groupies…), an unexpected feeling emanates from the footage, mostly shot with a handheld camera. We sometimes see Mick Jagger or Keith Richards, often subject to boredom or fatigue, wandering aimlessly around cluttered hotel rooms. A disillusioning image in contrast to the glamour, far from the feeling of casualness and ardor which was given off by their stage performances. It is precisely this disruption that makes Cocksucker Blues such a unique and stunning movie.

Curiously, a certain poetry also occasionally appears throughout the debauchery of Cocksucker Blues. A few memorable moments show, for example, Keith Richards playing the blues on a piano. Others focus on drummer Charlie Watts, who mostly remains in the background. But beyond all the splendor and decadence of the Stones, the best scenes take place on stage. This is the case, for example, when the group performs the iconic “Midnight Rambler” and “Brown Sugar”. Raw, unhinged and disturbing, Cocksucker Blues illustrates the essence of the motto “sex drugs & rock’n roll” to the point of excess.

Allociné: 3.4/5
iMDb: 7/10
Inrocks: 4/5

Available on YouTube and many video platforms
Mono, 4/3

Also to be seen by fans of the Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter, by Albert Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin and David Maysles.

Don’t Look Back, by D. A. Pennebaker (1965)

The legendary music documentary Don’t Look Back is iconic for both its avant-garde format and the counterculture figures that it features. In 1965, Bob Dylan met (or invited) musicians such as Joan Baez, Donovan, Alan Price, Marianne Faithfull, and even Beat Generation writer Allen Ginsberg on his mythical tour. Donn Alan Pennebaker, immense director of musical documentaries, captures these moments with passion and genius.

Immersing himself on stage, the filmmaker succeeds in conveying the vibrancy of the concerts. A more spiritual atmosphere emerges when he films the artists in their private lives. More than just Dylan’s 1965 tour, the filmmaker also retraces an entire era and delivers a dazzling testimony to the history of rock. With its ardor and spontaneity, Don’t Look Back is certainly a cornerstone in the history of musical documentaries.

Allociné: 4.2/5
iMDb: 8/10

Available on DVD
Mono, 4/3

And also: No Direction Home and Rolling Thunder Revue, two amazing documentaries on Dylan by Martin Scorsese

Ne montre jamais ça à personne, by Clément Cotentin and Christophe Offenstein (2021)

This mini-series dedicated to Orelsan is an original take on the music documentary. Childlike yet sophisticated, its formula draws on the star’s hilarious personal archives. Cut into six short episodes, Montre jamais ça à personne traces the rapper’s 20-year career with sensitivity and humor.

Clément Cotentin, Orelsan’s little brother, has filmed (sometimes surreptitiously) the journey of “Orel” since his early days. The result is a colossal and brilliant documentary database, which he edits here in collaboration with director Christophe Offenstein (co-director of Comment c’est loin in 2015 with Orelsan). From the drunken evenings with friends in his smoke-filled apartment in Caen to the prestigious Parisian concert halls, Orelsan’s journey appears colorful. With each episode, the impetuous teenager and Jackass fan gains wisdom. His writing becomes more mature. The mischievous spontaneity of the early days gives way to deeper musings, questioning and doubts.

From a DIY approach to craftsmanship, the expertise of Orelsan and his associates (Gringe, Ablaye, Skread, etc.) even ends up being genuinely professional – Skread’s influence seems to have a lot to do with it. A success story unlike any other, Montre jamais ça à personne then reveals with inspiration how an ordinary guy (or almost), by dint of hard work, ends up leaving his student sofa to achieve his dream: to make a place for himself in the world of rap. Of course, Clément Cotentin’s camera wobbles a bit and the live shots sometimes border on the amateurish. But all this makes it possible to create a fascinating atmosphere where the complicity of the two brothers emerges with tenderness. If only for this brotherly complicity, Montre jamais ça à personne is really worth a look.

Allociné: 4.5/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 8.5/10

Available on Amazon Prime
Stereo formats, 16:9

Dig!, by Ondi Timoner (2005)

It doesn’t matter if the viewer of Dig! is familiar or not with the world of American indie rock from the early 2000s. It really isn’t essential. Because director Ondi Timoner, awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Sundance Festival, succeeded in creating a superb piece of work (it is part of the collection of the MOMA in New York) with an enthralling narrative.

In fact, Dig! dissects the trajectories of two groups from the American independent scene: the Brian Jonestown Massacre of San Francisco and the Dandy Warhols of Portland. The former will experience a dramatic descent into hell, the latter an eventful rise. Exploring these two more or less inverted curves, Ondi Timoner digs (Dig, it’s all in the title) to reveal all that makes the legend of rock history. Failed concerts, dismissed musicians, snorted lines of coke… the filmmaker’s camera captures a real odyssey over seven years, bordering passion and enmity. Funny, thrilling and touching, Dig! also benefits from an exceptional soundtrack.

Allociné: 4.3/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 7.8/10

Available on DVD
Stereo formats, 16:9

Marley, by Kevin Macdonald (2012)

A documentary with a runtime of 150 minutes, Marley is more of a best-of anthology than a deep dive into the reggae idol’s secrets and subtleties. Also, the most learned fans of Bob Marley may regret the film’s lack of grit. However, it would be wrong to perceive this documentary as a timid biography.

Rich in archival footage and extensive testimonials, Marley even contains a thorough and relentless investigation. Perhaps lacking in real surprises, Kevin Macdonald’s film shines with its insights into reggae, a genre full of echoes and offbeats.

Never mind its academic rigor: Bob Marley’s almost mythological status emerges gradually over the course of the footage and it is captivating. The character’s political contradictions, his austerity, his infidelities… director Kevin Macdonald brilliantly puts each facet into perspective. The soundtrack is obviously vibrant and the restored images captivating.

Allociné: 4.3/5
Première: 4/5
iMDb: 7.9/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD, Canal VOD and UniversCiné
Stereo formats, 16:9

Amy, by Asif Kapadia (2015)

With Amy, Asif Kapadia not only delivers an empathetic and informative portrait of the London soul diva, but also a tormented dive into the chaotic world of Amy Winehouse.

From the rebellious and determined teenager to her downward spiral and trip to rehab, Asif Kapadia does not polish the star’s rough edges. Amy therefore appears in some ways as a cruel immersion in the private life of the star. The documentary, however, also knows how to compensate for the tragedy with a vibrant energy. By turns amusing, touching, clever, the story dazzles by its multi-facetedness.

One of the most striking aspects of Amy is the pack of journalists who tracked the singer’s every move and bombarded her with camera flashes. Amy Winehouse was filmed almost incessantly during her short life. An obsession that unfortunately left its mark. This sad and fascinating story makes you want to listen to her two studio albums over and over again.

Allociné: 4.1/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 7.8/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD, PremiereMax and UniversCiné
Stereo formats, 16:9

Janis, by Amy Berg (2016)

A few months after the music documentary Amy, Janis was also released. The coincidence appears all the more surprising as the destinies of the two women, who both died at the age of 27, are in many ways alike. Their decline and the circumstances of their death (an overdose), in particular. However, there is no opportunistic approach on the part of the director of Janis: the parallel is more of a coincidence.

Filmmaker Amy Berg’s production of this film is very well done, filled with live footage and interviews that sift through the trajectory of a whirlwind singer, sympathetic and powerless against her demons.

The documentary Janis alternates between the power of the singer’s powerful and joyful public performances and the tragic suffering that haunted her. A pain that her unique voice translated with emotion and brilliance. Also, Janis is a portrait of an era: that of psychedelic pop-rock, of which Janis Joplin was one of the most prominent symbols.

Première: 4/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 7.8/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD, Canal VOD and UniversCiné
Stereo formats, 16:9

Spinal Tap, by Rob Reiner (1984)

Hilarious and very rigorous despite seeming like a total parody, Spinal Tap has all the ingredients that make a great musical documentary (rise to fame, success, decadence, questionable hair and clothing…). With one difference: this rockumentary isn’t what it seems. It is infact a mockumentary, but all the dialogues are totally improvised. Deliberately unclassifiable, Spinal Tap nevertheless earns its place in our selection thanks to its hair-raising spontaneity.

The first film by Rob Reiner (the man behind Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally and Misery), this totally absurd comedy explores all possible clichés, not without a certain genius. Multiplying incessant gags and improbable dialogues, Rob Reiner and his band certainly produced one of the funniest works of the 1980s. The strength of Rob Reiner, who plays the role of director Marty Di Bergi, consists in filming the most ridiculous situations with implacable seriousness (amplifier that goes up to 11, band that gets lost in the corridors leading to the stage, etc.).

Everything seems real, and yet, Spinal Tap lies tirelessly and it is brilliant. Underneath the humor lies an honest criticism of the star system’s outdated rules, be it heavy metal or not. For example, the movie pokes fun at Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) and The Edge (U2), without forgetting AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Now a cult movie for many musicians, Spinal Tap resulted in a lot of merchandising and even a tour of the fake band Spinal Tap: when reality surpasses fiction!

The Inrocks: 4/5
Télérama: 4/5
iMDb: 7.9/10

Available on Blu-Ray, DVD and on UniversCiné and LaCinetek
Stereo formats, 16:9