Mis à jour le 9 March 2022.
From rock to hip-hop, punk, metal, jazz, soul and classical music… music documentaries sometimes directly or indirectly retrace the history of a musical genre. For this second part of our look at the best music documentaries, we have chosen 16 must-see movies, all of which are both fascinating and fun.
Many music documentaries centered around an artist are sometimes more akin to a carefully calculated promotional tool than a sincere presentation. A justifiable dynamic that is often explained by the growing difficulty experienced by musicians or singers to control their image. This is all the more true when their storytelling is derailed by the influence of the press and social networks. However, not all music documentaries have a strategic ulterior motive. This is true, for example, of those exploring the history and unearthing the secrets of the most popular musical styles. Here are some of the most remarkable examples, from rap to rock, via soul and jazz. A series that completes the first installment that we dedicated to pop culture stars.
Woodstock, by Michael Wadleigh (1970): a rock-hippie celebration
The Woodstock Festival, which has become a symbol for several generations, lasted only one short, wild weekend. It took place over 50 years ago in White Lake, New York, from August 15 to 18, 1969. What remains of the ultimate symbol of the “Peace & Love” and “sex, drugs & rock’n roll” era? Not much, if we look at the concrete legacies of its political demands – such as the protest against the Vietnam War. Musically and aesthetically, the legacy of Woodstock continues to this day – sometimes reclaimed by the luxury sector, particularly in advertising (Joplin and Hendrix in particular). In addition to Elliot Landy’s fantastic photos, this extraordinary event was immortalized by the visionary Michael Wadleigh in a cult documentary called Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music.
Released in 1970, the film retraces the concerts, the preparation of the festival, the backstage, the colossal traffic jams and the reactions of the locals. All of these exciting perspectives allowed director Wadleigh to win the Oscar for best documentary film that same year. Among all the images of Woodstock (200km of film were shot during the event!), the most important are those on stage. As such, Woodstock stands as one of the main touchstones in the history of rock and folk music. As if all the energy and the ardor of rock, its archetypes, were gathered there: Joan Baez, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Nash & Young, Santana…
This fascinating presentation is most evident in the long version (225 minutes) of the 1994 director’s cut. A breathtaking montage that sometimes uses a split-screen and in which the great Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker (the editor of Taxi Driver) participated. Among the must-see moments, we can mention Canned Heat’s set, The Who’s boundless energy, Janis Joplin’s brilliant and totally inebriated performance, Ten Years After’s extraordinary jam session and Santana’s mythical Soul Sacrifice. And let’s not forget the highlight of the show: the unforgettable, magnetic Hendrix show, worthy of any blockbuster. A special mention for his corrosive Star Spangled Banner, reworked for the occasion by imitating the sound of the strident B-52 bombings that were then raging in Vietnam.
This cathartic and fantastic gathering captured by Wadleigh is a sensory and immersive experience. The myth comes to life before the eyes of the viewer, somewhere between illusion and nightmare. Let’s not forget that Woodstock remains as famous for its atmosphere and legendary headliners as for its technical failures, tragic accidents and overcrowding (nearly half a million people attended, compared to the expected 50,000). Thanks in large part to this documentary, the festival nevertheless continues to inspire rock music, contemporary festivals and music in general.
AlloCiné: 4/5
IMDB: 8.2/10
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.33:1 and 2.36:1
Wattstax, by Mel Syaurt (1973): an iconic manifesto of Black Music
An immense musical and political celebration, Wattstax is to the Black American community what Woodstock is to hippies. Organized on August 20, 1972 by Stax, this great event gathered the main artists of the fantastic southern soul label. On the stage of the Los Angeles Coliseum, Albert King, Johnnie Taylor, Kim Weston, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, The Emotions, Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, The Bar-Kays and The Staple Singers performed. Tickets cost a symbolic $1, so as not to disadvantage anyone.
While music was at the heart of the event, the purpose lay elsewhere. It was to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the tragic Watts riots. The opportunity to reflect upon the condition of African Americans. The filmmaker Mel Stuart (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 1971) was entrusted with the precious task of recording this historic event, which was attended by 100,000 people.
More than just a documentary, Wattstax underlines the huge cultural influence of Stax in America. The stars of the Memphis label are nearly all present in front of a crowded stadium. Starting with the fascinating Isaac Hayes as the leading figure. This isn’t simply a celebration of soul music. After the Star Spangled Banner sung by Kim Weston, Jesse Jackson gave a poignant speech. Poetically, he exhorted the audience to raise their fists by repeating “I am somebody” and “I’m black, I’m proud” – words that have been echoed during the Black Lives Matter movement.
The structure of the Wattstax documentary follows the same equilibrium. On the one hand, there is live footage, and on the other, interviews (in streets, cabarets, hair salons…). The opportunity often to address the living conditions of African-Americans. The musical sequences are interspersed with interviews with the brilliant comedian Richard Pryor and actor Ted Lange.
The fact remains that the film Wattstax, Golden Globe winner for best documentary in 1972, also knows how to shine without dialogue. And for good reason: the rhythms of the music, the movements of the dancers, from funk to blues, R&B, gospel and soul, translate by themselves the difficulties of the Black-American experience. A must-see.
AlloCiné: 4.2/5
IMDB: 7.6/10
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.85:1
Scratch, by Doug Pray (2001): the history of the turntable and hip-hop
A great celebration of turntablism and hip-hop culture, this brilliant documentary explores the history of mixing and scratching. From the beginnings of the genre in the 70s (GrandMixer DXT at Herbie Hancock’s) to the recent transformations in the 2000s in the United States, the journey proves to be fascinating and very consistent. Scratch probes both the essence and the technical dimension of the turntable. Unsurprisingly, hip-hop is the most prominent movement here. The DJs from this musical trend have largely contributed to the main innovations of the vinyl turntable. Mix, tempo, use of the turntable, pass pass technique… the habits and experiments of these instigators have clearly influenced DJ practices. This documentary helps you understand how the turntable gradually became an authentic musical instrument.
Like Doug Pray’s other documentaries (on grunge, graffiti culture, truck drivers, surfers…), Scratch depicts marginality through the eyes of a sociologist. The opportunity for the filmmaker to indirectly address the social issues (discrimination, inequality…) to which hip-hop is often connected by its latent political statement. Both instructive and austere, this documentary is not afraid to address specialists. Record scratching, breakbeat, diggin… the art of DJing is presented uncompromisingly and with extravagance. Very instructive, Scratch does not forget about novices. With a little perseverance, the layman can enter a world of electrifying virtuosos.
Through a copious amount of archival material and numerous interviews, Scratch assembles countless artists. The documentary draws up a plethoric portrait of hip-hop culture. We encounter American musicians who are both prestigious and pioneers. Among them: DJ Premier, Afrika Bambaataa, Jazz Jay, GrandMixer DXT, Mixmaster Mike, Q-bert, DJ Craze, DJ Krush, X-Ecutioners, or DJ Shadow. Rhythmic and abrasive like a DJ mixset, Scratch‘s editing is fascinating. So much so that this movie is one of the most fun and iconic documentaries on the subject. Interesting for hip-hop and rap fans, but also vinyl collectors.
AlloCiné: 3.8/5
IMDB: 7.8/10
Available on DVD and on YouTube
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1:78:1
It Might Get Loud, by Davis Guggenheim (2009): the saga of the electric guitar
Shot on 35mm film in Detroit, Dublin and London, the documentary It Might Get Loud is unique in its nonchalance and simplicity. Rather than overviewing the history of the electric guitar (and, to a lesser extent, that of drums and songwriting) through its highly technical aspect, the movie looks at the instrument in a fun, casual way. Though this approach may bother purists who are partial to theoretical details, it excels in its modesty. Rather than claiming to uncover the mysteries of rock music, this movie prefers to meader and contemplate. To this end, It Might Get Loud has the same enigmatic quality as the cult documentary Le Mystère Picasso (Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1956). It is as if, even when meticulously scrutinizing the greatest virtuosos, their inspiration remains elusive.
The captivating anecdotes told by Jimmy Page (the guitar hero of The Band, The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, Page and Plant…), The Edge (U2) and Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather…) keep you on the edge of your seat. It must be said that Davis Guggenheim’s casting is very clever. Between them, these three legendary guitarists with varied influences (from early hard rock to blues rock via pop-rock, post-punk and new wave) cover three generations of rock history. Studio technicality and virtuosity for the first, harmonic and obsessive experimentation for the second, noisy spontaneity and insatiable creativity for the third… The disparate styles of this trio allow us to draw a colorful and exciting portrait of the electric guitar. Combining archival footage and electrifying interviews, It Might Get Loud also benefits from a meticulous production.
This music documentary is full of memorable scenes. Notably the one where Jack White is making an electric guitar (with bits of wood and a Coke bottle). Also the one where he composes, with a disconcerting ease, an (excellent) song in just a few minutes. In the same way, the unfeigned admiration of the ex-guitarist of the Stripes and The Edge in front of Jimmy Page playing Whole Lotta Love is a great highlight.
What a pleasure it is to see The Edge play the intro to Elevation. Where the musician swaps his effects pedal for scathing humor. Then the long-awaited moment of It Might Get Loud occurs: Page, White and The Edge get together and interweave their skills for an anthology jam – here with Led Zeppelin’s In my time of dying and The Weight by The Band. For all this, It Might Get Loud is one of the very best documentaries on rock history.
AlloCiné: 4.1/5
IMDB: 7.6/10
Available on DVD and Blu-ray (import)
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.85:1
The Up in Smoke Tour, by Philip Atwell: the pinnacle of hip-hop, with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Eminem
Hip-hop fans often mention it religiously, recounting its highlights like an unsurpassed myth. The famous Up in Smoke Tour is considered the seminal event in the world of hip-hop. This mythical series of concerts (42 in the United States and 2 in Canada) took place in 2000 and gathered rappers such as Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Warren G., Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Proof, Mel-Man or Xzibit. Directed by Philip G. Atwell, the music documentary of this tour was recorded on July 20, 2000 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The reason this essential film is so important is that it manages to capture the substance and quintessence of hip-hop.
In 2000, the genre was at its peak. Its influence on popular culture exploded, alongside sales. A phenomenon made possible by the swift rise of hip-hop in the nineties. Immortalized by Philip Atwell, famous music video director (notably for Eminem, Dr. Dre, Xzibit…), The Up in Smoke Tour impresses by its magnitude. All the classics and timeless tracks like The Real Slim Shady, Nuthin’ But a G Thang, California Love (a tribute to Tupac) and Still DRE are performed with a formidable energy and precision.
It’s no coincidence that many of the segments of the Up in Smoke Tour are now among the most renowned classics. Performances that will be remembered as one of the greatest shows dedicated to hip-hop culture ever organized. We probably had to wait until the 2022 Super Bowl (with Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige…) to see another event of this magnitude.
The authority of the tour and the documentary can also be explained by the context of hip-hop at the time. At that time, Eminem alias Slim Shady was at the top of the rap scene with his album Marshall Mathers, under the leadership of producer Andre Young (Dr. Dre). Moreover, many artists present promoted their respective albums: Snoop Doggy Dogg with The Last Meal, Ice Cube with War Peace, Vol. 2, or Dre with 2001. An effervescence and a creativity that can be felt track after track.
In addition to the sophisticated production, the Up in Smoke Tour show was a joyous celebration where each artist did not hesitate to address the crowd with great enthusiasm. It was a great snapshot of what rap was about at the time, with sounds that were familiar and universally chanted. The unlimited influence of this iconic tour probably allowed rap to turn a corner. The opportunity to build an authentic musical identity, just like rock.
SensCritique: 8.1/10
IMDB: 8.5/10
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.77:1
Sound City, by Dave Grohl: the origins of hard rock
It’s one of the best kept secrets of rock history, an infrastructure nestled deep in the San Fernando Valley among trains and abandoned factories. Its name: Sound City. Sound City was initially presented as a simple movie based on the history of the Californian recording studios of the same name created in 1969. An ambitious undertaking (Sound City recorded Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead, Santana, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, Tool, Johnny Cash, Kyuss, Black Sabbath, NIN, Metallica, The Arctic Monkeys…) that quickly took on considerable proportions. And for good reason: this portrait created by Dave Grohl combines some of the greatest American (and British) rock and hard rock bands. The result is a fresco (2h32) of a unique and fundamental period to enlighten the eventful history of this sprawling musical genre (rock, punk, heavy metal…).
The project of retracing the trajectory of this legendary place is that of Dave Grohl. Ex-drummer of Nirvana, Them Crooked Vultures, multi-instrumentalist singer of the Foo Fighters… he is an essential hard rock figure. In 2011, Sound City Studios closed and the musician bought accessories from the premises, notably the famous analog mixing console (the illustrious Neve 8028, the only one of its kind). It was then that he decided to make a documentary about the little-known history of this iconic venue. A venue that reopened in 2017 following a buyout.
Delightful and punctuated by countless intriguing interviews, Sound City is as much about the unusual insights and many anecdotes as it is about the concerts and recordings. The music documentary allows us to better understand the genesis and the very particular sound of some of the great albums of the 20th century (from N. Young’s After the Gold Rush to Nirvana’s Nevermind).
Among the guests of honor of this tribute to hard rock are the following giants: Neil Young, Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Brad Wilk of RATM and Audioslave, Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath, producer-guru Rick Rubin, Trent Reznor of NIN, Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, sound engineer and inventor of the Neve 8028 Rupert Neve… All of these engaging and knowledgeable personalities exemplify the unique vibes of Sound City’s analog sound and the family-like atmosphere that emanates from the venue.
The second half of Sound City follows the recording of a contemplative and spontaneous album composed for the occasion, entitled Real to Reel. The resulting musical performances are mesmerizing. Guests as prestigious as Paul McCartney, Josh Homme, Krist Novoselic (ex-Nirvana bassist), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Trent Reznor, and of course the Foo Fighters, intermingle.
SensCritique: 7.7/10
IMDB: 7.8/10
Available on Blu-ray and DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 16:9, 1.78:1
Other exciting documentaries that warrant your attention
Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures, by Jan Harlan (2001)
How strange to find a film about Stanley Kubrick serving as a documentary about a musical style. And yet, it is probably one of the only examples to document – admittedly, indirectly, but still – classical, baroque and contemporary music in such a comprehensive and entertaining way. From 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) onwards, Kubrick exclusively used the music archives of the greatest composers for the soundtracks of his films, forever abandoning original scores.
From Strauss and Ligeti (2001) to Bartok (The Shining), Beethoven (A Clockwork Orange) and Schubert (Barry Lyndon), the director revolutionized the use of classical and contemporary music. Better still, he contributed (like Disney’s Fantasia) to the popularization of music that had previously been considered elitist or irrelevant. In the history of the popularization of classical music, there is a before and after Kubrick. Something that the documentary Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures admirably highlights. All while masterfully illustrating the history of this boundless musical universe.
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.77:1
Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey, by Jessica Joy Wise, Scott McFayden and Sam Dunn (2006)
Sam Dunn, a Canadian anthropologist and metal fan, explores all facets of this musical style. A deep dive that takes place through interviews and often goes beyond stereotypes. A meticulous and funny x-ray, which has the merit of being quite exhaustive and entertaining. Lemmy, Slayer and Alice Cooper are among those interviewed.
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 4/3
1991: The Year Punk Broke, by Dave Markey (1992)
For grunge and noise fans, this documentary follows the European tour of some of the most iconic punk/indie bands of the nineties. In addition to Dinosaur Jr., Gumball, the Ramones and Babes in Toyland, the film primarily follows giants Sonic Youth and Nirvana during their joint tour. On the menu: live footage and , in the true spirit of punk, mock backstage interviews. A cult film!
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 2.0, 16/9, 4/3
American Hardcore, by Paul Rachman (2006)
American Hardcore is a captivating dive into the American hardcore punk scene of the 1980 to 1985. The documentary includes numerous interviews with the main hardcore bands and carefully selected archival footage. Bad Brains, Gang Green, Black Flag, SSD, Minor Threat…a journey to the edge of counterculture and irreverence.
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.77:1
Un jour peut-être, une autre histoire du rap français, by Romain Quirot, Antoine Jaunin and François Recordier (2015)
TTC, Svinkels, Klub des Loosers, Grems, La Caution… in the early 2000s, French rap was transformed and took on a unique identity. The documentary Un jour peut-être, une autre histoire du rap français looks back at the genesis of this unique movement, whose audacity and experimentation have subsequently inspired more than one band.
Available on YouTube
Format: stereo, 16/9
Piano Blues, by Clint Eastwood (2003)
In this documentary produced by Martin Scorsese, Eastwood explores the history of jazz and blues through the piano. The opportunity for the director to meet some of the genres’ most important musicians, such as Dr. John, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Dave Brubeck, Marcia Ball or Ray Charles. From the scenario to the editing to the pertinent questions… Everything is brilliant.
Available on DVD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.77:1
Hip-Hop Evolution, by Darby Wheeler and Rodrigo Bascunan (2016)
This excellent sixteen-part Netflix series chronicles the evolution of hip-hop from the 1970s to the 2000s. The numerous interviews include some of the most prominent figures in the industry. It features DJ Kool Herc, Coke La Rock, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Fab Five Freddy, Marley Marl…
Available on Netflix
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 16/9
Temps Plein – A French Punk Scene Documentary, by Vincent Delbos, Arnaud Gravade and Aline Tournier
Confidential, rigorous and not driven by money, the French underground punk/noise scene unfolds with a teeming inventiveness and richness. However, its passionate members have to deal with the obligations of everyday life: combining work and passion. It is this complex balance that this unusual documentary brilliantly depicts.
Available on YouTube
Format: stereo, 16/9
Freestyle, the Art of Rhyme, by Kevin Fitzgerald (2000)
Freestyle, the Art of Rhyme retraces the history of freestyle ( the art of improvisation in hip-hop). The film explores its appearance in the streets of New York in the 70s (under the influence of Kool Herc) until the boom of the 90s. An essential perspective, with incandescent flows and unstoppable rhythm.
Available on DVD and Canal VOD
Format: Dolby Digital 5.1, 1.33:1
The Decline of Western Civilization, by Penelope Spheeris (1981-1998)
1981, 1988, 1998… This other great documentary probing the punk and metal movements in Los Angeles is divided into three parts. With a keen eye, Penelope Spheeris (the director of Wayne’s World) shows how the punk movement has continued for generations to represent an essential refuge for lost children and other downtrodden youths. Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs… all the big names of the eighties are present.
Available on Blu-ray and DVD (import)
Format: Dolby Digital 2.0, 1.33:1
Blu-ray players and network players
Are you looking for the right equipment to enjoy your movies in the best conditions? Compatible with DVD discs and ideal for taking advantage of the full potential of your high-definition TV or projector, the Blu-ray/UHD 4K Blu-ray player is the essential element for High Definition and Ultra High Definition home theater. Blu-ray discs offer significantly better picture and sound quality. 4K UHD compatible Blu-ray players are the ideal addition to 4K UHD TVs to enjoy unparalleled picture quality.
In the same way, network players are a convenient solution. They allow remote access (streaming) to multimedia files (photo, music, videos) stored on your computer to play them on your hi-fi system or TV. To connect to your local network, these network players use either a WiFi wireless connection or a wired connection such as Ethernet RJ45, which also gives them access to web radios and podcasts. The most advanced models offer good hi-fi quality with a wireless connection.
The Xiaomi Mi Tv Box S 4K media player ensures great video and audio performance thanks to the integration of a powerful 64-bit quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, combined with a Mali-450 graphics processor and 2GB of RAM.
Connected network media players have a WiFi and/or Ethernet controller to access the Internet. They run Android TV or a proprietary operating system, with the ability to install the many applications of VOD services (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney +, Rakuten TV, etc.), TV channels, as well as online music services like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc. These network players are the ideal complement to an older TV to stream programs. It’s also the perfect companion for a more modern television, thanks to its compatibility with a wider range of applications. All of which makes watching movies easier.
