Music documentaries are often able to provide insight into a band or artist that may not come through in their music. The very best music documentaries are able to go beyond character exploration and reveal details about the time and culture that created the music.

Music Documentaries That Stand The Test Of Time

• Don’t Look Back (1967) — The quintessential look at the 1960s folk music scene follows Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England. Joan Baez, the Animals and Donavan also appear. The opening contains the classic scene of Dylan flipping cards with single words from the lyrics to "Subterranean Homesick Blues"—a scene that has been copied many times in commercials and videos.
• Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991) — Although this film does a creditable job of following Madonna on her “Blonde Ambition” tour, there is some question whether the concert footage has been altered to improve the vocals. The film is notable for having the behind-the-scenes footage shot in black and white, while the concert footage is in color.
• Gimme Shelter (1970) — A grueling look into the disaster that was the Rolling Stones’ 1969 free concert at Altamont Speedway near Oakland California. A decision to hire Hell’s Angels bikers as security leads to one of the darkest moments in rock history.
• Stop Making Sense (1984) — Although more of a concert film than a documentary, Stop Making Sense does a great job of capturing the talent and creativity of David Byrne and The Talking Heads. The wide angles and long scenes serve to put the viewer into the concert experience.
• Jazz on a Summer's Day (1960) — Director Bert Stern captures the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, including performances by Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Chuck Berry and Thelonious Monk. The leisurely pace of the movie makes it feel like you’re sitting on a blanket in the grass instead of a movie theater chair.
• U2: Rattle and Hum (1988) — Although this film received little critical notice, it captures the band at what may have been its live performing peak. Several unique performances, including a session with B.B. King, an impromptu performance in San Francisco and a performance with full gospel choir help the film rise above the standard concert footage.
• This is Spinal Tap (1984) — Written by Christopher Guest and Michael McKean and directed by Rob Reiner, This is Spinal Tap created the “mockumentary” genre. A biting (and hilarious) spoof of rock, moviemaking and celebrity, the film follows the comeback tour of the fictional Spinal Tap—The Loudest Band In The World.