Music documentaries are the perfect ways to learn the stories behind your favourite songs, records, and musicians. And lucky for us, Netflix has a whole bunch of them. Have you already dipped into Beyoncé's Homecoming [1] or Taylor Swift's Miss Americana [2]? The streaming site also has quite a few docuseries, including the newly released Song Exploder [3], which dives into how songs are made. Meanwhile, Netflix's ReMastered series shares some of the most compelling stories in music including murders, conspiracy theories, and quests. If you're looking to kick back with musicians, melodies, and movies, check out these 25 documentaries — and remember, BLACKPINK: LIGHT UP THE SKY debuts Oct. 14!
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé
Beyoncé's Homecoming received mass critical acclaim when it was released in 2019. It's centreed around her 2018 Coachella performance and you'll get to see a lot of behind the scenes footage of everything that went into preparing for her iconic show.
Watch Homecoming on Netflix [4].
Song Exploder
What started as a podcast [5] is now a docuseries on Netflix. It features musicians ranging from Alicia Keys [6] to Lin Manuel Miranda and aims to enlighten viewers on how music gets made.
Watch Song Exploder on Netflix [7].
GAGA: FIVE FOOT TWO
This incredible documentary gives fans an inside look into the woman behind classics like "Born This Way" and "Poker Face."
Watch Gaga: Five Foot Two on Netflix [8].
Miss Americana
There's hardly any popstar who has reached a fame quite like that of Taylor Swift [9]. This film documents Swift's career up to the release of her seventh studio album, Lover.
Watch Miss Americana on Netflix [10].
Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly
=Look Mom I Can Fly follows the life and career of Travis Scott. Fans will love seeing the inspiring journey of the rapper leading up the release of his critically accaimmed album, Astroworld.
Watch Look Mom I Can Fly on Netflix [11].
What Happened, Miss Simone?
What Happened, Miss Simone?, shares intimate details of the legendary musician and activist Nina Simone. Fan will get to see Simone differently through old performance footage and interviews of those closest to her.
Watch What Happened, Miss Simone? on Netflix [12].
Quincy
As the name implies, this film is all about Quincy Jones. Jones was more than just a musician, he was a visionary, father, mentor, and legend.
Watch Quincy on Netflix [13].
Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese
A film about Bob Dylan directed by Martin Scorsese [14] is sure to impress both music and movie fans alike. Set in 1975, Rolling Thunder Revue captures Dylan's life and spirit.
Watch Rolling Thunder Revue on Netflix [15].
Keith Richards: Under the Influence
Rock 'n'rRoll legend Keith Richards shares his influences, history, and music in this Netflix documentary. Perfect for all Rolling Stones fans out there.
Watch Keith Richards: Under The Influence on Netflix [16].
The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir
Fans of The Grateful Dead will love this film about the person behind some of history's most iconic music. Even if you're not familiar with the music, Weir has had an aextroadinary life, and this film captures it all.
Watch The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir on Netflix [17].
ReMastered: Tricky Dick and The Man in Black
Part of Netflix's ReMastered series, this film relives Johnny Cash's controversial performance at The White House in 1970. It's a compelling look at politics, patriotism, and music.
Watch Tricky Dick and The Man in Black on Netflix [18].
ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads
In this documentary, fans, family, and critics look back on blues musician Robert Johnson, who was speculated to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his musical gifts.
Watch The Devil At The Crossroads on Netflix [19].
ReMastered: The Lion's Share
Most people will recognise the melody written by Solomon Linda when they hear "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." However, Linda never received compensation for his iconic work. This documentary is a sheds light on the music business, ethics, and a journey to take back what is rightfully owed to Linda's family.
Watch The Lion's Share on Netflix [20].
ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff?
In this instalment of the ReMastered series, filmmakers investigate who shot Bob Marley. It highlights how much politics can play into pop culture.
Watch Who Shot the Sheriff? on Netflix [21].
ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay?
Jam Master Jay was a DJ most famous for his work with Run DMC. This documentary investigates his unsolved murder.
Watch Who Killed Jam Master Jay? On Netflix [22].
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
Known as the "King of Soul," The Two Killings of Sam Cooke explores the life of the legendary musician.In the film, he's described as "a racial hero as much as a musical hero." This film explores how his activism may have contributed to his murder at age 33.
Watch The Two Killings of Sam Cooke on Netflix [23].
ReMastered: The Miami Showband Massacre
Another great addition from the ReMastered series, this film explores the murders of the Irish cabaret group, The Miami Showband.
Watch The Miami Showband Massacre on Netflix [24].
ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium
The Massacre At The Stadium retells the killing of Victor Jara and how he became a symbol of the struggles in Chile.
Watch The Massacre At The Stadium on Netflix [25].
Hip-Hop Evolution
This docuseries is perfect for anyone interested in Hip-Hop music. Journalists trace the history of the genre starting in the 1970s.
Watch Hip-Hop Evolution on Netflix [26].
Steve Aoki: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
Steve Aoki is one of the most famous DJs of our time. While he's captured the attention of millions, this documentary details Aoki's journey and struggle to gain the approval of his father.
Watch I'll Sleep When I'm Dead on Netflix [27].
ARASHI's Diary Voyage
ARASHI's Diary Voyage explores the career of one of Japan's most successful boy bands, ARASHI.
Watch ARASHI's Diary Voyage on Netflix [28].
Gims on the Record
You may have to turn on subtitles if you don't speak French, but this documentary is definitely worth it. Gims On The Record is perfect for anyone interested in the life and music of the french singer.
Watch Gims On The Record on Netflix [29].
The Black Godfather
You may know the music he helped create, but you might not know the man. This documentary tells the story of Clarence Avant, a music executive whose influence reached everyone from Bill Withers to Barack Obama.
Watch The Black Godfather on Netflix [30].
Rapture
Rapture captures the stories and struggles of some of hip-hop's most groundbreaking artists.
Watch Rapture on Netflix [31].
Vai Anitta
Fans of the Brazilian pop icon Anitta will love this series. Follow along as Anitta tries to create a new song and video every month. There are currently six episodes to binge.
Watch Vai Anitta on Netflix [32].