Netflix boasts an incredibly long list of genres that far surpasses the obvious Action, Comedy and Sci-Fi – and it offers no shortage when it comes to streaming engaging music content.
Over recent years, filmmakers have delved deep into the lives of some of the biggest artists of our time. Luckily for the music nerds among us, Netflix offers a plethora of gripping, inspirational and tear-jerking documentaries, shedding light on sides to your favourite artists that you had no clue existed.
Whether it’s Katy Perry’s fun tour diary, or the five pivotal years in Bowie’s career, learn the story behind the sound – it’ll only make you appreciate your next listen that little bit more.
Here are 10 music documentaries you really need to see.
1. Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★
Follow Katy Perry on and offstage in this revealing diary of her California Dreams tour, exploring her struggle between the inevitable tour drama and her out-sized personal life. And most intriguing of all, learn about her journey from a strict Christian upbringing and debuting with a religious-themed album, to marrying Russell Brand.
2. Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (2015)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★★
Follow Sinatra’s growth from roadhouse performer to global singing sensation in BBC’s four-part docuseries All or Nothing at All. From his birth to the influences behind his meteoric rise in his 20s – and drawing on comments from his nearest and dearest – the documentary uncovers an intimate portrait of the legendary crooner: his life, his talent and his iconic career.
3. Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★★
Little Girl Blue captures the life, career and persona of the timid – yet triumphant – rock legend that was Janis Joplin. A compelling celebration, it highlights her accomplishment in being the first to step foot in the all-male rock ’n’ roll club. Private letters and intimate interviews with those who knew her well reveal what was truly a fragile soul.
4. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★★
Follow Rush’s journey from anonymous Toronto trio to worldwide phenomenon. Whether you’re a fan or not, Beyond the Lighted Stage is a year-by-year portrait of the enduring, influential rock band that anybody can enjoy.
5. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2014)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★
Explore the trials and tribulations of one of the most successful heavy-metal bands in history in Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004), as the members commit to two years of group therapy to resolve their conflicts. Plus, check in on the group 10 years later in episode 2, as they reconnect to reflect on the documentary’s legacy and its influence on the band.
6. David Bowie: Five Years (2013)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★★
The BBC documentary David Bowie: Five Years features a wealth of Bowie’s unseen personal archives to reveal something unique about his mind and soul during each of the five pivotal years in his career (1971, 975, 1977, 1980 and 1983). From his regeneration in Berlin with his critically-acclaimed album Heroes, to his global success with Let’s Dance, discover the journey in which Bowie became a real icon of our time.
7. Reincarnated (2012)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★
Vice magazine’s Andy Capper follows hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg as he journeys to Jamaica, where he immerses himself in Rastafarian culture, rechristens himself Snoop Lion and produces his first reggae record: Reincarnated. A gripping documentary exploring his spiritual reawakening.
8. What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★★
Simone receives a fitting tribute with this Netflix original documentary, including previously unseen footage and exclusive recordings of one of the most influential jazz and blues singers of all time. Perhaps the most intriguing element of this biographical film is its exploration of how she used her talent for change. Discover the legendary singer and activist that was Nina Simone.
9. Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child (2010)
Netflix user rating: ★★★★
Voodoo Child chronicles the phenomenal career of the rock-guitar god that was Jimi Hendrix. Vintage concert footage, personal artefacts and interviews with Paul McCartney and Steve Winwood reveal a new side to the groundbreaking performer.
10. History of the Eagles
Netflix user rating: ★★★★★
History of the Eagles is a three-hour mini-series exploring the captivating story of the country rockers, from the perspective of each of the seven band-mates. From their early days, to their acrimonious split and their eventual reunion, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the Eagles, one of America’s most successful bands.
