Ranking: Best Music Documentaries

Os music documentaries have the power to go beyond the surface, showcasing unknown geniuses or revealing never-before-seen sides of great artists. But what truly connects the best in the genre is the blend of a great soundtrack, unfiltered honesty, and a filmmaker's intuitive storytelling. The following list is a tour of the best music documentaries, ranked in descending order, covering genres such as pop, hip-hop, rock, punk, R&B, jazz, MPB and funk.

Avicii: True Stories (2017) 

83% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

One of the best music documentaries on the list accompanies the rise of Tim Bergling, a teenager from Stockholm who turned into Avicii, one of the most influential and profitable DJs in the world. The production captures the peak of the global EDM scene, showcasing his collaborations with music industry stars such as Chris Martin e Nile Rodgers.

Sandy and Junior: The Story (2020)

8,0 on IMDB

Where to watch: balloon play

Among the music documentaries listed is Sandy and Junior: The Story, which offers a definitive look at the trajectory of Brazil's most beloved pop duo, from their childhood on TV to packed stages. The series production features never-before-seen home footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the reunion tour, as well as featuring emotional testimonies from big names in music such as Roberto Carlos e Ivete Sangalo.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) 

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Here, the filmmaker Martin Scorsese explore the tour Rolling Thunder Review of 1975, in which Bob Dylan toured the United States in a traveling show. More than a documentary, this excerpt is a mind-blowing journey where truth blends with fantasy and recounts the efforts of artists from a time when America was seeking reinvention.

Belchior – Just a Wild Heart (2022)

7,2 on IMDB

Where to watch: balloon play

Belchior – Just a Wild Heart is a glimpse into the life of the singer and composer from Ceará who emerged as a true poet of Brazilian popular music. This music documentary unravels the work and ideas of the artist, whose urban and existential lyrics influenced generations. The production offers a journey that explores the complexity and melancholy of one of the greatest and most enigmatic wild hearts in Brazilian music, whose voice resonates to this day.

Amy (2015) 

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

Amy is an intimate and devastating portrait of the life and work of Amy Winehouse, one of the most talented and unique voices of his generation. Using never-before-seen archival footage and testimonies from friends and family, the documentary closely follows his meteoric rise. More than celebrating his success, it also brutally exposes the price of fame and the personal struggle that led to the tragic early loss of a British music icon.

Infinite Elza (2021)

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The documentary follows the singer's artistic, political and spiritual trajectory Elsa Soares, elected voice of the millennium, who made the stage a place for expression and amplification of voices that had been silenced for centuries. She became a symbol of power and inspiration, especially for Black Brazilian women.

The Beatles: Get Back (2021)

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

Directed by Peter Jackson, winner of three Oscar awards, one of the best documentaries about music divided into three parts brings to the public an unprecedented and privileged view of the sessions of the band composed of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison e Ringo Starr in a defining moment in music history: the legendary recording of the album Let it be. 

Chico – Brazilian Artist (2015)

7,8 on IMDB

Where to watch: Netflix

This Brazilian music documentary offers a rare and intimate look at the trajectory of Chico Buarque, one of Brazil's greatest intellectuals and composers. The production follows the artist in frank conversations about his creative process, work routine, and behind-the-scenes moments at his shows. More than a biography, it's a poetic reflection on the life and art of a reserved genius who, for over 50 years, has translated the Brazilian soul into timeless songs.

Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace, Love and Music (1970) 

Original title: Woodstock

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

In 1969, nearly 500.000 people gathered at a farm in Bethel, New York, for three days of peace, love, and music. This production provides real-life documentation of the music festival, from setup to cleanup, with iconic footage of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Crosby, Stills and Nash and many other stars of a generation.

Anything Goes with Tim Maia (2022)

8,0 on IMDB

Where to watch: balloon play

In this Brazilian music documentary, the "trustee" of Brazilian music narrates, in his irreverent style, various events from his life. Rare footage from interviews, concerts, testimonies, and home movies emphasizes his colossal talent, humor, and anarchic temperament. Tim Maya.

John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky (2018)

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: balloon play e AppleTV +

John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky is an intimate look at the romance and creative partnership between John Lennon e Yoko Ono during the creation of the classic album Imagine, from 1971. The music documentary, directed by Michael Epstein, uncovers the untold story behind the famous song, using archives and testimonies.

Elis & Tom, It Just Had to Be with You (2022)

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: balloon play

In February 1974, Elis the Queen e Tom JobimMore meet in Los Angeles to record the album Elis & TomThis documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the recording of the album that would change their lives and become an emblematic work of Brazilian music.

Summer of Soul (…or, When Revolution Can't Be Televised) (2021) 

Original title: Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

One of the best music documentaries rescues lost footage of Harlem Cultural Festival 1969, an epic event that celebrated African-American music and culture at the height of Black Power. Directed by Questlove, the documentary not only features breathtaking performances by Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder e Sly & the Family Stone, but also reconstructs the history of a festival that became a vibrant manifesto of pride and revolution.

Mark Ronson and the Evolution of Sound (2021)

Original title: Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

In this documentary, the famous music producer Mark Ronson takes on the investigation of one of the most controversial phenomena in modern music: Auto-Tune. Featuring artists such as T-Pain e Charli XCX, the series explores the history of this tool, which was born from a technological accident. From there, the production unravels how this tool known as "robotic sadness" became a powerful game-changer, forever changing the voice, aesthetics, and future of music production.

Crybaby – Winged Marginal (2019)

7,4 on IMDB

Where to watch: Youtube

The documentary portrays the life and career of the Brazilian singer crybaby, band leader Charlie Brown Jr. In addition to testimonies about his personal and professional life and archival footage, the film follows the story of one of Brazil's most important rock stars. crybaby lived two intense decades of national and international success, full of controversial moments, until his premature death in 2013.

Searching for Sugar Man (2012) 

Original title: Searching for Sugar Man 

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

The history of Looking for Sugar Man, a documentary that won the award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2013 Oscars, narrates the incredible saga of Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, a mysterious Detroit musician who, despite being forgotten in his own country, has become a legend in South Africa. Two South African fans embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the artist, and their passion for music leads them to a surprising discovery.

Racionais – From the Streets of São Paulo to the World (2022)

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Racionais – From the Streets of São Paulo to the World shows the trajectory of the rap group that transformed Brazilian music. The documentary celebrates the glory and struggle of Racionais MC's, who used protest in the form of street poetry to give voice to the periphery and become a powerful social and cultural movement. Through archival footage and testimonies, the work traces the journey of Mano Brown, Ice Blue, edi rock e KL Jay and reinforces the vision and impact of one of the pillars of world rap.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008) 

Original title: Anvil: The Story of Anvil

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: plex

Still teenagers, Lips e Robb Reiner vowed to play rock forever. Their band anvicl, influenced a new generation of heavy metal and shared the stage with other big names in rock, such as Scorpions, Whitesnake e Bon Jovi, but never achieved stardom.

The Velvet Underground (2021) 

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

The Velvet Underground is the first major documentary to delve into the legacy of the band that fused art and rock 'n' roll. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film embraces the avant-garde spirit of the era, using a kaleidoscopic aesthetic and split screens. The production combines exclusive interviews with stunning archival footage of the circle of Andy Warhol, in addition to exploring the history of Lou Reed e John cale, showing how the band became the matrix for modern alternative music.

Red Baron: Why Are We Like This? (2017)

7,5 on IMDB

Where to watch: Youtube

The documentary delves into the trajectory and creative process of the band that helped define Brazilian rock in the 1980s. In addition, the production celebrates the group's birth in 1981 and, in particular, the brilliant partnership between Cazuza e frejat. Through archival footage and testimonials, the film captures the raw energy and irreverence that won over legions of fans, revealing the restless soul behind the band's timeless anthems. Red Baron.

The Go-Go's (2020) 

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Born out of the vibrant Los Angeles punk scene, the documentary details how the Go-Go's challenged the industry's machismo to become the first female band, playing their own instruments and writing their own songs, to reach number one on the charts. 

With the word, Arnaldo Antunes (2018)

7,6 on IMDB

Where to watch: Prime Video

With the word, Arnaldo Antunes, one of the best music documentaries, explores the multifaceted universe of one of the most innovative artists in Brazilian culture. Here, we explore the central role that words, music, and images play in his work. antunes, from his origins as a poet to his success as a composer and singer. The artist revisits key moments in his career and offers a deep and intimate reflection on language as his primary tool of expression.

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015) 

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video e AppleTV +

Considered one of the most groundbreaking and intimate documentaries of all time, this is the only fully authorized biography of Kurt Cobain. The filmmaker Brett Morgen masterfully blends the artist's personal archive, which includes art, music, previously unreleased home movies and animations, with revealing interviews with his family and closest friends.

Whitney (2018) 

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video 

An intimate and relentless portrait of Whitney Houston and his family, which delves deeper than the sensational headlines. The documentary sheds new light on the captivating and complex life story of Whitney, uncovering the truth behind his rise and personal struggles.

Milli Vanill: The Biggest Scandal in the Music World (2023) 

Original title: Milli Vanilli

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Paramount +

From their meteoric rise to their public fall, one of the best music documentaries chronicles the untold circumstances surrounding the infamous pop duo. Milli Vanilli and its playback scandal in the 1990s.

In Bed with Madonna (1991)

Original title: Madonna: Truth or Dare

86% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube

In Bed with Madonna is the groundbreaking music documentary that redefined pop cinema, exposing the singer at her peak, during her controversial tour Blonde Ambition of 1990. Following Madonna on stage and behind the scenes, the film moves between the grand spectacle and the intimacy behind the cameras.

Rita Lee: Mania de Você (2025)

7,7 on IMDB

Where to watch: HBO Max

One of the best music documentaries in series presents a complete portrait of Brazilian rock's most transgressive and beloved artist. Through exclusive testimonies and never-before-seen archives, the production delves into her trajectory. Rita lee, celebrating her lyrical genius and rebellious streak that established her as the Queen of Rock. The series not only revisits her triumphs on stage but also addresses, without taboos, her excesses and downfalls, offering an intimate look at the complex life of a woman who faced conservatism head-on.

Blue Note Records: Beyond The Notes (2018) 

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Formed in New York City in 1939, the Blue Note Records became one of the most important record labels in the entire history of jazz. Artists such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk e Norah Jones had the Blue Note as a home. In addition to its musical and artistic contributions, the label was also a stage for revolutionary ideas, such as the struggle of Black musicians who wanted to be heard and the conflict between art and industry.

Tropicália (2012)

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

One of the best documentaries about Brazilian music offers a contemporary look at this important cultural movement. Tropicalia that exploded in Brazil in the 1960s. The production mixes valuable archival material recovered especially for the narrative, with icons of the movement such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil e Gal Costa.

Anitta: Made In Honório (2020)

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Anitta: Made In Honorio is an intimate and uncompromising portrait of the global superstar AnittaThe documentary contrasts the world-famous pop star with Larissa, the woman born and raised in the Rio de Janeiro suburb of Honório Gurgel. With full, unfiltered access, the production reveals the artist's ambitions, conflicts, and insecurities, exposing the discipline and business mindset behind each hit.

Wham! (2023) 

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Wham!, one of the best documentaries about music, is a vibrant and nostalgic celebration of the iconic 1980s pop duo's meteoric rise, narrated by the protagonists themselves. Using a curation of rare archives and interviews, the documentary relives the trajectory of George Michael e andrew ridgeley, from teenage friendship to global chart domination.

Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015)

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The documentary Janis: Little Girl Blue is an intimate and visceral portrait of the legendary Janis Joplin, the singer who, with an unforgettable voice, paved the way for women in the world of rock. Narrated by Cat Power, the film addresses the complex and misunderstood life of JanisUsing personal letters and archival footage, the film offers a new perspective on her struggle with vulnerability and addiction, immortalizing the legacy of a brilliant woman who became an icon in just a few years.

Moonage Daydream (2022) 

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video e AppleTV +

moonage daydream is not just a documentary, but a sensory immersion into the life and art of David Bowie, the chameleon of rock. Presented as a kaleidoscopic space odyssey, the film Brett Morgen uses sublime images and previously unseen archival material to trace the artist's legacy in a non-linear fashion. 

At Home with the Gils (2022-2023)

8,2 on IMDB

Where to watch: Prime Video

The documentary series follows the Gil, one of Brazil's most famous musical families, embarks on a historic tour that aims to bring its different generations together on stage. Audiences can closely follow their conflicts, arguments, curiosity, and emotional moments behind the scenes during rehearsals for this tour, presented in the second season.

Nothing Compares (2022) 

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The music documentary covers the career of the famous singer Sinéad O'Connor from his global stardom to his exile from pop mainstream, highlighting his iconoclastic personality and artistic integrity.

ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019) 

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

This documentary investigates the life and mysterious death of Sam Cooke, one of the greatest icons of American soul. While his voice catapulted him to stardom, Cooke used his platform to take a bold stance on civil rights, making him a target. The production questions the official version of his brutal death at age 33 and explores the possibility that his political activism contributed to the tragic event.

One Step From Stardom (2013) 

Original title: 20 Feet from Stardom

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

One Step Away from Stardom is an essential tribute to backup singers, the talented backing vocals who created the harmonies of some of the most famous songs of all time, but remained largely forgotten. The documentary sheds light on the invisible journey of these women and questions their role in the music industry through moving testimonies.

Emicida: AmarElo – It's All for Yesterday (2020)

84% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

This documentary transcends the recording of a concert and celebrates Black culture and Brazilian history on the sacred stage of the São Paulo Municipal Theater. The rapper and activist Emicide uses backstage and presentation to intertwine his art with the legacy of black personalities who shaped the country, making the project love him became an urgent manifesto on the value of the past for building a future.

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week (2016) 

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

Through interviews, rare images and recordings from the time, one of the best documentaries about music makes an in-depth analysis between the years 1963 to 1966, when the Beatles burst onto the world stage and performed 250 shows during The Touring Years. 

The Rolling Stones: Crossfire Hurricane (2012)

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Here, the film-maker Brett Morgen, who also directed moonage daydream, uses archival footage to trace the journey of the Rolling Stones since their London debut in 1962 as a band of rebellious, blues-obsessed young men. The documentary captures the chaotic energy and transgressive force of the group that, over five decades, not only survived but redefined what it means to be a blues legend. rock and roll.

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019) 

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé is a cinematic and visually spectacular immersion into the historic performance of Beyoncé at the 2018 Coachella Festival. More than just a recording of a show, the film is an artistic manifesto that reveals the conception, sacrifice, and vision behind the spectacle, a grand celebration of Black culture and the tradition of historically Black colleges. This is a behind-the-scenes portrait that shows how discipline and activism came together to create one of the most iconic and influential moments in pop contemporary.

Stop Making Sense (1984) 

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Considered the best concert film of all time, Stop Making Sense is the band's electrifying record Talking Heads in one of his big shows in 1983 at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. The director Jonathan demme captures the band's visceral energy with a bold, minimalist aesthetic that revolutionized the genre. In the documentary, we follow David Byrne from his opening solo performance to the climax with the iconic Big Suit, delivering timeless anthems like Psycho Killer, Take Me to the River e Once in a Lifetime.

Tina (2021) 

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV + e Prime Video

Tina explores the legacy of Tina Turner, an icon who became the music industry's greatest symbol of resilience. The documentary paints a picture of the artist's personal life, showing how she overcame extreme adversity and abuse to reinvent her identity and career. Through archive footage and moving testimonies, her triumphant rise on the global pop scene and her timeless influence are celebrated.

Amazing Grace (2018)

99% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV +

Amazing Grace, one of the best documentaries about music, is the historic record, awaited for almost five decades, of the legendary recording of the eponymous album by Aretha Franklin in 1972, at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. The production immerses the audience in the sublime and visceral power of the Queen of Soul. 

Quincy (2018) 

82% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Quincy celebrates the life and incomparable career of Quincy Jones, one of the most influential figures in the history of music and pop culture. Directed by his daughter, Rashida Jones, the documentary offers a unique glimpse into the great producer's personal life and creative process.

Ritas (2025)

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: balloon play

In this documentary, the personal life of Rita lee and her creative process are revealed, showing her musical talent and her ability to metamorphose on stage. She herself Rita guides the narrative through interviews given throughout his career and recent statements.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015) 

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

This documentary about music is a raw and powerful portrait of the complex life of Nina Simone, the singer, pianist, and fierce Civil Rights activist. Through audio recordings, letters, and rare archival footage, the production delves into the artist's genius and torment that made her one of the most singular and misunderstood figures in American music, showing how her art merged with social revolution.

Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (2019) 

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV + e Youtube

This production reveals the trumpeter's complex journey Miles Davis who redefined jazz multiple times, from bebop to cool jazz and electric fusion. Through footage and interviews, the documentary not only celebrates his talent but also explores his struggles with personal issues and the confrontation of racism in a society that tried to silence his revolutionary talent.

Gimme Shelter (1970) 

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

Gimme shelter is a visceral and shocking record that captured the moment when the hippie dream of peace disintegrated. The documentary follows the Rolling Stones on their controversial 1969 tour, which culminated in the free Altamont concert. From there, the production exposes the chaos and escalating violence that led to the tragic onstage death, transforming it into a somber landmark that symbolizes the end of innocence and the turning point of rock 'n' roll.

The Night That Changed Pop (2024) 

Original title: The Greatest Night in Pop

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

At Night, Mudou or Pop, the best music documentary on the list, delves into the magical and chaotic January night of 1985, when the cream of American music, including Michael Jackson Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan e Bruce Springsteen got together to record the charity anthem We Are the World. The production reveals never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage and the time pressure of filming, showing how ego and genius were contained for a greater purpose. 

See also other features:

RANKING: The 100 best international pop albums of all time

The best movie soundtracks of all time

Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 29 / 09 / 2025.

Sources: Rolling Stone, Vulture e IndieWire