My Favorite Music Films & Documentaries
When I first entered college, I came in as a Communications/Media Arts Major, and while I have since then transferred out of that program, I learned a lot in my first semester as a comm student. For one, taking the courses have helped me gain a much deeper appreciation for films in all forms. I had never been a movie person, like, ever. I am far more of a ‘ten episode series on Netflix’ kind of person. But after being forced to watch films (literally forced, they were a requirement if I wanted to pass my classes), I found that they’re not nearly as boring as I originally believed them to be. Once you know what indicates a good movie versus a bad one, it becomes far more difficult to zone out during the film. With that being said, I have watched my fair share of music related films and documentaries, and want to share some of my favorites with you.
Films
Films
1. Almost Famous (2000) Directed by Cameron Crowe
Did you really think I would make a list of the best music films and not include ‘Almost Famous’?
This movie is awesome from start to finish, and I’m totally not just saying that because I’m jealous of the life that our main character, William, leads (though, let it be noted that I am incredibly jealous of his experiences, fictional as it may be). Set in the 60s, a 15 year old aspiring music journalist gets an assignment from Rolling Stone Magazine (could you imagine!), and ends up going on the road with a band and documenting their entire tour from a fly on the wall’s perspective. It’s been one of my favorite movies ever since I watched it. It’s funny and heartwarming in the right places, while still managing to weave together an excellent portrayal of what life on the road is really like, for both the band and for William.
‘Almost Famous’ is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Dreamgirls (2006) Directed by Bill Condon
I remember watching ‘Dreamgirls’ when I was a little girl and being amazed at the portrayal of the culture of the 60s/70s motown era. The film does an excellent job at showing, rather than telling, the evolution of American soul and R&B music throughout the twentieth century. The film is also a stunning depiction of the treatment of women in the music industry during this time period. The characters in the film are based on real musicians, such as Diana Ross and the female group The Supremes, and therefore, much of their real-life experiences are integrated into the themes of the film. It also stars Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Jamie Foxx; how do you say no to that?
‘Dreamgirls’ is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
3. A Star is Born (2018) Directed by Bradley Cooper
I am going to be completely honest in saying that I put off watching this movie for months after it first came out, because I knew it was going to break my heart and make me cry, and it did just that. While the casting of Lady Gaga as Ally was unexpected, it was not at all unwelcome. Lady Gaga does an absolutely beautiful job in her role as a struggling musician. As Ally’s career begins to prosper, however, her relationship with fellow musician, Cooper’s Jackson Maine, begins to deteriorate as Jackson struggles with his own addictions and mental illness. It’s heartbreaking, but the soundtrack is phenomenal, and for weeks after watching the film, it was all I could listen to.
‘A Star is Born’ is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video, and is available on HBO with a
subscription.
The 1976 version of ‘A Star is Born’, directed by Frank Pierson and starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, is streaming on Netflix with an account, and is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
Documentaries
4. Supersonic (2016) Directed by Mat Whitecross
‘Supersonic’ is probably the most revealing piece of media regarding Oasis and the struggle between brothers Liam and Noel. It contains non-released concert footage, candid interviews with those close to the band and to the brothers, and gives the viewer a peek into the rivalry between Liam and Noel. While it may be common knowledge that Liam and Noel do not get along particularly well, this documentary gives a far more uncontrived view into the lives of the Gallagher brothers and their experiences with stardom.
‘Supersonic’ is streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
5. Amy (2015) Directed by Asif Kapadia
I would argue that this is one of the most intriguing musical documentaries I have ever seen. Kapadia really knows what he is doing with this film, and though it still contains interviews with those who were close to Amy Winehouse while she was alive, the actual interviews are generally done through narration via voiceover, rather than having said interviewees actually on screen. By doing this, Kapadia completely directs all of the focus on the footage of Amy, which gives the viewers little chance to let their minds stray. The film also showcases previously unseen footage of Winehouse and recordings of tracks and songs that took place before her death on July 23rd, 2011.
This movie is awesome from start to finish, and I’m totally not just saying that because I’m jealous of the life that our main character, William, leads (though, let it be noted that I am incredibly jealous of his experiences, fictional as it may be). Set in the 60s, a 15 year old aspiring music journalist gets an assignment from Rolling Stone Magazine (could you imagine!), and ends up going on the road with a band and documenting their entire tour from a fly on the wall’s perspective. It’s been one of my favorite movies ever since I watched it. It’s funny and heartwarming in the right places, while still managing to weave together an excellent portrayal of what life on the road is really like, for both the band and for William.
‘Almost Famous’ is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Dreamgirls (2006) Directed by Bill Condon
I remember watching ‘Dreamgirls’ when I was a little girl and being amazed at the portrayal of the culture of the 60s/70s motown era. The film does an excellent job at showing, rather than telling, the evolution of American soul and R&B music throughout the twentieth century. The film is also a stunning depiction of the treatment of women in the music industry during this time period. The characters in the film are based on real musicians, such as Diana Ross and the female group The Supremes, and therefore, much of their real-life experiences are integrated into the themes of the film. It also stars Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Jamie Foxx; how do you say no to that?
‘Dreamgirls’ is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
3. A Star is Born (2018) Directed by Bradley Cooper
I am going to be completely honest in saying that I put off watching this movie for months after it first came out, because I knew it was going to break my heart and make me cry, and it did just that. While the casting of Lady Gaga as Ally was unexpected, it was not at all unwelcome. Lady Gaga does an absolutely beautiful job in her role as a struggling musician. As Ally’s career begins to prosper, however, her relationship with fellow musician, Cooper’s Jackson Maine, begins to deteriorate as Jackson struggles with his own addictions and mental illness. It’s heartbreaking, but the soundtrack is phenomenal, and for weeks after watching the film, it was all I could listen to.
‘A Star is Born’ is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video, and is available on HBO with a
subscription.
The 1976 version of ‘A Star is Born’, directed by Frank Pierson and starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, is streaming on Netflix with an account, and is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
Documentaries
4. Supersonic (2016) Directed by Mat Whitecross
‘Supersonic’ is probably the most revealing piece of media regarding Oasis and the struggle between brothers Liam and Noel. It contains non-released concert footage, candid interviews with those close to the band and to the brothers, and gives the viewer a peek into the rivalry between Liam and Noel. While it may be common knowledge that Liam and Noel do not get along particularly well, this documentary gives a far more uncontrived view into the lives of the Gallagher brothers and their experiences with stardom.
‘Supersonic’ is streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
5. Amy (2015) Directed by Asif Kapadia
I would argue that this is one of the most intriguing musical documentaries I have ever seen. Kapadia really knows what he is doing with this film, and though it still contains interviews with those who were close to Amy Winehouse while she was alive, the actual interviews are generally done through narration via voiceover, rather than having said interviewees actually on screen. By doing this, Kapadia completely directs all of the focus on the footage of Amy, which gives the viewers little chance to let their minds stray. The film also showcases previously unseen footage of Winehouse and recordings of tracks and songs that took place before her death on July 23rd, 2011.
‘Amy’ is streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
6. The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019) Directed by Kelly Duane de la Vega
‘The Two Killings of Sam Cooke’ focuses on the life and death of American soul musician Sam Cooke. Cooke was shot and killed in Los Angeles at age 33, and much of what the documentary
explores is the mystery behind the murder via interviews and archival footage. On one hand, there is the testimony of the woman who shot him, the manager of the motel Cooke was staying at in Los Angeles, and the conspiracy of fans and supporters who believe that there was foul play involved due to his outspokenness and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
‘The Two Killings of Sam Cooke’ is streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
6. The Two Killings of Sam Cooke (2019) Directed by Kelly Duane de la Vega
‘The Two Killings of Sam Cooke’ focuses on the life and death of American soul musician Sam Cooke. Cooke was shot and killed in Los Angeles at age 33, and much of what the documentary
explores is the mystery behind the murder via interviews and archival footage. On one hand, there is the testimony of the woman who shot him, the manager of the motel Cooke was staying at in Los Angeles, and the conspiracy of fans and supporters who believe that there was foul play involved due to his outspokenness and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
‘The Two Killings of Sam Cooke’ is streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
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