28 Music Documentaries to Watch on Netflix This Week
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Music documentaries are the perfect way to learn the stories behind your favorite songs, records, musicians, and concert tours. And lucky for us, Netflix has a whole bunch of them. Have you already dipped into Beyoncé's "Homecoming," Taylor Swift's "Miss Americana," or Kanye West's "Jeen-yuhs"?
The streaming site also has quite a few docuseries, including "Song Exploder," 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 28 documentaries — and remember to be on the lookout for Jennifer Lopez's future project.
"Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy"
Kanye West's "Jeen-yuhs" Netflix documentary gives an intimate look at the rapper's life before his debut album, "The College Dropout," in 2004 and after the success of his 2007 Grammy Award-winning album, "Graduation." His mother, Donda West, who's heavily featured in the documentary, died the same year "Graduation" was released — something the project dives into. "Jeen-yuhs" follows West all the way through to his failed 2020 presidential election campaign.
"Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé"
Beyoncé's "Homecoming" received mass critical acclaim when it was released in 2019. The Netflix music documentary centered on 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.
"Song Exploder"
What started as a podcast is now a docuseries on Netflix. "Song Exploder" features musicians ranging from Alicia Keys to Lin-Manuel Miranda and aims to enlighten viewers on how music gets made.
"Gaga: Five Foot Two"
This incredible music documentary gives fans an inside look into the woman behind classics like "Born This Way" and "Poker Face." Lady Gaga gave a candid glimpse into the release of her 2016 album "Joanne," her epic Super Bowl halftime show, and some of her physical and emotional struggles over the years.
"Miss Americana"
There's hardly any pop star who's reached a fame quite like that of Taylor Swift. This Netflix music documentary shows Swift's career up to the release of her seventh studio album, "Lover."
"Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly"
"Look Mom I Can Fly" follows the life and career of Travis Scott. Fans will see the inspiring journey of the Houston rapper leading up the release of his critically acclaimed album, "Astroworld."
"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.
"Quincy"
As the name implies, this Netflix documentary is all about Quincy Jones. Jones was more than just a musician, he was a visionary, father, mentor, and legend.
"Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese"
A documentary about Bob Dylan directed by Martin Scorsese is sure to impress both music and movie fans alike. Set in 1975, "Rolling Thunder Revue" captures Dylan's life and spirit amid the Rolling Thunder Revue tour.
"Rapture"
"Rapture" is a Netflix music documentary that captures the stories and struggles of some of hip-hop's most groundbreaking artists. Logic, Nas, Dave East, T.I., G-Eazy, 2 Chainz, Rapsody, Just Blaze, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie each have an episode dedicated to their careers and influence.
"Keith Richards: Under the Influence"
Rock 'n' roll legend Keith Richards shares his influences, history, and music in this Netflix documentary. It's perfect for all Rolling Stones fans out there — especially those who plan to see them live in Europe for the band's 60th anniversary tour.
"The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir"
Fans of The Grateful Dead will love this Netflix music documentary about the person behind some of history's most iconic music. Even if you're not familiar with the music, Bob Weir has had an extraordinary life, and "The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir" captures it all. The documentary also focuses on his friendship with guitarist Jerry Garcia.
Watch "The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir" on Netflix.
"ReMastered: Tricky Dick and The Man in Black"
Part of Netflix's ReMastered series, this documentary relives Johnny Cash's controversial performance at the White House in 1970. It's a compelling look at politics, patriotism, and music.
"ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads"
In this Netflix documentary, fans, family, and critics look back on blues musician Robert Johnson. He was speculated to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his musical gifts.
"ReMastered: The Lion's Share"
Most people will recognize the melody written by Solomon Linda when they hear "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." However, Linda never received compensation for his iconic work that was featured in "The Lion King." This ReMastered documentary sheds light on the music business, ethics, and a journey to take back what is rightfully owed to Linda's family.
"ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff?"
In this installment of the ReMastered Netflix series, filmmakers investigate who shot Bob Marley. It highlights how much politics can play into pop culture with interviews from reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and former Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga.
"ReMastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay?"
Jam Master Jay was a DJ most famous for his work with Run DMC. This Netflix music documentary investigates his unsolved murder in the studio in 2002. In 2020, Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were indicted for Jam Master Jay's death. A trial is set to take place in September.
"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.
"ReMastered: The Miami Showband Massacre"
Another great addition from the ReMastered Netflix series, this documentary explores the murders of Fran O'Toole, Tony Geraghty, and Brian McCoy — members of Irish cabaret group The Miami Showband — and the musicians who survived the bomb explosion. At the height of their fame, conflict in Northern Ireland was raging. This caused speculation that the murders were a result of terrorism.
"ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium"
Netflix documentary "Massacre at the Stadium" retells the killing of Victor Jara in 1973 and how he became a symbol of the struggles in Chile.
"Hip-Hop Evolution"
This Netflix music docuseries is perfect for anyone interested in hip-hop. Journalists trace the history of the genre starting in the 1970s. Musicians such as Queen Latifah, Juvenile, Lil Jon, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne are among those discussed in the series.
"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 Netflix documentary details Aoki's journey and struggle to gain the approval of his father.
"Arashi's Diary Voyage"
"Arashi's Diary Voyage" explores the career of one of Japan's most successful boy bands, Arashi, over the course of 20 years. Ohno Satoshi, Sakurai Sho, Aiba Masaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, and Matsumoto Jun share insight into their final tour, their hiatus, and a look into their lives as individuals.
"Gims on the Record"
"Gims on the Record" is perfect for anyone interested in the life and music of the French rapper. The Netflix documentary specifically showcases the year leading up to his 2019 Stade de France performance.
"The Black Godfather"
You may know the music Clarence Avant helped create, but you might not know the man. This Netflix documentary tells the story of Avant, a music executive whose influence reached everyone from Bill Withers to Barack Obama. Ludacris, Lionel Richie, Snoop Dogg, Bill Clinton, Jamie Foxx, Cicely Tyson, and more are featured in the project.
"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 six episodes to binge.
"Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened"
The infamous failed Fyre Festival is the subject of this Netflix documentary. Billy McFarland, who's currently in prison for defrauding investors, was the entrepreneur behind the music festival that was meant to take place in The Bahamas in 2017. Ja Rule was the festival co-organizer, and several celebrities were said to be involved.
Watch "Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened" on Netflix.
"Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids"
"Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids" is a Netflix documentary centered on the musician and his final performances of the "20/20" Experience World Tour. The musicians on tour with Justin Timberlake and his dancers have their spotlight moments.
Watch "Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids" on Netflix.