5 Rock Docs Every Music Lover Should Watch!

If you’re a fan of music, surely you are also fan of a good story, and arguably nobody has better stories than the people who make the music we love! With that in mind, all music lovers should check out these “Rock Docs” to electrify your television!

1. Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) (2025)

Only preceding his death by a few months, Sly Lives! is a funky ride through the triumphs and tribulations of Sly Stone’s life. Directed by Questlove, this piece takes a look at Sly’s massive influence on funk, soul, and pop as well as his equally impactful cultural resonance during the late-1960s in America. Questlove includes interviews with other influential black musicians, such as D’Angelo and Andre 3000, who share their perspective on the pressure and expectations specifically felt as a Black artist, further revealing Sly’s internal journey during his rise and fall. Other interviewees break down the structures and shapes of Sly’s songs, providing insight on how impactful his musical style was, citing artists such as Prince and Janet Jackson. (Stream on Hulu)

2. The Beach Boys (2024)

It’s hard pressed to find a musician who was equally as important and influential for as long as Brian Wilson was. In this documentary, The Beach Boys, director Frank Marshall provides viewers with a glimpse into the gathering and rise of The Beach Boys in the 1960s. Through early archival footage, interviews never before seen, and highlights of Brian’s incredible presence and techniques in the studio, this rock doc hits all the highs of The Beach Boys' ride to the top. Though criticized as an only surface level look, omitting details of Brain’s conservatorship (which can be seen in the film Love and Mercy), this documentary provides a heart-warming and celebratory delivery surrounding Brian and his band members, perfect for commemorating his incredible 95-year life. (Stream on Disney+)

3. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)

Another Questlove joint, Summer of Soul takes audiences back to an incredibly influential festival from the Summer of 1969, and not the one you’re thinking of! Containing a whirlpool of archival footage, this documentary uncovers the lesser known yet equally as important Harlem Cultural Festival that included performances from icons such as a 19-year-old Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight, and more. Winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Questlove powerfully frames this almost-forgotten event within the context of the Black Power and Civil Rights movements, encapsulating the powerful energy of this culturally pivotal moment in Black history. (Stream on Hulu)

4. The Last Waltz (1978)

Often lost in the immaculate resume of Martin Scorsese, it would be blasphemous to discuss rock docs without his 1978 documentary The Last Waltz. Following The Band and their musician friends during their final concert in 1976, this film is a pioneer of the music documentary genre, providing a cinematic look at their timeless performances and behind-the-scenes insights. Renowned renditions of "Up on Cripple Creek", "Don’t Do It", and Bob Dylan's “I Shall Be Released" grace the screen in this doc, as well as the talents of many great artists of the time, such as Dylan himself, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell to name a few. Relive this essential, nostalgia-filled concert and celebration, it’s sure to entertain no matter what shape you’re in! (Stream on Pluto TV and Tubi)

5. Stop Making Sense (1984)

Another concert-oriented documentary, Jonathan Demme’s 1984 film centered on the Talking Heads' Hollywood Pantages show from 1983, is a look into the wacky, creative, and sometimes "oversized" nature of the band. Starting with frontman David Byrne dancing to a tape recorder with an acoustic guitar and wearing a big suit, the film is nothing but quirky and fascinatingly entertaining. Slowly adding members of the group to the show, the film provides transparent insight to the chaotic and free flowing nature of 1980s New Wave and artistic expression, championed by Byrne and his band members. Stop Making Sense isn’t just a fun, musically prolific experience; it’s a look into how stage performance, sound, and visuals can merge into something more than just a concert. (Available on VOD/Digital)

Honorable Mentions!

There are endless titles in the rock doc genre that will entertain, inspire, and have audiences reminiscing about their favorite rock artists, including: Long Strange Trip (2017; VOD/Digital), Becoming Led Zeppelin (2025; VOD/Digital), Yacht Rock (2024; HBO Max), Gimme Shelter (1970; HBO Max), Don’t Look Back (1967; HBO Max), Woodstock (1970; VOD/Digital), Amy (2015; Tubi, PLEX), It Might Get Loud (2008; VOD/Digital), "The Beatles: Get Back" (2021; Disney+), Zappa (2020; Tubi, PLEX), Bittersweet Motel (2000; DVD), and Moonage Daydream (2022; Netflix).

Long live rock docs!