10 Essential Music Documentaries From The Last 10 Years

The incredible Oscar winning documentary and sure-fire crowd pleaser follows some of the incredible voices who for years were nameless and faceless figures behind some of the most important moments of rock ‘n’ roll, particularly Darlene Love and Merry Clayton. [Where to stream 20 Feet From Stardom]

Detroit-born musician Sixto Rodriguez never found fame in the United States, but he amassed a major following in South Africa. This Oscar-winning documentary follows two of Rodriguez’s super fans seek out their hero, who was rumored to have committed suicide. [Where to stream Searching for Sugar Man]

Bikini Kill and Le Tigre front woman Kathleen Hanna is a vital feminist and rock ‘n’ roll icon, and this lovely film looks at her personal history, her passionate involvement in the riot grrrl movement of the early ’90s, and her battle with Lyme Disease. It also features interviews with the likes of Kim Gordon, Tavi Gevinson, Joan Jett, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horowitz. [Where to stream The Punk Singer]

Martin Scorcese turns his lens onto the legendary folk-rock icon, Bob Dylan, and his influence on American rock ‘n’ roll. Focusing on the period between his early days in New York city and his short-lived retirement following his 1966 motorcycle accident, No Direction Home pulls together an incredible amount of footage from this turbulent period of Dylan’s life, including his move away from the folk scene and evolution into a fuller rock sound. [Where to stream No Direction Home: Bob Dylan]

An incredibly influential rock band, Big Star only recorded three albums and did not achieve major commercial success, and this documentary examines the prickly relationship between the band’s songwriters, Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, as well as the band’s enduring legacy. [Where to stream Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me]

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson is profiled in this biographical documentary that follows the performer from birth to death and ups and downs, and features an incredible collection of interviews from friends, loved ones, and collaborators including Micky Dolenz, Eric Idle, Randy Newman, Yoko Ono, Robin Williams, and Brian Wilson. [Where to stream Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?)]

An anti-folk hero and an incredibly prolific outsider artist, singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston gained notoriety after Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain was photographed wearing a t-shirt featuring the cover art of Johnston’s album Hi, How Are You. Thrust into a minor spotlight, Johnston experienced a private struggle with mental illness. [Where to stream The Devil and Daniel Johnston]

Michael Jackson died eighteen days before a planned residency at the O2 Arena in London was scheduled to begin. It was supposed to be his first major series (an intense 50-show schedule) in ten years. The film is made up of rehearsal footage that offers a look at the King of Pop in the final days of his life. [Where to stream Michael Jackson’s This Is It]

Even the biggest pop stars are just like us! This doc follows Katy Perry on her California Dreams tour and shows the personal side of the singer’s life — including her rocky marriage to British comedian Russell Brand. [Where to stream Katy Perry: Part of Me]

The legendary Canadian band Rush is the subject of this documentary / concert film, which recounts the band’s prog-rock roots and ultimate heavy metal evolution. [Where to stream Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage]