As we fall in love with an artist’s discography, there arises a curiosity in us regarding their creative process, what went on behind the scenes while creating a record, or any other challenges while making an album. Some give us backstage access to an artist’s pre-concert rituals; others give us any hurdles they came across along the way. Either way, these documentaries help us learn more about something we’re passionate about or enjoy.
While there is a plethora of content like comedy specials, sitcoms, dramas, reality TV, thrillers, sci-fi, horror films and TV series to watch, we’ve put together a list of music documentaries you can watch in 2024. From a documentary about one of the most popular music festivals on the planet to those revolving around popular artists and a re-released doc from The Beatles; find it all on our list below.
The Beach Boys
Disney+ released the new documentary titled ‘The Beach Boys’ on May 24, celebrating the American band that was formed in Hawthorne, California. It features brand new interviews with band members Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and Mike Love, as well as singer-songwriter and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, ten-time Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe, Don Was, and former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. The documentary film has been directed by Frank Marshall (‘The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart’) and Thom Zimny (‘Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You’).
Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story
To commemorate 40 years of rock and roll, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ comes in a four-part docu-series taking us through the history of the celebrated rock band Bon Jovi. Directed by Gotham Chopra, who also directed ‘Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,’ the series follows “the epic past and uncertain future” of the band.
It features never-before-seen photos, unreleased demos, forty years of personal videos, and original lyrics, also highlighting their achievements, biggest hits, and more. From the group taking over the New Jersey clubs to playing venues worldwide, viewers get a chance to see their rise to fame and success as well as some tribulations they faced. The ‘Livin’ On a Prayer’ hitmakers’ new album ‘Forever’ is out June 6. The lead single ‘Legendary’ came out in March and their latest release is ‘Living Proof.’
Watch ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ on Hulu
Long Live Montero
‘All Town Road’ and ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’ fame Lil Nas X released an HBO documentary ‘Long Live Montero’ in January. The movie sees Lil Nas X hit the road for his first-ever concert tour in the US. As a black, queer rapper and singer-songwriter, ‘Long Live Montero’ gives viewers a peek into his life as well as self-discovery, featuring interviews with his family. It inspires acceptance and helps the masses see what Montero Hill AKA Lil Nas X is like on and off stage. The Grammy-winning star is now an inspiration to many young queer kids around the globe to go ahead and chase their dream.
Find ‘Long Live Montero‘ on Max
Let It Be
For the first time in fifty years, The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ documentary has been made available for streaming this May! The film has been re-released for viewers to see the legendary band record ‘Let It Be,’ the final album from The Beatles. It has now been reworked by the ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ director Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post Production, with Lindsay-Hogg’s support. ‘Let It Be’ – both the album and the documentary – were first released nearly a month after The Beatles disbanded in 1970.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Michael’s movie, ‘Let It Be,’ has been restored and is finally being re-released after being unavailable for decades. I was so lucky to have access to Michael’s outtakes for ‘Get Back,’ and I’ve always thought that ‘Let It Be’ is needed to complete the ‘Get Back’ story. Over three parts, we showed Michael and the Beatles filming a groundbreaking new documentary, and ‘Let It Be’ is that documentary – the movie they released in 1970,” Jackson said in a statement as per Variety.
“I now think of it all as one epic story, finally completed after five decades. The two projects support and enhance each other: ‘Let It Be’ is the climax of ‘Get Back,’ while ‘Get Back’ provides a vital missing context for ‘Let It Be.’ Michael Lindsay-Hogg was unfailingly helpful and gracious while I made ‘Get Back,’ and it’s only right that his original movie has the last word… looking and sounding far better than it did in 1970.”
Stream ‘Let It Be’ on Disney+
Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza
Undoubtedly one of the most popular music festivals on the planet – Lollapalooza attracts thousands of people to its music gathering. Hosting some of the biggest artists, bands, and DJs in music, more than 200,000 people flock to Lollapalooza to celebrate music. ‘Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza’ – a three-part docu-series, will hit Paramount+ on May 21 in Canada and the U.S.
On May 22, the docu-series will arrive on the platform in Latin America, Germany, the UK, Austria, France, Australia, Brazil, and Switzerland. The docu-series is directed by six-time Emmy-nominated Michael John Warren and centers on Lollapalooza, featuring old and recent footage from performances at the festival. ‘Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza’ first premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
‘Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band,’ a documentary following Springsteen and his band on tour, is coming to Disney+ and Hulu this October. It will include performances from their 2023-2024 tour, rehearsals, archival clips, and interviews with Springsteen. This documentary is directed by frequent Springsteen collaborator Thom Zimny (‘Springsteen on Broadway’) who also serves as the producer along with the ‘Dancing In The Dark’ singer. The rock singer-songwriter and guitarist’s manager Jon Landau, Sean Stuart, and Adrienne Gerard also produced ‘Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.’
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