By Drew Ingall and Audrey Johnston
The world of music as we know it has changed drastically since the COVID-19 outbreak. Albums have been delayed, tours have been postponed, and artists are forced to experiment with new ways to get music to their fans without losing interest or popularity. Needless to say that for the diehard music fans all over the world, things are frustratingly rough, with no sign of when daily life will go back to normal.
Like millions of others, however, you’ve also probably found yourself trying to kill time as quarantine is extended indefinitely in certain areas. With that in mind, Pop Crave has assembled a list of must-see music films & documentaries for every music fanatic that are currently available to stream right now. Check out our selections below:
Everybody’s Everything – Lil Peep (Netflix)
Released nearly two years after his tragic passing, ‘Everybody’s Everything’ follows rising talent Lil Peep through his journey in the underground music scene as he makes his way into mainstream culture. Considered a “Soundcloud rapper” at the time, this documentary does the young talent justice in shining a light on his trailblazing sound that blends hip-hop, rock, pop, punk, trap and more. If anything, this film works in its ability to humanize Lil Peep. Behind the face tattoos and edgy sound is a sensitive soul trying to find his place in the world, making his eventual passing all that more upsetting. – Drew Howard
David Foster: Off The Record (Netflix)
Whether you’re familiar with him or not, it’s safe to say that producer David Foster has reshaped the music landscape. With credits on such enduring classics as Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You,” Celine Dion‘s “All By Myself” and Andrea Bocelli‘s “The Prayer,” Foster takes viewers through a treasure trove of Hollywood stories with a refreshingly frank approach. The film, which could’ve come off as a self-congratulatory trip down memory lane, isn’t scared to unearth the darker sides of Foster‘s toxic work-life habits, as well as his complicated relationship with women and fame. – Drew Howard
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (Netflix)
Beyoncé‘s 2018 Coachella set (otherwise known as “Beychella”) helped cement her as one of the greatest performers of all time, making ‘Homecoming’ one of the biggest streaming events of the year upon its release. Already hailed as a career highlight from the icon, this Netflix special dives into the production choices behind Beyoncé‘s tribute to Historically Black College or Universities (HBCU’s), her trademark choreography and the revamped tracks that incorporate a live marching band and drum line. Viewers also get fascinating looks at Beyoncé‘s process as a performer as well as appearances from Jay-Z, Solange, and Destiny’s Child. – Drew Ingall
Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly (Netflix)
‘Look Mom I Can Fly’ is a 2019 documentary centered on the crazy life of Travis Scott as he creates the ‘Astroworld’ experience. Interspersed with footage from his tour as well as clips of him as a child, the documentary takes you through the biggest events and moments of Scott’s career, including his controversial 2017 arrest for inciting a riot at one of his concerts and epic 2019 Super Bowl Performance. The Netflix exclusive also has interviews with Scott’s family discussing his childhood as well as some words from Kylie Jenner on their high-profile relationship and daughter, Stormi. Highlights of this documentary include footage of Scott reacting to the beat on “The Butterfly Effect,” his comments on the Grammys as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the making of “SICKO MODE” with Drake. – Drew Ingall
Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT (Showtime Anytime)
‘This Is It’ documents the rehearsal period for what would have been Michael Jackson‘s epic one-night-only concert in London scheduled for eight days after his death. The concert, which had Kenny Ortega (the visionary behind the “High School Musical” franchise) at the helm directing, shows what could have been if MJ hadn’t tragically passed away. With stunning visuals, special effects, a fantastic setlist and quality behind-the-scenes footage, this special makes for an unforgettable concert movie that’s must-see for music fans. – Drew Ingall
Springsteen on Broadway (Netflix)
While it’s packaged as more of a concert special than a documentary, “Springsteen on Broadway” is an effective piece of music history that sees Springsteen share his life story through song and stories. Using his autobiography “Born to Run,” as a script, Springsteen’s Broadway show walks viewers through his adolescence in Asbury Park, the formation of “E Street Band,” his romance with Patti Scialfia and much more. The concept ends up working out very well, with fantastic performances of his hits “Born in the USA,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “The Rising,” and of course, “Born to Run.” This Tony-award winning show is one that should not be slept on. – Drew Ingall
Miss Americana – Taylor Swift (Netflix)
Taylor Swift’s ‘reputation’ era is notorious for its lack of interviews and public appearances from the singer, making ‘Miss Americana’ one of the most exciting projects among Swifties in some time. Despite being picked apart by some critics as a calculated PR project, ‘Miss Americana’ is still absolutely worth seeking out for any music fans. Focused largely on Swift‘s media narrative and her public stance in the world of politics, this Netflix exclusive avoids the glitz and glamour of fame in favor of conversations about relevance, feminism and the conflict between the singer’s brand identity and personal values. – Audrey Johnston
Jonas Brothers’ Chasing Happiness (Amazon Prime)
Chasing Happiness follows the Jonas Brothers through their decision to reunite as a band for the first time in six years, highlighting family dynamics and interpersonal struggles as they reflect on their journey to stardom. Filmed over the course of a year, the film also gives fans a glimpse of the group’s humble beginning in New Jersey and their breakthrough with Disney on ‘Camp Rock.’ Equal parts revealing, emotional and nostalgic, ‘Chasing Happiness’ is a satisfying tribute that’s just as much for day-one fans as it is for new listeners. – Audrey Johnston
Gaga: Five Foot Two (Netflix)
In ‘Five Foot Two’ viewers get to witness a new side of Lady Gaga that has never been seen by fans before. Over the course of a year, the audience gets to see her record her fifth album Joanne, her experiences with her fans, dealing with mental health, planning an iconic performance and facing chronic pain due to fibromyalgia. Lady Gaga discusses the social rollercoaster in her life that only someone of her level of fame encounters, seeing and touching people all day and but night time, being left entirely alone. Five Foot Two shows the super-human abilities that Lady Gaga has, and her insane work ethic over her years of stardom. – Audrey Johnston
Want more outstanding music documentaries? Here’s a list of more Must-See Music Docs:
Netflix:
‘Amy’ (Amy Winehouse)
’20 Feet From Stardom’ (About Backup Singers)
‘Woodstock: Three days that defined a generation’
‘Quincy’ (Quincy Jones)
Hulu:
‘The Beatles – Eight Days A Week’
‘Whitney’ (Whitney Houston)
Amazon Prime:
‘Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams’
Showtime Anytime:
‘David Bowie Finding Fame’
What are your favorite music documentaries of all time? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter at @PopCraveMusic.
