It is the air we breathe and the sounds that help us cope. Hannah Berryman | Billie Holiday fans can look forward to James Erskine’s new film about the trailblazing jazz singer, out in the UK on November 13. The Best Documentaries of 2020. These films explore the history of music and its influence on culture. Not only because it portrays the well known tensions in Mozart’s life – the fact geniuses like him were free of the modern commercialism we now know, but also the humour, and of course the music. Yellow Magic Orchestra, 2020's new slate of documentaries are already changing the game. Documentary, Music. Credit: Joel Ryan / Press. Director: The best documentaries of 2020. the power of a great documentary. Wicked Mike's 500 Best Foreign Language Movies, Wicked Mike's 13 Best English Movies 2020. 86 min This documentary chronicles the meteoric rise of a band born of the LA punk scene that not only captured but created a zeitgeist. Rob Hatch-Miller | Jennie Kim, Nick Cave performing his ‘Idiot Prayer’ live show. There is perhaps no film that exudes the collective essence of Steve James’s body of … Stars: | The Mole Agent (Maite Alberdi) This Chilean documentary follows an octogenarian who tries to find evidence of abuse in a nursing home by going undercover. ... Devoid of music or any other obvious artifice, “Gunda” neither aims to document animal consciousness or anthropomorphize it. Music Documentaries. 11 Music Documentaries to Stream Right Now: Where to watch docus on the likes of Kurt Cobain, JAY-Z and Amy Winehouse. Dig out these uplifting documentaries to remind ourselves what we have to look forward to when it’s safe again to throw our hands in the air like we just don’t care Arsenio Hall, Stars: Ann Ward, Next. Director: If the title suggests an intimate session with the former frontman of The Pogues that’s because it is, while simultaneously charting his genesis as one of the founding fathers of Celtic punk. 100 min Some releases were long in the works, from Taylor Swift’s access-all-areas-except-her-relationship Netflix film Miss Americana to Spike Jonze’s Beastie Boys movie for Apple TV+. | Gross: © 2021 NME is a member of the media division of BandLab Technologies. I agaonized as I ranked my favourites. Madeleine Albright, Credit: BFI / Press. Rubika Shah As this year is finally reaching its drawn-out conclusion, we take a look at 25 of the best documentaries that were released in 2020. Mykael S. Riley, "The riveting, emotionally charged story of one man's journey from rock stardom to rock bottom, rescued by his faith, the love of a woman, his family and his band mates; it is a story of despair and of hope for all. Yet there’s another layer to the performance that rings especially true during COVID-19. Johnny Depp, Director: Belinda Carlisle, Credit: Netflix. | Documentary, Biography, Music. The Spike Lee directed take on Byrne’s Broadway show encourages living room dancing as the former Talking Heads frontman delivers hits from his lengthy and lauded career. Close on its heels is Julien Temple’s Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan, arriving early next month. The Best Documentaries of 2020 So Far—And Where to Watch Them. Lalisa Manoban, The 25 Best Documentaries of 2020 Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets. Wicked Mike's 13 Best Music Documentaries 2020. For the majority of 2020, movie theaters have been closed, streaming has become the new king, and we have witnessed a pandemic as this generation has yet to see. ... (Kanye West's famous interruption at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards included), Swift's subsequent year of … | From ESPN's 'The Last Dance' to Netflix's 'Tiger King,' these 28 docs are unmisssable. Peter Brown, Not Rated Pat Henschel and Terry Donahue were together for more than 70 years, but they didn’t come out to their families until 2009. Taylor Swift, 79 min Matt Berninger, TV-MA We narrowed down a list of five excellent options currently available on the service. Mar 27, 2020… TV-MA But the 'Bee Gees' was the most sensational rollercoaster through history. Panda Bear, By Beth Webb. Andrea Swift, 'Miss Americana' and 'Ryuichi Sakamoto' were the most intimate. The past few years have been something of a golden age for music documentaries, with the Oscar-winning success of Searching for Sugar Man and … Ji-soo Kim, Stars: It’s a visceral, mostly monochrome scrapbook of archive footage, crisp and natural exterior shots of New Jersey along with studio footage, with Springsteen’s voiceover toggling between nostalgic and speculative offerings on grief, life, and God. Post Malone. From Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich to The Last Dance, ... the music industry seems far less changed. Joel Little, 90 min An in-depth look into the life and work of musician Frank Zappa. | According to Spotify itself, music videos are coming to the platform, in addition to “documentaries, and exclusive video series”.. That’s according to a post unearthed by MBW on Spotify’s community support page (see below). Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich (2020). Andrew Catlin/Magnolia Pictures. … | Stars: 'Miss Americana' and 'Ryuichi Sakamoto' were the most intimate. 10th November 2020. 1,195 While nothing can quite beat the static, sweaty air of a real live music experience, the films this year are an opportunity to get reacquainted with our fave rockstars and musicians. The infectious cheek of the two bandmates as they share anecdotes and bittersweet memories of the dearly departed Adam Yauch fills the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. We're using cookies to … The 25 best documentaries of 2020: 25. The best music documentaries of 2020: Previous. Director: | Bruce Springsteen during new documentary ‘Letter To You’. Director: 2020 will also be a definitive year for music documentaries, which have delivered insight into some of the most iconic performers ever, from Bruce Springsteen to Billie Holiday. Despite me only liking one song of the band, I was 100% captivated and in awe of their talent i.e. ... Music Mar 27, 2020. Netflix has plenty of great documentaries for music fans. Chart the meteoric rise of the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK in director Caroline Suh's documentary. Rosé, TV-MA Puloma Basu, Documentary, Music. And where to stream all of them, on Netflix, Hulu, and in virtual cinemas. Shane MacGowan, Maurice MacGowan, 95 min Maurice Gibb, Music . These last six months have been Large. Tony Iommi, A portrait of genius music composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Stars: David Bowie, Lisa Ward, 124 min Filmmaker Thom Zimny is lucky that Springsteen is so open, because his frankness results in a late-in-life letter to fans who – due to the pandemic – are even more grateful for a little intimate time with The Boss. Taylor Swift in ‘Miss Americana’. Where Letter To You is peppered with nostalgia, Beastie Boys Story is positively drunk off of it. | 2020 is coming to a close, and we're all continuing our quarantine relationship with our couches. Stars: Star: Imagine the pair coming in to present at your school assembly, and you’re on the right track. From rock to K-Pop to new school to old school, these documentaries will bring you closer to the music icons of today, yesterday and the future of sound. Directors: When it comes to music documentaries, 2020 had a little something for everybody. Justin Furstenfeld, 80 min | Documentary, Music. Music fuels our soul and keeps us sane. Julien Temple | Bono, Songs of the soul flow from the drunken mouths of the jukebox-loving inebriates in Bloody... City So Real. 2020 was the best year for music documentaries. | Music fuels our soul and keeps us sane. 15,882 Hypes 1 Comments. Fans loved it so much that the one-off streaming event expanded to a full on-demand release. Tunde Adebimpe, Get the inside track on some of music's most influential songs, albums and personalities. Director: However, some of these films would not have happened were it not for the pandemic, with artists like Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, and Laura Marling staging one-off recorded concerts in response to the live music industry – worth more than $30bn a year – temporarily being snuffed out. During the carefully composed setlist, Byrne talks to his audience about his life, his hopes and how everyone – himself included – could be doing better. | Gina Schock, TV-14 98 min Less of a self-righteous TED talk, more of a rally cry during tumultuous times, American Utopia joins Stop Making Sense as a milestone in the performance film canon. | The 10 best documentary films and series from 2020 so far, that you can stream on Netflix, HBO, and Apple TV+. The recent Nick Cave documentaries One More Time with Feeling and 20,000 Days on Earth showcase a mature and reflective artist. Rian Johnson confirms Han Solo Easter egg in ‘The Last Jedi’, FKA twigs opens up on “horrific” racial abuse she faced while dating Robert Pattinson, Harvey Weinstein court case results in $17million payout for accusers, Cinema workers react to “despicable” Cineworld bosses’ bonus scheme, US Senator third in line for presidential succession has been in five ‘Batman’ films, Chris Evans recalls “emotional” moment watching ‘Avengers: Endgame’ for the first time. Stars: Here are 10 2020 music documentaries that in various ways do OK, too. Director: A look at the life of Irish singer/songwriter and Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. 1. Tom Beard, Already this year we’ve had plenty of fascinating music films – but there’s even more to come. Yes, this Apple TV+ making-of documentary was a thinly veiled commercial for Bruce’s new album, also called Letter to You. Mary Wharton 129 min Shane MacGowan in 1988, from "Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan." Director: 2020 has been an all-timer for music documentaries. Alex Winter It is the air we breathe and the sounds that help us cope. This includes myriad of misfortunes that ended with her tragic death at the age of 44 in 1959. Making a Star ... 29 Aug 2020. Ice-T, Best Music Documentaries: 37 Essential Watches For Music Fans Gimme Shelter (1970). The Go-Go's are the most successful female rock band of all time. BBC Music television to present a feast of new and archive music documentaries in the coming months. Ringo Starr, 83 min | I agaonized as I ranked my favourites. Frank Marshall Greg Johnston Scott Swift, Documentary, Music. Watch his self-directed, solitary performance in the cavernous West Hall of Alexandra Palace, captured by Oscar-winning cinematographer Robbie Ryan, isn’t so much a compromise, as a different direction entirely. | If Cave’s Idiot Prayer isn’t the kind of floor-clearing, foot-stomping concert film experience you’re craving, then David Byrne’s American Utopia has you covered. Director: It blends fresh interviews with archive footage to recreate a hostile environment of anti-immigrant hysteria and National Front marches. Liverpool won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years, and Bong Joon-ho celebrated the most decorated spell of his career. Stars: This rise in the medium doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Of all music films and documentaries to watch, this is a historical film I can come back to watch again and again. Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You. An ode to this year's best films about bands. Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime have plenty of documentaries offering information about different genres, artists and movements that are available. | One of many lockdown downers is the cancellation of live music and festivals. | Documentary, Biography, Music. Director: Netflix Music Documentaries. Norry Niven Documentary, Music. | Kingsley Ward, Lana Wilson Stuffed with unheard audio testimonies, Billie has been praised for the way it shows parts of Holiday’s story away from singing. 'Zappa' was easily the most interesting character. It’s a must-watch because… An ongoing scandal of unchecked power and abuse is explored with emotional urgency. Featuring Vampire Weekend, Animal Collective, Interpol and more, the film reminds us that the spirit of the much-loved destination will live on. Charles Ward, Stephen Nomura Schible For 20 years indie record store Other Music was an influential hub of music culture in NYC. Red Saunders, Credit: Apple TV+. A bustling documentary celebrating the legendary recording studio in the Welsh countryside where Ozzy Osbourne, Oasis, Queen and Coldplay took off- a story of pigs, drugs and rock'n'roll. An ode to this year's best films about bands. What better way to spend the weekend than by watching some of the best music documentaries of 2020. | | Director: Where Byrne’s pre-song sermons are delivered in a familiarly off-kilter fashion, Bruce Springsteen’s come directly and disarmingly from the heart in Letter To You. Barry Gibb, Director: | Mick Jagger, Another pristinely shot Apple TV+ production, this ‘An Audience With…’ formatted collaboration between Ad-Rock, Mike D and their friend Spike Jonze traces back through a career that first started when they were teenagers. An exploration of the history of the Bee Gees, featuring revealing interviews with oldest brother Barry Gibb, and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice. What better way to spend the weekend than by watching some of the best music documentaries of 2020. Tell us what you think about this feature. Ryuichi Sakamoto, Votes: Dennis Bovell, It works as a film thanks to its bizarre, ironically formal set-up. Geezer Butler, Documentary, Music. Documentary, Biography, Music. Cave’s planned 2020 tour was rumoured to be large scale and kitted out with a gospel choir. 2020 Best Documentaries As countdown the end of the year, it amazes me what a whirlwind of a year it has been, especially in the world of film. | Documentary. At a time when we really need comfort and catharsis, that’s a real blessing. $0.12M, TV-14 The Go-Go's, Stars: | 'Other Music' generated the most nostalgia for the loss of my alternative culture. Jimmy Carter's election to the presidency of the United States in 1977 was helped by the links that this fan of pop music had with stars. Rock Against Racism was formed in 1976, prompted by Eric Clapton. Robin Gibb, Alison Ellwood There are loads of music documentaries to get through before you start wondering about what's really going on at Area 51. | The Best Documentaries of 2020 Provide Critical Insight Into The World Around Us. Documentary, History, Music. 2020 was the best year for music documentaries. 111 min The world's defining voice in music and pop culture since 1952. Caroline Suh Stars: Director: Lisa Bryant Netflix. Pervez Bilgrami, See titles to watch instantly, titles you haven't rated, etc, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan, Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne. Stars: A look at iconic pop artist Taylor Swift during a transformational time in her life as she embraces her role as a singer/songwriter and harnesses the full power of her voice. Documentary celebrating the legendary Rockfield Studios with appearances from those who have recorded within its hallowed walls. Surrounded by the E Street Band, Springsteen shares memories and reflections from his six decades on the stage. Documentary, Biography, Music. William Basinski, 'Beastie Boys Story', directed by … | | Stars: For over five decades, Ozzy Osbourne has personified rock and roll, from his childhood in poverty and time in prison, to fronting metal band Black Sabbath, a successful solo career and a lovable 21st century television dad. Siobhan MacGowan, Despite 2020’s best efforts, not everybody is having a complete write-off of a year. | | David Byrne in ‘American Utopia’. | Published: 24 July 2020 Music documentaries can reveal a lot about our social history. | Charlotte Caffey, Garth Brooks, Not Rated 85 min | The best music documentaries you can watch for free on YouTube By Kyle MacNeill Posted: Monday 23 March 2020, ... A stunning call back to the renegade days of the British music festival scene. 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