18 Netflix music documentaries to watch now, from Martin Scorsese’s Bob Dylan film to a Quincy Jones retrospective

And here’s a little secret about musicians: they don’t know how to be boring.

Netflixs music documentaries showcase a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to rock to classical.

The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)

Courtesy of Netflix

January, 1985.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese; Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls in It’s Only Life After All; Nina Simone in What Happened, Miss Simone?

Credit:Netflix; Jeremy Cowart/Courtesy of Sundance Institute; Peter Rodis/Netflix

Reagan is sworn in for a second term,Beverly Hills Copis the No.

1 movie at the Cineplex, and 46 legendary artists gather somewhere in Hollywood to record a song.

To raise money for African famine relief.

The Greatest Night in Pop.

Courtesy of Netflix

And then there was Bob Dylan covered in white clown makeup, offering a soundtrack for the whole affair.

Who better to edit the footage (plus new interviews with many fake/composite people) than Dylan super-fanMartin Scorsese?

Where to watchHomecoming, A Film by Beyonce: Netflix

What Happened, Miss Simone?

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan wearing white face paint, playing guitars, and singing in ‘Rolling Thunder Revue’

Netflix

(2015)

Peter Rodis/Netflix

You’d be hard-pressed to find a documentary subject more fascinating thanNina Simone.

Where to watchWhat Happened, Miss Simone?

He underwent two brain surgeries, recorded about 3,000 songs and 300 albums, and landed an EGOT.

BeyoncÃ© standing atop risers surrounded by a band in ‘Homecoming: A Film by BeyoncÃ©’

Netflix

Davis was the ultimate A&R man, and this music documentary brings us along for the ride.

And that’s a good thing!

In other words, if you want a glimpse into a life devoted to creativity, look no further.

Nina Simone in What Happened, Miss Simone?

Peter Rodis/Netflix

Things only got hotter from there (hello, “Hungry Like the Wolf”).

This film sets the record straight, reminding us of both their artistry and their era-defining coolness.

Where to watchDuran Duran: There’s Something You Should Know:Netflix

WHAM!

Jon Batiste in American Symphony

Courtesy of Netflix

This film exudes excitement, color, and life with a surprisingly gritty edge.

If you’re already a fan, you’ll swoon.

If not, get ready to be converted.

Quincy Jones in Quincy

Netflix

:Netflix

Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)

Dramatic?

In other words, even without the songs, this movie would be a banger.

One of our favorite music documentaries ever.

Elvis Presley, Colonel Tom Parker, Return Of The King: The Fall And Rise Of Elvis Presley

This Indigo Girls documentary is as earnest and humble as their music.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers speak about themselves so modestly that it’s easy to forget their legendary status.

You’ll never watch Barbie’s escape (featuring “Closer to Fine”) quite the same way.

Arista Records founder and CEO Clive Davis speaks onstage at the Beacon Theatre, New York, New York, May 15, 1991

Gary Gershoff/Getty

We know we’re dope.

They’ll catch up."

Watch it now, thank us later.

Orin O’Brien - The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Netflix

Things took a tragic turn at 22 when she became acaregiver to her young siblingsafter their parents deaths.

With a string of hits, from Waterfalls to No Scrubs, they defined the early 90s.

Still, the remaining two women continued making music, touring, and keeping the memory of TLC alive.

Group Portrait of British band Duran Duran in 1981. Left to right (back) bassist John Taylor, singer Simon Le Bon, (front) drummer Roger Taylor, keyboard player Nick Rhodes and guitarist Andy Taylor