So Prime Day is done and dusted for another year, but for those who signed up for Amazon's free trial, there's still a month to make the most of the service's vast catalogue of free-to-stream movies, including an increasingly eclectic array of excellent music documentaries.
Unfortunately, while Amazon is very good at doing certain things, such as furnishing you with a water flosser in under 24 hours, its Prime Video search engine and recommendations algorithm leave a lot to be desired. When you've got a hankering for a decent music documentary, combing through the service's library may return plenty of results, but the real gems tend to remain hidden away while at least 20 benign bio-pics are instead thrust in your general direction.
If that all seems too taxing of an evening, don't worry, we've come up with a list of ten exceptional music documentaries, all of which are currently included in the standard Prime subscription in the UK. And if that's not enough, we've added a further ten suggestions of our favourite must-see music films on Amazon to rent or buy, which should provide something for everyone to enjoy.
- Sign-up for the Amazon Prime free trial (UK)
- 11 of the best music documentaries, films and TV shows to watch on Netflix
Included with Amazon Prime Video
Seymour: An Introduction (2015)
Often documentaries about musicians can falter in trying to deliver an impossibly definitive biographical overview, swamping the viewer with facts and leaving little sense of the artist as a person.
In Ethan Hawke's directorial debut, Seymour: An Introduction, he presumes that the audience has no prior knowledge of concert pianist, composer and New York native Seymour Bernstein but instead takes a genial, laid-back approach, showing Bernstein teaching, chatting and philosophising over 80 minutes and crafting a cosy impression of warm familiarity.
Threaded throughout are intimate conversations as well as musings on artistry and the value of practice and perseverance, not just concerning music, but that will surely be relatable to anyone who ever tried to learn (or gave up) an instrument — a quintessentially New York documentary about a fascinating and inspiring classical musician.
Watch Seymour: an introduction on Amazon
Biffy Clyro: Cultural Sons of Scotland (2022)
When the pandemic began in 2020, Ayrshire rock trio Biffy Clyro found themselves back home in Scotland and stationary for the first time in their adult lives. How did they cope? By heading to a dairy farm and making an album every bit as slick, heavy and anthemic as rest of their oeuvre.
This thoughtful documentary follows the band as they overcome the restrictions of COVID and limitations of location to record their ninth studio album, The Myth of the Happily Ever After, their first recorded entirely on home soil. Through interviews, archive and self-recorded footage, it charts the band's 20-year history and dedicated fandom, culminating with a spectacular live show in Glasgow.
Given the amount of animosity and ego that pepper most rock docs, the genuine joy the members of Biffy Clyro seem to have at being around one another could seem ludicrous if it weren't so darn genuine and when bassist James Johnston says, “Everyone should join a band. If you get a chance to go join a band...that’s probably the best years you’ll ever have in your life,” you know he's speaking from experience.
Watch Biffy Clyro: Cultural Sons of Scotland on Amazon
Stop Making sense (2015)
In 1983, Talking Heads were at the height of their sharp-suited, loose-limbed, avant-garde grooving powers and, fortunately, director Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs, The Manchurian Candidate) was around to capture it in all its frantic and joyful glory.
Stop Making Sense was shot over three nights at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre at the end of that year and kicks off with a razor-cheekboned David Byrne alone onstage with an 808. Gradually he is joined by the rest of the band in a performance that builds to an ecstatic and iconic finale. It’s no wonder that Stop Making Sense is widely regarded as one of the finest concert films ever made.
Watch Stop Making Sense on Amazon Prime
20 Feet From Stardom (2013)
Morgan Neville’s Oscar-winning documentary dives into the lives of the backing singers whose vocal chops prop up the records of many a beloved pop star. Neville talks to appreciative artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and a rakishly on-brand Mick Jagger. But, most importantly, he interviews many of the gifted singers themselves, some of whom are content with their supporting role and some whose longing for the limelight has never left them.
Delving into history, 20 Feet From Stardom, touches upon issues of gender and race in the music industry but, ultimately, this is a bittersweet celebration of music and the human voice that examines the reasons why incredible talent doesn’t always lead to success.
Watch 20 Feet From Stardom on Amazon Prime
Monsterman (2015)
Everyone knows the classic Cinderella story of Lordi, the Scandinavian rock monsters who won a shock victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. But every fairy-tale has to come to an end and, for Tomi Putaansuu aka Mr Lordi, the years since have involved tragedy, financial hardships and grappling with the repercussions of gaining sudden fame only to then lose it.
This surprisingly candid documentary follows Mr Lordi as, caught between his childhood fantasy world and the desire to support himself, he plans to stage a comeback.
Watch Monsterman on Amazon Prime
Gimme Danger (2016)
Before there was punk, there was The Stooges. Jim Jarmusch's documentary celebrates the career and influence of what he calls "the greatest rock 'n' roll band ever" in unashamedly fanboy fashion.
Mixing archival photos and footage with cutout animation and reunion-era interviews, the film is driven largely by the anecdotes of Jim Osterberg, better known as Iggy Pop, whose debauched raconteur style is mesmerising even if his stories won't be terribly revealing to established fans.
Watch Gimme Danger on Amazon Prime
Mean Man: The Story of Chris Holmes (2021)
You don’t need to be a metalhead to enjoy this nostalgic come-back documentary following former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes as he attempts to reignite his career at the age of 61.
Through archival footage and interviews the consequences of embodying a hard rock persona 24/7 are examined while, in the present day, Holmes readies himself to mount a new tour in Europe. Holmes’ story includes inter-band tensions, severe addiction and losing the rights to his songs but, ultimately, despite there still being some bad blood, this is a feel-good story of survival.
Watch Mean Man: The Story of Chris Holmes on Amazon Prime
Elliott Smith – Heaven Adores You (2015)
An earnest and contemplative documentary charting the music and life of singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, Heaven Adores You is presented as a visual journey across Portland, New York and Los Angeles, where he lived while writing his five solo albums from 1994 to 2000.
Featuring concert footage, personal photos and recorded interviews, Heaven Adores You is the first documentary to gain permission to use Smith's music and doesn't squander the opportunity, including tracks spanning his career and over a dozen previously unreleased songs.
Watch Elliott Smith – Heaven Adores You on Amazon Prime
Bob and the Monster (2011)
This profile of Bob Forrest, former lead singer of 80s LA punk darlings Thelonius Monster, charts his struggle with addiction and later reincarnation as an inspirational and controversial drug councillor.
Anecdotes from a roster of stars including Courtney Love, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante and members of Jane's Addiction shed light on the scope and depth of Bob's influence, and his story is beautifully illustrated using interwoven animation and personal footage. Come for the nostalgia and stay for this genuinely uplifting story.
Watch Bob and the Monster on Amazon Prime
Mozart in the Jungle (2014-2018)
Ok, yes, this is a series, and a dramatised one at that, but anyone with the slightest bit of curiosity about what goes on in the orchestra pit when the lights are down will enjoy being enlightened by this Amazon Original based on the 2005 memoir of New York oboist Blair Tindall.
Although firmly rooted in a world out of reach for most, the endearingly flamboyant characters, from Gael Garcia Bernal's egotistical conductor to the formidable Bernadette Peters as the president of the New York Symphony, make this orchestral romp highly addictive. Fortunately, there are four seasons to enjoy.
Watch Mozart in the Jungle on Amazon Prime
Available for rent or purchase
Of course, Amazon's offering extends beyond just its Prime catalogue, so if you're feeling flush why not take a look at the eight excellent films below, all of which can be purchased or rented through the site (though it's worth bearing in mind that most if not all of these titles will also be available via other streaming services – the JustWatch app can help you here).
The New York Hardcore Chronicles Film (2017)
There’s a tenacious dynamism and contagious energy to Drew Stone’s documentary charting the history and cultural impact of the New York hardcore scene.
Moving at breakneck speed, the movie squeezes in over 60 interviews with the likes of Billy Graziadei (Biohazard), Craig Setari (Sick Of It All), Roger Miret & Vinnie Stigma (Agnostic Front), Lou Koller, Ray Cappo (Youth Of Today), Billy Milano (S.O.D. / M.O.D.) and Mike Judge (Judge), and bursts at the seams with music and live footage. One for both hardcore fans and the curious.
Watch The New York Hardcore Chronicles film on Amazon Prime
Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest
Actor Michael Rapaport turns director with this documentary focusing on the tensions within one of the most innovative and influential groups in hip-hop.
Following their 20-year career producing boundary-breaking funk and jazz-infused beats and infamous break-up in 1998, Rapaport chooses to highlight the drama rather than the music. But with unprecedented access to the band and a killer soundtrack, this movie can't help but leave you in awe of the band's creative output.
Watch Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest on Amazon Prime
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
If you've not yet seen Searching for Sugar Man, best return to this list in an hour-and-a-half once you have.
The story traces two fans' pursuit of the truth behind the rumoured death of one of their favourite artists, Sixto Rodriguez. His due success eluded him in America, but he unknowingly found a home and a following in Apartheid South Africa.
Winner of both the Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Documentary, its narrative is as bizarre as it is entertaining. It's enough to give hope to all of us that someone, somewhere may actually be appreciating our work for what it is.
Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, who made the film with Craig Bartholomew Strydom, co-owns Mabu Vinyl in Cape Town, which we included in our 25 record stores to visit before you die feature.
Watch Searching for Sugar Man on Amazon Prime
Sound City (2013)
Directed by Dave Grohl, Sound City chronicles the studio of the same name.
At various times home to Neil Young, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, The Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, Slipknot, Queens of the Stone Age, Metallica, Arctic Monkeys ... [continues ad infinitum] ... Sound City's walls have contained some of rock music's most seminal recordings.
More than merely another collection of empty superlatives and talking heads – though Young, Petty and Stevie Nicks all feature – Grohl's passion for the space and its history is patently clear throughout.
Watch Sound City on Amazon Prime
808 (2015)
Roland's TR-808 drum machine didn't sound like real drums. It's why it was widely panned upon its release in 1980, and why it has since become one of the most influential instruments in modern music.
With interviews from those who used it so successfully – artists as diverse as Damon Albarn, Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys, Goldie, Phil Collins and (hey!) 808 State – and closing with words from one of the men behind its creation, 808 is a documentary charting just how creative freedom can be born of technology.
A Band Called Death (2012)
It's still probably about the most punk thing you could do: pre-date the genre and leave your demo tape gathering dust in the attic for 30 years until it finds its audience by happenstance.
David, Bobby and Dannis Hackney – three brothers from a family of eight children born to a Baptist preacher and his wife in 1950s Detroit – formed Death (whose name and their refusal to change it went some way to ensure they never got a record deal) in the family's spare room, and this is their story.
Watch A Band Called Death on Amazon Prime
Rockers (1978)
Theodoros Bafaloukos's Rockers started life as a documentary, and as a result is about as athentic a snapshot of late '70s Jamaican culture as it would be possible to find in a feature film.
It stars former Studio One drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace playing himself – in his own home, with his real-life wife and children – fighting for the oppressed Jamaican musician against the industry mafia.
Also starring reggae artists such as Burning Spear and Gregory Isaacs, it's a film that endures for its music, its humour and its portrayal of Kingston culture – not least the fashion, which was written about in Vogue.
Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? The Life and Music of Robert Johnson (1998)
It would probably be difficult for any documentary about Robert Johnson – the man who, according to one urban legend, sold his soul to the Devil in return for his talent – to be boring.
But even a life, and indeed death, so shrouded in mystery and rumour still cannot overshadow the enduring power of his music. Narrated by Danny Glover, Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? focuses on both the man and his extraordinary talent, through interviews and dramatic re-enactments.
Watch Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? on Amazon Prime
Lo Sound Desert (2015)
If the music of Sigur Rós could have been created nowhere else but Iceland, this is the story of music born in the American desert.
The exploration of a culture as much as the bands (such as Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age) born out of it, Lo Sound Desert takes a generator and its gear out into the middle of nowhere and has a party where the police aren't watching.
Watch Lo Sound Desert on Amazon Prime
Finding Joseph I: The HR from Bad Brains Documentary (2016)
As the lead singer of Bad Brains, Paul "HR" Hudson pioneered hardcore punk with a positive message.
Finding Joseph I isn't so much a celebration of his legacy, however, as much as an investigation into the man himself: his enlightenment, devotion to the Rastafarian faith, and sadly often fragile relationship with his own mental health.
An extraordinary man as much as an extraordinary musician, HR provides a fascinating subject irrespective of opinions on his art.