The year 2023 witnessed an outstanding lineup of documentaries, with a special emphasis on music documentaries that covered a wide spectrum, ranging from industry giants to in-depth explorations of niche, independent music communities.
So, grab the popcorn because here are some of the popular music documentaries from the year, according to The Associated Press. In no particular order, here is a list along with information on where you can catch them.
"Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé"
"Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé" captures the journey of the megastar's 39-city global tour, offering an intimate look at the immense effort and dedication poured into bringing the larger-than-life production to fruition. This behind-the-scenes documentary provides a rare glimpse behind the curtain, guided by one of music's most meticulous perfectionists. Despite Beyoncé maintaining a sense of mystery over the past decade, where interviews are a rare occurrence, this film showcases her mastery in granting just enough access to her audience. The documentary even includes precious moments featuring her daughter, Blue Ivy.
WHERE TO WATCH: "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé" is still in theaters. Find a screening here.
"Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
Audiences fortunate enough to secure tickets for an Eras Tour concert can now relive the entire three-hour spectacle through "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour." This cinematic presentation faithfully replicates the blockbuster performance, seamlessly compiled from various August shows at Southern California's SoFi Stadium. For those who missed the live experience, the film serves as an opportunity to bask in the magic. Regardless of attendance, it provides viewers with the optimal front-row seat. However, it's essential to note that the film doesn't offer any narrative breaks or behind-the-scenes insights. It's a pure, unfiltered showcase of the complete concert experience on the silver screen - no embellishments, no omissions.
WHERE TO WATCH: "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is still in theaters. Find a screening here. You can also rent the film at Amazon's Prime Video for $19.89.
"Thriller 40"
An exceptional documentary doesn't strive to be the ultimate authority on a subject; rather, it invites insight and, ideally, introduces a fresh perspective through which to comprehend its focal point. Spanning 90 minutes, Showtime's "Thriller 40" offers an in-depth exploration of the Michael Jackson record that left a lasting mark on pop music. With commentary from stars such as Mary J Blige, Usher, Mark Ronson, Maxwell, will.i.am, Brooke Shields, and others, this documentary, directed by the influential cultural critic Nelson George, delves into the transformative impact of "Thriller" with a keen eye.
WHERE TO WATCH: "Thriller 40" is streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime.
"All Up in the Biz"
In 2021, the rap world bid farewell to Biz Markie at the age of 57, known affectionately as the "Clown Prince of Hip-Hop." His departure left behind a remarkable legacy, hailed for his beatboxing prowess, turntable mastery, and the timeless 1989 hit "Just a Friend." Sacha Jenkins, in his directorial role, released a documentary that delves into the life and talents of Markie, a frequently misunderstood native of New York who injected humor into the rap scene. The film provides viewers with a vivid overview of Markie's character through his comedic spirit and insights from his loved ones. Notably, scenes depicting his final days in the hospital creatively employ a puppet-a touch that undoubtedly would have elicited a chuckle from the man himself.
WHERE TO WATCH: "All Up in the Biz" is streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime.
"Little Richard: I Am Everything"
Little Richard, the architect of rock 'n' roll, laid down the genre's foundations and embodies its history. However, despite his revolutionary talent, he often finds himself overshadowed, primarily remembered for the groundbreaking "Tutti Frutti"-unless, of course, credit is mistakenly attributed to Elvis Presley. This unfortunate reality sheds light on the issue of white musicians appropriating the contributions of Black artists, a theme that director Lisa Cortés aims to emphasize in her documentary, "Little Richard: I Am Everything." The film delves into the core of Little Richard's artistry, exploring how he crafted his extraordinary persona and underscoring the ways in which the world tends to downplay his significance. Through this documentary, the narrative of overlooking Little Richard becomes unjustifiable, encouraging a reevaluation of his monumental impact on the genre.
WHERE TO WATCH: "Little Richard: I Am Everything" is streaming on MAX.
"The Elephant 6 Recording Co."
This documentary may not be as familiar as some others on the list, and that's precisely what makes it intriguing. "The Elephant 6 Recording Co." takes a deep dive into one of the most influential indie rock collectives of the '90s-the Southern scene that gave rise to bands like Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, and Apples in Stereo. The film's narrative is a bit expansive and peculiar, echoing the avant-garde essence of its psychedelic subjects. Directed by Chad Stockfleth, a first-timer in the director's chair, this documentary serves as a refreshing departure from the current trend of pop star-focused (and often produced) documentaries. It serves as a reminder that some of the most groundbreaking art and music emerge from tight-knit communities.
For those interested in watching, "The Elephant 6 Recording Co." is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video within the U.S. Outside the U.S., it can be purchased through Vimeo On Demand.
