- Gimme Shelter (1970)
- The Last Waltz (1978)
- The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
- The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
- The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)
- American Hardcore (2006)
- Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
- The Wrecking Crew (2008)
- The Punk Singer (2013)
- Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
If you loved the raw emotion and unexpected redemption in 'New York Doll' (2005), this list is for you. We've curated 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same mix of music, personal struggle, and human connection. Whether you're a fan of documentaries or just love a good comeback story, these picks will resonate with you.

Gimme Shelter (1970)
Description: Capturing the chaotic and tragic events of the Altamont Free Concert, this film serves as a stark document of the end of the 1960s counterculture, much like other music documentaries that capture pivotal moments.
Fact: The film's climax features the infamous stabbing of a concertgoer by a Hells Angel, which was captured on camera.


The Last Waltz (1978)
Description: This concert film celebrates the final performance of a legendary band, blending live music with intimate interviews to create a poignant farewell to an era.
Fact: The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and is considered one of the greatest concert films ever made.


The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Description: This documentary provides an unflinching look at the Los Angeles punk scene, embodying the chaotic and rebellious spirit of underground music.
Fact: The film was so controversial that it was initially banned in several cities due to its raw portrayal of punk culture.


The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988)
Description: Shifting focus to the glam metal scene, this sequel explores the excesses and struggles of musicians chasing fame, offering a stark contrast to its predecessor but maintaining its gritty realism.
Fact: The film features early interviews with bands like Guns N' Roses and Poison, before they achieved mainstream success.


The Decline of Western Civilization Part III (1998)
Description: This installment examines the lives of homeless punk youth in Los Angeles, blending music with social commentary to highlight the darker side of subcultural movements.
Fact: The film was shot over several years, providing a longitudinal look at the lives of its subjects.


American Hardcore (2006)
Description: Chronicling the rise and fall of the hardcore punk scene, this film captures the raw energy and grassroots nature of a musical revolution, similar to other music documentaries about subcultures.
Fact: The film features rare footage and interviews with key figures from the 1980s hardcore punk scene, many of whom had never been documented before.


Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
Description: This documentary captures the raw, unfiltered journey of a band struggling against obscurity and the harsh realities of the music industry, resonating with themes of perseverance and passion.
Fact: The film was initially intended to be a mockumentary but was later developed into a genuine documentary after the filmmakers realized the band's real-life struggles were compelling enough.


The Wrecking Crew (2008)
Description: This film delves into the unsung heroes of the music industry, showcasing the behind-the-scenes musicians who shaped iconic sounds, much like the unseen forces in many musical narratives.
Fact: The Wrecking Crew played on hundreds of hit records in the 1960s, including classics by The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra.


The Punk Singer (2013)
Description: Focusing on a pivotal figure in the punk scene, this documentary mirrors the intensity and DIY ethos of underground music movements, celebrating rebellion and authenticity.
Fact: Kathleen Hanna, the subject of the film, took a long hiatus from music due to illness, which the documentary explores in depth.


Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Description: It explores the mysterious disappearance and unexpected rediscovery of a musician, highlighting the impact of music across cultures and the bittersweet nature of artistic recognition.
Fact: The documentary's subject, Rodriguez, was unaware of his massive popularity in South Africa until the filmmakers tracked him down.
