If you loved the electrifying energy and nostalgic charm of The Cavern Club: The Beat Goes On (2019), this article is for you. Dive into 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of music, history, and unforgettable performances. Whether you're a fan of rock 'n' roll documentaries or period dramas, these picks will keep your toes tapping and your heart racing.

Monterey Pop (1968)
Description: This documentary captures the birth of the summer of love and the rise of psychedelic rock. It’s a vibrant snapshot of a transformative moment in music history, much like other films that celebrate iconic festivals and performances.
Fact: Monterey Pop was the first major rock festival, predating Woodstock by two years. The film features breakthrough performances by Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.


Gimme Shelter (1970)
Description: A raw and unfiltered look at a turbulent music festival, this film contrasts the idealism of the era with its darker realities. It’s a gripping narrative about music, chaos, and the end of an era, echoing themes found in other music documentaries.
Fact: The film documents the Rolling Stones' 1969 tour, culminating in the tragic Altamont Free Concert. It was one of the first documentaries to use cinema verité techniques extensively.


Woodstock (1970)
Description: This iconic documentary captures the essence of a cultural milestone, showcasing the power of music to unite people. It’s a time capsule of the 1960s counterculture, similar to other films that document legendary music events.
Fact: Woodstock was originally planned for 50,000 attendees but drew over 400,


The Last Waltz (1978)
Description: A seminal concert film that captures the final performance of a legendary band, blending live music with interviews. It’s a poignant farewell to an era, much like other documentaries that document pivotal moments in music history.
Fact: Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film features guest performances by artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. The concert was held on Thanksgiving Day in


Festival Express (2003)
Description: This film chronicles a unique traveling music festival across Canada, blending live performances with behind-the-scenes camaraderie. It’s a celebration of music’s unifying power, akin to other documentaries about legendary tours and festivals.
Fact: The festival featured artists like The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin traveling by train. The footage was shot in 1970 but wasn’t released until 2003 due to legal issues.


The Wrecking Crew (2008)
Description: This film delves into the unsung heroes of the music industry, showcasing the session musicians who played on countless hit records. It highlights the collaborative and often anonymous nature of musical creativity during a transformative period.
Fact: The Wrecking Crew played on more than 100 top-ten hits, including songs by The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra. The documentary took over a decade to complete due to funding challenges.


It Might Get Loud (2008)
Description: This film brings together legendary guitarists to discuss their craft and share their passion for music. It’s a celebration of musical innovation and the personal stories behind the instruments, resonating with the themes of artistic dedication and legacy.
Fact: The documentary features Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White, each representing different generations and styles of guitar playing. The film includes rare footage of Page playing air guitar to old records.


Muscle Shoals (2013)
Description: This documentary explores the magic of a small-town recording studio that became a hub for iconic music. It emphasizes the unique sound and collaborative energy that defined an era, much like the vibrant scenes depicted in other music documentaries.
Fact: Muscle Shoals, Alabama, was home to FAME Studios, where artists like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones recorded. The studio's house band, The Swampers, had a distinctive sound that attracted major artists.


Good Ol' Freda (2013)
Description: This documentary offers an intimate look at the behind-the-scenes world of a legendary music group, focusing on the personal and often overlooked contributions of a key figure. It captures the spirit of the era and the impact of music on culture.
Fact: Freda Kelly was the Beatles' secretary and fan club manager for over a decade, yet she remained largely unknown until this film. The documentary was funded through a Kickstarter campaign.


Amy (2015)
Description: A poignant documentary about a talented musician whose life was cut short, this film explores the pressures of fame and the personal cost of artistic genius. It’s a deeply emotional narrative that resonates with other music documentaries about iconic figures.
Fact: The film uses rare archival footage and personal recordings to tell Amy Winehouse's story. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
