If you loved the immersive musical journey of Grateful Dead: Anthem to Beauty (1997), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of musical exploration, documentary storytelling, and counterculture vibes. Whether you're a Deadhead or just a fan of music documentaries, these picks will keep you entertained and inspired.

Monterey Pop (1968)
Description: A pioneering concert film that captures the essence of the 1960s music scene, with electrifying live performances and a focus on the cultural revolution.
Fact: It was one of the first major music festivals to feature performances by Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Otis Redding.


Gimme Shelter (1970)
Description: A raw and unfiltered look at a turbulent concert tour, blending live performances with behind-the-scenes drama, capturing the darker side of the music scene.
Fact: The film documents the infamous Altamont Free Concert, where a fan was fatally stabbed during a performance by The Rolling Stones.


Woodstock (1970)
Description: An iconic documentary that epitomizes the counterculture movement of the late 1960s, showcasing live performances and the communal vibe of a historic music festival.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and features performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who.


Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii (1972)
Description: A groundbreaking concert film that combines live performances with surreal visuals, set in an ancient Roman amphitheater, creating a mesmerizing audio-visual experience.
Fact: The film was shot in the ruins of Pompeii without an audience, making it one of the first of its kind.


The Last Waltz (1978)
Description: A legendary concert film capturing the final performance of a renowned band, blending live music with intimate backstage moments, reflecting the spirit of an era.
Fact: Directed by Martin Scorsese, it features performances by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, among others.


Stop Making Sense (1984)
Description: A visually innovative concert film that emphasizes the energy and creativity of live performances, with a unique narrative structure and striking cinematography.
Fact: Directed by Jonathan Demme, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest concert films ever made, featuring Talking Heads.


The Doors (1991)
Description: A biographical film that delves into the life and music of a legendary band, blending dramatic storytelling with electrifying concert sequences.
Fact: Val Kilmer's performance as Jim Morrison was so convincing that former band members reportedly mistook him for Morrison at times.


The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (1996)
Description: A unique blend of live music and circus performances, capturing the experimental and theatrical side of rock and roll.
Fact: The film was shelved for nearly 30 years before its release, featuring performances by The Who, Taj Mahal, and John Lennon.


Festival Express (2003)
Description: A documentary that follows a traveling music festival, offering a mix of live performances and candid moments, highlighting the camaraderie among musicians.
Fact: The film features rare footage of Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and The Band performing on a cross-Canada train tour in


Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream (2007)
Description: A comprehensive documentary that chronicles the career of a beloved band, mixing live performances, interviews, and archival footage to tell their story.
Fact: The film spans four hours and includes rare footage of Tom Petty's early years and rise to fame.
