If you loved 'Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party (2024)' and are craving more music-filled, nostalgic, or high-energy entertainment, this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that capture the same spirit—whether it’s legendary performances, rockumentaries, or feel-good musical adventures. Dive in and discover your next favorite watch!

Monterey Pop (1968)
Description: A vibrant documentary of the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, featuring groundbreaking performances by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. The film's focus on live music and cultural milestones makes it a must-watch for music lovers.
Fact: This was the first major American rock festival and set the template for future events like Woodstock.


Gimme Shelter (1970)
Description: A raw and unfiltered look at the Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour, culminating in the tragic Altamont Free Concert. The film's gritty realism and focus on the darker side of rock 'n' roll provide a stark contrast to more celebratory music docs.
Fact: The film captures the infamous stabbing of Meredith Hunter at Altamont, an event often seen as the end of the 1960s counterculture movement.


Woodstock (1970)
Description: An iconic documentary capturing the legendary 1969 music festival, featuring performances by some of the biggest names in rock history. The film's celebration of music, culture, and communal spirit aligns with the themes of many music documentaries.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and has been preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance.


The Last Waltz (1978)
Description: A legendary concert film capturing the final performance of The Band, featuring an all-star lineup of musicians. The film's focus on live music, camaraderie, and the celebration of a band's legacy makes it a compelling watch for fans of rock documentaries.
Fact: Directed by Martin Scorsese, it was one of the first concert films to use 35mm film, giving it a cinematic quality rarely seen in music documentaries at the time.


Stop Making Sense (1984)
Description: This groundbreaking concert film showcases Talking Heads at their peak, blending innovative stage design with electrifying performances. Its emphasis on live energy and artistic presentation resonates with fans of immersive musical experiences.
Fact: The film was shot over three nights at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood and is often cited as one of the greatest concert films ever made.


Festival Express (2003)
Description: A documentary about the 1970 train tour across Canada featuring Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and other legends. The film's behind-the-scenes look at musicians bonding and performing in an intimate setting offers a unique perspective on rock history.
Fact: The footage was shot in 1970 but wasn't edited and released until 2003, making it a time capsule of the era.


The Wrecking Crew (2008)
Description: A tribute to the unsung studio musicians who played on countless hit records in the 1960s and 70s. The film's celebration of behind-the-scenes musical talent offers a fascinating look at how classic songs were created.
Fact: These session musicians played on more than 100 top ten hits, including songs by The Beach Boys and The Monkees, often without credit.


Muscle Shoals (2013)
Description: This documentary explores the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and its impact on American music. The film's focus on the creative process and the magic of recording studios will appeal to fans of music history.
Fact: The small Alabama studio produced hits for artists like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, despite its remote location.


Amy (2015)
Description: A poignant documentary about the life and tragic death of singer Amy Winehouse. The film's raw emotional power and focus on the price of fame make it a compelling watch for music fans.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and used extensive personal footage to tell Winehouse's story.


George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011)
Description: An intimate portrait of the Beatles guitarist's life and spiritual journey. The film's blend of personal storytelling and musical legacy provides a deep dive into one of rock's most fascinating figures.
Fact: The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos from Harrison's personal archives.
