If you were captivated by 'Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)' (2023), a mesmerizing dive into the world of iconic album artwork, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores documentaries and series that share the same creative spirit, behind-the-scenes intrigue, and artistic brilliance, perfect for fans of music history and visual storytelling.

Gimme Shelter (1970)
Description: Documents a defining moment in rock history with raw authenticity, mirroring how another film captures the revolutionary spirit of music's visual presentation.
Fact: The film accidentally captured the infamous Altamont stabbing on camera, making it a chilling time capsule of the era.


Woodstock (1970)
Description: Immortalizes a cultural landmark event with groundbreaking documentary techniques, much like how another film preserves the innovative visual language of album art design.
Fact: The editors had to piece together footage from over 60 hours of film shot by 16 different camera crews.


The Last Waltz (1978)
Description: Captures a pivotal moment in music history with stunning visuals, similar to how another documentary presents music's visual legacy through groundbreaking album artwork.
Fact: Martin Scorsese filmed the concert with seven cameras, creating one of the most visually rich concert films ever made.


The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
Description: Provides an unfiltered look at a musical subculture's raw energy, similar to how another documentary examines the rebellious spirit behind revolutionary album artwork.
Fact: Director Penelope Spheeris lived with punk bands for months to capture the scene authentically, sometimes filming with hidden cameras.


Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008)
Description: Follows the passionate but overlooked artists behind influential music, paralleling how another documentary reveals the creative minds behind iconic visual art in music.
Fact: The band Anvil inspired famous metal acts like Metallica and Slayer, yet remained virtually unknown until this documentary.


The Wrecking Crew (2008)
Description: Focuses on the unsung heroes behind many hit records, mirroring the way another documentary uncovers the artistry behind famous album covers. Both celebrate the hidden figures in music's visual and sonic landscapes.
Fact: The Wrecking Crew played on more than 40 top-10 hits, including classics by The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra, yet most members remained anonymous for decades.


Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Description: Uncovers the mysterious fate of a forgotten musical artist, much like how another film reveals the hidden stories behind iconic album art. Both explore how art takes on a life of its own beyond its creators.
Fact: The film's investigation led to the rediscovery of Sixto Rodriguez, who had no idea he was famous in South Africa while working construction in Detroit.


Muscle Shoals (2013)
Description: This documentary explores the magic of a legendary recording studio, much like how another film delves into the creative process behind iconic album covers. Both highlight the unseen forces shaping music history.
Fact: Muscle Shoals, Alabama, was a magnet for artists like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones, despite its small-town setting. The studio's house band, The Swampers, became legendary for their unique sound.


Amy (2015)
Description: Chronicles the life of a brilliant artist whose work became overshadowed by personal struggles, paralleling how another documentary examines the complex relationship between artistic creation and the music industry.
Fact: The film uses never-before-seen personal footage, some shot by Amy Winehouse herself on camcorders.


What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Description: This intimate portrait of a musical genius examines how artistry intersects with personal turmoil, similar to how another film explores the tension between creative vision and commercial success in music.
Fact: Nina Simone's daughter served as an executive producer, providing unprecedented access to personal archives and recordings.
