Documentaries on Netflix often are overshadowed by the endless stream of new shows and movies arriving on the popular platform every month, but occasionally a doc will cause so much hype that it reminds people that Netflix is actually a treasure trove for all kinds of documentaries, especially music-centric ones.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, which Netflix reportedly shelled out $20 million to exclusively acquire as part of a three-project Beyoncé deal worth $60 million, is one of those rightfully buzzworthy docs. Homecoming takes viewers behind the scenes of her 2018 headlining Coachella performance that she trained eight months for, starting just weeks after giving birth to twins. Homecoming is an intimate look at her impressive work ethic and an educational showcase of the musical talent coming from historically black colleges and universities.
Netflix offers more intimate stories through other docs about the careers, personal lives and deaths of some of the most talented artists of our time. You’ll find Oscar-winning docs such as Amy, an exploration of Amy Winehouse’s life that was cut short at 27, and 20 Feet from Stardom, a deep dive into the important role of backup singers. You’ll find docs about such music legends as Quincy Jones (who has the most nominations in Grammy history), Metallica, Nina Simone and The Beatles. And you’ll find newer docs about current global superstars like Taylor Swift (who now has the highest-grossest tour in U.S. history) and Lady Gaga.
Here are the best music docs to binge on Netflix.
