The 16 best music movies, biopics, and documentaries you can stream right now

Konstantina PyrnokokiMay 11, 2020, 17:04 IST

Business Insider

Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO are currently home to some of the all-time best music films and documentaries.
Biographical drama "Walk the Line" tells the life story of Johnny Cash, while "Woodstock" captures the 1969 festival of the same name in a compelling documentary.
From big productions to acclaimed indies, here are the best music movies, biopics, and documentaries that you can stream right now.
Insider has many movie and TV show lists to keep you occupied. You can read them all here.
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Filmmakers are constantly inspired by the real lives of the world's biggest musicians — and it's easy to see why.

Whether it's an enthralling behind-the-scenes documentary showcasing the life of an influential artist, a fully-fledged biopic starring modern actors, or simply a great music story born out of the creator's imagination and fondness for the music world, music is the decisive vehicle that creates compelling movie narratives and takes the viewer on a melodic journey.

From Asif Kapadia's documentary "Amy" to the Coen brothers' movie "Inside Llewyn Davis," here are the best music movies, biopics, and documentaries available to stream right now.

Insider has many movie and TV show lists to keep you occupied. You can read them all here.

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Rami Malek shines as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in 2018 biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," directed by Bryan Singer.

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody." 20th Century Fox

Released in 2018, Peter Farrelly's touching biographical comedy-drama "Green Book" explores racism and friendship through Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali's acclaimed performances.

"Green Book" won the Best Picture Oscar in 2019. Universal Pictures

Released in 2018, Peter Farrelly's touching biographical comedy-drama "Green Book" explores racism and friendship through Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali's acclaimed performances.

"What Happened, Miss Simone?" deals with fame, racism, and mental health through the life story of the great Nina Simone.

Nina Simone in Netflix's biographical documentary "What Happened, Miss Simone?" Netflix

"High Fidelity" explores relationships and adulthood while celebrating music and vinyl.

John Cusack and Jack Black in "High Fidelity." Buena Vista Pictures

Awarded the Grand Prix at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, "Inside Llewyn Davis" follows a folk musician's misfortunes as he tries to stay afloat.

Oscar Isaac in "Inside Llewyn Davis." CBS Films

Award-winning "Walk the Line" narrates Johnny Cash's tumultuous life story, including his relationship with June Carter.

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon triumph in "Walk The Line." 20th Century Fox

The New York City skyline sets the tone for an open-air album recording in the 2013 movie "Begin Again."

Keira Knightley as Gretta James in "Begin Again." Exclusive Media Group

Bradley Cooper's 2018 remake of "A Star Is Born" is a tale of love, ambition and self-destruction.

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in "A Star Is Born." Warner Bros.

Lady Gaga discloses intimate parts of herself in Chris Moukarbel's 2017 documentary "Gaga: Five Foot Two".

Lady Gaga in Netflix's "Gaga: Five Foot Two." Netflix

Made for a budget of just $150,000, 2007 movie "Once" enchanted audience and critics with its moving music and plot.

"Once" proves that a nicely written script, honest acting, and soulful music are always enough. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Curtis Hanson's 2002 movie "8 Mile" starring rapper Eminem follows an aspiring white rapper as he navigates an African American-dominated rap scene.

"8 Mile" features autobiographical elements from Eminem's own life. Universal Pictures

Meryl Streep is delightful in the 2016 "Florence Foster Jenkins" biopic as a wannabe soprano with a terrible voice.

Meryl Streep as the title star in "Florence Foster Jenkins." Paramount

The harrowing interactions between an eager young drummer and his pushy music teacher in "Whiplash" underline the impossible challenges facing musicians.

J. K. Simmons in "Whiplash." Sony Pictures Classics/"Whiplash"

Academy Award and BAFTA winner "Amy" delves deep into the life of Amy Winehouse and the demons that led to her death.

Asif Kapadia's 2015 documentary "Amy" addresses the dark chapters in the life of Amy Winehouse. Film4

"Woodstock" brings the iconic 1969 music and arts festival to life through rare footage of its live performances.

"Woodstock" captures the iconic 1969 festival. Warner Bros.

"Almost Famous" by music journalist turned filmmaker Cameron Crowe showcases his pure love of rock and roll and the band culture that defined his life.

Kate Hudson in "Almost Famous." DreamWorks Studios

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The 16 best music movies, biopics, and documentaries you can stream right now

Rami Malek shines as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in 2018 biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," directed by Bryan Singer.

Released in 2018, Peter Farrelly's touching biographical comedy-drama "Green Book" explores racism and friendship through Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali's acclaimed performances.

"What Happened, Miss Simone?" deals with fame, racism, and mental health through the life story of the great Nina Simone.

"High Fidelity" explores relationships and adulthood while celebrating music and vinyl.

Awarded the Grand Prix at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, "Inside Llewyn Davis" follows a folk musician's misfortunes as he tries to stay afloat.

Award-winning "Walk the Line" narrates Johnny Cash's tumultuous life story, including his relationship with June Carter.

The New York City skyline sets the tone for an open-air album recording in the 2013 movie "Begin Again."

Bradley Cooper's 2018 remake of "A Star Is Born" is a tale of love, ambition and self-destruction.

Lady Gaga discloses intimate parts of herself in Chris Moukarbel's 2017 documentary "Gaga: Five Foot Two".

Made for a budget of just $150,000, 2007 movie "Once" enchanted audience and critics with its moving music and plot.

Curtis Hanson's 2002 movie "8 Mile" starring rapper Eminem follows an aspiring white rapper as he navigates an African American-dominated rap scene.

Meryl Streep is delightful in the 2016 "Florence Foster Jenkins" biopic as a wannabe soprano with a terrible voice.

The harrowing interactions between an eager young drummer and his pushy music teacher in "Whiplash" underline the impossible challenges facing musicians.

Academy Award and BAFTA winner "Amy" delves deep into the life of Amy Winehouse and the demons that led to her death.

"Woodstock" brings the iconic 1969 music and arts festival to life through rare footage of its live performances.

"Almost Famous" by music journalist turned filmmaker Cameron Crowe showcases his pure love of rock and roll and the band culture that defined his life.