For fans of Beatles '64 director David Tedeschi's recounting of the Beatles' groundbreaking legacy or curious about the behind-the-scenes world of other legendary musicians, there's a wealth of films ready to immerse viewers in their rhythmic tales.

For lifelong fans of a particular genre or those simply curious about the creative process, these films invite viewers into the beating heart of the music world. From performance highlights to personal struggles, the movies celebrate what it means to create music that moves the world and are perfect for fans of Beatles '64.

10 Get Back (2021)

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson’s Get Back is a monumental documentary that gives Beatles fans a close-up look at the band’s creative process during the making of their Let It Be album. One of the reasons Get Back stands out is its authenticity. The restored, never-before-seen footage highlights the Beatles’ camaraderie and creativity, as well as their struggles and disagreements. It feels raw, vibrant, and unfiltered, giving viewers a genuine sense of what it was like to witness music history in the making.

The documentary also excels in its depth and detail. Spanning nearly eight hours, it provides an almost immersive experience, allowing audiences to connect with John, Paul, George, and Ringo on a deeper, more personal level. Whether it’s the birth of iconic songs or impromptu jam sessions, every moment adds richness to the story. Watching Paul start creating the song “Get Back” out of thin air as George and Ringo offer their own signature tweaks is goosebump-inducing. For those who loved the historical lens of Beatles '64 and want even more insight into the Fab Four's world, look no further.

9 Let It Be (1970)

Directed By: Michael Lindsay-Hogg

Almost a precursor to Get Back, Let It Be released during the heat of the Fab Four breakup offers a more condensed look at the Beatles' recording sessions that culminated in their final public performance on the rooftop of Apple Corps. Let It Be captures the tension and transition of a band nearing the end of their collaborative road.

Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, the film was hammered in its day for accentuating the band’s divisions. In fact, it isn’t a stretch to say the decades of public scorn heaped on Yoko Ono for her “role” in the Beatles’ demise can be traced in large part back to elements of this film. However, Let It Be also captures the alchemy of their creative process. That makes it an unparalleled experience for fans of The Beatles and music lovers in general.

8 John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky (2018)

Directed By: Michael Epstein

John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky, an exploration of the power couple's creative partnership, is as intimate as it is inspiring. The film is packed with studio footage, interviews, and archival clips, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the collaborative energy between John and Yoko and their careers, not just as artists, but as partners united by a shared vision.

The documentary’s narrative structure goes beyond music, exploring themes of love, activism, and vulnerability. By weaving these elements into the story, John & Yoko delivers a soulful experience that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. It doesn’t just document an iconic album, 1971's Imagine; it celebrates the ethos of peace and creativity that defined Lennon and Ono’s lives. Fans of the introspection in Beatles '64 will likely find John & Yoko equally moving. It’s an ode to love, art, and the enduring power of music to bring about change.

7 The Last Waltz (1978)

Directed By: Martin Scorsese

Film icon Martin Scorsese’s love for delving into the creative process of musicians extends way before his time producing Beatles ‘64. Few music documentaries have left as lasting an impression as Scorsese’s 1978 masterpiece The Last Waltz. The film not only chronicles the farewell concert of The Band but also elevates the art of the concert film into something truly cinematic. Its seamless blend of live performances, candid interviews, and immaculate storytelling makes The Last Waltz a defining work in the genre.

From Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, the film’s legendary lineup of guest performers captures some of the most pivotal icons of the 20th century music scene sharing a stage. The performances are raw, electrifying, and utterly timeless, bringing audiences closer to the spirit of the era. That’s all while Scorsese's sharp directorial eye moves with intention, using carefully orchestrated lighting to make every shot feel like a portrait. For music and film lovers alike, The Last Waltz is truly a work of art.

6 Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story (2019)

Directed By: Martin Scorsese

While most documentaries offer clarity to the events they capture, others leave audiences questioning the integrity of what they're viewing. Scorsese’s Rolling Thunder Revue is more than just a music documentary; it is an immersive and artistic exploration of Bob Dylan’s legendary 1975 concert tour. This film uniquely blends fact and fiction, creating a narrative that reflects the chaotic, free-spirited nature of the tour itself.

From the outset, Scorsese ensures that viewers are not simply watching history unfold but are engaged in a vibrant experience that captures the raw energy of Dylan and his eclectic group of performers. While the masterful interweaving of performance footage, interviews, and whimsical dramatizations is mesmerizing, it’s still concert clips like a searing rendition of “One More Cup of Coffee” that truly crackle with energy, highlighting Dylan’s magnetic stage presence and rich artistry. Ultimately, though, Rolling Thunder Revue isn’t just for Dylan fans; it’s a celebration of artistry, storytelling, and the unpredictable spirit of 1970s counterculture.

5 Monterey Pop (1968)

Directed By: D. A. Pennebaker

For those seeking the true genesis of '70s counterculture, look no further than the musical event that kicked open the doors to that movement. Capturing the iconic 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, Monterey Pop directed by D.A. Pennebaker showcases legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Otis Redding.

Pennebaker uses a cinéma vérité style to immerse the viewer directly into the kaleidoscopic world of the late '60s counterculture. From Joplin’s electrifying performance to Hendrix’s jaw-dropping guitar-smashing finale, every moment bursts with raw energy and artistry. Monterey Pop’s seamless editing heightens the experience, creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the pulsating beats of the music. Beyond the performances, Monterey Pop excels in capturing the spirit of its time, highlighting the diversity and unity of the audience, as well as the collective celebration of freedom, creativity, and change. It’s a vivid reminder of music’s power to transcend barriers.

4 Gimme Shelter (1970)

Directed By: Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin

If Monterey Pop and later Woodstock were flashpoints of how the counterculture began, then the grim Gimme Shelter may well capture the moment when it all ends. Chronicling the infamous 1969 Rolling Stones concert at California’s Altamont Speedway, this gripping documentary captures the unraveling of what was meant to be an inspiring and free concert celebrating music.

Unfortunately, heartfelt idealism disappears on screen, replaced by a haunting of the concert's disarray, including the shocking murder of a concertgoer at the hands of bikers-turned-concert-security guards. As directed by the Maysles brothers and Charlotte Zwerin, Gimme Shelter’s raw, observational style makes the film feel less like a production and more like witnessing history firsthand, immersing viewers deep into the tension. It’s a harrowing, visceral, and emotional experience that offers an unflinching look at the dangers of the era’s unbounded freedom.

3 Stop Making Sense (1984)

Directed By: Jonathan Demme

For those craving a high-energy viewing experience, Stop Making Sense may be the perfect option. Chronicling a live performance by the Talking Heads, Jonathan Demme’s film transforms a typical concert into something deeply immersive and artistic, setting it apart from other documentaries in the genre. The buildup, starting with David Byrne performing solo and expanding to include the entire band, feels deliberate and engaging, with each purposeful camera angle and movement capturing the energy of the crowd and the chemistry of the performers in a way that’s both intimate and electrifying.

Above all, Stop Making Sense highlights the creativity and charisma of Byrne and the Talking Heads. While everybody re striking elements like Bryne’s oversized suit, the band’s well-honed theatrical presence and dynamic stage design blur the lines between a concert and performance art. For fans of music and cinema alike, this is a must-watch masterpiece.

2 Amy (2015)

Directed By: Asif Kapadia

Directed by Asif Kapadia, Amy stands out as a profoundly moving, masterfully constructed film about the life and career of Amy Winehouse. From its opening moments, the documentary draws the audience into her world, offering an honest and intimate portrait of Amy Winehouse’s talent, heartbreaking struggles, and untimely death.

Weaving together archival footage, personal home videos, and audio snippets of conversations with those who knew the singer best, Amy’s voice remains at the heart of the narrative, presenting her story with unfiltered authenticity and an undeniable emotional weight. It does more than recount Amy’s rise and fall — it shines a light on the pressures of fame, the role of the media, and the fragility of mental health. Fans of Beatles '64 who appreciate emotional depth will find Amy a nuanced and empathetic portrait that serves as a somber tribute to an artist taken too soon.

1 20 Feet From Stardom (2013)

Directed By: Morgan Neville

Not every great music documentary needs a world-renowned megastar at its center. Morgan Neville's 20 Feet From Stardom shines a long-overdue spotlight on backup singers, the truly unsung heroes of the music world. This fascinating documentary explores the lives and careers of these incredibly talented performers, who often stand just steps away from superstardom but seldom receive the recognition they deserve.

Featuring stories from artists like Darlene Love and Merry Clayton, 20 Feet From Stardom's blend of soulful performances, personal stories, and introspection on the music industry delivers an emotional and eye-opening experience that should appeal to those who enjoyed Beatles '64. Both an ode to their craft and a lesson in humility for those chasing fame, 20 Feet From Stardom not only entertains but also makes viewers rethink what it means to be a star.