8 Must-Watch Rock Documentaries on Netflix for Led Zeppelin Fans!

Watching “The Making of Led Zeppelin,” available on Netflix with your subscription, is an outstanding documentary. Admittedly, I yearned for it to delve deeper into the actual truth about the blues roots of the iconic band. However, even without that depth, it ranks among the top rock documentaries I’ve encountered in quite some time. In fact, I’ve seen a considerable number of rock docs, and this one stands out.

Netflix boasts an impressive collection of outstanding documentaries focusing on bands and musicians spanning various genres, with nine standouts dedicated to some of the most iconic rock legends. It’s important to clarify that these suggestions exclude concert films or documentaries featuring artists from other genres; this list is solely focused on the realm of rock ‘n’ roll. In no specific order, here are a few documentaries you might find captivating if you appreciated Becoming Led Zeppelin.

Alternatively, Netflix offers an extensive array of remarkable documentaries centered around bands and musicians across all genres, with nine exceptional options focusing on some of the most legendary rock stars. These selections, however, exclude concert films or equally compelling documentaries about artists in other genres; they are purely dedicated to the world of rock ‘n’ roll. In no particular order, here are a few documentaries that you might find enthralling if you enjoyed Becoming Led Zeppelin.

Keith Richards: Under The Influence

In the realm of rock ‘n’ roll, no one shines brighter than Keith Richards. Known for his collaboration with The Rolling Stones and mastery of the guitar, Richards has had a career that is nothing short of extraordinary, captivating rock enthusiasts like few others. I can attest to this, as I’ve found myself enraptured by “Keef” and his tales for hours on end. The book “Keith Richards: Under the Influence” encapsulates this perfectly, offering a firsthand account of his life story, told in only the way Keith Richards can.

Return Of The King: The Fall And Rise Of Elvis Presley

Among the numerous documentaries and biopics about Elvis Presley, “Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” stands out for its focus on a single moment in his career – his 1968 comeback special. What makes it exceptional is that it includes interviews with many individuals who were part of the production, including his wife, Priscilla Presley (who passed away). Furthermore, it showcases raw, unedited footage of the televised concert, offering viewers a unique glimpse into one of the most significant events in rock history. They get to see Presley in all his complexity – nervous, scared, excited, and undeniably legendary.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese has consistently blended cinema and music over his extensive career, reaching iconic heights with his direction of one of the greatest concert films ever made – “The Last Waltz“. However, “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story” represents a unique departure, not just for concert films but also for documentaries. The boundaries between truth and fiction are intentionally muddied, which aligns perfectly with Bob Dylan’s public persona. It might not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy the thrill of being playfully deceived like a practical joker, it’s an incredibly intriguing film.

ReMastered: Devil At The Crossroads

In essence, it’s fair to assume that if not for the Delta Blues and Robert Johnson, rock n’ roll as we know it might not exist or would have a significantly different sound. The documentary “ReMastered: Devil At The Crossroads” from the ReMastered series delves into the unverifiable tale of Johnson’s enigmatic life. According to folklore, this guitarist who perished during the Great Depression struck a bargain with the devil at a crossroads, trading his soul for his musical prowess. The documentary embellishes the myth but also shares the true-life account of Johnson, albeit sparse, as pieced together by historians.

The Other One: The Long Strange Trip Of Bob Weir

“Bob Weir, the long-standing frontman of the iconic band The Grateful Dead since Jerry Garcia’s passing in 1995, is the focus of a comprehensive exploration titled The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir. This documentary delves into Weir’s remarkable 60-year journey performing with The Dead, drawing from extensive interviews with Weir, his family, and friends to paint a vivid picture of both Weir’s personal tale and the history of The Grateful Dead.”

Trainwreck: Woodstock ‘99

The “Trainwreck” series on Netflix has recently added a compelling documentary about Travis Scott and the AstroWorld Tragedy, but it started off years ago with a chilling portrayal of the chaos that was Woodstock ’99. Many accounts have been shared about that disastrous festival, but this might be the most captivating version of the story. The 1999 edition of Woodstock unfortunately marred the reputation of the earlier versions of the festival, and this intense Netflix documentary reveals why.

Norman’s Rare Guitars Documentary

Norman’s Rare Guitars initially started as an unassuming guitar store in Reseda, California, founded by musician Norman Harris, who recognized the worth of rare, vintage guitars. Over time, it relocated to Tarzana and has since evolved into a preferred destination for numerous renowned guitarists worldwide whenever they’re in Los Angeles. The documentary titled “Norman’s Rare Guitars” on Netflix doesn’t focus on a band or an artist, but in many aspects, Harris and his shop have significantly contributed to rock history, being just as significant as any artist themselves.

ReMastered: The Lion’s Share

ReMastered: The Lion’s Share delves into the intriguing tale behind the hit song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and its financial proceedings. This documentary offers a gripping peek at the murky underbelly of the music industry, revealing how money disputes can become messy and contentious. The narrative traces the journey of this popular tune, shedding light on the convoluted system that frequently rewards individuals other than those who truly deserve credit for creating the world’s most successful songs. It may not focus on the creative aspects of rock music, but it does provide a compelling account of the other half – the business aspect, and how bizarre it can be.

Of course, this list I’ve compiled isn’t all there is when it comes to fantastic music documentaries on Netflix – they’re consistently adding fresh ones across various genres. To get you started, here are some of my personal favorites.

2025-06-19 15:10