Concert films in this century have pushed beyond mere performance capture to offer cinematic, emotional, cultural experiences. Here are standout titles that shifted the genre.
1. Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)
Directed by Questlove, this film unearths 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival footage lost for decades. What unfolds feels like musical archaeology—a Black Woodstock, featuring Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. It won multiple awards and is widely considered one of the most powerful music films in years
2. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019)
Documenting her Coachella headline performance in 2018, Beyoncé’s concert film intertwines performance and behind‑the‑scenes rehearsal, celebrating HBCU culture and her artistic control. The film earned a Grammy for Best Music Film in 2020
3. Stop Making Sense (1984, but still definitive)
Jonathan Demme’s 1983 Talking Heads concert at the Pantages Theatre is often cited as among the greatest concert films ever made. Its theatrical staging, minimalist lighting, and Byrne’s staged emergence tracking create something that still feels modern
4. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story (2019)
Martin Scorsese delivers a playful blend of tour documentary and mythmaking. It follows Dylan’s 1975‑76 tour and mixes real performances with invented characters and whimsical narrative leaps. The effect is strangely authentic
5. Amazing Grace (2018/1972)
This concert film of Aretha Franklin’s gospel recording at her father’s church was shelved until 2018 due to technical issues. It finally captures Franklin at her spiritual and vocal peak. Fans and critics praised its emotional intensity
6. Iron Maiden: Flight 666 (2009)
Directed by Banger Films, this high‑definition concert documentary follows Iron Maiden’s 2008 world tour aboard their customized plane “Ed Force One”. It blends backstage logistics with performance footage and underlines the band’s devotion to fans
7. Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)
Director Mat Whitecross spent 20 years filming the band, chronicling from dorm rehearsals to global stardom. The film mixes archival footage with live performances from the A Head Full of Dreams tour. Results were mixed, but it remains visually rich and heartfelt
8. We Are X (2016)
This documentary on the Japanese band X Japan explores their emotional legacy, tragedies, and cultural impact. Blending interviews, archival footage and performance, it’s a compelling, world‑spanning story of artistry and survival
Additional Honorable Mentions:
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016), Ron Howard’s award‑nominated chronicle of the Beatles’ touring years, features restored Shea Stadium footage and new interviews.
Long Time Running (2017), about The Tragically Hip’s final tour after Gord Downie’s cancer diagnosis. It’s tender, Canadian‑centric, and deeply moving
