Top documentaries on Hulu about the music industry
By Ed Malaker
If you are a musician looking to learn more about the industry or are someone who likes to learn behind-the-scenes facts about your favorite artists, you’ll be happy to know quite a few amazing documentaries are waiting for you on Hulu. From classic rock stars to modern rappers, let’s take a look at some of the best options that you can watch right now.
Bad Reputation (2018)
Bad Reputation is an entertaining documentary about the legendary career of Joan Jett, one of rock music’s most iconic and influential female artists. It takes an in-depth look at her journey from her early days with the popular all-female band The Runaways to her solo success with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and I Hate “Myself for Loving You.” Kevin Kerslake directed it, and it has a runtime of 93 minutes.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016)
Ron Howard directed this documentary about the Beatles during the early part of their career, specifically from 1962 to 1966. At this time, the band toured relentlessly around the world until suddenly deciding to stop touring after their final live concert in 1966. It featured a treasure trove of rare archival footage, including performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments, and gives fans an up-close look at the band during their most chaotic time as they go from playing small clubs to Shae Stadium.
Look at Me: XXXTentacion (2022)
Look at Me: XXXTentacion is a documentary about the life, music, and controversial legacy of the late rapper XXXTentacion, who was born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy. It provides a comprehensive look at the Florida rapper’s rapid rise to fame, his struggles with mental health, and his tumultuous personal life that resulted in his untimely death in 2018 at the age of 20. It showcases how his raw, emotional music resonated with millions of fans but doesn’t shy away from his deeply problematic behavior, including his legal troubles and allegations of domestic abuse.
Sabaah Folayan directed it, and you get to see interviews with his family, friends, and collaborators, as well as never-before-seen footage.
Machine Gun Kelly’s Life in Pink (2022)
Machine Gun Kelly’s Life in Pink is a 2022 Hulu documentary that provides an intimate look into the life and career of rapper-turned-rockstar Machine Gun Kelly (Colson Baker). It shows how he went from a controversial rapper to a pop-punk artist and covers the challenges, successes, and emotional problems he faced along the way. The film also dives into the pressures of fame, his struggles with mental health, and his complicated personal life, including his relationship with actress Megan Fox, providing a deeper understanding of MGK as both an artist and a person.
Hip Hop Uncovered (2021)
Hip Hop Uncovered is a binge-worthy docuseries that offers a deep dive into the untold stories of some of hip-hop’s most influential figures and explains how street culture was a critical part of its development and rise to fame. By including interviews with influential hip-hop artists and those with deep connections to the industry, the series offers a raw and real portrayal of the relationship between hip-hop, crime, and survival. It also shines a light on the less famous figures who worked behind the scenes to ensure hip-hop’s success.
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a critically acclaimed documentary that brings to light the long-overlooked Harlem Cultural Festival that took place in the summer of 1969. Often referred to as the “Black Woodstock,” this festival celebrated African American music, culture, and pride. However, despite its cultural significance, the footage from the event remained largely unseen for over 50 years. See performances from iconic musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Mahalia Jackson, as well as moving commentary on race, identity, and the cultural revolution happening in America.