Movies Like John Cale: An Exploration of His Life & Music

If you liked John Cale: An Exploration of His Life & Music (1998), a documentary and music movie directed by James Marsh, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Adele One Night Only (2021)
★ 7.7/10Also music and documentary
A primetime special with performances from the superstar including Adele’s first new material in six years plus her chart-topping hits. The special will also feature an exclusive interview with Adele by Oprah Winfrey…
2
David Bowie: Five Years (2013)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary and music
Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in…
3
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration (2001)
★ 8/10Also music and documentary
Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Michael Jackson's solo career, this legendary performance took place on September 10, 2001.
4
Stop Making Sense (1984)
★ 8.4/10Also documentary and music
A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a…
5
LCD Soundsystem: Shut Up and Play the Hits (2012)
★ 6.9/10Also music and documentary
An intimate portrait of Brooklyn-based electronic rock band LCD Soundsystem's then-final live show on April 2, 2011, capturing both the exuberant, three-hour farewell concert at New York City's Madison Square Garden…
6
The Last Waltz (1978)
★ 7.7/10Also documentary and music
Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other…
7
One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
★ 8.2/10Also documentary and music
"One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable…
8
The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story (2019)
★ 7.3/10Also music and documentary
A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.
9
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary and music
A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a…
10
ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (2019)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary and music
The story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet.
11
Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011)
★ 7.1/10Also music and documentary
Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip hop bands of all time, the Queens NY collective known as 'A Tribe Called Quest' have kept a generation hungry for more of their…
12
The Beach Boys (2024)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary and music
A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.
13
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) (2026)
★ 8.4/10Also music and documentary
Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.
14
The Sparks Brothers (2021)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary and music
Take a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers Ron & Russell Mael, celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band’s favorite band.
15
Prince: Sign 'o' the Times (1987)
★ 7.5/10Also music and documentary
In 1987, to capitalize on his growing success in Europe, Prince toured extensively to promote the album of the same name and sales increased accordingly. However, the United States remained resistant to his latest…
16
Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)
★ 7.8/10Also music and documentary
An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has…
17
Live Aid (1985)
★ 7.8/10Also music and documentary
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television…
18
Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day (2012)
★ 8.2/10Also music and documentary
On 10th December 2007, Led Zeppelin took the stage at London's O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Founding members John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert…
19
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)
★ 7.7/10Also music and documentary
The story of the triumphs and hurdles of brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. The iconic trio, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs and have 20 No. 1…
20
Justin Bieber's Believe (2013)
★ 6.9/10Also documentary and music
A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.