Movies Like Frank Zappa: We Don't Mess Around

If you liked Frank Zappa: We Don't Mess Around (1978), a music and documentary movie directed by Ulrich Schramm, 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
Zappa (2020)
★ 7.2/10Also music and documentary
With the help of more than 10,000 dedicated Zappa fans, this is the long-awaited definitive documentary project of Alex Winter documenting the life and career of enigmatic groundbreaking rock star Frank Zappa. Alex…
2
The Wrecking Crew (2008)
★ 7.4/10Also music and documentary
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew." a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Bing…
3
Western Stars (2019)
★ 7/10Also music and documentary
The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen…
4
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…
5
Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary and music
A portrait of Keith Richards that takes us on a journey to discover the genesis of his sound as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
6
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…
7
ariana grande: excuse me, i love you (2020)
★ 7.9/10Also music and documentary
Ariana Grande takes the stage in London for her Sweetener World Tour and shares a behind-the-scenes look at her life in rehearsal and on the road.
8
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…
9
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…
10
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.
11
Roger Waters: The Wall (2014)
★ 8/10Also music and documentary
A concert film that the former Pink Floyd singer-songwriter made on various tour dates between 2010 and 2013, when he was playing his former group's 1980 double-album in its entirety.
12
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.
13
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)
★ 6.9/10Also documentary and music
Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
14
Let It Be (1970)
★ 7.7/10Also documentary and music
A documentary chronicling the Beatles' rehearsal sessions in January 1969 for their proposed "back to basics" album, "Get Back," later re-envisioned and released as "Let It Be."
15
Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)
★ 7.4/10Also music and documentary
A compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.
16
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.
17
Quincy (2018)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and music
An intimate look into the life of icon Quincy Jones. A unique force in music and popular culture for 70 years, Jones has transcended racial and cultural boundaries; his story is inextricably woven into the fabric of…
18
John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky (2018)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary and music
Film telling the untold story of John Lennon's 1971 album Imagine, exploring the creative collaboration between Lennon and Yoko Ono and featuring interviews and never-seen-before footage.
19
Roger Waters: Us + Them (2019)
★ 7.8/10Also music and documentary
Filmed in Amsterdam on the European leg of his 2017 – 2018 Us + Them tour which saw Waters perform to over two million people worldwide, the film features songs from his legendary Pink Floyd albums (The Dark Side of…
20
Beastie Boys Story (2020)
★ 7.5/10Also music and documentary
Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former…