Movies Like Airplay: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio

If you liked Airplay: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (2008), a documentary and music movie directed by Carolyn Travis and Chris Gilson, 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
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…
2
Becoming Led Zeppelin (2025)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary and music
The individual journeys of the four members of the band, as they move through the music scene of the 1960s, playing small clubs throughout Britain and performing some of the biggest hits of the era, until their meeting…
3
It Might Get Loud (2008)
★ 7.2/10Also documentary and music
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.
4
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.
5
How the Beatles Changed the World (2017)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and music
The fascinating story of the cultural, social, spiritual, and musical revolution ignited by the coming of the Beatles. Tracing the impact that these four band members had, first in their native Britain and soon after…
6
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…
7
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011)
★ 8.1/10Also documentary and music
See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his…
8
Thriller 40 (2023)
★ 8.7/10Also documentary and music
Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage…
9
WHAM! (2023)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and music
Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons.
10
Echo in the Canyon (2019)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary and music
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.'s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic music groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
11
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (2026)
★ 8.2/10Also music and documentary
Long-lost footage from Elvis Presley's legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970s woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour, and 8mm from the Graceland archive, plus recordings of Elvis telling "his side…
12
Howard (2018)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary and music
Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family…
13
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary and music
A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
14
Avicii: True Stories (2017)
★ 8/10Also music and documentary
Documentary about the arena-packing Swedish DJ, chronicling his explosive rise to fame and surprising decision to retire from live performances in 2016.
15
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne (2011)
★ 7.9/10Also documentary and music
Featuring never before seen footage uncovered from the archives and interviews with Paul McCartney, Tommy Lee and others, God Bless Ozzy Osbourne is the first documentary to take viewers inside the complex mind of…
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
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…
18
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…
19
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.
20
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…