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Movies like The Joy of the Guitar Riff (2014)

The best movies like The Joy of the Guitar Riff (2014) are The Wrecking Crew (2008), The Last Waltz (1978) and End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003). If The Joy of the Guitar Riff hooked you with its documentary and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. The Wrecking Crew (2008)

    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 Crosby.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  2. The Last Waltz (1978)

    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 rock legends.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003)

    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 number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  4. Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)

    In March 2005, Neil Young was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Four days before he was scheduled for a lifesaving operation, he headed to Nashville, where he wrote and recorded the country folk album Prairie Wind with old friends and family members. After the successful operation and recovery period, he returned to Nashville that August to play at the famed Ryman Auditorium, once again gathering together friends and family for this special performance.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  5. Lemmy (2010)

    Over four decades, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has registered an immeasurable impact on music history. Nearly 65, he remains the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle, and this feature-length documentary tells his story, one of a hard-living rock icon who continues to enjoy the life of a man half his age.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  6. It Might Get Loud (2008)

    A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  7. Justin Bieber's Believe (2013)

    A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026)

    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.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  9. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)

    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 hits throughout their career, transcending more than five decades of changing tastes and styles.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  10. Daft Punk Unchained (2015)

    Daft Punk Unchained is the first film about the pop culture phenomenon that is Daft Punk, the duo with 12 million albums sold worldwide and seven Grammy Awards. Throughout their career Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have always resisted compromise and the established codes of show business. They have remained determined to maintain control of every link in the chain of their creative process. In the era of globalisation and social networks, they rarely speak in public and neither do they show their faces on TV. This documentary explores this unprecedented cultural revolution revealing a duo of artists on a permanent quest for creativity, independence and freedom.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  11. Elvis on Tour (1972)

    This documentary captures Elvis Presley on his 1972 American tour and includes rehearsals, interviews, archival television appearances and backstage moments. With Elvis at his most flamboyant, the film features well-known hits and cover songs showcasing his country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues influences.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  12. Kurt Cobain: About a Son (2007)

    An intimate and moving meditation on the late musician and artist Kurt Cobain, based on more than 25 hours of previously unheard audiotaped interviews conducted with Cobain by noted music journalist Michael Azerrad for his book "Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana." In the film, Kurt Cobain recounts his own life - from his childhood and adolescence to his days of musical discovery and later dealings with explosive fame - and offers often piercing insights into his life, music, and times. The conversations heard in the film have never before been made public, and they reveal a highly personal portrait of an artist much discussed but not particularly well understood.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  13. Live Aid (1985)

    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 broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  14. A Band Called Death (2013)

    Before Bad Brains, the Sex Pistols or even the Ramones, there was Death. Formed in the early '70s by three teenage brothers from Detroit, Death is credited as being the first black punk band, and the Hackney brothers, David, Bobby, and Dannis, are now considered pioneers in their field. But it wasn’t until recently — when a dusty 1974 demo tape made its way out of Bobby’s attic nearly 30 years after Death’s heyday — that anyone outside a small group of punk enthusiasts had even heard of them.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  15. Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience (2009)

    Grab a backstage pass to the Jonas Brothers' motion picture debut! Kevin, Joe and Nick are "Burning Up" the stage and inviting you inside their personal world for the adventure of a lifetime. This colossal movie event launches the world's hottest band straight into your living room – and includes guest appearances by chart-topping artists Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift! Secure your VIP pass to a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the Jonas Brothers. Get ready to hang out with this multitalented trio, and take an intimate look at what their lives are like offstage and behind the scenes. It's the music-filled movie event perfect for the whole family!

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  16. God Bless Ozzy Osbourne (2011)

    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 rock's great icon.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  17. The Stone Roses: Made of Stone (2013)

    A documentary about the English alternative rock band, The Stone Roses. Meadows interweaves archive film, intimate behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen material, delivering the definitive account of the band and their music. He was also granted unprecedented access to their rehearsals for the summer 2012 Manchester concerts. A momentous occasion in modern music, these were the first gigs performed by The Stone Roses in 16 years.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  18. Western Stars (2019)

    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 himself.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  19. David Bowie: The Last Five Years (2017)

    In the last five years of his life, David Bowie ended nearly a decade of silence to engage in an extraordinary burst of activity, producing two groundbreaking albums and a musical. David Bowie: The Last Five Years explores this unexpected end to a remarkable career. Made with remarkable access, Francis Whately’s documentary is a revelatory follow-up to his acclaimed 2013 documentary David Bowie: Five Years, which chronicled Bowie’s golden ‘70s and early-‘80s period.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & documentary

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  20. Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)

    Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & music

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  21. Kanye West: College Dropout [Video Anthology] (2005)

    A collection of music videos and behind the scenes footage released to promote Kanye West's upcoming debut album, College Dropout. The compilation features the videos to the previously unreleased "Two Words", "Slow Jamz", "Through the Wire", "All Falls Down", the three versions of "Jesus Walks", and "The New Workout Plan", all previously unseen before its release.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music & documentary

  22. Swagger of Thieves (2018)

    Over a decade in the making, Swagger of Thieves follows rock band Head Like a Hole from the top of the charts to the bottom of a needle. Staring down their age, two pals and the main guts of HLAH, frontman Nigel Booga Beazley and 'co- conspirator' Nigel Regan strut the hard road out of hell, fighting to reconnect and return their band to past glory, amidst disgruntled band mates, a changed music industry, and disappointed wives. Struggling to place past addictions and sabotaged dreams behind them in their continuing quest for rock music relevance, the ever-collapsing binary stars of any Head Like a Hole lineup, are certain (not) to polish their legacy here. Swagger of Thieves captures what it means to be in a band with a reputation. Unrelentingly raw, wild and honest, to the point of being one of the most insightful music documentaries ever made. Essential viewing. New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), Melbourne International Documentary Film Festival (MIDFF)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary & music

  23. Chinese Viola (1975)

    The rare short film presents a curious dialogue between filmmaker Julio Bressane and actor Grande Otelo, where, in a mixture of decorated and improvised text, we discover a little manifesto to the Brazilian experimental cinema. Also called "Belair's last film," Chinese Viola reveals the first partnership between photographer Walter Carvalho and Bressane.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  24. Cacaso (2016)

    Cacaso, a Brazilian poet, lived in Rio de Janeiro. Born Antonio Carlos de Brito (1944-1987) he was one of the leaders of the marginal poetry movement. Cacaso filled notebooks not only with poems but reflections, drawings and collages. He also became a lyricist and partner of celebrated songwriters such as Tom Jobim, Edu Lobo, Toninho Horta, João Donato and Sivuca.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  25. Diamanda Galas: The Litanies of Satan (1986)

    Live performance of Diamanda Galas in 1985, released by Target Video. The performance, based on a poem by Charles Baudelaire, devotes itself to the emaraldine perversity of the life struggle in hell.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  26. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic - Live at Montreux (2005)

    "George Clinton & Parliament - Funkadelic" Tracklisting: 01 Bop Gun - feat. Steve Boyd 02 Undisco Kidd (The Girl Is Bad) - feat. Belita Woods 03 Flashlight/Get Low 04 Something Stank - feat. Sativa 05 Hard As Steel - feat. Staiva 06 Yank My Doodle 07 Flashlight (reprise) 08 Not Just Knee Deep 09 Sentimental Journey - feat. Belita Woods 10 Not Just Knee Deep (reprise) 11 Up For The Downstroke 12 Bounce 2 This - feat. Kendra Foster 13 Never Gonna Tell It - feat. Kim Manning 14 Atomic Dog 15 Whole Lotta Shakin' Bonus Tracks: 01 Bernie Worrell Keyboard Solo 02 Lili Haydn Violin Solo 03 Maggot Brain feat. Michael Hampton & Lili Haydn 04 US Custom Coast Guard Dope Dog 05 Maggot Brain (reprise) 06 Them Changes

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

  27. 50 años de... Canciones (2009)

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  28. Wayne's World 2 (1993)

    A message from Jim Morrison in a dream prompts cable access TV stars Wayne and Garth to put on a rock concert, "Waynestock," with Aerosmith as headliners. But amid the preparations, Wayne frets that a record producer is putting the moves on his girlfriend, Cassandra, while Garth handles the advances of mega-babe Honey Hornée.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  29. I Really Get Into It: The Underage Architects of Sioux Falls Punk (2020)

    Largely ignored and left to their own devices, a group of unassuming teenagers in late 80s and early 90s Sioux Falls, South Dakota created their own culture, community, and economy. And when they moved out into the world at large, they brought what they learned along with them. I Really Get Into It: The Underage Architects of Sioux Falls Punk is a story about the tenacity and ingenuity of youth, finding and following your convictions, and how the kids you least expect often make the most noise. Shot on location in eight cities and assembled from dozens of hours of archival video and hundreds of photos, the documentary features interviews with Larry Livermore (Lookout. Records), Ian MacKaye (Fugazi), Mike Park (Skankin' Pickle), Rebecca Hanten (Cadillac Blindside), Terry Taylor (Hammerlord), and dozens of current and former members of the Sioux Falls all ages music scene.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary

  30. Wayne's World (1992)

    The adventures of two amiably aimless metal-head friends, Wayne and Garth. From Wayne's basement, the pair broadcast a talk-show called "Wayne's World" on local public access television. The show comes to the attention of a sleazy network executive who wants to produce a big-budget version of "Wayne's World"—and he also wants Wayne's girlfriend, a rock singer named Cassandra. Wayne and Garth have to battle the executive not only to save their show, but also Cassandra.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like The Joy of the Guitar Riff?

The closest matches to The Joy of the Guitar Riff are The Wrecking Crew (2008), The Last Waltz (1978) and End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after The Joy of the Guitar Riff?

Start with The Wrecking Crew (2008), the closest match to The Joy of the Guitar Riff.

What is the highest-rated movie like The Joy of the Guitar Riff?

The Last Waltz (1978), rated 7.7/10 by 330 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like The Joy of the Guitar Riff?

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like The Joy of the Guitar Riff?

Yes: The Wrecking Crew (2008), The Last Waltz (1978) and End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003).

How are movies similar to The Joy of the Guitar Riff chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Joy of the Guitar Riff, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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