10 Best Concert Movies of All Time, According to Letterboxd
Concert movies offer viewers a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular musical performances without leaving the comfort of their homes. According to Letterboxd, a social networking service for film enthusiasts, these are the 10 best concert movies of all time:
1.”Stop Making Sense” (1984)
Directed by Jonathan Demme, this Talking Heads concert movie is praised for its innovative cinematography and energetic performances, especially by frontman David Byrne. It’s often hailed as one of the greatest concert films ever made.
2.”The Last Waltz” (1978)
Martin Scorsese’s documentary on The Band’s final concert is both a historical document and a showcase of some of the most influential musicians of the time, including Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
3.”Amazing Grace” (2018)
Capturing Aretha Franklin at the peak of her vocal powers, this long-unreleased film of her 1972 gospel album live recording is a powerful and moving experience that showcases her as one never before.
4.”Gimme Shelter” (1970)
This documentary follows The Rolling Stones during their 1969 US tour, culminating in the tragic Altamont Free Concert. It’s an unsettling snapshot of a tumultuous time in rock history.
5.”Shine a Light” (2008)
Another Scorsese-directed film features The Rolling Stones in a career-spanning set filmed at New York City’s Beacon Theatre with guest appearances from artists like Christina Aguilera and Jack White.
6.”Woodstock” (1970)
This Oscar-winning documentary covers the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival and features iconic performances by artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin in a celebration of peace, music, and culture.
7.”Homecoming” (2019)
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s epic Coachella performance is more than just a concert; it’s a cultural event that pays homage to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and showcases Beyoncé’s unparalleled showmanship.
8.”Sign o’ the Times” (1987)
Prince’s electrifying performances combined with avant-garde visuals make this concert movie a standout testament to his musical genius and onstage charisma.
9.”U2: Rattle and Hum” (1988)
This intimate look at U2’s Joshua Tree tour combines live footage with band commentary to reveal the band’s thoughts on America and their evolution as musicians at that point in their career.
10.”Fade to Black” (2004)
Jay-Z’s purported retirement concert at Madison Square Garden is captured in this dynamic film featuring many guest stars from the hip-hop world, marking it as an important moment in music history.
These films are lauded on Letterboxd not only for their high-quality concert footage but also for their cultural significance and capacity to capture moments in music history that resonate with generations of fans.