10 Best Music Documentaries on Peacock To Watch (2025 List)

Peacock’s collection of music documentaries offers a fascinating window into the lives, creative journeys, and cultural impact of legendary musicians.

These music documentaries basically capture the magic that makes music so powerful. So, you can stream all the documentaries from classic rock, hip-hop, folk, or pop with well-crafted stories.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare to see your musical heroes in a new light. Explore the 10 best music documentaries on Peacock.

10 Best Music Documentaries on Peacock

Peacock is owned by Comcast and offers music documentaries from all genres. You can stream various documentaries, from A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story to The Doors: Live at the Bowl ’68 and How the Beatles Changed the World.

Music documentaries let you experience the energy of live shows and the stories behind legendary performances. If they’ve sparked your excitement for real-life festivals, check out this official Coachella tickets info to plan your 2025 festival experience. Watching from your screen is great—but being there in person is unforgettable.

The list below highlights the 10 music documentaries on Peacock.

Music Documentary	Released Year	Artist/Subject
A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story	2016	Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ray Charles, Beck, Dolly Parton, and Radiohead
Sign ‘o’ the Times	1987	Prince
Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap	2012	Multiple Hip-Hop Artists
Nas: Time Is Illmatic	2014	Nas
Wu: The Story Of The Wu-Tang Clan	2008	Wu-Tang Clan
The Night James Brown Saved Boston	2008	James Brown
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of	2015	Backstreet Boys
The Doors: Live at the Bowl ’68	2012	The Doors
Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?)	2006	Harry Nilsson
How the Beatles Changed the World	2017	The Beatles

Note: The list created is based on my personal experience. You can rank it however you feel, or you can explore more documentaries on the Peacock platform.

I have Instacart Plus, so I got Peacock Premium free. You can check at your location whether there is any free version available. Now, let’s see why these documentaries are worth watching.

1. A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story (2016)

This documentary chronicles the 40-year history of Austin City Limits, the longest-running music show in television history.

It captures how this PBS show grew from a local Texas broadcast to a national institution that helped define American musical culture. The documentary showcases the show’s role in preserving live music performances across genres from country and folk to rock and alternative.

2. Sign ‘o’ the Times (1987)

Prince’s legendary concert film captures the artist at the height of his powers. Created to boost album sales in the US, it became one of his most celebrated performances.

The film displays Prince’s unmatched stage presence, musical versatility, and storytelling ability. His talent for creating a complete stage experience makes this a must-watch for any Prince fan.

3. Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012)

Directed by Ice-T, this documentary takes viewers on a coast-to-coast journey through hip-hop history. Ice-T interviews legendary artists, including Common, Kanye West, Bun B, and Afrika Bambaataa.

The documentary focuses on the craft of writing lyrics and verses rather than production. It offers a unique insight into how rap evolved from street art to a global phenomenon.

4. Nas: Time Is Illmatic (2014)

This documentary examines the creation and impact of Nas’s 1994 debut album “Illmatic.” The film explores his early life and career beginnings while explaining how the album changed hip-hop forever.

With appearances from many music industry icons, it offers fascinating insights into one of rap’s most influential albums and the artist who created it.

5. Wu: The Story Of The Wu-Tang Clan (2008)

Using extensive archival footage, this documentary tells the complete history of one of hip-hop’s most influential groups.

The film traces their formation and rise to fame with an authentic approach that both longtime fans and newcomers can appreciate. It presents a thorough look at how this NYC rap collective changed music history with their unique sound and approach.

6. The Night James Brown Saved Boston (2008)

This powerful film focuses on a pivotal moment when James Brown’s music helped prevent riots following Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination.

After Boston’s mayor decided to televise Brown’s scheduled concert, his performance helped maintain peace during a time of intense grief and tension. The documentary shows Brown’s cultural importance beyond just his musical talents.

7. Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of (2015)

Following one of the biggest music acts of the late ’90s and early 2000s, this documentary traces the Backstreet Boys from their 1993 formation through their 2013 comeback album and tour.

With all five members participating, viewers get firsthand accounts and funny stories about their rise to global stardom and their journey to remain relevant in changing times.

8. The Doors: Live at the Bowl ’68 (2012)

This concert film captures The Doors’ legendary July 5, 1968, performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Considered one of their finest performances, the film showcases Jim Morrison at the height of his charismatic power.

It features restored footage and remastered audio of classic songs like “Light My Fire” and “The End.” This documentary provides fans with an immersive experience of The Doors’ electrifying stage presence.

9. Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)? (2006)

This biography explores the life and work of the enigmatic folk-rock singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. The film features interviews with musical legends, including Randy Newman, Yoko Ono, and Robin Williams, who share stories about this talented but troubled artist.

With archival footage including John Lennon and Ringo Starr, it paints a complete picture of Nilsson’s genius and personal struggles. I want to add one more thing; Peacock is not officially available in Canada, but you can access this documentary and other music documentaries through trusted VPN services.

10. How the Beatles Changed the World (2017)

This documentary examines the enormous cultural impact The Beatles had beyond just their music. The film explores how the band influenced everything from fashion and politics to art and culture.

The duration of this documentary is 1 hour 49 minutes. Through interviews with music critics and those who knew them, it shows how four young men from Liverpool started a revolution that transformed society forever. 

Why Watch Music Documentaries?

Music documentaries provide unique insights into artists’ lives, creative processes, and the cultural context of their work. They humanize famous musicians, reveal the stories behind favorite songs, and often include rare performance footage.

For true music fans, these documentaries add depth to the listening experience and create greater appreciation for the artists. Watch these documentaries through a Peacock subscription. The premium plan costs start from $7.99 per month.

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Conclusion: Watch The List Of 10 Music Documentaries On Peacock

Peacock offers an excellent selection of music documentaries spanning multiple genres and eras. You can find something in each documentary if you are interested in classic rock, hip-hop, pop, or the music industry.

Both free and premium options make it accessible regardless of your subscription level, making Peacock a great streaming choice for music documentary fans.

Enroll today and start watching the best music documentaries on Peacock. Enjoy the shows online on any device.

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