10 Rock ‘n’ Roll Movies and Documentaries to Watch While Self-Quarantining

While you're stuck at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you might as well make the best of it and watch some fantastic music films and documentaries. Thankfully, we don't lack when it comes to great music flicks. Read on for 10 Rock 'n' Roll Movies and Documentaries to Watch While Self-Quarantining.

Almost Famous

When it comes to rock 'n' roll movies, "Almost Famous" is absolutely one of the greatest. The Cameron Crowe film follows a teenage reporter for Rolling Stone in the early 1970s on tour with the fictitious rock band Stillwater, trying to get his first big story in the magazine. Kate Hudson really makes this film, in my opinion, with her incredible acting and portrayal of veteran groupie Penny Lane.

The Dirt

If you're one of the handful of people who hasn't caught Motley Crue's "The Dirt" yet, then now is your chance. This is a wild, party-packed film about the rise of hair metal icons Motley Crue, showing the highs, the lows and everything in-between.

Hired Gun

Jason Hook of Five Finger Death Punch produces this fascinating music documentary that puts the spotlight on the guys and gals who don't often get the attention: session musicians. The film follows the stories of several "hired guns" in the music business, including Hook, who once worked as a touring guitarist for Alice Cooper and even Hillary Duff.

Keith Richards: Under the Influence

This documentary looks at famed Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' early career as a budding musician. Seeing where Richards gets his influences sheds some light into how the guitarist helped craft the Rolling Stones' legendary rock sounds.

Pearl Jam Twenty

If you're a fan of Pearl Jam and the Seattle scene, then "Pearl Jam Twenty" is a must-watch film. The Cameron Crowe-created film is a fascinating look into not only Pearl Jam, but the entire genesis of the so-called grunge scene, from Mother Love Bone to Pearl Jam and more. It features interviews with the members of Pearl Jam and other Seattle stars, such as the late Chris Cornell. I've made pretty much everyone in my life watch this film with me, so much that my mom once asked, "Are you going to make everyone watch that thing?" It's that good!

Quadrophenia

Here's another classic with great music: "Quadrophenia." This legendary film stars Phil Daniels and has a storyline inspired by the Who's 1973 rock opera.

Sound City

"Sound City," produced and directed by Dave Grohl, tells the tale of the famous Los Angeles-area studio, as well as its special analog recording style for which it was known. The 2013 film features appearances from a bunch of great musicians and producers, including Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Josh Homme, Paul McCartney and more.

School of Rock

School is out right now due to the coronavirus, but "School of Rock" is always on. Jack Black shines, as always, in this film, as he inspires a suspicious classroom to truly rock 'n' roll.

Singles

"Singles" is worth a watch for the soundtrack alone. The film, which is another Cameron Crowe gem, goes back to 1992 and follows life in Seattle during the grunge boom. The soundtracks feature classics from Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Screaming Trees, Pearl Jam and more.

This Is Spinal Tap

"This Is Spinal Tap" is a right of passage for any budding rock fan. I remember being forced to watch it early on in life go earn my "rock card!" The film follows the fictional English heavy metal band Spinal Tap (although there is a real band, Spinal Tap) and their hilarious lives as the biggest rock stars around. Even if you've seen it a bunch, it's worth another watch-- or two.