Top Movies & TV Shows Similar to Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) List

• Woodstock - A documentary about the iconic 1969 music festival, capturing performances and the cultural impact.
• 20 Feet from Stardom - Highlights the lives of backup singers who supported famous artists, shedding light on their untold stories.
• The Apollo - Explores the history of the Apollo Theater and its influence on African American culture and music.
• Miss Sharon Jones! - A portrait of the late soul singer Sharon Jones, showcasing her music career and resilience.
• Soul Power - Follows the musical lineup of the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle, featuring artists like James Brown and BB King.
• I Am Not Your Negro - A documentary based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, exploring race and identity in America.
• Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World - Investigates the contributions of Native Americans to rock music and its cultural significance.
• Black Woodstock (a.k.a. The Harlem Cultural Festival) - A documentary focused on the culturally rich Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969.
• A Band Called Death - The story of a punk rock band formed by African American brothers in the 1970s, exploring their struggles and legacy.
• Searching for Sugar Man - Follows the quest to find a mysterious musician from the 1970s who became an icon in South Africa.
• The Last Waltz - A concert film documenting The Band's farewell concert featuring numerous music legends.
• Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns - A comprehensive documentary series exploring the history and impact of jazz music in America.
• Muscle Shoals - Explores the influence of the Muscle Shoals music studio and the iconic artists who recorded there.
• The Wrecking Crew - A documentary about the studio musicians behind many major hits in the 1960s and 70s.
• Standing in the Shadows of Motown - Tells the story of the Funk Brothers, the studio musicians behind many Motown hits.
• They Shall Not Grow Old - Utilizes archival footage to tell the story of World War I soldiers, showcasing the power of historical documentation.
• She's Gotta Have It - A Spike Lee joint about a woman navigating relationships amidst broader societal themes, similar in exploration of culture.
• The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution - A documentary exploring the history and impact of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s and 70s.
• Take Me to the River - Music documentary exploring the roots of American music in Memphis, featuring both legends and newcomers.
• The Get Down - A Netflix series depicting the rise of hip-hop and disco in the 1970s Bronx.
• American Epic - Explores the early history of American music, showcasing significant artists and recording sessions.
• Harlan County, USA - A documentary on a coal miners' strike, highlighting issues of social justice and community resilience.
• The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - A concert film capturing David Bowie's iconic persona and performance, focusing on music's cultural influence.
• Paris Is Burning - A snapshot of the drag ball culture in New York City, exploring themes of race, class, and identity.
• The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir - Follows Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, exploring music and influence over decades.
• Louder Than A Bomb - Documents a poetry competition, showcasing young voices and issues of identity and expression.
• The Greatest Showman - A musical that celebrates diversity and the power of music, with a strong cultural backdrop.
• High Fidelity - Follows a record store owner through his relationship struggles and love for music, exploring its impact.
• Black Panther - Incorporates strong themes around culture and identity in an African context, resonating with similar cultural discussions.
• The Sound of Music - While different in genre, it shares themes of music as a means of overcoming adversity.
• The Defiant Ones - A documentary series that chronicles the partnership between music legends Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.
• The Funk Brothers: Standing in the Shadows of Motown - Shines a light on the band behind the Motown hits, paralleling the theme of unsung heroes in music.
• What Happened, Miss Simone? - An exploration of Nina Simone's life, highlighting her music and activism during the civil rights movement.
• The Black Godfather - The story of music executive Clarence Avant, highlighting the intersections of music and social change.
• To Be a Force for Change - Documents the rise of Black-owned record labels and their socio-political influence on music.
• This Is It - Showcases Michael Jackson's rehearsals for his comeback concert, emphasizing his artistry and cultural impact.
• Sound City - A documentary about the famous recording studio and the musicians who recorded there, celebrating music's legacy.