Best Jazz Movies & Documentaries

Hargrove (2022)

Hargrove (2022)

Directed by Eliane Henri, Hargrove is a deeply affecting documentary, offering an intimate and often poignant look at the final year of the brilliant jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The film follows Hargrove on his last European tour, weaving together footage of his compelling performances with moments of quiet reflection on a life dedicated to music.

It’s richly complemented by heartfelt tributes and insights from a constellation of jazz and music luminaries—including Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Mos Def, Robert Glasper, Wynton Marsalis, and Sonny Rollins—who eloquently speak to his immense talent, his lasting influence, and the profound impact he had on their own journeys.

Ratings:

IMDb: 8/10

Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (2019)

An essential and insightful documentary directed by Stanley Nelson, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool delves deep into the world of one of jazz’s true titans. The film expertly navigates Davis’s famously complex persona and his constant need to reinvent his sound, revealing how he consistently reshaped the landscape of modern music.

It spans his extraordinary career, highlighting key periods from his early collaborations to his revolutionary experiments in various jazz styles, culminating in fusion. Through compelling archival footage and a chorus of voices from his peers, family, and scholars, the documentary paints a vivid, nuanced picture of this iconic and often elusive figure.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
IMDb: 7.5/10

Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes (2018)

Directed by Sophie Huber, Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes delves into a cultural institution that fundamentally shaped the sound of jazz. The documentary chronicles Blue Note‘s storied history and lasting influence, revealing the philosophy behind its distinctive recordings and its dedication to pushing musical boundaries.

Through conversations with legendary artists like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Robert Glasper, label president Don Was, and others, complemented by a wealth of archival treasures and, of course, the unparalleled music itself, the film offers a vivid portrait of a label that remains vital from its beginnings to today.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
IMDb: 7.3/10

Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary (2016)

Chasing Trane is a truly illuminating and deeply personal documentary, offering a compelling exploration of the life and monumental music of saxophonist John Coltrane. The film delves into the very essence of Coltrane’s being – his profound spiritual quest, his unyielding drive for musical innovation, and the seismic impact he had not only on jazz but on the broader landscape of 20th-century music.

Drawing on a treasure trove of rare archival footage, including previously unseen home movies and revealing studio recordings, it provides an intimate window into his creative furnace and personal struggles. Insights from a chorus of voices—musicians, critics, and members of his family—further illuminate the complexities of his character and the enduring power of his legacy. This is a powerful, moving, and essential film about a true icon. 

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
IMDb: 7.3/10

I Called Him Morgan (2016)

Kasper Collin’s I Called Him Morgan is a deeply affecting and atmospheric documentary that unravels the story of brilliant jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, whose life was tragically cut short in 1972. The film explores Morgan’s incandescent musical talent and his battles with addiction, but centers on his complex and ultimately fatal relationship with Helen More, the woman who killed him.

Through a compelling assembly of candid interviews with fellow musicians, friends, and most notably, Helen herself (recorded before her passing), Collin masterfully pieces together the fragmented narrative, offering a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on love, loss, ambition, and the turbulent currents beneath the surface of the jazz world.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
IMDb: 7.3/10

The Amazing Nina Simone (2015)

Offering a vital, complementary perspective on an icon, The Amazing Nina Simone delves into the life and enduring legacy of Nina Simone, centering her profound commitment to civil rights and her powerful fusion of music and social justice.

Directed by Jeff L. Lieberman, the film distinguishes itself by drawing heavily on a wealth of previously unreleased archival material, including Simone’s own diaries and letters. This unprecedented access provides deeply intimate insights into her thoughts, feelings, and her outspoken vision of Black Freedom.

By highlighting these personal archives, the documentary paints a revealing portrait of a cultural icon, solidifying her place as one of the most important and influential artists—and voices—of the 20th century.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
IMDb: 7.2/10

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

Liz Garbus‘ compelling documentary attempts to answer the complex question posed in its title, offering an unflinching look at the life of the incomparable Nina Simone. A virtuoso pianist, powerful vocalist, and fearless civil rights activist, Simone was a singular force whose artistry was deeply intertwined with her turbulent personal journey and her unwavering commitment to justice.

Drawing on a wealth of archival footage, private diaries, letters, and interviews with those who knew her best, the film reveals the layers of a complex figure, capturing her brilliance, her struggles with mental health, and the profound cost of her outspokenness. It’s a powerful, moving, and essential portrait of an icon who used her voice, both in song and in protest, to shape the 20th century.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
IMDb: 7.6/10

Keep on Keepin’ On (2014)

Keep On Keepin’ On is a deeply moving documentary that beautifully chronicles the relationship between jazz giant Clark Terry in his later years and his exceptionally talented young piano student, Justin Kauflin.

The film captures a powerful intergenerational bond, born from shared passion and mutual respect, as Terry imparts not just musical wisdom but profound life lessons. Amidst challenges faced by both mentor and student, the documentary becomes a genuine testament to the enduring power of mentorship and the remarkable capacity of music to connect, inspire, and sustain the human spirit.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
IMDb: 7.7/10

Icons Among Us (2009)

Icons Among Us is an insightful four-part documentary series that dives deep into the lives and creative engines of jazz musicians shaping the art form today. It offers a compelling look at the realities—the challenges and the triumphs—of forging a path in this constantly evolving musical landscape.

Through intimate interviews and rare behind-the-scenes access, the series reveals the sheer dedication, vital passion, and innovative spirit driving these modern masters. Featuring a remarkable lineup including luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard, the series showcases the vibrant diversity of contemporary jazz and celebrates its enduring, essential relevance in the 21st century.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDb: 7.6/10

The Jazz Baroness (2009)

The Jazz Baroness tells the captivating story of Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, a member of European high society who famously left her aristocratic world to become an ardent patron and tireless advocate for jazz music and its creators. The documentary delves into her extraordinary life, highlighting her deep, often life-sustaining, connections with legends like Thelonious Monk (a particularly profound bond), Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell.

Through a compelling blend of interviews, archival footage, and excerpts from her personal writings, the film beautifully reveals the Baroness’s unique, fiercely independent spirit, her unwavering dedication to the music, and her significant, though frequently overlooked, contributions that provided crucial support for some of jazz’s most important figures.

Ratings:

IMDb: 7.6/10

Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (2007)

This vibrant and unflinching documentary is a compelling tribute to the one-of-a-kind jazz vocalist, Anita O’Day. Offering an intimate look at her remarkable life and groundbreaking career, the film is anchored by candid and insightful interviews with O’Day herself, who recounts her journey with trademark honesty, laying bare both triumphs and tribulations.

It’s richly illustrated with rare archival footage and electrifying performances that capture her unique vocal brilliance, impeccable phrasing, and undeniable command. The documentary bravely confronts her significant battles with addiction but shines a powerful light on her extraordinary resilience, ultimately celebrating her lasting influence on jazz singing and her status as a true original—an irresistible force who defied easy definition.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
IMDb: 7.9/10

Chops (2007)

Chops is an inspiring and energetic documentary that dives into the world of competitive youth jazz through the eyes of one remarkable ensemble: the high school band from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida.

The film chronicles their rigorous preparation for a coveted opportunity: performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center‘s prestigious Essentially Ellington Competition. Through intimate access, the documentary captures the intense dedication, hard work, and infectious passion of these talented young musicians as they refine their skills under demanding guidance.

It offers a compelling look at the challenges and immense rewards of pursuing musical excellence at a young age, standing as a powerful testament to the transformative impact and vital importance of arts education.   Sources and related content

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
IMDb: 7.8/10

Jazz: A Documentary Film by Ken Burns (2001)

Ken Burns‘ monumental 10-part documentary series is the definitive screen history of jazz, charting its evolution from its roots in the blues and ragtime to becoming a vital global language. More than just a musical chronicle, Jazz explores this uniquely American art form as a reflection of the nation itself, weaving together a rich tapestry of rare archival footage, insightful interviews with musicians and historians, and breathtaking musical performances.

Spanning decades and featuring a vast constellation of essential artists—from pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to revolutionaries such as Charlie Parker—the series offers a comprehensive and utterly compelling examination of the social, cultural, and musical forces that forged this ever-evolving sound.

Ratings:

IMDb: 8.6/10

Blue Note: A Story of Modern Jazz (1997)

A compelling historical document, this film dives deep into the foundational era of Blue Note Records. Blue Note: A Story of Modern Jazz tells the story of the ambitious founders and the pantheon of artists who shaped the label’s signature sound during jazz’s golden age.

Featuring insightful interviews with titans like Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, along with electrifying archival performances, the documentary perfectly captures the dynamism and invention of the mid-20th century. It provides valuable insight into the creative process and the broader cultural context that fueled this groundbreaking period in modern music.

Ratings:

IMDb: 7.6/10

Wild Man Blues (1997)

Wild Man Blues chronicles Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band’s tour across Europe, offering an unexpectedly intimate and often humorous window into Allen’s deep, abiding passion for traditional jazz.

The documentary goes beyond concert footage, capturing the band’s vibrant performances both on stage and in candid rehearsal moments, revealing Allen’s dedicated, meticulous approach to the music he clearly adores. Far more than a simple tour diary, it serves as a rare, insightful portrait of Allen absorbed in his creative pursuit, away from the usual cinematic spotlight, highlighting a more personal and less guarded dimension of his well-known persona.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
IMDb: 6.9/10

A Great Day in Harlem (1994)

This acclaimed documentary tells the remarkable story behind one of jazz’s most iconic images: Art Kane‘s 1958 photograph capturing 57 jazz titans assembled on a Harlem street.

A Great Day in Harlem goes beyond the still frame, drawing on candid interviews with many of the legendary musicians who were present that day. It offers a captivating, firsthand glimpse into the moments, personalities, and spirit that converged for this singular event, illuminating a pivotal cross-section of jazz history and the vibrant community behind the music at that time.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDb: 7.4/10

Let’s Get Lost (1988)

Bruce Weber’s Let’s Get Lost is a hauntingly beautiful and often melancholic portrait of the legendary yet elusive jazz trumpeter and vocalist, Chet Baker. The film is a masterclass in atmosphere, seamlessly weaving Baker’s exquisite, fragile music with remarkably candid, sometimes raw, interviews from throughout his life.

It delves into his undeniable musical genius, his decades-long, devastating struggle with heroin addiction, and the complexities of his relationships. Weber’s signature stylish, evocative black-and-white cinematography captures both Baker’s profound vulnerability and his enduring, magnetic charisma, elevating the film beyond a standard documentary into a truly immersive visual and sonic experience—a poignant, unforgettable meditation on the precarious intersection of talent, beauty, and self-destruction.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
IMDb: 7.7/10

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988)

This essential documentary offers a remarkably unfiltered and intimate portrait of the singular pianist and composer Thelonious Monk. Straight, No Chaser doesn’t shy away from revealing Monk’s unique musical genius alongside his personal struggles, including his challenges with mental health.

Through a compelling blend of rarely seen performance footage and candid interviews with his family, friends, and fellow musicians, the film provides invaluable insight into his often-misunderstood, eccentric personality and underscores his profound, lasting impact on the direction of jazz.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
IMDb: 7.5/10

Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1959)

Jazz on a Summer’s Day remains the quintessential jazz festival film, a celebrated document of the 1958 Newport gathering. Directed by Bert Stern, it bottles the effervescent spirit, showcasing not just the music but the entire experience of a warm day filled with sound and style.

The film features electrifying sets from an unparalleled lineup of icons like Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, and Anita O’Day. It’s a dynamic portrait of jazz at its zenith, highlighting the incredible range and vitality of the genre through performances that are as visually captivating as they are sonically brilliant.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
IMDb: 7.9/10

Soul (2020)

Pixar takes a unique, visually stunning, and deeply philosophical swing at jazz with Soul. This acclaimed animated film follows Joe Gardner, a middle-aged jazz pianist whose soul is unexpectedly separated from his body just before his big break.

What follows is a breathtakingly rendered journey through the cosmos and the realms of self-discovery. More than an adventure, the film is an emotionally resonant exploration of life, death, finding your purpose, and what it truly means to pursue your passion – all rooted in Joe’s profound connection to the music he loves.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
IMDb: 8/10

La La Land (2016)

Damien Chazelle’s dazzling, Oscar-winning musical is a vibrant love letter to classic Hollywood, the city of Los Angeles, and the enduring spirit of jazz. Starring Ryan Gosling as a dedicated jazz pianist and Emma Stone as an aspiring actress, the film traces their intertwined journeys and romance amidst the city’s glittering, yet often challenging, landscape.

Justin Hurwitz‘s evocative, Oscar-winning score is central to the film’s magic, masterfully blending traditional jazz influences with contemporary sounds to create a musical language that perfectly captures the story’s bittersweet exploration of love, loss, and the relentless, sometimes costly, pursuit of dreams. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant modern classic.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
IMDb: 8/10

Whiplash (2014)

Damien Chazelle‘s electric drama is a visceral exploration of the volatile, high-stakes relationship between a gifted young drummer and his relentlessly demanding instructor at an elite music conservatory. Whiplash unflinchingly captures the brutal dedication, sheer sacrifice, and obsessive pursuit of perfection that can push jazz musicians to their absolute limits. It stands as a powerful, unforgettable examination of the intense pressures and psychological toll exacted by the quest for greatness within the fiercely competitive world of jazz performance and education.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
IMDb: 8.5/10

Chicago (2002)

This dazzling, Oscar-winning musical thrusts viewers into the sensational world of 1920s Chicago, where crime and celebrity collide amidst the pulsating energy of the Jazz Age.

Led by a sharp, charismatic cast including Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, and Queen Latifah, Chicago is a visually spectacular and audaciously cynical film, propelled by show-stopping musical numbers that serve as sharp commentary.

It explores themes of ambition, notoriety, and the media circus, offering a biting satire on how public spectacle and a compliant justice system can turn criminals into stars. 

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
IMDb: 7.2/10

Sweet and Lowdown (1999)

Woody Allen conjures a fictional jazz legend in this beguiling film: Emmet Ray, a guitar virtuoso of the 1930s. Sean Penn delivers a truly mesmerizing, Oscar-nominated performance as the eccentric, brilliant, and deeply troubled musician.

Sweet and Lowdown is a witty, melancholic, and often surprisingly moving exploration of artistic ambition, the messy complications of love, and the irresistible, almost mystical, allure of jazz itself. Structured like a fond, slightly unreliable remembrance, it’s a captivating portrait of a flawed genius and the music that was his one true constant.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
IMDb: 7.2/10

The Legend of 1900 (1998)

Giuseppe Tornatore‘s enchanting Italian film tells the fantastical story of 1900, a man born and raised entirely aboard a transatlantic ocean liner who becomes a jazz pianist of almost mythical skill.

While not strictly a historical jazz film, the music is profoundly central to its soul, serving as 1900’s only connection to the world beyond the ship’s deck. It’s a poignant fable exploring themes of identity, the concept of ‘home,’ the confines one creates for oneself, and the boundless power of music to express, connect, and serve as an entire universe in itself.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 56%
IMDb: 8/10

Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

Spike Lee’s vibrant and dramatic film plunges into the heart of the late 1980s jazz scene, exploring the intricate complexities of love, friendship, and ambition. Anchored by a compelling performance from Denzel Washington as a talented but deeply conflicted trumpeter, the movie delves into the specific challenges faced by Black artists navigating the music industry.

It unflinchingly portrays the personal sacrifices exacted by the pursuit of artistic greatness, all set to a rich, pulsing jazz score. Mo’ Better Blues is a powerful examination of the bonds that tie musicians together and the pressures that can tear them—and their art—apart.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
IMDb: 6.7/10

Round Midnight (1986)

Bertrand Tavernier‘s exquisite French-American film tells the poignant story of an aging jazz master, masterfully portrayed by legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon in an Oscar-nominated performance.

Seeking refuge from his struggles, he finds unexpected solace and a chance at redemption within the vibrant, seductive jazz clubs of 1950s Paris. The film is a tender meditation on the challenges faced by artists in their twilight years, the universal search for meaning and genuine connection, and the enduring, transcendent power of music to bridge cultural divides and heal the spirit.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
IMDb: 7.4/10

The Gig (1985)

This charming and genuinely funny film centers on a seasoned jazz bassist, played by Cleavon Little, who gets hired by an unlikely ensemble: a group of passionate amateur musicians preparing for their very first paid gig.

The Gig offers a witty and heartwarming exploration of the dedication, camaraderie, and occasional chaos involved in pursuing music together. It’s a delightful look at the intersection of professional skill and amateur enthusiasm, beautifully capturing the universal joys and inevitable challenges inherent in the shared pursuit of a musical dream.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
IMDb: 7.2/10

The Cotton Club (1984)

Set against the dazzling backdrop of Harlem’s iconic Cotton Club in the 1930s, Francis Ford Coppola‘s stylish film is an immersive dive into a pivotal era of jazz.

Featuring a memorable ensemble cast including Richard Gere, Gregory Hines, Diane Lane, and Lonette McKee, and punctuated by vibrant musical numbers, the movie captures the raw energy and undeniable appeal of the period’s sound. It artfully explores the intersection of the music world with the broader societal landscape, navigating the challenging social and racial realities that existed both inside and outside the club’s doors.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
IMDb: 6.6/10

The Pawnbroker (1964)

Sidney Lumet‘s powerful and unflinching drama about a Holocaust survivor living a haunted existence in New York City is profoundly underscored by a moving and evocative score from Quincy Jones. Jones, primarily known for jazz and popular music, delivered a score here that is sensitive and deeply resonant, its jazz-inflected melodies adding layers of complexity to the protagonist’s psychological trauma and isolation. The music doesn’t just accompany the film; it serves as an essential emotional current, enhancing the film’s raw portrayal of memory, survival, and the weight of the past.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
IMDb: 7.6/10

Paris Blues (1961)

Set against the alluring backdrop of the Parisian jazz scene, Paris Blues is a romantic drama profoundly enhanced by Duke Ellington‘s evocative score. Ellington’s music doesn’t merely accompany the film; its lush, sometimes melancholic, melodies become inseparable from the city’s allure and the emotional complexities of the characters’ lives. The score perfectly captures the blend of romance, artistic aspiration, and bittersweet longing that defines the film, making Ellington’s contribution absolutely central to establishing the movie’s distinct mood and sense of place.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
IMDb: 6.7/10

Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

Otto Preminger‘s landmark courtroom drama features a groundbreaking and unforgettable jazz score composed entirely by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This collaboration between jazz legends and a major Hollywood film was rare at the time, and the score is far more than just background music.

Ellington’s cool, sophisticated, and subtly tense compositions add an unparalleled layer of atmosphere and intrigue, perfectly complementing the film’s sharp, complex exploration of justice, morality, and the intricacies of human nature. The music is so integral, it feels like another character in the tense legal proceedings.

Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)

Robert Wise‘s tense, noir-tinged heist film is masterfully underscored by a sophisticated jazz score from the Modern Jazz Quartet. The MJQ’s signature cool, intricate sound provides a compelling counterpoint to the film’s dramatic narrative and rising tension. Rather than simply reflecting the suspense, the score adds a layer of refined sophistication and urban cool that elevates the mood, making the music an integral part of the film’s exploration of desperation and fate playing out on city streets.

Ratings:

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
IMDb: 7.4/10

Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows) (1958)

Louis Malle‘s classic French crime thriller is forever linked with its groundbreaking, entirely improvised jazz score by Miles Davis. Recorded spontaneously as Davis watched the finished film, this score is a masterpiece of nocturnal mood and atmospheric tension. Davis’s cool, melancholic trumpet lines and minimalist ensemble perfectly complement the film’s stylish, suspenseful narrative and striking visuals, infusing every scene with a sense of brooding unease and sophisticated noir cool. It’s a legendary collaboration between a jazz giant and cinema, proving how a score can become an inseparable character in the film’s identity.

Ratings:

IMDb: 7.9/10