The Best Documentaries on Psychedelic Rock

Looking for a mind-bending trip down memory lane? Check out our list of the best documentaries on psychedelic rock. From the history of the genre to intimate profiles of legendary bands, these films will take you on a wild ride.

Electric Ladyland- The Jimi Hendrix Experience

First released in 1968, Electric Ladyland is the third and final album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It peaked at #1 on the UK charts and #2 on the US charts, and was the first Hendrix album to be certified platinum. The album features some of Hendrix’s most iconic songs, including “All Along the Watchtower,” “Crosstown Traffic,” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”

Gimme Shelter- The Rolling Stones

Gimme Shelter is a 1970 documentary film directed by Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin, chronicling The Rolling Stones’ 1969 US Tour which culminated in the disastrous Altamont Speedway Free Concert. The film features concert footage of the Stones as well as interviews with band members, chronicling the build-up to the concert and its aftermath.

Pink Floyd: The Wall

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British musical film directed by Alan Parker with animated segments by Pink Floyd member Roger Waters, based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album The Wall. The film centers around the fictional character Pink, a Rock singer-songwriter who is driven into insanity by the pressures of fame and success, and builds an imaginary wall to protect himself.

The screenplay was written by Roger Waters. The film was shot on location in England and Wales, and features readings of passages from Pink Floyd’s lyrics by actors including Bob Hoskins, David Bowie and Christine Hargreaves.

The Doors: When You’re Strange

Few bands encapsulate the psychedelic rock movement quite like The Doors. Formed in 1965, the band quickly rose to prominence with their self-titled debut album, which featured the smash hit “Light My Fire.” From there, The Doors would go on to release a string of successful albums and singles, cementing their place as one of the most popular and influential rock bands of their generation.

The Doors: When You’re Strange is a 2009 documentary about the band directed by Tom DiCillo. The film features never-before-seen footage of the band, as well as interviews with surviving members Ray Manzarek and John Densmore. If you’re a fan of The Doors or psychedelic rock in general, this is a must-see documentary.

Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin’

Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin’ is a 2013 documentary about the life and music of American rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The film was directed by Bob Smeaton and produced by Richard Pearce. It features interviews with Hendrix’s family, friends, and bandmates, as well as archival footage and performance footage.

Janis: Little Girl Blue

Janis: Little Girl Blue is a 2015 documentary film directed by Amy J. Berg about the life of singer-songwriter Janis Joplin. The film was screened at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

Awards and nominations:
-Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature
-Nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Film

The Grateful Dead: Long Strange Trip

The Grateful Dead: Long Strange Trip is a four-hour documentary film directed by Amir Bar-Lev and released by Amazon Studios in 2017. The film chronicles the history of the rock band the Grateful Dead, focusing on the period from 1965 to 1995. The film was made with the full cooperation of the band, and features never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with all of the band’s living members.