16 must-see metal rockumentaries to stream right now

(Image credit: Future)

With many countries on lockdown and a growing toll of gig and festival casualties, it's advisable to self-isolate and minimise any activities that could put you in contact with, well... other humans.

To some, this might sound like a dream come true. Two weeks of unadulterated bliss. No pressure to leave your safe, cosy little cocoon of germ-free bliss.

But to others – those who thrive off of socialising, extroverts and anyone who had a gig or festival planned in the next couple months – it can be a pretty daunting thought. How do you keep yourself entertained without going stir-crazy?

Well, we've done our best to help ward off the isolation anxieties by tirelessly flicking through online streaming services and picking out the best metal documentaries available to watch now on Amazon Prime, Netflix and YouTube.

So spend your time wisely and swot up on your heavy metal history knowledge.

Disclaimer: This list is based on UK availability, some of these titles may not be available in your country. Check a search engine like justwatch.com to find out where you can stream them.

Amazon Prime

Last Days Here (2011)

Billed as the United States' answer to Black Sabbath, this is the story of Pentagram – or, more accurately, Pentagram mastermind Bobby Liebling.

The documentary follows Liebling's attempt to record a new Pentagram record and take the band back on the road with the help of his manager, Sean "Pellet" Pelletier, after spending most of his life addicted to crack and living in his parents' basement.

It's a poignant, often heartbreaking, but ultimately triumphant tale of an ageing musician who, after decades spent struggling with addition, manages to get his life (and band) somewhat back in shape.

Death By Metal (2016)

Considering the influence of virtuoso Chuck Schuldiner and his seminal band Death, there's a surprising lack of documentary material about reluctant 'Godfather of death metal'.

It's about time then, that Schuldiner is given the tribute he so deserves. Death By Metal paints a portrait of the late guitarist's life and career through interviews with former bandmates and family, as well as archive testimonies of the man itself.

The result is the raw and honest story of a passionate, driven and often difficult visionary whose life might have been cut tragically short, but whose legacy has made him immortal.

The Decline of Western Civilization: Part II - The Metal Years (1988)

The follow up to Penelope Spheeris' 1981 seminal chronicle of LA punk, The Metal Years does exactly what it says on the pack. Spheeris has turned her attention to the struggling up-and-coming musicians of LA once again, but this time it's at the height of glam metal. Aside from these unsigned acts, the film also documents the extent of heavy metal excess through interviews with the likes of W.A.S.P., Paul Stanley, Aerosmith, Lemmy and Ozzy Osbourne.

Netflix

Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster (2004)

Filmed during one of the most turbulent periods in the band’s history, Some Kind of Monster provides a captivating insight into a Metallica on the brink of implosion.

Comprised of studio and fragmented concert footage between 2002 and 2004, this two plus hour long documentary, fraught with turmoil, lawsuits, and creative struggles acts as a fly on the wall for a band forced (as a result of sobriety) to work through decades of pent up issues previously suppressed by substance abuse.

This rollercoaster of emotions would prove a necessary catharsis and an unexpected future for the most successful heavy metal band of all time.

Anvil! The Story Of Anvil

Dubbed the greatest movie ever made about rock and roll, the story of Anvil follows two lifelong friends and musicians, that never really made it, on their journey into heavy metal stardom.

A hilarious and moving masterpiece depicting the not so glamorous side of fame that many of today’s bands worth their salt can relate to - the grotty club shows, difficult relationships and logistical nightmares that can plague an artist’s existence are all captured in a heartfelt and inspiring way that will have you rooting for metal’s greatest underdogs.

Anvil really are the life Spinal Tap and their tenacity and sheer will to make their dream into a reality is a testament to us all for never giving up hope.