The magic of films doesn’t lie primarily in the destructive action sequences or even the innovative special effects — it’s the people: the characters who allow those fight scenes and slow motion techniques to matter. And while it’s great to get invested in fictional characters,great music documentariesandconcertmovies allow fans to gain further insight into the people behind their favorite tunes.
Despite the name of the category, most concert movies aren’t just about the concert itself. Sure, seeing the singer on stage with unobstructed angles and through crystal clear audio is better than the shaky, loud videos fans watch on YouTube. But the behind-the-scenes preparation for those moments gives the stage shots greater meaning. Luckily, Amazon’sPrime Videohas a wide selection to choose from. Here are 10 concert movies on that platform you’re able to’t skip.
10Justin Bieber Our World (2021)
Justin Bieber: Our World
Justin Bieber is one of the most famous singers in the world. The Canadian artist got his start by uploading singing videos on YouTube. Soon, he was discovered, signed, and the rest is history. From early singles like “Baby” to more recent hits like “Stuck with U,” which helped people get through the early days of quarantine in 2020, Bieber is a staple in the music industry. Though his career hasn’t been without its controversy, millions of fans still anticipate tour dates from the musician.
Why You Can’t Skip
Justin Bieber: Our Worldshows Bieber and his team preparing for a New Year’s Eve show at the end of 2020. Not only is it interesting (and slightly dystopian) to see how concert preparations are complicated by a pandemic, but it also highlights the anxieties everyone is feeling. He hasn’t performed an entire concert in years and the pressure is felt by both viewers and those involved. Additionally, the scenes with him and his wife, Hailey, add a more personal, intimate touch that fans can appreciate.
It’s hard to remember a time when British pop-rock band Coldplay wasn’t dominating radios with their catchy tunes. Since 1997, the five-piece group has released hit after hit, and built a loyal following who are eager to support them with impressive album and ticket sales. Their seventh album,A Head Full of Dreams, was released in 2015, and soon they went on a tour of the same name to continue promoting the project.
As mentioned,many concert moviesgo further than showing wide arena shots of thousands of fans. Nowhere is that more true than in the documentaryColdplay: A Head Full of Dreams. In the trailer below, the members of the band say it best: “To really get the full story, you have to go back to when we met.” Home videos of the members in the band’s beginning days are heartfelt and inspiring. It shows how their love for music and not fame catapulted them to success.
Related:15 Best Music Documentaries on Netflix to Watch Right Now
8Pink: All I Know So Far (2021)
Pink (also written as P!nk) is a talented singer-songwriter known for her strong personality and even stronger vocals. She has experimented with various sounds over her lengthy career, but pop-rock is where her musicality shines. TheGrammy Award winnerdoesn’t rely on her voice alone to entertain, and she often uses her gymnastics background to add aerial stunts for added visual delight during her performances.
Yes, the moments where Pink is flipping through the sky across a massive stadium are cool. Even cooler? Seeing how she juggles it all with her normal life responsibilities.Pink: All I Know So Farcenters on the Beautiful Trauma World Tour, where she prepares to sing to sold-out crowds in iconic stadiums, such as Wembley in London. Pink is her characteristically authentic, transparent self and reminds those why she’s one of the best all-around performers.
7Happiness Continues: A Jonas Brothers Concert Film (2020)
The Jonas Brothers, often affectionately nicknamed the Jo Bros, have been stealing hearts since their days singing in barbershops and serenading tweens on Disney Channel. The band has broken up or gone on hiatus in the past, with members focusing on solo projects. Joe released a successful single “Cake by the Ocean” with his band DNCE, whileNickhas starred in various blockbusters likeJumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Still, the brothers come back to make music together, and they have drones of fans eagerly waiting.
Happiness Continues: A Jonas Brothers Concert Filmisn’t the group’s first foray into concert movies. After their hiatus, they returned with an album and a documentary titledChasing Happiness. That documentary focused more on their rise to fame and what led to the distance between them. However,Happiness Continuesis a bit more uplifting. The brothers seemingly have found their place within the group and their career. There’s a sense of maturity and confidence in the film that’s nice to witness for longtime followers of the group.
Related:The 10 Best Jonas Brothers Needle Drops in Movies and TV Series, Ranked
6BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas (2023)
BTS is a South Korean boy band that has taken the world by storm. Their legion of fans, the BTS “Army,” don’t show any signs of becoming fatigued from their dedicated support of the band. No matter which member is someone’s “bias” (aka their favorite), seeing how all seven members come together and manage to shine individually while still presenting as a cohesive unit is masterful. So, when they announced their concert filmBTS: Yet to Come in Cinemasfor Prime Video, fans knew they were in for something good.
The film served as a nice sendoff for a few of the singers before they had to complete their required military service, according toBillboard. While many of the other concert movies feature plenty of off-stage content,Yet to Come in Cinemas, is primarily about the show in Busan. However, in this case, that’s not a detractor. The meticulous, sharp choreography and attention to detail are enough to keep even the most casual fan engaged.
5Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds (2008)
Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour
Before Miley Cyrus was swinging from wrecking balls, she was donning a blonde wig for her alter ego Hannah Montana. The songstress played Miley Stewart in theDisney showHannah Montana. The pop star became more than a character in the show, she became a musical fave for kids outside the sitcom.Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concertcombines the best of the blonde rockstar and brunette “everyday” girl.
This concert film is another that focuses mainly on the performance. There are non-concert clips that show a young Cyrus acting goofy, warming up before the show, and more.Best of Both worlds Concertis ideal for those who want to bask in the nostalgia of their childhood. Cyrus belts out the bubblegum poppy tunes many can recite from heart like “I Got Nerve.” Those who are deep in 2000s Disney lore will also enjoy the cameo from the Jonas Brothers.
4One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
One Direction: This Is Us
After a long time when everyone thought the boy band hysteria was dead, One Direction came onto the scene and changed the game. They came in third place onThe X Factor, a singing competition show. But their bronze medal ranking didn’t matter. From the moment they were formed to the release of their debut single “What Makes You Beautiful,” they captured hearts and became one of the bestselling boy bands of all time.
If you somehow missed the One Direction craze,One Direction: This Is Uscaptures that electric energy in about 90 minutes. Their show at London’s O2 Arena is the anchor in the narrative, but it’s interspersed with footage of the fans talking about how much the band means to them, the guys' families on dealing with their loved one’s fame, and the members themselves. As a manufactured pop group, this film may not be the most raw and unfiltered, but it still manages to humanize these larger-than-life celebrities.
3Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023)
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
It’s hard to escape from Taylor Swift. Whether it’s her songs on the radio, her pictures on your social media, or her name in the headlines, Swift’s presence is everywhere. The singer, who got her start in Nashville, has faced numerous hiccups in her professional career.Her Eras tour, spanning five continents and consisting of over 150 shows, celebrates her longstanding career and her ability to stay on top despite her setbacks.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tourdelivers exactly what it promises. As this is her sixth tour, and she’s had 10 self-described “eras,” there’s a lot to pull from to bring about a captivating show. Swift’s concert film also zeroes in on the show aspect, filming it during performances in California. The spectacle is as expansive as her discography, dazzling with colorful costumes, aesthetic sets, and, of course, the music. Millions love her, some can’t stand her, but most would agree that the end product of the phenomenon that is the Eras tour is worthy of a watch.
2Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (2019)
Moving away from one particular musical act, this can’t-skip concert film is about a classic play.Les Misérablesis a musical based on a novel by Victor Hugo. It’s set in 19th-Century France, and follows a peasant named Jean. He was recently released from prison and wants to start fresh, even if it means breaking his parole. A meddling police inspector won’t make this reinvention easy. The musical has drawn in attendees since 1985.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the performance in London’s O2 Arena was filmed, so even more people could marvel at the production. The ensemble cast have magnetic voices that shine in solos and come together for magical harmonies. The production had decades to perfect the show, andLes Misérables: The Staged Concertdisplays some of the best talent cast in the project.
1Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
Katy Perry: Part of Me
Katy Perry was the It Pop Girl from the day she stomped onto the scene with “I Kissed a Girl,” until the mid-2010s. Her image was fun, bubbly, and girly, not dissimilar to the frothy hits she came out with. Perry’sTeenage Dreamalbum spawned massive singles, and she embarked on a world tour of over 120 shows.Katy Perry: Part of Meinvites her fans to have front-row seats at the show, as well as to her life surrounding her superstardom.
Fitting with Perry’s brand at the time, the show is very fun. Perry rocks unique costumes and has high-energy numbers that encourage those watching to get up and dance. But it’s just as interesting to see how the girl who unabashedly sings about kissing a girl (and liking it) came from what she describes as a very conservative Christian background. Additionally, since relationships are hard to keep private as a pop star, viewers also witness the impact of her breakup with then-husband Russel Brand.
