The Beatles took a hold of the world when they hit the music scene, so it’s not surprising that they have had many films and documentaries made about them. Before Beatles 64’ premiers, here are are the top 6 must see Beatles documentaries!
The Beatles have had a significant cultural and musical impact, and their legacy continues to be explored in documentaries that delve into their rise to fame, creative processes, personal lives, and the dissolution of the band. To help Beatles fans navigate the content available, here is a list of the best Beatles documentaries ranked by their scores on Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb.
6. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016)
Ron Howard’s Eight Days a Week focuses on the Beatles’ touring years from 1962 to 1966, providing a fascinating look into their rise to global superstardom. The documentary is praised for its impressive archival footage and interviews with surviving band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
Metacritic: 72/100
Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Critics), 89% (Audience)
IMDb: 7.5/10
5. The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit (1964)
This 1964 documentary captures the excitement and hysteria surrounding the Beatles’ first trip to the United States, an event that marked the beginning of their American domination. With rare footage of the band’s arrival, interviews, and appearances, it’s a fun and nostalgic trip back to the early days of Beatlemania.
Metacritic: 71/100
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (Critics), 89% (Audience)
IMDb: 8.0/10
4. George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011)
Martin Scorsese’s Living in the Material World is a beautifully crafted documentary that delves into the life of George Harrison, one of the most complex and spiritual members of the Beatles. The film explores his life both during and after his time with the band, examining his search for meaning through music, spirituality, and his solo career. It’s a poignant and reflective piece, not just about George Harrison, but also about the Beatles‘ influence on popular culture.
Metacritic: 74/100
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (Critics), 93% (Audience)
IMDb: 8.1/10
3. McCartney 3,2,1 (2021)
McCartney 3,2,1 is a six-part documentary series that features Paul McCartney in conversation with legendary producer Rick Rubin. Although it focuses primarily on McCartney’s solo career, the series offers rich insights into his time with the Beatles and the challenges of being part of the most famous band in the world.
Metacritic: 85/100
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% (Critics), 91% (Audience)
IMDb: 8.7/10
2. The Beatles: Get Back (2021)
Peter Jackson’s Get Back is a cinematic revelation, offering an unprecedented 8-hour look at the Beatles in the studio during the recording of Let It Be. Unlike previous portrayals of the band’s breakup, this documentary reveals their moments of the band’s creative process and their interpersonal dynamics during the final months of the group.
Metacritic: 85/100
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% (Critics), 94% (Audience)
IMDb: 8.9/10
1. The Beatles: Anthology (1995)
The Beatles: Anthology is the definitive documentary on the band, offering a deep dive into their entire career through seven episodes. This miniseries, produced by the surviving members, features rare footage, exclusive interviews, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes insights. The documentary provides a comprehensive look at their creative and personal evolution, making it an essential piece for anyone wanting to understand the full arc of the Beatles’ legacy.
Metacritic: 84/100
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% (Critics), 99% (Audience)
IMDb: 9.1/10
Each of these documentaries presents the Beatles in a different light, and depending on what aspect of their story you’re most interested in, any one of them could be your favorite. Whether you’re a casual listener or a hardcore fan, these films offer something for everyone—making them essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the legacy of the greatest band in history.
