Leaving the world of industrial rock for a stream of documentary films, Nine Inch Nails has inspired some truly groundbreaking documentaries that delve into the story and message behind their music. From illuminating documentaries on the band’s origins to raw stories about their tours, these seven works provide an honest look at one of alt-rock’s most beloved groups. Here are our picks for the seven best documentaries about Nine Inch Nails.
1. Pretty Hate Machine – The Nine Inch Nails Story
9 Inch Nails never cease to provide creative inspiration and this has been documented in numerous ways. One of the most fascinating media forms to capture their story are documentaries. From music videos, live performances and behind-the-scenes footage, these feature length films shed light on Reznor’s career as an artist and his life as a person. Here are some of the best documentaries about Nine Inch Nails: Beside You In Time (2007): The documentary follows 9 Inch Nails on their Live: With Teeth tour and gives an inside look at life on the road. Broken (1993): This VHS release includes several music videos from the Pretty Hate Machine era including ‘Head Like a Hole’, ‘Wish’ and ‘March of the Pigs’. The Downward Spiral: Behind the Album (1995): This documentary focuses on the making of Reznor’s monumental album, The Downward Spiral. It provides insight into how he created an innovative sound for Nine Inch Nails.
2. Nine Inch Nails – The Fragile (Documentary)
This fan-made documentary focuses on the creative process behind the making of ‘The Fragile’ by Nine Inch Nails, one of the greatest albums of all time. It includes interviews with Trent Reznor and other members of the band, as well as footage from concerts, rehearsals and studio sessions. As you watch this documentary, you’ll learn about the unique sound that Reznor and his team crafted for this album, as well as the musical journey they took during the recording process. You’ll also get an inside look at the intense dedication and hard work put in by Nine Inch Nails to make ‘The Fragile’ a reality. If you’re looking for an insightful exploration of one of the best albums ever made, then this is the film for you. An essential watch for any Nine Inch Nails fan!
3. A Journey Down The Spiral – A Nine Inch Nails Documentary
Nine Inch Nails has become an iconic figure in the industrial music genre, and this documentary is essential viewing for any fan. The film features exclusive interviews with Trent Reznor and his bandmates, as they discuss their influences, projects, and more. If you’re looking to learn more about NIN’s history, this is a great place to start! It also includes footage from some of their most iconic performances, including Woodstock ’94 and the Fragility tour. The documentary dives deep into the motivations behind Nine Inch Nails’ music, exploring Reznor’s unique creative process and his evolution as an artist over the years. It also serves as a historical document of one of the most influential bands in recent music history. Along with the documentary, there’s also a bonus feature: an extended interview with Trent Reznor himself in which he reflects on his career and journey as an artist.
https://youtu.be/53pxiMxqCDQ
4. “Into The Void” Nine Inch Nails Documentary
This documentary is arguably one of the most iconic Nine Inch Nails documentaries. It follows Trent Reznor and his band on stage during their 1994 tour, as well as behind the scenes. The entire show was filmed in black and white which gives it a unique look. Along with plenty of concert footage, home videos from the band members are also included. The film is a great showcase of Nine Inch Nails’ early music and gives you an insight into the band’s history. It’s a must watch for any fan of the group. “The Downward Spiral: Live” Documentary -This documentary follows Trent Reznor and his journey through depression and addiction, as well as his eventual rise to the top. It’s a powerful and emotional story that will leave you feeling inspired. The film features exclusive interviews with former band members as well as many of Reznor’s close friends. It also includes rare footage from Nine Inch Nails’ live shows, giving you an inside look at their performances. This documentary is essential viewing for anyone looking to understand more about the band and its impact.
5. Before Nine Inch Nails: How Industrial Became Pop
Industrial music is one of the most influential genres of modern music, and Nine Inch Nails (NIN) has been at its forefront for decades. But before NIN made industrial popular, it was a niche genre that few people knew about. So how did industrial become so mainstream? This documentary will take a look at the history of industrial before NIN, including the pioneering artists and bands that made it popular. We’ll explore all the different elements of industrial such as its themes, aesthetics, and musical style to show how it has evolved over time. We’ll also take a look at how NIN transformed industrial into mainstream music with their breakthrough albums like The Downward Spiral.
6. Trent Reznor / Nine Inch Nails Documentary “Somewhat Damaged”
The documentary “Somewhat Damaged” is an in-depth look at the life and career of Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. Directed by Oren Jacoby, the documentary explores Reznor’s creative process and his personal struggles with fame. The film features interviews with members of Nine Inch Nails as well as music industry experts, historians, and fans of the band. It also provides an in-depth look at the impact of Nine Inch Nails on popular culture and music. “Somewhat Damaged” is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about Trent Reznor’s journey as an artist and musician. Fans of Nine Inch Nails and alternative rock music will appreciate this insightful documentary.
7. Nine Inch Nails – Trent Reznor’s Nasty Feud with Marilyn Manson
Trent Reznor, the leader of the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, had an ongoing feud with fellow musician Marilyn Manson in the 1990s. The feud was fueled by both bands being extremely popular at the time and their intense rivalry for media attention. Multiple documentaries have been made about this rivalry, including “In the Shadow of Two Gunmen: A Look at the Relationship Between Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson” (2001) and “The Reznor-Manson Feud: The History of a Band Breakup” (2007). These documentaries provide an in-depth look into the history between both bands and how their interaction shaped the industrial rock scene. From interviews with fans, to rare footage of rehearsals, these documentaries capture the intensity of the feud between two of the most influential artists in the genre. With music and footage from both Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, these documents offer a unique perspective into what motivated their conflict as well as its lasting impact. For any fan of either band or industrial rock in general, watching these documentaries is an essential experience.
