The Rise of the Synths

Watch Movie

The Rise of the Synths

"The old soundtrack of a new generation."

2019

1h 22m

7.6(24 votes)

Documentary

Overview

A documentary about the Synthwave scene, nostalgia and the universe of creating sounds. A love letter to human fascination and the collective memories of a universe, that never existed.

Where to Watch

Links & Resources

IMDbView

Social & External

IMDb

Production Companies

The people behind it

Cast & crew

10 featured cast members

Starring

John Carpenter

Narrator (voice)

Tyler Lyle

Self - The Midnight

Tim McEwan

Self - The Midnight

Kavinsky

Self - Kavinsky (archive footage)

Robert Parker

Self

Waveshaper

Self

Carpenter Brut

Self

Nina

Self

Perturbator

Self

Com Truise

Creative team

Directed by: Iván Castell
Written by: Iván Castell
Produced by: Javier Moreno
Iván Castell

Similar Movies

7.0

2014

Brennan Heart - Evolution of Style

Documentary

Movie

8.2

2017

White Right: Meeting the Enemy

Emmy award-winning filmmaker Deeyah Khan joins the frontline of the race wars in America, sitting down face-to-face with Neo-Nazis and fascists.

Movie

10.0

1991

Hard 'N' Heavy: Grindcore

Performances are bookended by interviews by the respective bands and Earache's Digby Pearson. 01. Napalm Death - If The Truth Be Known/Suffer The Children 02. Morbid Angel - Immortal Rites 03. Nocturnus - Lake of Fire 04. Paradise Lost - Dead Emotion 05. Prophecy of Doom - Rage Against Time 06. Godflesh - Christ Bait Rising 07. Cerebral Fix - Unity For Who/Enter The Turmoil 08. Sonic Violence - Manic 09. Bolt Thrower - Cenotaph 10. Vengeance Rising - Before The Time 11. Entombed - Left Hand Path 12. Carcass - Reek of Putrefaction

Movie

7.7

2015

Landfill Harmonic

"Landfill Harmonic" follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a Paraguayan musical group that plays instruments made entirely out of garbage. When their story goes viral, the orchestra is catapulted into the global spotlight. Under the guidance of idealistic music director Favio Chavez, the orchestra must navigate a strange new world of arenas and sold-out concerts. However, when a natural disaster strikes their country, Favio must find a way to keep the orchestra intact and provide a source of hope for their town. The film is a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

Movie

Requiem for Krypton: Making 'Superman Returns'

7.3

2006

Requiem for Krypton: Making 'Superman Returns'

A detailed behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of Superman Returns.

Movie

6.6

2024

The Beach Boys

A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.

Movie

7.3

2008

Bananaz

A documentary on the cryptic cartoon band, Gorillaz. From 2000-2006 director Ceri Levy filmed the creators behind the scenes, revealing the first drawings, animations and music, and following the evolution of the group through to the album Demon Days.

Movie

8.0

2024

Music by John Williams

His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.

Movie

7.0

2013

Stacker

Stacker takes you inside the fiercely competitive world of sport stacking: an international individual and team sport that involves stacking specialized plastic cups in specific sequences in as little time as possible. What started as a novelty on the Johnny Carson Show in 1990 has grown to become part of school curriculums for students in over 34,000 schools in 30 countries. It's a sport that spans generations, from preschoolers to retirees, but the best of the best are 10 to 14 years old. Dive into the unique subculture of the stacking community, and find out what it's like to be a fierce competitor in an underdog sport.

Movie

Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World)

5.5

2026

Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World)

Examines the legacy, cultural impact, and body of work of American R&B/funk/jazz/soul/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire, and will feature exclusive access to the band’s archives of visual, audio, and written material, as well as the support of the estate of Maurice White and the band.

Movie

7.5

2024

Riv i hjertet

Follow Sondre Justad's journey from his childhood room in Henningsvær to becoming one of Norway's biggest pop artists. He started filming himself as a child, and through private notes and recordings, concerts, and festivals, we gain a unique insight into Sondre's inner and outer journey.

Movie

Untitled Jessica Simpson Documentary

An intimate look into American pop star Jessica Simpson's personal life, exploring her highs and lows, and her journey back to music after a decade. It will also cover her billion-dollar fashion brand and overcoming challenges.

Movie

2015

25 Anos de Censurados

Documentary on the 25 years of the extinct Portuguese Punk Rock band Censurados.

Movie

2003

Kidneys for Jesus

The Jesus Christians are unusually committed to their faith. They give up everything they own - including, now, their spare kidneys. For a year, journalist Jon Ronson has exclusively followed the group as they attempt to donate their kidneys to strangers in the UK and the US. But who should they give them to? Where can they advertise? Will the hospitals, the media, and the potential recipients see their gesture as a miracle, or as the self-destructive act of a controversial religious movement? Presented by Jon Ronson.

Movie

2013

Hardcore El Picante

A short Doc/Music Collage of the DIY shows at Taqueria El Picante. Featuring bands from all around DFW, Houston, Chicago, and Canada too. During editing, it became a story about Alli, Pat, and good ass music.

Movie

6.2

2013

The Force Within Us

The Force Within Us, the sequel to the highly acclaimed and sold out documentary “The Force Among Us”, takes us deeper into the Star Wars experience than just the obsession of collectibles and costuming. Exploring how and why this epic saga has the ability to possess and alter lives, “The Force Within Us” centers on Star Wars as a catalyst for spiritual rebirth… finding personal meaning in life… and inspiring positive change.

Movie

9.0

2006

Moby: Go - A Film About Moby

This exclusive feature-length documentary film chronicles Moby's life story from his humble beginnings in rural Connecticut to his current status as world-renowned musician and song-writer. Filmed in high- definition in Europe, the USA and South America during his world tour of 2005 this film give hitherto unseen insight into the man and his music. Moby, along with friends, family, and associates, tells us his story in his own words and takes us back to where he was brought up and where he first earned his spurs as a DJ before creating his own music. This is a rare in-depth portrait of an artist, his life and work.

Movie

2011

Fair to Midland - Welcome to the Dirt

45 minutes of select footage from 2007 to 2011 made for our fans by our fans.

Movie

10.0

2003

Showgirls: Glitz & Angst

No sick days. Mandatory diets. Boob jobs. Endless rehearsals. It's what showgirls do for love--and a steady job--in the Las Vegas spotlight. 'A Chorus Line' meets 'Real Sex' in this sexy yet poignant documentary that follows the mounting of a new all-female musical revue in Las Vegas--from auditions through opening night--over the course of ten pressure-packed weeks.

Movie

9.2

2016

Images of the Estado Novo 1937-45

Resorting on a vast archive material of newsreels, photographs, letters, family videos, fiction movies, diary and popular songs excerpts, the documentary reassesses the legacy of the dictatorial period of Getúlio Vargas (1937-1945). Through the comparison and analysis of these heterogeneous records, produced for different purposes, from political propaganda to family celebration, the film explores the several layers of the political web of the Estado Novo, exposing its external inspirational sources, functionality and contradictions.

Movie

Recommended Movies

7.7

1978

The Last Waltz

Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and other rock legends.

Movie

8.3

1984

Stop Making Sense

A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.

Movie

7.3

2023

WHAM!

Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons.

Movie

8.0

2017

Avicii: True Stories

Documentary about the arena-packing Swedish DJ, chronicling his explosive rise to fame and surprising decision to retire from live performances in 2016.

Movie

7.1

2012

Katy Perry: Part of Me

Giving fans unprecedented access to the real life of the music sensation, Katy Perry: Part of Me exposes the hard work, dedication and phenomenal talent of a girl who remained true to herself and her vision in order to achieve her dreams. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes interviews, personal moments between Katy and her friends, and all-access footage of rehearsals, choreography, Katy’s signature style and more, Katy Perry: Part of Me reveals the singer’s unwavering belief that if you can be yourself, then you can be anything.

Movie

6.9

2013

Justin Bieber's Believe

A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

Movie

7.0

2019

Western Stars

The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.

Movie

7.5

2025

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

The authorized documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors alongside Steven Spielberg, top shark scientists, and conservationists, the film uncovers the behind-the-scenes chaos and how the film launched the summer blockbuster, inspired a new wave of filmmakers, and paved the way for shark conservation that continues today.

Movie

7.8

2025

It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley

Rising musician Jeff Buckley had only released one album when he died suddenly in 1997. Now, never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and accounts from those closest to him offer a portrait of the captivating singer.

Movie

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)

7.8

2022

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)

Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow Olivia along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”

Movie

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)

8.4

2026

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)

Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.

Movie

7.4

2025

Becoming Led Zeppelin

The individual journeys of the four members of the band, as they move through the music scene of the 1960s, playing small clubs throughout Britain and performing some of the biggest hits of the era, until their meeting in the summer of 1968 for a rehearsal that changes their lives forever.

Movie

8.2

2013

One Direction: This Is Us

"One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena. Hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it's really like to be One Direction.

Movie

7.1

1977

The Making of Star Wars

Learn the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the original Star Wars movie was brought to the big screen in this fascinating documentary hosted by C-3PO and R2-D2 which includes interviews with George Lucas and appearances by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

Movie

7.3

2017

Maria by Callas

Told through performances, TV interviews, home movies, family photographs, private letters and unpublished memoirs, the film reveals the essence of an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings in New York City to become a glamorous international superstar and one of the greatest artists of all time.

Movie

The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends

7.1

2019

The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends

This documentary focuses on the actors and their journey over two summers to create the remake to the original IT, by Stephen King. The documentary originally released as bonus material, bundled with IT: Chapter Two.

Movie

7.8

2021

Being James Bond

Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Movie

7.1

2024

Piece by Piece

A unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music's most innovative minds.

Movie

Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear

7.0

2022

Beyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear

Explore the evolution of Buzz Lightyear from toy to human in the making of Pixar’s Lightyear. Dive into the origin and cultural impact of everyone’s favorite Space Ranger, the art of designing a new “human Buzz,” and the challenges faced by the Lightyear crew along the way.

Movie

7.9

1985

Live Aid

Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"

Movie