Banned at the time of its release for its "obscene" and frank portrayal of drug culture, Shirley Clarke's feature debut portrays a group of Manhattan junkies, musicians, and other beatniks holed up in a loft awaiting their next fix. Clarke blurs the line between documentary and narrative by portraying Jim Dunn, a budding filmmaker who has agreed to pay for the fix if the addicts will allow him to film the connection scene. Legal battles kept the film out of US theaters for over a year. – Amy Sloper

Filmed in 1969 at Twickenham and Apple Studios in London, Let It Be documents The Beatles recording what would become their final album. In the studio, The Beatles practice, argue, and jam together on classics like "Get Back," "Don't Let Me Down" and "The Long and Winding Road." The film ends with their legendary rooftop concert, which was shut down by the police after only five songs. – Trisha Lendo