Biography
Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, electronic, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed album covers. Zappa produced almost all of the more than 60 albums he released with the band The Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist. While in his t...
Known For
Complete Filmography

Frank Zappa: Cheaper Than Cheep
2025
as Self (guitar, vocals)
The 1974 unreleased made-for-TV concert movie ‘Cheaper Than Cheep’ is finally being released 50 years later! This never-before-heard-or-seen two-hour ...

Frank Zappa: Cheaper Than Cheep
2025
Songs, Producer
The 1974 unreleased made-for-TV concert movie ‘Cheaper Than Cheep’ is finally being released 50 years later! This never-before-heard-or-seen two-hour ...

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
2025
as Self (archive footage)
Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.

Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention: Live at Whisky a Go Go 1968
2024
Shot on July 23, 1968, this historical 16mm footage of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA has been newly...

Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention: Live at Whisky a Go Go 1968
2024
Music
Shot on July 23, 1968, this historical 16mm footage of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA has been newly...

Cover Your Ears
2023
as Self - Musician (archive footage)
When does art become obscenity? Cover Your Ears takes a close look at this question through the lens of the past 100 years of music and the ever-evolv...

Steve Vai - His First 30 Years: The Documentary
2022
as Self (archive footage)
This is the first documentary covering Steve Vai's life from 1960 to 1990. (Co-written by Steve Vai.) Cover Vai's life growing up all the way until 19...

Rock this Town
2022
as Self (archive footage)
An insider’s look into the gritty reality of building the local live music scene, Rock This Town brings to life the exciting history of rock music con...

Kalvøyafestivalen - 50 år siden første riff
2021
as Self (archive footage)
In 1971, the Kalvøya adventure started with shows, jazz and folk rock and the festival developed into "The mother of all Norwegian festivals".

The Velvet Underground
2021
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Experience the iconic rock band's legacy in the first major documentary to tell their story. Directed with the era’s avant-garde spirit by Todd Haynes...

Classic Albums: Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention - Freak Out!
2021
as Self
This programme tells the story behind the conception, recording and release of this groundbreaking album. By use of interviews, musical demonstration,...

The Art of Dissent
2021
as Self - Subject (archive footage)
"The Art of Dissent" celebrates the resilience and power of artistic engagement in Czechoslovakia before and after the 1968 Soviet-led invasion. The d...

Larry Flynt for President
2021
as Self (archive footage)
Assembled from never before seen footage shot in 1983, this film documents controversial Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt's unlikely bid for the...

Zappa
2020
as Self (archive footage)
With the help of more than 10,000 dedicated Zappa fans, this is the long-awaited definitive documentary project of Alex Winter documenting the life an...

Zappa
2020
Music
With the help of more than 10,000 dedicated Zappa fans, this is the long-awaited definitive documentary project of Alex Winter documenting the life an...
Stupor Mundi: Book 3, The Most Dangerous Encounter
2019
as Self (archive footage)
The 1990s to the present, through the main wars of the last decades - from Iraq to Libya - but also the influence of the East on modern Western musici...

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
2019
as Self (archive footage)
With one of the most memorably stunning voices that has ever hit the airwaves, Linda Ronstadt burst onto the 1960s folk rock music scene in her early ...

Manson: Music From an Unsound Mind
2019
as Self (archive footage)
The untold story of Charles Manson's obsession to become a rock star, his rise in the LA music scene, the celebrities who championed his music, his tr...

Echo in the Canyon
2019
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.'s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic music groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, ...

Marian Briozzo
2018
as Himself (archive footage)
Influential animator, Hungarian immigrant and lifelong Frank Zappa enthusiast Gábor Csupó recounts his chance meeting and eventual friendship with the...

Take Your Pills
2018
as Self (archive footage)
In a hypercompetitive world, drugs like Adderall offer students, athletes, coders and others a way to do more -- faster and better. But at what cost?

Uncle Howard
2017
as Self (archive footage)
When Howard Brookner lost his life to AIDS in 1989, the 35-year-old director had completed two feature documentaries and was in post-production on his...

Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words
2016
as Self (archive footage)
Utilizing potent TV interviews and many forgotten performances from his 30-year career, we are immersed into Frank Zappa’s world while experiencing tw...
Stupor Mundi: Livre 1, Rituel de décapitation du pape
2016
as Self (archive footage)
A mental journey - historical, political, musical and metaphysical - in contemporary times, from the Sixties until nowadays.
Stupor Mundi: Livre 2, Les Hommes qui mangèrent la montagne
2016
as Self (archive footage)
A mental journey - historical, political, musical and metaphysical - in contemporary times, from the Sixties until nowadays.
Stupor Mundi: Livre 1, Rituel de décapitation du pape
2016
Music
A mental journey - historical, political, musical and metaphysical - in contemporary times, from the Sixties until nowadays.
Zapped: Frank Zappa par Frank Zappa
2016
as Self - Subject (archive footage)
Documentary on Frank Zappa.

Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention - The Lost Broadcast: The Beat Club '68
2016
as Self
This DVD contains a filmed rehearsal of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention at the legendary Beat Club in Bremen, Germany, on 6th October 1968. T...

Frank Zappa & The Mothers: Roxy: The Movie
2015
as Himself
A Frank Zappa show goes way beyond a mere concert – it is an experience…a flight of improvisation, musicianship, and cerebral cynicism. An unparallele...

Frank Zappa & The Mothers: Roxy: The Movie
2015
Director, Writer, Music
A Frank Zappa show goes way beyond a mere concert – it is an experience…a flight of improvisation, musicianship, and cerebral cynicism. An unparallele...

Feats First: The Life and Music of Lowell George
2015
as Self (archive footage)
This film, the first ever to chronicle Lowell George's life, music and career, uses archive footage and interviews of and with Lowell and Little Feat,...

Led Zeppelin Played Here
2014
as Self (archive footage)
1969. Man lands on the moon. Half a million strong at Woodstock....and Led Zeppelin perform in the gym of the Wheaton Youth Center in front of 50 conf...

Frank Zappa - Summer '82: When Zappa Came to Sicily
2014
as Himself (archive Footage)
In the feature documentary, Summer 82 - When Zappa Came to Sicily, filmmaker and Zappa fan Salvo Cuccia tells the behind-the-scenes story of Frank Zap...

Frank Zappa - Summer '82: When Zappa Came to Sicily
2014
Music
In the feature documentary, Summer 82 - When Zappa Came to Sicily, filmmaker and Zappa fan Salvo Cuccia tells the behind-the-scenes story of Frank Zap...

Made in Japan: The Rise of Deep Purple Mk II
2014
as Himself (archive footage)
Deep Purple is one of the most influential and important guitar bands in history, one of the godfathers of the heavy metal genre, with over 100 millio...

Cheepnis
2014
as Himself
Featuring the only footage Zappa cut together from his legendary 1973 Roxy concerts, "Cheepnis" sings the praises of low-budget monster movies. This s...

Cheepnis
2014
Producer, Editor, Director
Featuring the only footage Zappa cut together from his legendary 1973 Roxy concerts, "Cheepnis" sings the praises of low-budget monster movies. This s...

Super Duper Alice Cooper
2014
as Self (archive footage)
Emerging from the Detroit music scene of the 1970s in a flurry of long hair and sequins, Alice Cooper restored hard rock with a sense of showmanship, ...

Frank Zappa: A Token Of His Extreme
2013
as Himself
Frank Zappa: A Token of his Extreme is the 1974 television special recorded at Kcet in Hollywood that was produced by Zappa and aired only in France a...

Frank Zappa: A Token Of His Extreme
2013
Editor, Music
Frank Zappa: A Token of his Extreme is the 1974 television special recorded at Kcet in Hollywood that was produced by Zappa and aired only in France a...

From Straight to Bizarre
2012
as Self
Documentary about the rise and fall of Frank Zappa's record labels, Bizarre and Straight which featured a collection of acts that included: Alice Coop...
1982. L'estate di Frank
2012
Music
in 1982 there was a boy like you who loved the Beatles and the Rolling Stones but most of all he loved Frank Zappa.... that boy was me and today 30 ye...

Frank Zappa: The Freak Out List
2010
as Himself
On the liner notes to Freak Out!, the 1967 debut album by Zappa's original band the Mothers of Invention, Zappa listed some seventy-two names on the l...

Hart & Soul - The Hart Family Anthology
2010
as Self (archive footage)
Hart & Soul: The Hart Family Anthology is a documentary produced and released by WWE Home Video in collaboration with Hart family members. The DVD chr...

Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention: In the 1960's
2009
as Himself
Here's the most detailed, informative, fascinating Zappa & the Mothers doc yet! Their restless experimentation and agitated social satire come into sh...

Frank Zappa - Live in Paris 1980
2008
as Self
Recorded Live in Paris in 1980, this is a rare recording of Frank Zappa performing at the peak of his career with his incredible backing band, includi...

Frank Zappa: The Torture Never Stops
2008
as Self
Halloween, New York City, 1981 Live at The Palladium with Ray White, Steve Vai, Bobby Martin, Tommy Mars, Ed Mann, Scott Thunes, Chad Wackerman

Frank Zappa: The Torture Never Stops
2008
Music
Halloween, New York City, 1981 Live at The Palladium with Ray White, Steve Vai, Bobby Martin, Tommy Mars, Ed Mann, Scott Thunes, Chad Wackerman

Frank Zappa: The Broadcast Archives
2008
as Self
Frank Zappa - The Broadcast Archives is a collection of live performances from the master of experimental and comedy rock. These Saturday Night Live p...

The Wrecking Crew
2008
as Self (archive footage)
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew." a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such leg...

Frank Zappa: Music In Review
2008
as Self (archive footage)
Idiosyncratic composer, unique musician and ground-breaking film director ..Frank Zappa packed more into his short lifetime than most men would manage...

Classic Albums: Frank Zappa - Apostrophe (') Over-Nite Sensation
2007
as Self (archive footage)
This episode focuses on Zappa's early 70s albums, Overnight Sensation (1973) and Apostrophy (') (1974). Together they encapsulate Zappa's extraordinar...

Frank Zappa: A Pioneer of the Future of Music
2007
Frank Scheffer's (collage like) documentary on the American composer and rock guitarist Frank Zappa, as broadcast by VPRO in the Netherlands April 22,...

Frank Zappa: Roxy, 1973
2007
On April 1, 2007, Zappa.com unveiled a redesigned website, which included the 30-minute segment from the Roxy performances, which had been used at the...

Frank Zappa: Roxy, 1973
2007
Director
On April 1, 2007, Zappa.com unveiled a redesigned website, which included the 30-minute segment from the Roxy performances, which had been used at the...

Fuck
2006
as Self (archive footage)
A documentary on the expletive's origin, why it offends some people so deeply, and what can be gained from its use.
EAV Rarities
2006
as Self (archive footage)
This recording is a rarity documentary about the EAV. The recording was released in 2006 on the DVD "100 Years EAV".

Frank Zappa: A Token of His Extreme
2005
as Himself
From "The Dub Room Special": 1.Approximate (3:56) 2.Cosmik Debris (5:14) 3.Room Service (5:58) Not For Broadcast 4.Stinkfoot (5:44) 5.Inca Roads...

Derailroaded
2005
as Self (archive footage)
A documentary on the life and music of manic-depressive, paranoid-schizophrenic cult music icon Wild Man Fischer.
Frank Zappa - John, Dan And Me
2004
as Himself
1976/12/12 tv-show "saturday night live" opening credits i'm the slime purple lagoon the killer trees peaches en regalia closing credits 1978/1...

Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The 1970s
2002
as Self (archive footage)
A look at "rock and roll" and other pop music based film of the 1970s.
Frank Zappa: Phase II - The Big Note
2002
as Self (archive footage)
Frank Zappa: Phase Two is a 2002 documentary about Frank Zappa. It features a lot of footage from Scheffer's previous film, but new material from Malc...

Band from Utopia: A Tribute to the Music of Frank Zappa
2002
Music
Band from Utopia A Tribute to the Music of Frank Zappa review This tribute to the music of Frank Zappa was recorded live at Jazzopen, Stuttgart, July,...
Frank Zappa: The Present-Day Composer Refuses To Die
2000
as Self (archive footage)
Frank Zappa: The Present-Day Composer Refuses To Die is a 2000 documentary about Frank Zappa.

The Artist Formerly Known As Captain Beefheart
1997
as Himself (archive footage)
Elaine Shepherd’s classic BBC documentary, introduced and narrated by John Peel. Completely wonderful, a 50 minute joy: reviews, articles, blog posts...
Porridge and kerosene
1997
as Self (archive footage)
Mats Öberg, born 1971 in Umeå, Sweden, has been living in Stockholm for many years, where he moved when he entered the Royal Academy of Music, where f...

Hey, Hey, We're The Monkees
1997
as Mike Nesmith (archive footage)
Documentary focusing The Monkees, the 1960s pop group originally created for a TV sitcom. Interviews with the band members, the show's creators, and m...
An American Dissident: un tributo a Frank Zappa
1994
as Self (archive footage)
An American Dissident: un tributo a Frank Zappa is an Italian documentary that aired on the Videomusic channel on January 7, 1994. It includes footage...
A Life of Extravaganza - The Genius Frank Zappa
1993
as Self
The documentary examines Frank Zappa and his music through archive footage, including unique video excerpts from Austrian television archives featurin...

The Revenge of the Dead Indians
1993
as Himself
This is a full-length documentary honoring the life and work of American composer and artist John Cage. Cage is considered one of the most influential...

Beasts
1993
Music
Short animated Hungarian film. Based on works of Hungarian avant-garde artists: Wahorn András, fe Lugossy László, and ef Zámbó István.

The Yellow Shark
1992
as Self
This live recording was culled from seven September 1992 concerts given in Vienna, Berlin, and Frankfurt by the Ensemble Modern, a Frankfurt-based cha...

The Yellow Shark
1992
Conductor, Music
This live recording was culled from seven September 1992 concerts given in Vienna, Berlin, and Frankfurt by the Ensemble Modern, a Frankfurt-based cha...
Tom Arnold: The Naked Truth
1991
as Self
Tom sets out to solve world problems, with help from Frank Zappa, Martin Mull, and wife Roseanne.

Pražákům, těm je hej
1991
as Frank Zappa
The story begins in 1984 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, few years before the end of Communist era. The band Pražský výběr (Prague's selection) has just re...

Frank Zappa: Peefeeyatko
1991
as Self
For the past ten years Zappa in composing has turned away from Rock and Roll music - for which he first became famous - and has been working on new, c...
Your vote
1991
as Self
Educational film convincing kids to vote, hosted by Frank Zappa.

Frank Zappa: Peefeeyatko
1991
Music, Producer
For the past ten years Zappa in composing has turned away from Rock and Roll music - for which he first became famous - and has been working on new, c...
Cousteau: Alaska: Outrage at Valdez
1990
Music
On March 24, 1989, the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in the pristine waters of Alaska's Prince William Sound, spilling 11 million gallons of cr...

Decade
1989
as Self
Interviews with personalities including John Mellencamp, Spike Lee, Lou Reed, Roseanne Barr, David Byrne, George Michael and more, as they reflect on ...
Služební cesta podporučíka Svěráka
1989
as Self (archive footage)

Funny
1988
as Self
People are asked to tell their favorite jokes.

The True Story of Frank Zappa's 200 Motels
1988
as Self
A one-hour documentary on the making of Frank Zappa's bizarre 1971 comic musical. Vintage private footage from Frank's personal archives plus behind-t...

Frank Zappa: Live in Barcelona
1988
Frank Zappa's May 17, 1988 concert performance was captured and broadcast by Televisión Española. None of the song performances would make it onto al...

The True Story of Frank Zappa's 200 Motels
1988
Director, Music, Producer
A one-hour documentary on the making of Frank Zappa's bizarre 1971 comic musical. Vintage private footage from Frank's personal archives plus behind-t...

Video From Hell
1987
as Self
In a little over an hour, 'VIDEO FROM HELL' provides a preview of current and projected Honker releases, including 'BABY SNAKES', 'THE TRUE STORY OF 2...

Video From Hell
1987
Director, Music, Writer
In a little over an hour, 'VIDEO FROM HELL' provides a preview of current and projected Honker releases, including 'BABY SNAKES', 'THE TRUE STORY OF 2...

The Amazing Mr. Bickford
1987
as Self
Several pieces of Frank Zappa's music are set against clay animation by Bruce Bickford.

Uncle Meat
1987
as Self / The Imaginary Director
This is a documentary about an unfinished movie. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention try to film the sci-fi epic "Uncle Meat."

The Amazing Mr. Bickford
1987
Director, Writer, Music
Several pieces of Frank Zappa's music are set against clay animation by Bruce Bickford.

Uncle Meat
1987
Writer, Director, Producer
This is a documentary about an unfinished movie. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention try to film the sci-fi epic "Uncle Meat."
Night Flight with Frank Zappa, Porn Wars
1985
as Self
Frank Zappa stopped by the Night Flight studios in 1985 to talk about music videos, censorship, the PMRC and what it's like to play in his band.
Night Flight with Frank Zappa, Porn Wars
1985
Director, Writer
Frank Zappa stopped by the Night Flight studios in 1985 to talk about music videos, censorship, the PMRC and what it's like to play in his band.

Frank Zappa: Does Humor Belong in Music?
1985
as Self
Frank Zappa and his band in a digitally recorded live performance at "The Pier" in New York, NY on August 26, 1984.

Frank Zappa: Does Humor Belong in Music?
1985
Director, Producer, Music
Frank Zappa and his band in a digitally recorded live performance at "The Pier" in New York, NY on August 26, 1984.

The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers
1984
as Attila
An intelligent, fearless boy living in a superstitious Transylvanian village goes out into the world to figure out what everyone else is afraid of, "t...

Cocaine Blues
1983
as Himself
A look at the problems associated with cocaine use, including the toll it takes, not only on the users themselves but on society in general.

Frank Zappa: The Dub Room Special!
1982
as Self
Produced by Frank Zappa in 1982, The Dub Room Special combines footage from a performance at the KCET studios in Los Angeles on August 27, 1974, a con...

Frank Zappa: The Dub Room Special!
1982
Music, Director, Writer
Produced by Frank Zappa in 1982, The Dub Room Special combines footage from a performance at the KCET studios in Los Angeles on August 27, 1974, a con...
The Rolling Stones - The First 20 Years
1982
as Self
Documentary about the first 20 years of the Rolling Stones with interviews and a lot of rare archive footages all over the world, pictures, TV and liv...
Frank Zappa: New York and Elsewhere
1980
as Self
Frank Zappa: New York & Elsewhere is an Austrian released TV documentary directed in 1980 by Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher, aka DoRo productions, ...

Frank Zappa: Baby Snakes
1979
as Self
Rock artist Frank Zappa hosts a concert in New York City. This movie contains tons of on-stage footage, off-stage footage, and animation.

Frank Zappa: Baby Snakes
1979
Director, Producer, Music
Rock artist Frank Zappa hosts a concert in New York City. This movie contains tons of on-stage footage, off-stage footage, and animation.

Frank Zappa: We Don't Mess Around
1978
as Self
Tracklisting: 1. Pound for a Brown 2. Baby Snakes 3. Deathless Horsie 4. Dancin' Fool 5. Easy Meat 6. Honey Don't You Want A Man Like Me 7. Kee...

Frank Zappa: Opopoppa Stockholm, Sweden
1973
TV concert from Zappa, footage from the warm-up was also tapped

Frank Zappa - Over-Nite Sensation
1973

Frank Zappa - Over-Nite Sensation
1973
Director, Writer
Yoko Ono: This Is Not Here
1972
as Self
"On John's 31st birthday, Yoko held an art exhibit, "This Is Not Here", at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, N.Y.. The show was taped and aired o...

Deep Purple: Made In Japan
1972
as Self (archive footage)
Made in Japan was recorded live over three nights during 15–17 August 1972 at Festival Hall, Osaka and at Budokan, Tokyo, Japan. Four of the tracks co...
Frank Zappa filmt 200 Motels
1971
as Self
Making of "200 Motels".

The Manipulator
1971
Props
An insane Hollywood makeup artist kidnaps a woman and keeps her prisoner in a prop-filled warehouse.

200 Motels
1971
as Member of Mothers of Invention (uncredited)
"Touring makes you crazy," Frank Zappa says, explaining that the idea for this film came to him while the Mothers of Invention were touring. The story...

200 Motels
1971
Director, Screenplay, Music
"Touring makes you crazy," Frank Zappa says, explaining that the idea for this film came to him while the Mothers of Invention were touring. The story...

Frank Zappa, John Lennon & Yoko Ono: At Fillmore East
1971
Video of the famous performance released by both Zappa and Lennon

Frank Zappa
1971
as Self
The Documentary centers around Zappa at home, and on Tour. The amazing thing is that Zappa allowed a guy with a camera to film the band at the Fillmor...

Frank Zappa
1971
Music
The Documentary centers around Zappa at home, and on Tour. The amazing thing is that Zappa allowed a guy with a camera to film the band at the Fillmor...

Amougies (Music Power - European Music Revolution)
1970
as Self
A film by Jerome Laperrousaz, showing the festival at Amougies, October 1969.

Pink Floyd: Amougies Pop Festival
1970
Actuel Festival, Mont de lnclus, Amougies, Belgium 25 October, 1969, was restored from The Early Years 1965-1972 - Vol. 3 1969 Dramatis/ation Featur...
Burnt Weeny Sandwich
1969
as Self
A film by Frank Zappa made for the Dilexi Foundation on KQED
Burnt Weeny Sandwich
1969
Music, Director
A film by Frank Zappa made for the Dilexi Foundation on KQED

Head
1968
as The Critic
In this surrealistic and free-form follow-up to the Monkees' television show, the band frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vig...

All My Loving
1968
as Self
Originally a BBC documentary, this film by Tony Palmer about the 1960's music scene was later released as a standalone DVD by the BFI

You Are What You Eat
1968
A montage of the weird, a freak-out film that appeared when the expression was in fashion and in flower, along with the flower people. The film was on...

Mondo Hollywood
1967
Long considered a cult classic, "Mondo Hollywood" captures the underside of Hollywood by documenting a moment in time (1965-67), when an inquisitive t...

Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution
1967
as Self
Documentary about young pop and rock musicians producing music as "a symptom and generator" of social unrest and generation gaps.
Sex in Today's World
1967
as Self
An examination of changing sexual attitudes in the United States, including comments on the personal and sociological significance of the changes of t...

The Big T.N.T. Show
1965
as Self (uncredited)
Live performances by some of the top rock-and-roll acts of the mid 60s. Includes Ray Charles, The Byrds, Joan Baez, Ike and Tina Turner, Donovan, The ...

Run Home Slow
1965
Original Music Composer
Rugged cowgirl, Nell Hagen sets out to retaliate for the hanging of her father Judd, who ruled their valley with an iron fist before the natives revol...

The World's Greatest Sinner
1962
Original Music Composer
A bored insurance salesman quits his job to go into politics. He first starts preaching about how man is greater than he thinks and that man can live ...
The Male Swagger
N/A
as Guitarist (archive footage)
Film about male swagger.