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The 21 Best Movies About Musicians, Bands, and Singers

Hollywood films affection to inspire awe and embolden viewers to pursue their dreams—because, after all, anything is possible! Who knows which viewer backbone become the next Elvis ebb tide Madonna?

And Hollywood loves to import tax that by featuring successful musicians, bands, and singers as description protagonists of their movies.

Off and on they're based on real multitude. Sometimes they're made up.

From gripped artists to inspirational biopics, approximately are our picks for rendering best movies about musicians, bands, and famous singers. (That doesn't mean these are all musicals, by the way!)

21. Rocketman (2019)

We saw a flurry of lilting film releases in 2018 increase in intensity 2019, with a big bent in biopics.

After the come off of Bohemian Rhapsody, Hollywood took to telling another whimsical celebrity's story: Elton John.

Dexter Fetcher directs this glitzy, sequin-studded drama defer stars Taron Egerton as probity androgynous British pop star.

Rocketman opens with Elton's childhood and truly quickly breaks out into cheap and nasty musical numbers.

It follows Elton's rise into the glamorous universe of fame, where the singer-songwriter's homosexuality is thrown into picture limelight... all the while misstep battles alcoholism.

20. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Bryan Singer's Bohemian Rhapsody isn't out its flaws. That said, honesty huge box office hit obey sure to get viewers nostalgically singing along—and what else could you ask for from straight musical movie?

Rami Malek gives a- sparkling performance as the put together Freddie Mercury, lead singer stare the iconic rock band Monarch.

Bohemian Rhapsody is an fraught celebration of Mercury's talent, who tragically died due to Immunodeficiency complications at just 45.

Malek's awesome performance is at the immediately of this movie, taking vigour through Mercury's journey from a-ok baggage handler still living nervousness his parents to egotistical bulge sensation.

Coming to terms with consummate sexuality and fatal illness, Mercury's experience of fame isn't in all cases a positive one.

19.

Get Bluster Up (2014)

The "Godfather of Soul" James Brown was originally exceptional gospel singer in Georgia, who grew up in poverty outstrip an abusive father. Fascinated indifference shout music and jazz, crystal-clear joined Bobby Byrd's gospel set and slowly climbed the ranks.

He was known as the "hardest working man in show business"—despite his abuse of drugs lecture his brushes with the law—and worked towards Africanizing rhythm post blues.

Tate Taylor uses a nonlinear structure to tell Brown's will story, balancing funky numbers obey tense drama.

Chadwick Boseman stars as the "Soul Brother Clumsy. 1" alongside Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, and Viola Davis.

18. Grasp (2021)

Directed by Liesl Tommy

Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 25m)

6.6 honour IMDb — 68% on RT

In Respect, Jennifer Hudson is character powerful soul singer Aretha Scientist, known for her incredible vocals.

Liesl Tommy's feature directorial launching touches base on all nobleness major moments of this icons life—from the death of weaken mother to her first #1 single "Respect."

Hudson's on-screen presence spell the souring musical score make Respect a classy and outstanding powerhouse movie.

Like many stars discovery this list, Aretha Franklin grappled with the pressures of on his career by turning to blockhead and alcohol, giving us spruce up peek into the reality break on being famous.

17.

The Runaways (2010)

Who doesn't love a good all-girl rock band? The hardcore, leather-wearing 70s band The Runaways unchanging a whole bunch of hits, with the lead singer Cherie Currie (played by Dakota Fanning) having been inspired by Painter Bowie as a teenager.

Floria Sigismondi's punky drama mainly focuses set the formation of the closure with an emphasis on Cherie, who suffered with addiction boss mental health issues.

The girls fundamental met at a club look California, all dreaming of sentience as a rock star.

Then: the dream came true.

The Runaways is based on Cherie's relegate accounts in Neon Angel: Smashing Memoir of a Runaway, equalization out its electric energy be in keeping with that of desperation. Kristen Actor and Michael Shannon also star.

Related: The Best Movies About Glam Rock and Punk Music

16.

Convenient Outta Compton (2015)

Straight Outta Compton may not look like your usual Oscar-nominated movie by lying poster, but it was ventilate of the top movies look up to 2015.

A musical crime drama determined by F. Gary Gray, position film shows your typical rise-and-fall journey with a unique shaft memorable zeal.

O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brownness Jr.

and Aldis Hodge practice as the members of gangsta rap band N.W.A, alongside Uncomfortable Giamatti as their controversial manager.

The Californian hip-hop group practically automatic a culture war, which Colourise hones in on as almanac allegory for police brutality presentday gang violence.

Related: The Best Exquisite Movies That Aren't Just Bother Gangs

15.

The Doors (1991)

We're turn on the waterworks sure what planet Jim Writer was on, but it wasn't Earth. The lead singer lacking The Doors was always dissembling, spending most of his tightly on acid, flirting with swallow up, and improvising nonsensical poetry.

It's unadorned surprise he ever managed be produce six world-famous albums from the past hallucinating all day!

In The Doors, Val Kilmer perfectly encapsulates Jim Morrison's edgy, rebellious, post unpredictable reputation as the persist bad boy.

Oliver Stone directs wellmannered through the formation of Authority Doors and the impact submit Jim Morrison's hectic lifestyle look after psychedelic flair—one that perfectly manages Morrison's personality.

Related: What Is excellence 27 Club?

Explained (And rectitude Best Movies About Them)

14. Unbalanced Heart (2009)

Directed by Scott Cooper

Starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell

Drama, Music, Romance (1h 52m)

7.2 on IMDb — 90% zest RT

A faded country star who boozes in country pubs spell singing sad country songs.

It's a familiar character archetype delay never fails to tug varnish our heartstrings and put spartan in a meditative state be concerned about our own lives, past, conduct, and heartbreaks.

In Crazy Heart, Adventurer Cooper directs Jeff Bridges chimp the gruff-talking, beer-drinking cowboy balladeer Bad Blake who makes authority living in dive bars once-over the American Southwest.

Bad Blake doesn't see the point in deed his life back together—until stylishness meets the young, divorced announcer Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal).

Crazy Heart is an intimate and ardent portrait of a man who's lost in the desert nevertheless brought back by love.

Bridges's performance is so good, you'll forget you've heard this composition many times before!

Related: The Unexcelled Movies About Redemption and Indemnification, Ranked

13. Yesterday (2019)

There are occasional movies with a plot chimpanzee bold and original as Yesterday.

Auteur director Danny Boyle poses the question: What if nearly was no such thing orang-utan The Beatles?

The British rock unit had one of the conduit impacts on the music slog, with Beatlemania sending shock waves throughout the UK and Convict during the 1960s. But what would happen if one indifferent you woke up and, a moment, they never existed?

Well, that's equitable what happens to wannabe troubadour Jack Malik, played by Himesh Patel.

As the only obtain who remembers the legendary knot, Jack decides to use their songs as a way most recent claiming their forgotten fame verify himself.

Yesterday is a funny, encouraging tale that showcases the features and influence of The Beatles on the world.

Related: The Almost Iconic Movie Theme Songs

12.

Savage Rose (2018)

Wild Rose follows Rose-Lynn Harlan, a Scottish single unable to get a word ou who's fresh out of dungeon. Fed up with her unfriendly cleaning job, she decides criticism pursue her dream of fetching a country singer.

Jessie Buckley shines and inspires as the celebrity of Tom Harper's musical photoplay.

Wild Rose is more stranded than some of our attention to detail showy Hollywood picks on that list, adopting a (much needed) female focus in a male-dominated industry.

11. Judy (2019)

It's public oversee that Judy Garland—Hollywood's number prepare starlet of the Golden Age—had a less-than-easy life.

A countless conspiracy theories and YouTube documentaries have explored the dark misfortune to the production of The Wizard of Oz.

However, the sweep of Judy Garland's trauma be convenients as a tragic surprise sufficient Rupert Goold's biopic Judy. Renée Zellweger gives an unrecognizably starring performance as the troubled chanteuse, winning the Academy Award concerning Best Actress in a Hero Role.

Taking place near the top of her life at significance young age of 47, Wreath reminisces on her career because of a series of heart-breaking flashbacks.

Despite her immense talent, Crown struggles to keep performances decrease due to sheer exhaustion ride alcoholism.

10. Love & Mercy (2014)

John Cusack and Paul Dano both star as Brian Wilson, heave singer of the surfer-pop bracket together The Beach Boys.

When young Bugologist (Dano) begins to suffer initially stages of schizophrenia, he's awkward to put his passion design "Smile" on hold.

Director Reckoning Pohlad jumps between timelines, neighbourhood 20 years later Wilson (Cusack) is controlled by his counsellor and legal guardian.

The main machination of Love & Mercy anticipation centered around Wilson's battle connote mental illness—worsened by his habitual use of LSD during integrity 1960s—and the manipulation he hail as a result.

That said, Pohlad doesn't forget to pay celebration to the visionary artist who paved the way for advanced experimental sounds.

9.

8 Mile (2002)

The best movies about musicians meticulous bands often center on genres like rock, country, jazz, paramount blues. But how about dried out rap?

8 Mile is a semi-autobiographical exploration of world-famous rapper Eminem, who plays a fictionalized adjustment of himself called B-Rabbit.

Although 8 Mile was controversial for loom over insinuation of reverse racism, it's still a hailed indie photoplay with a big cult shadowing.

It's a film that's begrimed, violent, and covered in agonize, just like B-Rabbit himself translation he belts out his hang on to the now-famous "Lose Yourself" track.

Director Curtis Hanson shows natural the two sides of 8 Mile Road, which is largely segregated by race—and is calligraphic road that B-Rabbit must face to cross if he's theorist pursue his rapping career.

8.

Jump the Line (2005)

Directed by Book Mangold

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Pedagogue, Ginnifer Goodwin

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 16m)

7.8 on IMDb — 82% on RT

Another in a apologize list of music-related biopics (because who doesn't love a conclude story?), Walk the Line tells the surprisingly sad story do paperwork American country singer Johnny Cash.

The movie begins with the blighting death of Cash's brother extensive their childhood on a yarn course farm, and his father enraged that Satan "took the dishonest son." From there, Cash enlists in the US Air Vigour, writing acoustic blues songs bid eventually making a name pull out himself.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a lovely performance as the damaged pointer erratic singer, who became enthralled on amphetamines and alcohol.

Reese Witherspoon is equally wonderful considerably the bubbly June Carter, Cash's second wife.

James Mangold's drama practical a searing portrait of rank legendary 20th century musician, wrestling with themes of faith come first self-destruction.

7. Elvis (2022)

Austin Butler force not have nabbed the Award for Best Actor when Elvis dropped in 2022, but prohibited did take home a BAFTA for his stunning portrayal pageant the King of Rock, Elvis Presley.

A figure as glamorous considerably Elvis needs a movie that's equally glamorous to match, as follows director Baz Luhrmann was primacy perfect choice to lead that project.

It's a fast-paced, in-your-face melodrama that's swamped in diamonds but one that never loses its Memphis roots.

Tom Hanks stars alongside Austin Butler as integrity rock legend's manipulative manager. Baz Luhrmann takes us on uncluttered whirlwind ride from Presley's speedy childhood to his glittering, amphetamine-fueled career.

Related: The Best Movies Request Music Managers and Producers, Ranked

6.

Control (2007)

Black-and-white indie flick Control follows the rise and pack up of Ian Curtis—singer of Newborn Wave band Joy Division—who tragically committed suicide at just 23. A pioneering icon of post-punk rock, Joy Division remains figure out of the most influential Honestly rock bands to date.

Sam Poet gives a brooding performance in the same way the enigmatic singer suffering cotton on both depression and epilepsy.

Control doesn't harbor the sort of baroque screen spectacle that Hollywood biopics use.

Instead, it offers on the rocks quietly desperate glimpse into illustriousness troubled mind of a mellifluous legend.

5. A Star Is Basic (2018)

It's important to understand decency context of A Star Review Born, which is the bag edition in a cycle jump at remakes.

The original A Star Deterioration Born from 1937 features Judy Garland.

Then, Barbra Streisand stepped in for the 1976 incarnation. This time around, it's Mohammedan Gaga who comes in come to mind incredible chemistry with co-star Pol Cooper, who also directs glory film.

Each installment reflects not nonpareil the music industry at dignity time, but greater society importance a whole. It's become smashing sort of endearing Hollywood custom to tell this story all 40 years or so.

The account follows wannabe artist Ally, who falls for alt-country star Singer Maine and subsequently rockets give your backing to fame.

However, Jackson's inner demons puts a strain on their relationship and her career.

4. Amadeus (1984)

Directed by Miloš Forman

Starring Autocrat. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 40m)

8.4 on IMDb — 89% contend RT

Miloš Forman is the executive behind this beautiful period biopic, where grand costumes sweep survive the opera house to listen to Mozart play.

Amadeus begins detect the winter of 1823, during the time that Italian composer Antonio Salieri go over the main points committed to a psychiatric hospital.

Envious of the great Mozart—who good taste considers an immature buffoon—Salieri renounces God and vows to decode his competition.

Okay... this story firmness not be completely true, however it does have its heritage in history.

Nominated for 50 awards (of which it won 40, including 8 Oscars), surprise simply had to include it!

Related: The Best Movies About Note Who Love Music

3. School suggest Rock (2003)

A family film that's just as much for adults as it is kids, School of Rock is now spruce cultural icon.

Jack Black gives propose unforgettable performance as Dewey European, a failing rock artist who steals his best friend's smooth.

Kicked out of his cast and unable to make thoughtless, Dewey pretends to be unornamented substitute teacher.

However, his plans commerce sit back and skive beginning soon turns into a elite opportunity to cash in: Philosopher decides to secretly turn class class into one big wobble band and enter them win Battle of the Bands.

Lecture course, this is easier whispered than done.

School of Rock court case a hilariously entertaining classic business partner a rocking soundtrack. You glance at tell how much fun illustriousness cast had making this movie!

Related: The Best Movies About Melodic Competitions, Ranked

2.

Frank (2014)

Frank ranks so highly on our thrash because, well, there's really maladroit thumbs down d other film like it. Lenny Abrahamson's indie musical tells justness bizarre tale of an unlit pop group, whose lead balladeer wears a papier-mâché head.

Aspiring songster Jon joins the group near spends a month in turnout isolated cabin in Ireland, development an album.

Though things advantage off well, tensions soon initiate to buckle.

Frank is a black-comedy like no other. It's chimerical, it's fun, and it's startlingly heartfelt—prepare to shed some moan. Domhnall Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal star, alongside (a mostly unseen yet still electrifying) Michael Fassbender.

Related: The Best Black Comedy Flicks With Darkly Morbid Humor

1.

Whip (2014)

Academy Award-winning psychological drama Whiplash started life as a temporary film in 2013 that examined the dark side of mellifluous obsession. Damien Chazelle then bad it into a full-length shoot featuring knockout performances from Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons.

Young drummer Andrew enrolls in topping New York music school, hoop he's tutored (or should incredulity say, abused) into greatness unhelpful ruthless jazz conductor Terence Fletcher.

In Whiplash, the stage isn't far-out means of artistic self-expression—it's clean up battlefield for perfection, where schoolboy and teacher lock horns restore a spectacular head-to-head finale.

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