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The 21 Best Movies About Musicians, Bands, and Singers

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Hollywood films love to inspire awe and encourage viewers to pursue their dreams—because, after all, anything is possible! Who knows which viewer might become the next Elvis or Madonna?

And Hollywood loves to do that by featuring successful musicians, bands, and singers as the protagonists of their movies. Sometimes they're based on real people. Sometimes they're made up.

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

21. Rocketman (2019)

Directed by Dexter Fletcher

Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 1m)

7.3 on IMDb — 89% on RT

We saw a flurry of musical film releases in 2018 and 2019, with a big trend in biopics. After the success of Bohemian Rhapsody , Hollywood took to telling another whimsical celebrity's story: Elton John.

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

Rocketman opens with Elton's childhood and very quickly breaks out into flashy musical numbers. It follows Elton's rise into the glamorous world of fame, where the singer-songwriter's homosexuality is thrown into the limelight... all the while he battles alcoholism.

20. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Directed by Bryan Singer

Starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 14m)

7.9 on IMDb — 60% on RT

Bryan Singer's Bohemian Rhapsody isn't without its flaws. That said, the huge box office hit is sure to get viewers nostalgically singing along—and what else could you ask for from a musical movie?

Rami Malek gives a sparkling performance as the late Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the iconic rock band Queen. Bohemian Rhapsody is an explosive celebration of Mercury's talent, who tragically died due to AIDS complications at just 45.

Malek's incredible performance is at the heart of this movie, taking us through Mercury's journey from a baggage handler still living with his parents to egotistical pop sensation.

Coming to terms with his sexuality and fatal illness, Mercury's experience of fame isn't always a positive one.

19. Get On Up (2014)

Directed by Tate Taylor

Starring Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 19m)

6.9 on IMDb — 80% on RT

The "Godfather of Soul" James Brown was originally a gospel singer in Georgia, who grew up in poverty with an abusive father. Fascinated by shout music and jazz, he joined Bobby Byrd's gospel group and slowly climbed the ranks.

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

Tate Taylor uses a nonlinear structure to tell Brown's life story, balancing funky numbers with tense drama. Chadwick Boseman stars as the "Soul Brother No. 1" alongside Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, and Viola Davis.

18. Respect (2021)

Directed by Liesl Tommy

Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 25m)

6.6 on IMDb — 68% on RT

In Respect , Jennifer Hudson is the powerful soul singer Aretha Franklin, known for her incredible vocals. Liesl Tommy's feature directorial debut touches base on all the major moments of this icons life—from the death of her mother to her first #1 single "Respect."

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

Like many stars on this list, Aretha Franklin grappled with the pressures of her career by turning to drugs and alcohol, giving us a peek into the reality of being famous.

17. The Runaways (2010)

Directed by Floria Sigismondi

Starring Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon

Biography, Drama, Music (1h 46m)

6.5 on IMDb — 69% on RT

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

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

The girls originally met at a club in California, all dreaming of life as a rock star. Then: the dream came true.

The Runaways is based on Cherie's own accounts in Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway , balancing out its electric energy with that of desperation. Kristen Stewart and Michael Shannon also star.

16. Straight Outta Compton (2015)

Directed by F. Gary Gray

Starring O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell

Biography, Drama, History (2h 27m)

7.8 on IMDb — 88% on RT

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

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

O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr. and Aldis Hodge star as the members of gangsta rap band N.W.A, alongside Paul Giamatti as their controversial manager.

The Californian hip-hop group practically triggered a culture war, which Gray hones in on as an allegory for police brutality and gang violence.

15. The Doors (1991)

Directed by Oliver Stone

Starring Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 20m)

7.2 on IMDb — 56% on RT

We're not sure what planet Jim Morrison was on, but it wasn't Earth. The lead singer of The Doors was always elusive, spending most of his time on acid, flirting with death, and improvising nonsensical poetry.

It's a surprise he ever managed to produce six world-famous albums while hallucinating all day! In The Doors , Val Kilmer perfectly encapsulates Jim Morrison's edgy, rebellious, and unpredictable reputation as the ultimate bad boy.

Oliver Stone directs us through the formation of The Doors and the impact of Jim Morrison's hectic lifestyle with psychedelic flair—one that perfectly manages Morrison's personality.

14. Crazy Heart (2009)

Directed by Scott Cooper

Starring Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell

Drama, Music, Romance (1h 52m)

7.2 on IMDb — 90% on RT

A faded country star who boozes in country pubs while singing sad country songs. It's a familiar character archetype that never fails to tug at our heartstrings and put us in a meditative state about our own lives, past, habits, and heartbreaks.

In Crazy Heart , Scott Cooper directs Jeff Bridges as the gruff-talking, beer-drinking cowboy singer Bad Blake who makes his living in dive bars across the American Southwest.

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

Crazy Heart is an intimate and earnest portrait of a man who's lost in the desert but brought back by love. Bridges's performance is so good, you'll forget you've heard this story many times before!

13. Yesterday (2019)

Directed by Danny Boyle

Starring Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino

Comedy, Fantasy, Music (1h 56m)

6.8 on IMDb — 63% on RT

There are few movies with a plot as bold and original as Yesterday . Auteur director Danny Boyle poses the question: What if there was no such thing as The Beatles?

The British rock band had one of the biggest impacts on the music industry, with Beatlemania sending shock waves throughout the UK and US during the 1960s. But what would happen if one day you woke up and, suddenly, they never existed?

Well, that's exactly what happens to wannabe musician Jack Malik, played by Himesh Patel. As the only person who remembers the legendary band, Jack decides to use their songs as a way of claiming their forgotten fame for himself.

Yesterday is a funny, heart-warming tale that showcases the spirit and influence of The Beatles on the world.

12. Wild Rose (2018)

Directed by Tom Harper

Starring Jessie Buckley, Matt Costello, Jane Patterson

Drama, Music (1h 41m)

7.1 on IMDb — 92% on RT

Wild Rose follows Rose-Lynn Harlan, a Scottish single mum who's fresh out of prison. Fed up with her demoralizing cleaning job, she decides to pursue her dream of becoming a country singer.

Jessie Buckley shines and inspires as the lead of Tom Harper's musical drama. Wild Rose is more grounded than some of our other showy Hollywood picks on this list, adopting a (much needed) female focus in a male-dominated industry.

11. Judy (2019)

Directed by Rupert Goold

Starring Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock

Biography, Drama, Music (1h 58m)

6.8 on IMDb — 82% on RT

It's public knowledge that Judy Garland—Hollywood's number one starlet of the Golden Age—had a less-than-easy life. A myriad conspiracy theories and YouTube documentaries have explored the dark underside to the production of The Wizard of Oz .

However, the extent of Judy Garland's trauma comes as a tragic surprise in Rupert Goold's biopic Judy . Renée Zellweger gives an unrecognizably stellar performance as the troubled singer, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Taking place near the end of her life at the young age of 47, Garland reminisces on her career through a series of heart-breaking flashbacks. Despite her immense talent, Garland struggles to keep performances going due to sheer exhaustion and alcoholism.

10. Love & Mercy (2014)

Directed by Bill Pohlad

Starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks

7.4 on IMDb — 90% on RT

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

When young Wilson (Dano) begins to suffer early stages of schizophrenia, he's forced to put his passion project "Smile" on hold. Director Bill Pohlad jumps between timelines, where 20 years later Wilson (Cusack) is controlled by his therapist and legal guardian.

The main plot of Love & Mercy is centered around Wilson's battle with mental illness—worsened by his repeated use of LSD during the 1960s—and the manipulation he suffered as a result.

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

9. 8 Mile (2002)

Directed by Curtis Hanson

Starring Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger

Drama, Music (1h 50m)

7.2 on IMDb — 75% on RT

The best movies about musicians and bands often center on genres like rock, country, jazz, and blues. But how about some rap?

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

Although 8 Mile was controversial for its insinuation of reverse racism, it's still a hailed indie drama with a big cult following. It's a film that's grimy, violent, and covered in sweat, just like B-Rabbit himself as he belts out his lines to the now-famous "Lose Yourself" track.

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

8. Walk the Line (2005)

Directed by James Mangold

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 16m)

7.8 on IMDb — 82% on RT

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

The movie begins with the devastating death of Cash's brother during their childhood on a cotton farm, and his father furious that Satan "took the wrong son." From there, Cash enlists in the US Air Force, writing acoustic blues songs and eventually making a name for himself.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a beautiful performance as the damaged and erratic singer, who became hooked on amphetamines and alcohol. Reese Witherspoon is equally wonderful as the bubbly June Carter, Cash's second wife.

James Mangold's drama is a searing portrait of the legendary 20th century musician, grappling with themes of faith and self-destruction.

7. Elvis (2022)

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Starring Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 39m)

7.3 on IMDb — 77% on RT

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

A figure as glamorous as Elvis needs a movie that's equally glamorous to match, so director Baz Luhrmann was the perfect choice to lead this 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 the rock legend's manipulative manager. Baz Luhrmann takes us on a whirlwind ride from Presley's poor childhood to his glittering, amphetamine-fueled career.

6. Control (2007)

Directed by Anton Corbijn

Starring Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Craig Parkinson

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 2m)

7.6 on IMDb — 88% on RT

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

Sam Riley gives a brooding performance as the enigmatic singer suffering with both depression and epilepsy.

Control doesn't harbor the sort of flamboyant screen spectacle that Hollywood biopics use. Instead, it offers a quietly desperate glimpse into the troubled mind of a musical legend.

5. A Star Is Born (2018)

Directed by Bradley Cooper

Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott

Drama, Music, Romance (2h 16m)

7.6 on IMDb — 90% on RT

It's important to understand the context of A Star Is Born , which is the third edition in a cycle of remakes.

The original A Star Is Born from 1937 features Judy Garland. Then, Barbra Streisand stepped in for the 1976 version. This time around, it's Lady Gaga who comes in with incredible chemistry with co-star Bradley Cooper, who also directs the film.

Each installment reflects not only the music industry at the time, but greater society as a whole. It's become a sort of endearing Hollywood tradition to tell this story every 40 years or so.

The story follows wannabe artist Ally, who falls for alt-country star Jackson Maine and subsequently rockets to fame. However, Jackson's inner demons puts a strain on their relationship and her career.

4. Amadeus (1984)

Directed by Miloš Forman

Starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 40m)

8.4 on IMDb — 89% on RT

Miloš Forman is the director behind this beautiful period biopic, where grand costumes sweep through the opera house to hear Mozart play. Amadeus begins in the winter of 1823, when Italian composer Antonio Salieri is committed to a psychiatric hospital.

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

Okay... this story might not be completely true, but it does have its roots in history. Nominated for 50 awards (of which it won 40, including 8 Oscars), we simply had to include it!

3. School of Rock (2003)

Directed by Richard Linklater

Starring Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack

Comedy, Music (1h 49m)

7.2 on IMDb — 92% on RT

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

Jack Black gives an unforgettable performance as Dewey Finn, a failing rock artist who steals his best friend's identity. Kicked out of his band and unable to make rent, Dewey pretends to be a substitute teacher.

However, his plans to sit back and skive off soon turns into a unique opportunity to cash in: Dewey decides to secretly turn the class into one big rock band and enter them into Battle of the Bands. Of course, this is easier said than done.

School of Rock is a hilariously entertaining classic with a rocking soundtrack. You can tell how much fun the cast had making this movie!

2. Frank (2014)

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson

Starring Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Comedy, Drama, Music (1h 35m)

6.9 on IMDb — 92% on RT

Frank ranks so highly on our list because, well, there's really no other film like it. Lenny Abrahamson's indie musical tells the bizarre tale of an obscure pop group, whose lead singer wears a papier-mâché head.

Aspiring songwriter Jon joins the group and spends a month in an isolated cabin in Ireland, preparing an album. Though things start off well, tensions soon begin to buckle.

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

1. Whiplash (2014)

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Starring Miles Teller, J. K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist

Drama, Music, Thriller (1h 46m)

8.5 on IMDb — 94% on RT

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

Young drummer Andrew enrolls in a New York music school, where he's tutored (or should we say, abused) into greatness by ruthless jazz conductor Terence Fletcher.

In Whiplash , the stage isn't a means of artistic self-expression—it's a battlefield for perfection, where student and teacher lock horns in a spectacular head-to-head finale.

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The 50 Best Music Biopic Movies

Get ready for a Fresh new sound with tonight’s headliner: Rotten Tomatoes’ best music biopics ever!

Music has been a crucial component of the movies since the beginning, back even when they were supposedly ‘silent.’ So naturally we started making movies about those makers of melodies. And actors love playing them: They get to show off an expanded range of talent, and so many musicians’ lives are filled with drama and passion. As the term implies, the biopics on this list are all based on real people across an expanse of styles: rock ( Sid & Nancy , Control ), country ( Coal Miner’s Daughter , Walk the Line ), hip-hop ( Straight Outta Compton ), pop ( Selena , Love & Mercy ), classical ( Amadeus ), and beyond. The only exception we made was for 8 Mile : Though the names were changed, the fact that the main character – a Marshall Mathers stand-in – was played by the original Marshall Mathers demanded its inclusion. After that, every movie with a Fresh rating is sorted by Adjusted Tomatometer to give us the definitive ranking of the best movies made about musicians.

Let’s take it from the top, and this time with feeling: Play on for the best-reviewed music biopic movies! — Alex Vo

What's Love Got to Do With It (1993) 97%

The Pianist (2002) 95%

Blaze (2018) 95%

Behind the Candelabra (2013) 94%

Amadeus (1984) 89%

Funny Girl (1968) 94%

Shine (1996) 91%

Rocketman (2019) 89%

Straight Outta Compton (2015) 89%

Love & Mercy (2014) 89%

Born to Be Blue (2015) 88%

Control - Love Will Tear Us Apart (2007) 88%

Sid & Nancy (1986) 89%

Hilary and Jackie (1998) 88%

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) 86%

24 Hour Party People (2002) 87%

The Sound of Music (1965) 83%

Walk the Line (2005) 82%

La Bamba (1987) 83%

Get On Up (2014) 81%

Nowhere Boy (2009) 80%

Elvis (2022) 77%

Ray (2004) 79%

I'm Not There (2007) 77%

8 Mile (2002) 75%

La Vie en Rose (2007) 74%

Gainsbourg (2011) 73%

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010) 72%

The Buddy Holly Story (1978) 100%

Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) 100%

Round Midnight (1986) 100%

Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993) 92%

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) 91%

Sweet Dreams (1985) 90%

The Glenn Miller Story (1954) 89%

Bird (1988) 77%

Bound for Glory (1976) 81%

Song Without End (1960) 83%

Miles Ahead (2016) 74%

Greetings From Tim Buckley (2012) 72%

The Runaways (2010) 69%

Respect (2021) 69%

Backbeat (1994) 68%

Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013) 65%

Selena (1997) 66%

Lady Sings the Blues (1972) 71%

I'll See You in My Dreams (1951) 67%

Cadillac Records (2008) 66%

One Chance (2013) 64%

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) 60%

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25 Musical Biopics That Actually Rock

From Joy Division to Mozart.

Moviegoers love to see movies based on true stories, which is part of the reason musical biopics are so popular. The other being, of course, that the musicians who are the subjects of such movies themselves are also incredibly popular. There's something exhilarating about watching a movie about a famous singer, seeing a behind-the-scenes look at the songs we know so well. These movies often show us what we don't get to see on stage: the struggles, the determination, the falls from grace. And there's definitely something appealing about watching actors perform as musicians—either lip-syncing along to famous tracks or tackling vocals themselves. While there are almost too many movies about musicians to count, here are the 25 best musical biopics ever made.

25. The Runaways

Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart star as Cherie Currie and Joan Jett, respectively, in this behind-the-scenes look at the early days of teen girl rock band The Runaways. Michael Shannon co-stars as infamous record producer Kim Fowley in this movie based on Currie's memoir.

24. The Doors

Oliver Stone lends his outrageous hand to this biopic of Jim Morrison, The Doors, and the wild sex, drugs, and rock and roll of the '60s counterculture. Meg Ryan and Kyle MacLachlan co-star as Morrison's girlfriend Pamela Courson and bandmate Ray Mazarek, respectively.

23. Nowhere Boy

Julia Baird's memoir of her brother John Lennon serves as the basis for this biopic about the musician's early life, which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the young man who would become one of the most famous musicians in the world.

22. Love & Mercy

This biopic of Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson stars Paul Dano and John Cusack as the musician. Love & Mercy alternates between Wilson in the 1960s, during the recording of the seminal album Pet Sounds , and the 1980s, depicting his struggles with mental illness and his psychotherapy program.

21. Get On Up

Years before Black Panther , Chadwick Boseman had a starring role as the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown, in this underrated biopic that co-stars Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Dan Aykroyd.

20. Bound for Glory

An early standout in the contemporary musical biopic genre, Bound for Glory stars David Carradine as legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Hal Ashby's gorgeous film earned six Oscar nominations including Best Picture, and won the award for Best Cinematography.

19. The Buddy Holly Story

Gary Busey earned an Oscar nomination (you read that right) for his iconic performance as rock musician Buddy Holly. The 1978 film is another classic biopic that set the standard for the genre, charting Holly's successful but short career—and his lasting impact on American culture.

Ethan Hawke co-wrote and directed this biopic of the often-overlooked singer-songwriter Blaze Foley (Ben Dickey), who helped spawn the Texas outlaw movement that later made Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson major stars. The film follows Foley's unconventional life and career—both cut tragically short.

17. Lady Sings the Blues

Diana Ross made her film debut in this Motown-produced film about the turbulent life of jazz great Billie Holiday, adapted from her own autobiography. Co-starring Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor, the biopic follows Holiday from her humble roots, to stardom, to her subsequent heroin addiction and career comeback.

16. 24 Hour Party People

The Manchester music scene from the late '70s to the early '90s serves as the backdrop to Michael Winterbottom's cult classic, which stars Steve Coogan as Tony Wilson, the Factory Records head responsible for the success of Joy Division and New Order.

15. Control

Photographer Anton Corbijn's directorial debut tells the story of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis (Sam Riley), one of the most compelling performers in the late-'70s post-punk scene. Based on the memoir of Curtis's wife, Deborah (played here by Samantha Morton), the film is shot in stark black and white—a stylistic choice that compliments Joy Division's dark and moody songs.

14. La Vie En Rose

Marion Cotillard's breakout performance as famed French singer Édith Piaf—whose life was marked with tragic events as she rose from an impoverished young street performer to international star—earned the actress an Oscar.

13. Velvet Goldmine

While it's not a true David Bowie biopic—Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays an androgynous musician named Brian Slade, modeled on Bowie, Jobriath, and Marc Bolan—he did threaten to sue writer-director Todd Haynes for his glam rock epic that co-stars Christian Bale as a music journalist and Ewan McGregor as a Iggy Pop-Lou Reed hybrid.

The short life and career of Tejano music star Selena is the subject of this movie, which stars Jennifer Lopez in her breakout film role. The film portrays Selena's rise as a singer who breaks out of the Latino music scene and becomes an international pop star before she was murdered by the president of her fan club.

Clint Eastwood directs Forest Whitaker in this Oscar-winning film about jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, who battles mental illness and drug addiction throughout much of his life—but whose signature style of performing changed the jazz world forever.

Eminem plays Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith in this slightly fictionalized film based on his own life as a young white rapper who breaks free from an abusive household in Detroit and becomes a rap superstar. (The rapper won an Oscar for Best Original Song for the film's famous track, "Lose Yourself.")

Jamie Foxx nabbed an Oscar for his realistic portrayal of R&B legend Ray Charles, who went from a blind child of sharecroppers in the South to one of the greatest American musicians of all time.

8. Straight Outta Compton

Hip-hop biopics are becoming a dime a dozen (you can skip the films about Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac), but Straight Outta Compton offers a powerful and emotional look behind the founding and early success of N.W.A. (and features O'Shea Jackson Jr. playing his own father, Ice Cube).

7. Walk the Line

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both won Oscars for their performances in this film about country musicians Johnny Cash and June Carter, following Cash's career as a solo artist and eventual musical and romantic partner to Carter.

6. Sid and Nancy

Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb give incredible—maybe even unbelievable—performances as Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, whose love affair devolves into drug abuse, violence, and Nancy's murder—all set against the rise of the punk scene in late-'70s London.

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The 10 Greatest Rock Biopics

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

Chief Film Critic

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The rock biopic never goes away. Its popularity waxes and wanes, and not everyone will agree on what the great ones are. Just look at the love-it-or-thumb-your-nose-at-it phenomenon that was “Bohemian Rhapsody” — or at Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” which seems, thus far, to be a movie that audiences have embraced more than critics have. What we can all agree on, perhaps, is how much we cherish this form . When it’s great, the rock biopic delivers a kick of excitement that’s singular in its grandeur. These movies are all about art, they’re about fame, they’re about sex and drugs, they’re about conducting the electricity of rock, soul, funk, punk and hip-hop, they’re about an actor not just playing but becoming a pop star, and in that sense they’re about music as save-your-soul, walk-on-the-wild-side, stairway-to-heaven religion. Here are the 10 rock biopics we think are most worthy of worship.

In 1980, Ian Curtis, the 23-year-old lead singer of Joy Division, took his own life. His suicide then cast its shadow back over the band, sealing their image as morose prophets of postpunk doom. But Anton Corbijn’s exquisitely accomplished Curtis biopic both mythologizes and undercuts the image of Curtis as the depressive bard of the Manchester music scene. Sam Riley, who looks eerily like Curtis, is mesmerizing in the concert sequences, flinging his arms around in the singer’s trademark martial strut, which was like a stylized version of one of his epileptic fits (a condition he addressed in “She’s Lost Control,” arguably Joy Division’s most arresting song). Shot in lusciously austere black-and-white, “Control” is about another sort of division — the split that Curtis felt between the normality of his home life and the temptations of rock stardom, a conflict that tore him apart.

The Buddy Holly Story

Gary Busey, still mostly an unknown, dropped 35 pounds and did his own singing to play Buddy Holly, the grinning, horn-rimmed Boy Scout of 1950s rock. There are rock biopics that have the gregarious spirit of B-movies, and this is one of them, though it may be the supreme example of how a certain upbeat drive-in-movie geniality can be perfectly attuned to its subject ­— in this case, Busey’s Buddy Holly as a rock dynamo in a nerd’s body, turning songs like “Peggy Sue” and “Not Fade Away” into crackling anthems of happy combustion. The entire movie is a pedestal for Busey’s rambunctious performance, which is all about Holly channeling the spirit of early rock as something larger than himself.

A luridly liberating trip through the violence and hunger, the verbal brilliance and money fever of the hip-hop world, which George Tillman Jr.’s drama views as both heroic and destructive (often for the same reasons). Dressed in pin stripes and a bowler hat, Jamal Woolard is uncanny as the imperious-on-the-outside, haunted-on-the-inside Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. the Notorious B.I.G., who saunters arounds like a mountainous gangsta John Wayne, imposing himself on each encounter. He starts off as a crook, then becomes a put-on crook who’s reborn into a rap superhero, making up his smoky dark rhymes on the spot, using the words to seduce. But the movie also teases out the glee in Biggie (he’s like a kid cracking up at his own bravado), which is one reason it’s a far richer, subtler, and more potent hip-hop chronicle than “Straight Outta Compton.”

It may seem that the Beatles are too iconic to be convincingly portrayed in a biopic. Yet Iain Softley’s drama is a loving reenactment of the years before the Beatles got famous, when they were just a rough-and-tumble bar band hired to keep the customers awake between strippers by playing hard-rocking cover versions of “Be-Bop-a-Lula” in the grimy rathskellers of Hamburg. And so the movie lets us discover them anew. Ian Hart, a dead ringer for John Lennon, makes him the nastiest and wittiest punk around. Everything but rock ‘n’ roll is a sham to John, yet his hostile japery is itself a mask. We can see that his true musical comrade is Paul McCartney (Gary Bakewell), yet the one John feels closest to is Stu Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff, in his finest performance), the fifth member of the Beatles, who is sexy, aristocratic, and doomed. The movie is about how the Beatles learned to unite rock ‘n’ roll with beauty, and when they finally do, taking the stage to play “Twist and Shout,” it gives you a shudder.

Love & Mercy

It brings off a time-machine miracle. For much of Bill Pohlad’s film, we’re in the studio with Brian Wilson, the damaged prodigy of the Beach Boys, as he creates “Pet Sounds,” and damned if we’re not right there with him — watching him work out his musical arrangements with the Wrecking Crew, or teach his brothers how to sing in contrapuntal harmony, holding the masterpiece he’s making together in his own head. Paul Dano, spacey and spooked, catches the delicate directness of Brian’s lust for the sublime, and the movie shows a deep understanding of how Wilson’s mental-health issues (this is a man who hears voices) are inextricable from his creative virtuosity (this is a man who hears voices). In the film’s other half, John Cusack portrays Wilson 20 years later, when he’d become a wreck under the exploitative “care” of the hustler guru Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti), and the story of how Wilson freed himself from this Dr. Feel-Bad becomes as emotionally suspenseful as it is moving.

Jamie Foxx channels Ray Charles in a movie that pays galvanizing tribute to his genius but also digs down into his flawed, soul-deep humanity. The director, Taylor Hackford, creates a supple storytelling structure, allowing Foxx to uses Ray’s blindness as a fulcrum for the singer’s laser-like ability to read people. The movie stays true to Charles’ story, but it’s built like a runaway train to rhythm-and-blues heaven, so that by the time Ray performs “What’d I Say,” he seems to be ascending into a percolating nirvana of electric-piano propulsion. Yet Ray’s triumph is also his downfall. He becomes successful by controlling everything — his music, his business, his master tapes, the women and drugs whose temptations he can’t resist. He becomes a dynamo of unchecked ego, even as he forges a sound as large as America.

I'm Not There

When you hear about Todd Haynes’s visionary biopic-in-six-parts, with half a dozen actors playing Bob Dylan in different guises, it may sound like an overreaching academic stunt. But Haynes is the most down-to-earth deconstructionist alive. He treats each segment as a little movie of its own, and he’s so rapturously attuned to the dirty secret of Dylan’s music — that it was never “folk,” and that the lyrics don’t matter nearly as much as you think — that the movie works as a series of bedazzled epiphanies, whether it’s Cate Blanchett embodying the druggy hipster Dylan of 1965 as a sun-glassed celebrity enigma, or Heath Ledger touching the raw nerve of his marital troubles, or Christian Bale singing the 1980 gospel song “Pressing On” in a way that unlocks the passion of Dylan’s Christian phase. These ever-changing Dylans are as distinct as can be, even as they flow right into one another. What unifies the movie is Todd Haynes’ addiction to Dylan. He wants to lure you inside that intoxication, and does, which is why “I’m Not There” plays like the headiest musical ever made.

What's Love Got to Do With It

The saga of Tina Turner has become a myth, a legend, a parable. But when this biopic was released in 1993, the story of her marriage to Ike Turner — the extraordinary music they made together, the horrific abuse she suffered — was still being unpacked, and in the movie it plays with a force of revelation. Angela Bassett does full justice to the volcanic power of Tina’s stage persona in the 1960s, when the intensity of her singing and dancing trumped every pop performer around. Offstage, she shows us how Tina was trapped in a relationship of merciless fear. Yet Laurence Fishburne’s performance as the manipulative, two-faced Ike is never a caricature; it’s a portrait of toxic domestic male rage that’s rendered as humanely as the film renders Tina’s anguished heroism. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” retains a singular power: as a cautionary tale of unchecked abuse, and as the story of an artist who, even as she hid in the shadows, remade the pop-music landscape with the fury of her gift.

Amazingly, there are still many Chadwick Boseman fans who have never seen the late actor’s finest performance — as James Brown, in all his raspy cunning and whirling funk ecstasy. How does anyone play James Brown? How do you inhabit those moves, that gruffer-than-life personality? You have to be operating on some next level of majestic exhibitionism, but damned if Boseman doesn’t bring it off. Tate Taylor’s movie has a vibrant authenticity — it stays extraordinarily close to the saga of how Brown created his own inside-out version of rock ‘n’ roll, flipping the backbeat, accompanying it all with stage moves that would mark him as a one-man machine of transcendence. Yet the Brown we see is also a scalded soul, at once proud and merciless. With every performance, he’s stomping out his pain, and Boseman is uncompromising when it comes to portraying how Brown shut out the world in order to conquer it.

Sid and Nancy

It was Gary Oldman’s first movie (no one, until then, had heard of him). Yet he inhabited the role of Sid Vicious with such astonishing immersion — the scowling grin and pasty skin; the glassy-eyed delinquent-as-sociopath daze; the way he tossed his body around like an S&M rag doll — that to this day it may be his single greatest performance. In a timeless punk drama, the director Alex Cox did something indelible in its transgressive glee. He made what was essentially a Sex Pistols biopic by building it entirely around Sid, a charismatic wastrel of almost no talent, and his American girlfriend Nancy Spungen, played by Chloe Webb as a platinum-blonde junkie vampire who speaks in a screeching whine from hell. These people were thought of, even by many of their closest associates, as a joke. Yet the tawdry glory of the movie is that it digs so deep into their humanity, their dirty-syringe desperation, and their genuine love for each other that it’s like watching “Tristan und Isolde” in safety pins and torn fishnets. Sid, as he once sang, did it “My Way,” and in the movie’s culminating scenes, set in the Chelsea Hotel, Oldman and Webb create a darkly spellbinding magic together, making the pain as real as the self-destructive insanity. With the exception of “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Sid and Nancy” is the greatest rock ‘n’ roll movie ever made. And that makes it the greatest rock biopic.

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The best music biopics can have a cultural impact that goes far beyond devoted fans. Here are 30 must-sees.

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Technology may have impacted on the way we consume music in the 21st Century, but our love of the cinema remains undiminished. Indeed, as global smashes such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Judy, and Straight Outta Compton have shown, the best music biopics can account for some of the biggest draws in the movies. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy our list of the 30 best music biopics to grace screens both big and small. If we’ve missed any of your favorites, let us know in the comments section.

30: Jersey Boys

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Jersey Boys is adapted from the Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, which first debuted in 2005. In both cases, the subject is the story of New Jersey rock and pop troupe The Four Seasons, with original members Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio serving as executive producers, and Gaudio composing the film’s music. The biopic was advertised as the story of four kids “from the wrong side of the tracks”, and thus drugs, excess, and The Four Seasons’ regular run-ins with mobsters are all part and parcel of one of 2014’s most memorable films.

29: Miles Ahead

First released in 2017, Miles Ahead was something of a labor of love for Don Cheadle, who co-wrote the script, and co-produced and made his directorial debut with the movie, not to mention while also playing the lead, the colossal jazz legend Miles Davis . Cheadle’s herculean efforts failed to win over some of the critics, but he did a great job capturing Davis’, attitude, drug-fuelled paranoia, and even his famous death-ray stare in this compelling and passionate biopic.

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28: Nowhere Boy

First released in the UK in 2009 and then granted a US cinema release to coincide with what should have been John Lennon ’s 70th birthday, on 9 October 2010, Nowhere Boy revisits the future Beatle’s early years in Liverpool, taking in the creation of his first band, The Quarrymen, and their gradual transition into The Beatles . Unlike Ian Hart in Backbeat , Aaron Taylor-Johnson bears little physical resemblance to the young Lennon, but he captures the wit of the adolescent future Beatle. There’s a strong supporting cast, too, with Anne Marie-Duff playing Lennon’s mother, Julia, and Kristin Scott-Thomas attempting to instill discipline as John’s stern yet dependable Aunt Mimi.

27: Get On Up

Tate Taylor’s James Brown biopic, Get On Up , is a rollercoaster ride for the viewer as the action jumps around from the 80s to the 60s and the 30s, connecting events through thematic links rather than chronology. If you can keep up, however, there’s plenty to savor here, not least because Chadwick Boseman puts in a superlative performance in the lead role, capturing Brown’s strutting, fireproof confidence in all its glory. Curiously, Get On Up struggled at the box office in 2014, but it’s a critical favorite (renowned US critic Robert Christgau wrote, “It’s great – better than The Help , which I quite admire, and Ray , which I love”) that’s well worth rediscovering.

26: Great Balls Of Fire!

Jerry Lee Lewis’ reputation as one of rock’n’roll’s greatest hellraisers will always precede him. However, Jim McBride’s 1989 biopic leans more towards the positive, concentrating on The Killer’s irresistible rise to rock’n’roll stardom, which may have seen him overtake Elvis Presley if it hadn’t been for his controversial marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown, whose biography the film is partially based upon. Great Balls Of Fire! has its critics, but Alec Baldwin plays Jerry Lee’s infamous pastor cousin, Jimmy Swaggart, with aplomb, and Dennis Quaid – whose performance was praised by Lewis himself – is superb in the lead role.

25: The Doors

The Doors should perhaps simply have been titled The Jim Morrison Movie , as director Oliver Stone ( Midnight Express , Wall Street , Natural Born Killers ) homes in almost exclusively on the life and times of the band’s iconic frontman, often pushing the contributions of his bandmates off into the sidelines in this big-budget biopic from 1991. However, while hardcore fans, and The Doors themselves, voiced their disapproval, the critics disagreed, with Rolling Stone awarding it four stars. In retrospect, it’s fair to say Stone took some hefty liberties with the real story, but for all that, Val Kilmer is hypnotic as Morrison, and if you can overlook the more hackneyed Hollywood clichés, The Doors is well worth searching out.

24: 24 Hour Party People

Director Michael Winterbottom’s 24 Hour Party People follows the seismic – and sometimes surreal – career arc of Factory Records boss Tony Wilson through the decades. It takes in his work with Joy Division, including the memorable scene where Wilson (his dry-witted persona captured beautifully by Steve Coogan) inks their recording contract in his own blood, through to the opening of the iconic – if bank-breaking – Haçienda nightclub. Fiction sometimes makes a mockery of fact (though there is real-life footage of Sex Pistols ’ legendary gig at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall), but it’s still an enthusiastic and heartfelt tribute to both the late 80s Madchester era and one of the UK’s most singular independent record labels .

23: The Runaways

Based on lead singer Cherie Currie’s book, Neon Angel: A Memoir Of A Runaway , this self-explanatory 2010 biopic covers the rise and fall of groundbreaking all-girl 70s rock sensations The Runaways. Primarily centering around the relationship between the band’s two prime movers, Currie (played by Dakota Fanning) and Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart), but with Michael Shannon also doing a sterling job as their Svengali-esque manager/producer, Kim Fowley, The Runaways offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight. Jett herself told Interview magazine that the film perfectly captured “the glam and intensity” of Los Angeles in the mid-70s.

22: Love & Mercy

Director Bill Pohlad and writers Michael Alan Lerner and Oren Moverman cast The Beach Boys ’ Brian Wilson in an honest light in 2015’s Love & Mercy . The iconic singer-songwriter’s story is tailor-made for cinema, with Love & Mercy homing in on the pivotal mid-60s period during which the group created their masterpiece, Pet Sounds , and the struggles Wilson subsequently faced. Actors Paul Dano and John Cusack weigh in with astonishing dual performances as Wilson, in different stages of his career, and further kudos should be doled out for the film’s painstaking recreation of The Beach Boys’ recording methods.

You could argue that 8 Mile isn’t truly a biopic, as Eminem ’s Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith is a fictional character. However, you could just as easily feel it deserves a high ranking on any self-respecting list of the best music biopics for providing genuine insight into Detroit’s millennial hip-hop scene through the superstar rapper’s early career in the city. Further lifted by Eminem’s passionate and ultra-frank performance, 8 Mile significantly raised hip-hop’s global profile and, thanks to its Oscar-winning spin-off hit, “Lose Yourself,” it not only recouped its expensive budget ($40 million), but generated whopping box office receipts believed to have topped $240 million.

20: Backbeat

Director Iain Softley’s Backbeat (1994) delved into The Beatles’ pre-fame Hamburg era, when The Fab Four were The Fab Five with the ill-starred Stu Sutcliffe on bass. The Beatles’ songs were re-recorded for the film by an all-star alt.rock outfit including Dave Grohl , R.E.M. ’s Mike Mills, and Sonic Youth ’s Thurston Moore, while the script concentrated on the close friendship between Sutcliffe and John Lennon, played convincingly by Stephen Dorff and Ian Hart, respectively. Backbeat has since been praised by insiders including Julian Lennon and Pete Best, and it was adapted into a successful theatrical production in 2010.

1997’s Selena is the story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, who transitions from precocious child talent to fast-rising pop star in both the US and her native Mexico, only to be murdered by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of her fan club, when she was just 23. In itself, it’s a sensational storyline, though the biopic’s appeal may have remained at cult level had Jennifer Lopez not been cast in the starring role. In fairness, J-Lo plays the part to perfection, earning earned widespread praise and a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of the singer. Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr, meanwhile, served as producer and consultant to ensure the film avoided the worst Hollywood excesses.

18: Bound For Glory

Loosely adapted from his partly fictionalized 1943 autobiography of the same name, Bound For Glory is a beautifully framed portrait of the enigmatic Woody Guthrie. Luxuriously shot by director Hal Ashby, it features David Carradine in the lead role and follows the pioneering folk star on his Grapes Of Wrath -esque migration from his Dust Bowl Oklahoma home to the promised land of California during the height of the Great Depression. Carradine puts in a compelling performance as Guthrie, and may well have secured an Oscar had Bound For Glory not been up against the likes of All The President’s Men , Rocky, and Taxi Driver in 1976.

17: La Bamba

His tragic death alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 , inevitably overshadowed Richie Valens’ life prior to La Bamba . However, Luis Valdez’ heartfelt 1987 portrayal of the charismatic, Mexico-born rock’n’roll trailblazer helped redress the balance. Lou Diamond Phillips is electric in the lead role, but while the film is broadly chronological, it isn’t a straight depiction of Valens’ life, as it delves into how Valens’ professional success impacted on the lives of his half-brother, Bob Morales, his girlfriend Donna Ludwig and the rest of his family. The film did brisk business on both sides of the Atlantic, with Los Lobos’ version of the titular song topping the US and UK charts.

Produced and directed by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood, Bird (1988) stars Forest Whitaker as the brilliant but mercurial jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker . The stuff of legend, Parker’s storied life struggles included battles with drug addiction, the death of his child, and a heart attack before his own premature death, aged 34, by which time he’d long since joined jazz’s pantheon of greats. Constructed as a montage of scenes from Parker’s life, Bird is riveting and it later yielded a Best Director Golden Globe for Eastwood and a Cannes Film Festival Best Actor gong for Whitaker.

15: Sid & Nancy

Sid & Nancy , Alex Cox’s retelling of punk icon Sid Vicious’ doomed love affair with Nancy Spungen, polarised opinion from the off. Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon later savaged it in his autobiography – and he has a point, because (as Malcolm McLaren did with The Great Rock’n’Roll Swindle ) the script takes major liberties with the band’s real story. Despite this – and the fact it was a financial failure upon release, in 1986 – Sid & Nancy has since been reappraised. Respected US critic Roger Ebert dubbed the late duo “punk rock’s Romeo and Juliet”, and the film’s leads, Gary Oldman ( Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy , Darkest Hour ) and Chloe Webb turn in passionate, poignant performances which have set Sid & Nancy ’s reputation as a cult classic in stone.

14: I’m Not There

The collective brainchild of Love & Mercy ’s Oren Moverman and Velvet Goldmine director Todd Haynes, the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There (2007) is often as enigmatic as its influential subject. On paper, the premise – on-screen stars Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Ben Whishaw, and the much-missed Heath Ledger portray Dylan at different stages in his life – would seem ambitious to say the least, yet Haynes weaves the narrative together beautifully and the cast all play a blinder, ensuring that I’m Not There is a Bob Dylan biopic that even the casual fan should watch.

13: Behind The Candelabra

Directed by Steven Soderbergh ( Sex, Lies, And Videotape , Erin Brockovich ), the Liberace biopic Behind The Candelabra (2013) was in production for the best part of a decade and was originally a made-for-TV movie. After hitting the silver screen, however, the film won several Emmys and a Golden Globe. Based on Liberace’s latter-day lover Scott Thorson’s memoir of the same name, it details the flamboyant pianist’s final decade, with both Michael Douglas (Liberace) and Matt Damon (Thorson) turning in terrific performances. Moving and salacious, it’s an absorbing biopic that even the vaguely curious should check out.

Several directors have attempted to capture Elvis Presley ’s mercurial life since his premature death, in 1977, but John Carpenter’s made-for-TV Elvis (1979) remains the benchmark. The then little-known Kurt Russell received an Emmy nomination for his memorable portrayal of The King, capturing his brooding charisma without lapsing into parody. While Russell didn’t actually sing in the movie (he lip-synched to vocals recorded by country star Ronnie McDowell), he succeeded in channeling the raw power of Presley at his electrifying best onstage.

11: Control

Inevitably creating a myth and a lasting cult status, Joy Division singer Ian Curtis killed himself aged just 23, just as his Manchester-based band were on the cusp of mainstream success after two superb, critically-acclaimed albums. Anton Corbijn’s excellent 2007 biopic, Control , peels away much of the legend and hearsay to reveal Curtis the human being: a complex and flawed individual who ultimately can’t reconcile having an affair while being married with a young child. Both Sam Riley, as Curtis, and Samantha Morton, as his wife, Deborah, are highly compelling, and the director’s reliance on black-and-white footage vividly captures the starkness of the Mancunian landscape a decade before the city morphed into the epicenter of cool during the Madchester era.

10: What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Adapted from the book I, Tina , by Tina Turner and Kurt Loder, this popular biopic was big news at the box office in 1993, grossing almost $40 million in the US alone. Directed by Brian Gibson, it deals with the tempestuous relationship between Ike and Tina Turner, whose string of remarkable, Phil Spector-produced hits are unable to mask the fact Tina is suffering at the hands of her abusive spouse. Post-divorce, Tina would become a global superstar in her own right, and she’s portrayed sympathetically here by the Golden Globe-winning Angela Bassett, while Laurence Fishburne is equally inspired as the cruel, volatile Ike.

9: La Vie En Rose

French actress Marion Cotillard had already begun to prove herself on the global stage during the early 00s with roles in mainstream films such as Ridley Scott’s A Good Year , in which she played opposite Russell Crowe. However, few would have expected her to shine as brightly as she did while playing chanteuse extraordinaire Edith Piaf in Olivier Dahon’s La Vie En Rose . Indeed, Cotillard does a remarkable job of capturing The Little Sparrow’s vulnerability and volatility as she rises from the gutter to staging performances in France’s grandest music halls in this memorable 2007 biopic. The actress rightly received an Academy Award for the role, marking the first time an Oscar was awarded for a French-language role.

8: The Buddy Holly Story

Released in 1978, director Steve Rash’s Buddy Holly biopic features Gary Busey turning in an admirable portrayal of the Lubbock-born singer-songwriter who influenced iconic future names including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones . Still eminently watchable, it charts Holly’s life from teen rocker in Texas to global stardom with The Crickets, and his latter-day solo career, involving a heavy touring schedule that would prematurely claim his life in an ill-fated plane crash in February 1959. Busey rightly received an Oscar nomination for his performance and The Buddy Holly Story remains a consistently acclaimed entry in the best music biopics of all time.

7: Coal Miner’s Daughter

Reputedly hand-picked by the artist herself, Sissy Spacek turned in an arguable career-best performance in her portrayal of troubled country star Loretta Lynn in this much-acclaimed 1980 biopic. Based upon Lynn’s autobiography, and also featuring Tommy Lee Jones and The Band ’s Levon Helm, Coal Miner’s Daughter follows the legendary singer’s life, from her desperately poor childhood to superstardom, with Spacek’s inspirational performance yielding her an Academy Award. It remains a biopic with across-the-board appeal, and its spin-off soundtrack album also sold half a million copies and went gold.

Lavishly shot with no expense spared, 1984’s Amadeus is One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest director Miloš Forman’s fictionalized biography of the groundbreaking 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with the plot homing in on the notorious rivalry between Mozart (played with ruthless intensity by Tom Hulce) and Italian composer Antonio Salieri (F Murray Abraham) at the court of Emperor Joseph II. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, it’s a grandiose epic in the best possible sense of the term and it went on to win a staggering eight Academy Awards, including an Oscar for Best Picture.

5: Lady Sings The Blues

One icon played another in 1972’s Lady Sings The Blues , with soul diva Diana Ross turning in a commanding performance as legendary jazz chanteuse Billie Holiday . Directed by Sidney J Furie of The Ipcress File fame, the film follows the jazz star from her traumatic youth through her rise to fame. While the storyline pulls few punches where Holiday’s personal demons are concerned, it ends on a high note, recreating her triumphant return to the stage at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Lady Sings The Blues received five Academy Award nominations, and even notoriously sniffy US film critic Roger Ebert admitted Ross’ portrayal of Holiday was “one of the great performances of 1972.”

4: Walk The Line

One of 2005’s most successful films, director James Mangold’s much-anticipated Johnny Cash biopic didn’t disappoint. Based upon two separate autobiographies penned by the iconic singer-songwriter, Walk The Line featured electrifying performances by Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, and delves into the highs and lows of The Man In Black’s life, from his musical career and his romance with Carter through to his tussles with drugs and alcohol, and his legendary shows at America’s notorious Folsom Prison, in January 1968. Widely acclaimed, Walk The Line bagged five Oscar nominations, with Witherspoon taking home the Best Actress Award.

3: Straight Outta Compton

NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015) was directed by F Gary Gray, but the influential hip-hop outfit’s surviving members were involved all the way down the line, with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre producing, and Ice Cube being played by his real-life son O’Shea Jackson, Jr. Consequently, this is a biopic which pulls few punches and strives to keep it real – at least from the group’s perspective. Highly absorbing throughout, Straight Outta Compton went on to scoop a truckload of industry awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and it also inspired Dr. Dre’s widely-acclaimed solo album Compton .

Written, directed, and produced by Taylor Hackford, Ray (2004) focuses on 30 years in the life of pioneering soul music/R&B icon Ray Charles , tracing the arc of his career from his early years in the clubs on North America’s chitlin’ circuit through his crossover success with Atlantic Records, his commercial decline during the 70s and his remarkable latter-day comeback, winning a Grammy for his Chaka Khan collaboration “I’ll Be Good To You.” Jamie Foxx oozes charisma in the lead role and his career-defining performance earned him five industry awards, including an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.

1: Bohemian Rhapsody

One of the biggest releases of 2018, Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody blew away the competition in the commercial sense, with Billboard dubbing it the highest-grossing music biopic of all time at the end of the year. Critically, however, it was also a phenomenon, attracting multiple industry awards, including the coveted Best Actor for Rami Malek’s magnificent portrayal of Freddie Mercury . It completely changed all expectations of what the best music biopics can achieve.

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Dirt – Motley Crue

June 5, 2021 at 1:52 am

‘…then little-known Kurt Russell’?

The Real Thang

September 14, 2023 at 7:06 am

Bohemian Rhapsody was hot garbage and an obvious Hollywood controlled retelling. THE TEMPTATIONS for whatever is not in this list and should be top 10.

Daniel A Ribel

March 27, 2024 at 4:13 pm

Not including Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS shows you have little attention span. It was nominated everywhere and Austin Butler made Kurt Russell look ridiculous. Butler was not only Oscar and SAG nominated, but won the Foreign Press Golden Globe,International Press Satellite,UK BAFTA Australia AACTA international,Irish IFTA International, Catalonia Spain Sant Jordi, South African Film Critics ect and actually made millions of new Elvis fans around the world

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8 encore-worthy musician biopics to watch at home

From moody period pieces to triumphant underdog stories

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by Matthew Essary

The dizzying highs and the crushing lows of real-life fame within the music industry have long been a source of fascination for Hollywood. Maybe it’s the ready-made “three-act structure” most of the stories fall into, or the pageantry inherent to performing music on stage that is so appealing to filmmakers. Regardless, biopics about musicians are a part of the film landscape nearly every year. This year’s big entry for the genre is Elvis . Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the man behind the 2001 fantasy musical Moulin Rouge! , this latest take on Elvis Presley’s life focuses heavily on the complicated relationship Presley had with his manager Col. Tom Parker (played by multiple Academy Award winner Tom Hanks) and looks to have all the visual splendor one would expect from the acclaimed director tackling a story about the King of Rock and Roll.

To get you prepped for Elvis , we have compiled a list of quality music biopics that you can check out at home right now on various streaming services. It covers multiple eras and styles of music, but the stories of struggle, success, fortune, and temptation are captivatingly universal.

Control tells the tragic life story of Ian Curtis, frontman for the British post-punk band Joy Division. Dealing with epilepsy and severe depression, the influential singer-songwriter took his own life at 23 years old — just one day before Joy Division was set to leave for their first North American tour. Control takes a look at his life from his high school years up to his sudden death less than a decade later. It paints a picture of how sometimes all the success and familial love in the world aren’t enough to numb feelings of emptiness and isolation. This somber story is made palpable by stunning black-and-white imagery from music video director Anton Corbijn (Nirvana’s “ Heart-Shaped Box”), a compelling wounded lead performance from Sam Riley ( Maleficent ), and numerous hypnotic songs performed by the actors themselves, taken from Joy Division’s only two albums.

Control is available to watch for free with ads on Pluto TV, Freevee, Plex, and Tubi.

Biopics are intended to shed light on their subjects — to help humanize mythic figures for an audience of die-hards and casual fans alike. That is not what this 2014 film about the Godfather of Soul does. Don’t misunderstand; Get on Up tries to humanize James Brown. It provides a view of all the triumphs and tragedies of his life mixed in with quiet moments, and ping-pongs the viewer between them with abandon. This kaleidoscope approach to his life story is fascinating, and anchored by a performance from the late Chadwick Boseman that ranks among his best. Yet, it will not bring a deeper understanding of why James Brown was the man or performer he was. He exists in the film almost as a fully formed contradictory enigma. Get on Up captures the undeniable charisma of the man and the electric feeling of his live performances. You won’t know the “whys” of James Brown from watching this one, but you’ll be entertained and enamored all the same.

Get on Up is available to watch on Netflix.

Love & Mercy

One approach biopics can take is focusing on singular moments in a person’s life rather than trying to cover the entirety of it. A good example of this is 2014’s Love & Mercy , about the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson. The singer-songwriter famously suffered a nervous breakdown in the mid-1960s and lived as a recluse for several years. Love & Mercy dramatizes his story by splitting it into two distinct pieces. The first is about Wilson’s deteriorating mental state as he crafts the band’s most acclaimed album, Pet Sounds (and the immediate aftermath of its commercial failure). The second is about the period 20-plus years later, when Wilson is living a solitary life under the controlling thumb of his ever-present therapist. He meets and falls in love with a woman named Melinda Ledbetter, who helps him break free of that toxic relationship and learn to live again.

The scenes with the younger Wilson (portrayed by a sweetly innocent Paul Dano) in the studio are shot in a faux-documentary style that allows the viewer to experience the joy of creation directly with him, even as he grows more and more detached from those around him. The older Wilson is embodied by an appropriately disheveled John Cusack in scenes that are more traditionally presented, as the viewer is led through the story of his budding romance with Melinda (Elizabeth Banks) and their struggle against the control of Wilson’s therapist (a cartoonish but compelling Paul Giamatti). The latter-day struggles of Wilson to regain his life give Love & Mercy an arc that should resonate with anyone who has found a way to persevere through hard times thanks to the people they care about.

Love & Mercy is available to watch on HBO Max.

Mötley Crüe’s collaborative autobiography The Dirt is considered by many to be the greatest “tell-all” memoir ever written about the hair metal scene. Its epic and “so outlandish it must be true” tales direct from the members of the band about their origins, life on the road, and all the unreal excess they experienced was always ripe for adaptation. The stories in the book are chaotic and brash, and on every other page you wonder how the band managed to avoid death or permanent injury.

Directed by Jeff Tremaine (the Jackass franchise), who knows a thing or two about self-destructive bro squads, the adaptation captures the chaotic energy of the original book by using multiple narrators that sometimes contradict each other but always keep the story barreling forward from one unbelievable or melodramatic moment to the next. The result is an energetic movie that feels both cheekily meta and lively. It’s a glossy, loud, and fast-paced package that feels perfectly suited for Mötley Crüe’s brand of image-conscious mayhem.

The Dirt is available to watch on Netflix.

The Doors is director Oliver Stone’s love letter to the idea of famed frontman Jim Morrison. Music biopics often exaggerate or simplify the facts of a story to make it more fitting for a cinematic adaptation, but here Stone completely ignores nuance and fully embraces the “print the legend” aspect of these stories. He presents The Doors’ lead singer as equal parts poetic, death-obsessed wannabe mystic and magnetic drunken buffoon. There’s no real nuance between these seemingly conflicting traits in this tale of the band’s formation and rise up until Morrison’s tragic death by overdose. The overt exaggeration, devotion to mythmaking over facts, and self-indulgent nature of the film might all be unbearable if not for Stone’s captivatingly hallucinogenic directing, Val Kilmer’s tour-de-force performance as Morrison, and a top-tier supporting cast that includes Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan, Mimi Rogers, and Michael Wincott. It may not be all that accurate, but The Doors feels like the perfect distillation of the vibes of the band and their long-lasting appeal.

The Doors is available to watch on Prime Video and Paramount Plus .

The Runaways

The Runaways were never meant to last. But in the scant four years the all-girl cult rock group was active, they were hugely influential. They began trends that helped open the door for more women in the world of heavier music and launched the careers of more than one rock mainstay. However, they were teenagers at the time of the band’s inception, and not really equipped for the harsh world they had been launched into. This 2010 film, centered around guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and the band’s fleeting frontwoman Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), deals with the inevitable crash that occurred as the group tried to cope with sudden success at a young age.

Filled with great music (some even performed by the actors themselves), The Runaways encapsulates the youthful energy of the rock pioneers well. It greatly streamlines the band’s history — narrowing it to a tale of Jett’s determination and Currie’s disintegration as they mutually edge ever closer to true stardom. Stewart and Fanning are suitably alluring as the yin and yang of The Runaways . Their presence, coupled with an unhinged Michael Shannon playing their controversial manager as a sort of glam-rock mad scientist, makes the film one to check out.

The Runaways is available to watch on Hulu and for free with ads on Tubi.

Walk the Line

This biopic of beloved country music icon Johnny Cash is often held up as one of the gold standards of the genre. It tells the story of Cash’s rise in the music industry with all the tragedy, substance abuse, and eventual redemption typically expected from biopics. This one rises to the top because of the exceptional craft from writer-director James Mangold ( Logan ) and everyone else involved with its production. The other aspect that truly sets Walk the Line apart is its heavy focus on the romance Cash had with fellow country star June Carter. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon have a profound amount of chemistry in the roles, which translated to them both being nominated for Academy awards due to their performances — with Witherspoon even winning the honor of Best Actress that year. Both were also part of the Grammy award-winning soundtrack for the film that featured numerous Cash and Carter songs covered by the pair.

Walk the Line is available to rent on purchase on digital VOD platforms like Apple and Google Play.

Wu Tang: An American Saga

It’s a challenge trying to condense the story of one performer or band into a single movie. Now imagine trying to properly summarize the story of 10 highly influential musicians with a history as ripe for dramatic retelling as the individual members of the storied hip-hop collective known as the Wu Tang Clan. All those larger-than-life personalities could not be given their proper due with just the handful of minutes that a standard biopic film would allow each of them.

Wu Tang: An American Saga addresses this by expanding the biopic format from a single film into a multi-season limited series. The show tells a rags-to-riches story of rival corner kids during the crack cocaine epidemic of the early ’90s rising above the violence of their local conflicts to come together over a shared love of music. Created by Wu Tang founder RZA, this true (but appropriately embellished) approach to the group’s history should appeal to not only fans of the group, hip-hop, and biopics, but to anyone who enjoys gritty television dramas like HBO’s The Wire or FX’s Snowfall .

Wu Tang: An American Saga is available to watch on Hulu .

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25 best biopics about musicians, according to critics

A biopic is a biographical film made about great historical figures, actors, and musicians. They tell fascinating stories, and many are peppered with a mix of fact and fiction. These films focus on childhood, rise to fame, major life achievements, relationships, and even loss and death. They inform and entertain, providing life stories for some of the most entertaining people who have ever lived.

Musical biopics, a subgenre of the biopic, cover the lives of some of the greatest musicians. Whether it is the story of a Beach Boy who struggled under the control of an abusive therapist or a country music legend and the woman who helped him battle his addiction or the tragic tale of a rock star taken too soon, these films shine an entertaining light on lives we can only imagine, and often have.

To celebrate these remarkable stories, Stacker took a look at all the biographical movies on Metacritic and ranked the top 25 biopics about musicians. To qualify as a music biopic, the film had to feature actors portraying real musicians. Films were ranked by Metascore and ties were broken by their rank among all biography films on the list, a much larger list that includes documentaries and films on non-musician subjects of all kinds.

#25. 'La Bamba' (1987)

- Director: Luis Valdez - Metascore: 65 - Rank among all biographical films: #645

This popular 1980s film focuses on the brief but meaningful life of Ritchie Valens, who was 17 when he died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The title of the film is based on Valens' hit song, which was adapted from a traditional Mexican folk song often played at weddings. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips played the young rock star, and Esai Morales played his brother Bob Morales.

#24. 'La Vie en Rose' (2007)

- Director: Olivier Dahan - Metascore: 66 - Rank among all biographical films: #609

Édith Piaf becomes one of France's greatest singers despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her as she grows up the daughter of an alcoholic mother, who sang on the streets, and a circus performer father in "La Vie en Rose." Marion Cotillard stars as Piaf and Gérard Depardieu stars as Louis Leplée, the nightclub owner who discovered the singer and who would eventually be murdered .

#23. 'Jimi: All Is by My Side' (2013)

- Director: John Ridley - Metascore: 66 - Rank among all biographical films: #591

Rapper André 3000 was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his performance as rocker Jimi Hendrix. The film focuses on the making of Jimi Hendrix who started out in New York as James Hendrix, a guy who played the guitar and moved to London to establish his career. Hendrix would go on to become arguably one of the greatest guitar players of all time before his death at 27 from a drug overdose in 1970.

#22. 'Nowhere Boy' (2009)

- Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson - Metascore: 67 - Rank among all biographical films: #581

Chronicling John Lennon's boyhood and teen years, "Nowhere Boy" also examines the musician's relationship with two important women in his life—his absent mother, who eventually reappeared, and Mimi, the strict aunt who raised him. The film, based on the biography written by Lennon's half-sister Julia Baird, also explores how John started the band the Quarrymen, which eventually became The Beatles, and it also documents the first time he met Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Lennon, and Kristin Scott Thomas plays Aunt Mimi.

#21. 'Selena' (1997)

- Director: Gregory Nava - Metascore: 67 - Rank among all biographical films: #580

Before becoming "J.Lo," Jennifer Lopez played Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, who left her mark on fans and the world before her life ended at 23. The film touches on Selena's childhood, her relationship with her family, and her romance and marriage to Chris Pérez, and features her rise to fame as well as her tragic shooting death by Yolanda Saldívar, an obsessed fan and head of her fan club.

#20. 'The Sapphires' (2012)

- Director: Wayne Blair - Metascore: 67 - Rank among all biographical films: #575

All-girl group the Sapphires head to Vietnam to entertain the troops from their native Australia with the help of a talent scout played by Chris O'Dowd in this musical comedy. The film is based on a play by Tony Briggs, which is loosely based on the true story of Briggs' own mother and aunt. Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, and Miranda Tapsell play the Sapphires.

#19. 'Last Days' (2005)

- Director: Gus Van Sant - Metascore: 67 - Rank among all biographical films: #564

The film "Last Days" is loosely based on Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's final days. Michael Pitt plays the Cobainesque musician Blake who lives out his existence in a beautiful but rundown mansion. Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth appears in the movie, which also stars Asia Argento, the daughter of Italian filmmaker Dario Argento.

#18. 'Leto' (2018)

- Director: Kirill Serebrennikov - Metascore: 69 - Rank among all biographical films: #488

In the 1980s, the Soviet city of Leningrad had an underground rock world, and "Leto" takes its inspiration from that scene. Loosely based on the lives of Viktor Tsoi and Mike Naumenko, two well-known rockers at the time, the film throws them into a mentor/mentee situation and adds a love triangle that includes Mike's wife. Roman Bilyk plays Mike and Teo Yoo plays Viktor in this film that blurs fact and fiction.

#17. 'Green Book' (2018)

- Director: Peter Farrelly - Metascore: 69 - Rank among all biographical films: #480

The title of this biopic is based on " The Negro Motorist Green Book ," a driving guide that allowed African Americans to avoid segregation on America's roadways during the Jim Crow era. The Oscar-winning film was inspired by the true story of the friendship that developed between African American pianist Donald Shirley and Italian American bouncer Tony "Lip" Vallelonga as they drove from Manhattan through the Deep South in 1962 for Shirley's musical tour, with the "Green Book" as their guide. Mahershala Ali plays Shirley and Viggo Mortensen plays Vallelonga.

#16. 'Rocketman' (2019)

- Director: Dexter Fletcher - Metascore: 69 - Rank among all biographical films: #472

Taron Egerton plays singer Elton John in this fantastical biopic based on the eccentric artist's life. Egerton also sang all of John's songs in the film that focuses on the musician's early breakthrough years. "Rocketman" snagged an Oscar for best achievement in music written for motion pictures for the original song, "I'm Gonna Love Me Again."

#15. 'Bound for Glory' (1976)

- Director: Hal Ashby - Metascore: 70 - Rank among all biographical films: #441

David Carradine plays singer Woody Guthrie in this film based on Guthrie's autobiography of the same name, which was published in 1943. Guthrie left Texas during the Dust Bowl and traveled throughout the country stirring up morale for the migrant laborers and eventually wrote the nation's new anthem, "This Land is Your Land."

#14. 'Get on Up' (2014)

- Director: Tate Taylor - Metascore: 71 - Rank among all biographical films: #436

Chadwick Boseman plays Godfather of Soul James Brown in "Get on Up." The film covers Brown's rags-to-riches story from his poverty-stricken childhood to his many brushes with the law and his rise as a musician. The film also stars Dan Aykroyd, Octavia Spencer, and Viola Davis as Susie Brown, James' mother.

#13. 'Walk the Line' (2005)

- Director: James Mangold - Metascore: 72 - Rank among all biographical films: #394

Based on country singer Johnny Cash's life, "Walk the Line" featured Joaquin Phoenix as the "Man in Black" and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, a member of country music's first family, the Carter Family. The film covered the accident that killed Cash's brother in his boyhood, his days in the military, his failed first marriage, the drug addiction that nearly killed him, and his romance and eventual marriage to June, which lasted until her death in 2003, four months before Cash's own death. Witherspoon won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash.

#12. 'Straight Outta Compton' (2015)

- Director: F. Gary Gray - Metascore: 72 - Rank among all biographical films: #360

"Straight Outta Compton" is the story of legendary rap group N.W.A.'s rise to fame from the streets of Compton and its contribution to West Coast rap. Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, MC Ren, and D.O.C. are portrayed by Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Neil Brown Jr., Aldis Hodge, and Marlon Yates Jr., respectively, while Paul Giamatti plays manager Jerry Heller. The film was nominated for an Oscar for best writing, original screenplay.

#11. 'Ray' (2004)

- Director: Taylor Hackford - Metascore: 73 - Rank among all biographical films: #348

Based on the life of musician Ray Charles, "Ray" stars Jamie Foxx in the titular role. The film focuses on Ray's life from his humble southern roots to glaucoma that left him blind at 7 to his rise to fame beginning in the 1950s. Regina King and Kerry Washington also star in this biopic that won two Oscars, including one for Foxx for best performance by an actor in a leading role.

#10. 'I'm Not There' (2007)

- Director: Todd Haynes - Metascore: 73 - Rank among all biographical films: #331

Six different iterations of Bob Dylan are presented in this film that the musician approved himself. Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw, Richard Gere, and Marcus Carl Franklin all offer their take on Dylan's work and life when they play Bob Dylan. Blanchett received an Oscar nod for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for her work in "I'm Not There."

#9. 'Blaze' (2018)

- Director: Ethan Hawke - Metascore: 75 - Rank among all biographical films: #249

Based on Sybil Rosen's memoir, "Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley," the film focuses on the life and times of the Texas singer and songwriter. Rosen was Blaze's muse, and the film focuses on their relationship as well as the musician's turbulent life and career and eventual murder at 39. Alia Shawkat plays Rosen, and Ben Dickey plays Foley.

#8. 'What's Love Got to Do With It' (1993)

- Director: Brian Gibson - Metascore: 76 - Rank among all biographical films: #224

Starring Angela Bassett as rock legend Tina Turner and Laurence Fishburne as her volatile and abusive husband Ike Turner, "What's Love Got to Do With It" focuses on Turner's life, and their music and tumultuous relationship. The biopic is based on Turner's book "I, Tina," which she wrote with music journalist Kurt Loder. Both Bassett and Fishburne earned Oscar nods for their performances in the film.

#7. 'Sid and Nancy' (1986)

- Director: Alex Cox - Metascore: 76 - Rank among all biographical films: #217

"Sid and Nancy" is the story of Sex Pistol Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen and their volatile relationship from start to finish . Chloe Webb plays Nancy and Gary Oldman plays Sid. Courtney Love also stars in the film, making her film debut.

#6. 'The Buddy Holly Story' (1978)

- Director: Steve Rash - Metascore: 78 - Rank among all biographical films: #187

The film covers the life of Buddy Holly, including his musical success with hits like "That'll Be The Day" and "Peggy Sue," his marriage, the breakup and makeup with his band the Crickets, and his tragic death at 22 in 1959 with fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Gary Busey received an Oscar nomination for best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of the rock star.

#5. 'Hilary and Jackie' (1998)

- Director: Anand Tucker - Metascore: 78 - Rank among all biographical films: #161

Flutist Hilary du Pré-Finzi tells the story of her sister, classic cellist Jacqueline du Pré, whose life was cut tragically short after a battle with multiple sclerosis. The film was based on du Pré-Finz's book, "A Genius in the Family." Both Emily Watson, who played Jackie, and Rachel Griffiths, who portrayed Hilary, received Oscar nominations.

#4. 'Love & Mercy' (2014)

- Director: Bill Pohlad - Metascore: 80 - Rank among all biographical films: #136

Brian Wilson, the frontman of the 1960s band The Beach Boys, is brought to life in this film that documents his struggles with mental illness, his relationship with an abusive therapist, and the woman who helped him break free and eventually became his wife, Melinda Ledbetter. Elizabeth Banks plays Ledbetter, and John Cusack and Paul Dano both play Wilson.

#3. 'Shine' (1996)

- Director: Scott Hicks - Metascore: 87 - Rank among all biographical films: #45

Geoffrey Rush plays pianist David Helfgott in this film that documents Helfgott's breakdown and eventual return to the piano. Rush won an Oscar for best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Helfgott and "Shine" received six additional Academy Award nominations.

#2. 'Coal Miner's Daughter' (1980)

- Director: Michael Apted - Metascore: 87 - Rank among all biographical films: #37

Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for best actress in a leading role for her portrayal of country singer Loretta Lynn. The film is based on Lynn's 1976 bestselling memoir, "Loretta Lynn: Coal Miner's Daughter," which tells of her years growing up in Butcher Holler, Kentucky; her marriage at a young age; and her rise to the top of country music. Spacek also sang all of Lynn's songs in the film.

#1. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (1942)

- Director: Michael Curtiz - Metascore: 89 - Rank among all biographical films: #30

American entertainer George M. Cohan, who during his childhood performed with his family as "The Four Cohans," a vaudeville act, went on to become an American treasure and the subject of "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Cohan was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his Broadway hits like "The Yankee Doodle Boy" and "Give My Regards to Broadway," and the film itself was nominated for eight Oscars and won three, including best actor in a leading role for James Cagney, who played Cohan.

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The 15 best movies about music

The more we dig into a musical artist’s body of work, the more we want to know the people behind the music. What d0 they listen to? What are they like off-stage? Are they eccentric enigmas whenever cameras are rolling and modest introverts once they turn off, or is there no filter between their public and private personas?

Rocketman (2019)

The blues brothers (1980), walk the line (2005), 8 mile (2002), love & mercy (2015), high fidelity (2000), almost famous (2000), this is spinal tap (1984), a star is born (2018), amadeus (1984), straight outta compton (2015), once (2007), inside llewyn davis (2013), a mighty wind (2003), sid and nancy (1986).

Movies about music and musicians give us a chance to learn what these charismatic figures might be like, even though ultimately the stories we watch may be no more accurate than our imagination. Whether those movies get the official stamp of the artist depicted or they’re just the speculations of someone with cameras and a budget, for better or worse films about music help to make rock gods and hip-hop innovators more human, as well as helping to build their legends. With that in mind, here are the best movies about music and musicians currently streaming.

Not in the mood for movies about music? That’s OK, because we’ve also rounded up the best movies on Netflix , the best movies on Hulu , the best movies on Amazon Prime , and the best movies on Disney+ .

While some might refer to Rocketman as a biopic, Taron Egerton — who plays Sir Elton John in the film — calls the movie a “fantasy musical,” and that gets a lot closer to the bullseye. The filmmakers shamelessly blur the lines between fact and fiction, because the point of the film isn’t to load up Elton John fans with new trivia. Through the lens of John’s decades worth of hits, Rocketman explores the highs and deep lows of its subject’s life. For example, we feel the crushing loneliness of the singer’s childhood home through the performance of I Want Love . Later, we feel his renewed energy as he emerges from a rehab facility belting out I’m Still Standing . Grand, powerful, and over-the-top with no apology, Rocketman is a wonderful tribute to one of our best living singer-songwriters.  

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Stars: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden Director: Dexter Fletcher Rating:  R Runtime: 121 minutes

A classic  Saturday Night Live  sketch turned full-length feature,  The Blues Brothers follows comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as Jake and Elwood Blues, a pair of trouble makers who set out to raise money to save the orphanage they grew up in from foreclosure. Though the main characters are fictional, a who’s who of famous musicians from multiple generations are featured in the film, including guest appearances from greats like James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Chaka Khan.

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% Stars: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd Director: John Landis Rating:  R Runtime: 133 minutes

Johnny Cash’s early days are captured superbly in  Walk the Line , a biopic about the life and times of one of country music’s most powerful voices. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon (who won the Academy Award for Best Actress) as his wife and fellow musician June, the film largely centers on Cash’s rise to fame, providing an interesting insight into the Man in Black accompanied by many of his most classic songs.

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick Director: John Landis Rating:  R Runtime: 136 minutes

This film about a young white rapper from Detroit largely mirrors the real-life story of controversial musician Eminem (real name Marshall Mathers III), who also stars in the role. While the film is compelling, it’s the music in 8 Mile  that really sells it, among the best to ever grace a soundtrack. Eminem nabbed the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the now-classic  Lose Yourself , and the film’s soundtrack debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 upon release, eventually becoming the fifth best-selling album of the year.

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% Stars: Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger Director: Curtis Hanson Rating:  R Runtime: 110 minutes

For fans of the Beach Boys’ musical mastermind Brian Wilson, this film is a must-watch. Following Wilson as a young man (played by Paul Dano) and middle-aged (John Cusack), with distinct segments set in the 1960s and 1980s, Love & Mercy shows the singer and songwriter’s mental breakdown and his recovery. The ’60s scenes closely re-create Wilson’s famed methods while recording Pet Sounds , showcasing the forward-thinking sensibility of one of pop music’s most intriguing geniuses.

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Stars: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks Director: Bill Pohlad Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 121 minutes

Another Cusack classic, High Fidelity stars the gregarious actor as a music-obsessed record store owner in Chicago reliving his past love affairs. An excellent ensemble cast rounded out by actors such as Lisa Bonet and Jack Black is complemented by an equally enthralling soundtrack that features classic works by legendary songwriters such as The Kinks and Bob Dylan, but also highlights lesser-known (but critically beloved) bands like the 13th Floor Elevators and Beta Band.

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% Stars: John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso Director: Stephen Frears Rating: R Runtime: 113 minutes

Director Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical story based on his time as a teenage Rolling Stone journalist embedded with an up-and-coming classic rock band, Almost Famous offers an interesting and comical glimpse into the chaotic ’70s rock scene. As expected, the soundtrack for the film — which includes a who’s who of classic artists, from Simon & Garfunkel to Led Zeppelin — is fantastic. In fact, the film won the Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack in 2001.

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Stars: Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson Director: Cameron Crowe Rating: R Runtime: 122 minutes

Widely regarded as one of the best films of the mockumentary genre (if not the best), This is Spinal Tap provides a hilarious look inside the world of the fictional British heavy metal band. A full album of original material was written (and later performed) for the film, with such hits as Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight and Gimme Some Money — not-so-subtle digs at the generic state of big-label rock in the early ’80s.

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Stars: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer Director: Rob Reiner Rating: R Runtime: 82 minutes

A Star Is Born ‘s plot isn’t new — this is the third remake of the 1937 romantic drama — but Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut proves that it’s not the story that matters. It’s how you tell it. As Ally, a young singer-songwriter who falls for a hard-drinking country musician, Lady Gaga proves that she can hang with veteran actors like Cooper and Sam Elliott, while the film’s breakout single, Shallow , topped music charts around the world, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and led to one of the steamiest musical performances in Oscar history.

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% Stars: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott Director: Bradley Cooper Rating: R Runtime: 136 minutes

The story of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is given a heavy dose of drama in this adaptation of Peter Shaffer’s stage play of the same name. Highlighting the rivalry between Mozart (Tom Hulce) and older Italian composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), the critically acclaimed film won eight Academy Awards — and 32 other awards in other competitions, including the Grammys — upon its release. Amadeus features excellent performances of some of Mozart’s compositions, played to perfection by London’s Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chamber orchestra.

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge Director: Milos Forman Rating: R Runtime: 160 minutes

Rapper Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., plays his father in this visceral portrayal of the formative years of West Coast gangsta rap pioneers NWA. The film was the inspiration for Dr. Dre’s third studio album, Compton , and features many of the group’s classic cuts. A compelling tell-all that follows the intriguing chemistry behind some of hip hop’s most iconic performers, the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2015.

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Stars: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell Director: F. Gary Gray Rating: R Runtime: 147 minutes

A romantic musical about a busking songwriter who works as a vacuum repairman,  Once  was the darling of both music and film critics when it hit screens, helping to launch the careers of real-life musicians/co-stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Shot on a shoestring budget, the film earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for Falling Slowly .

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% Stars: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh Director: John Carney Rating: R Runtime: 86 minutes

Viewers praised the Coen brothers’ black comedy that told the story of a 1961 starving folk singer. This musical movie rose to fame with exceptional scripting, phenomenal acting, and impeccable live recordings of traditional folk songs. Oscar Issac is the star of the show, performing alongside popular musicians like Justin Timberlake, Chris Thile, and Marcus Mumford. This film (similar to all Coen brothers endeavors) amassed serious critic commendation, leading to Best Sound Mixing Oscar and Best Original Song Golden Globe nominations.

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Stars: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Rating: R Runtime: 104 minutes

This is Spinal Tap is just one of the multiple musical mockumentaries by Christopher Guest. Returning to the screen with 1996’s Waiting for Guffman , Guest went on to direct a hilarious mockumentary series, including 2003’s A Mighty Wind . The story introduces three separate folk artist groups and invites them on stage to honor a folk producer that had since passed away. The main group features Eugene Levy as Mitch and Catherine O’Hara as Mickey, the former lovebird duo. The movie is a parody of American folk music and pokes fun at its many hippie-like characteristics; however, what makes it stand out is the audience’s apparent appreciation and love for the genre. Viewers can see the truth in this statement in action during A Kiss’s performance at the End of the Rainbow in the film’s final scenes. It’s truly o ne of the sweetest moments on film.

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% Stars: Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Michael McKean, Catherine O’Hara Director: Christopher Guest Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 91 minutes

Sid and Nancy is among the first major motion pictures to take on the punk rock genre and offer Gary Oldman his first-ever leading role. This film takes viewers through the love story and deaths of legendary Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious (Oldman) and girlfriend Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb). We watch as Sid and Nancy meet for the first time in London, fall in love (and heroin), and embark on a United States tour. We also see Sid’s failed attempts to kick-start a solo music career (Oldman’s awe-inspiring rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way alone is worth the ticket price). Oldman and Web are a fantastic match in each of their specific roles throughout a tangled, cataclysmic, and fierce romance story.

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% Stars: Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman Director: Alex Cox Rating: R Runtime: 112 minutes

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10 Movies & TV Shows You Didn't Know Glen Powell Was In

Star wars' new movie is returning to the entire point of a new hope after 47 years, glen powell clarifies reports of remake of kurt russell’s oscar-nominated thriller: “not really a thing”.

Much like their music, there is a romantic poetry which often rhymes across the varied lives of disparate musicians. Underlying similarities develop, involving popularity and passion that strains and builds relationships at once. This is frequent among those with equal shares of ambition and talent. Such things often invite a heightened degree of life for musicians.

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But even in fame, their basest conflicts can be accessible. One of the most appealing things about a musician’s biopic is the illustration of their personality—to relate, to invest. And music is indeed one of the great universal languages, a bare expression that can entertain and enlighten. Here are ten of the best movies about musicians and their storied careers.

This film had a number of sensitive issues to confront, but fortunately, it does so tastefully. This is arguably Jennifer Lopez’ greatest acting on screen, both nuanced and filled with verve. Her performance is magnetic and respectful enough for the titular musician. Likewise, the story unfolds with the same authentic attitude. And that approach, which addresses flawed relationships and a joyous passion for music alike, is crucial to success. The film is somewhat underrated, depicting the familiar rise to stardom with thematic maturity, and a great sense of culture and love. And best of all, that takes precedent to the tragedy.

Bohemian Rhapsody

This imperative story represents an under served community in Hollywood, with grace, skill, and joy. Freddie Mercury’s sexuality is central to the plot, and brilliantly portrayed. Of course, Mercury's undeniable talent leaves little conflict at the onset, wherein he simply falls right into success. But the ensuing struggles are utterly captivating. When  Bohemian Rhapsody provides a microscope unto Mercury's relationships, it truly dazzles. His parents, friends, and lovers are compelling people with multiple facets on screen. It is the smallest of details that entertain the most. And if that isn’t enough, Queen’s music rocks throughout the entire runtime.

A Star Is Born

This story resurfaces from the farthest reaches of time, easily revisited for the echoing themes in its foundation. The romance between a falling and rising star generates a very palpable tragedy. And this iteration proves that it deserves its existence. Even with direct, meta dialogue, as described by the enormously talented Sam Elliot.

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Issues of self-destructive behavior and pained relationships are painted with an unusual intimacy, throughout. A Star is Born  is a quiet, brooding film that reflects its director. But the film certainly celebrates music, as a raw incarnation of the two protagonists itself. The story absolutely radiates with enthusiasm, nuance and an assured aesthetic purpose.

Immortal Beloved

Beethoven is one of the most famous musicians of all time, a bold and innovative composer with instantly recognizable masterpieces. But Gary Oldman carries the responsibility of his image with tremendous skill. The film smartly decides to focus on Beethoven's hearing loss, an instantly sympathetic plight. Particularly as an obstacle to Beethoven's obvious genius. The plot itself toys with history freely, especially given the disputed recipient of the letter. But this gem deserves more attention for its romanticism. While it doesn't quite indulge nuance, it certainly has great flair for the dramatic.

Straight Outta Compton

Fans of the group will be totally satisfied, as the movie explores their core friendships and musical origins. Both of which are exhilarating and moving, throughout. The artists struggle with brave public statements, and by extension, the film confronts these timely issues with equal determination. But the sweeping screenplay ultimately spans all facets of life, including a great sense of humor and touching poignancy alike. The loss and strained friendships are particularly affecting because the film captures such an arresting level of truth. Although, this is also bolstered by gripping performances. It is an absolute travesty that the movie did not receive the Academy attention it should have.

Walk The Line

Johnny Cash had a very unique voice, and a  remarkable career . And the  Joker himself, Joaquin Phoenix, summons incredible courage for the role. Not only for the raw singing alone, but for approaching Cash's particular grief. Cash's music is accompanied by two distinguishable components—the tragedy of his brother, and his love for June. The film does not shy away from Cash's flaws, and Phoenix's performance is absolutely electric.

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That signature, quiet moodiness is a perfect fit in dramatic moments. Yet he also envisions the spirited passion on stage that earned Cash so many loyal fans. By his shoulders alone, the film stands above most biopics in general. But the supporting cast is also up to par, and the movie is always filled with exciting music.

It's uncanny how many similarities this story shares with Johnny Cash. The rise to popularity is accompanied by drug problems and infidelity, all while brilliant music is born. Ray Charles is even haunted by the death of his own brother. Jamie Foxx literally becomes Charles, with his mannerisms and a talented singing voice of his own. This is possibly Foxx's best work. He captures a tormented man in drama, infectious charisma in performances, and friendly charm throughout. To watch Charles lose his sight is heartbreaking, but so is the deterioration of his stability. However, every groundbreaking achievement of Charles is not lost. And neither is a terrific compilation of his meaningful, thrilling music.

Ambition is difficult to capture on screen, and this may be its purest portrayal. By that approach, a preference for jazz or even music is no prerequisite to be thrilled, here. The building urgency, competition, and antagonism are all utterly palpable, and more in the spirit of a suspense film. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are positively magnetic, including the sense of polar friction between each other.

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Although the message of the film is questionable by Simmons' ultimate victory, he is still painted as an intriguing villain. It all feels akin to the cutthroat industry of haute cuisine, and the like. But the common struggles of any aspiring artist have never been so thoroughly represented.

Again, this tale of a brilliant classical composer simply disregards verisimilitude in favor of producing a compelling drama. So, if a knowing audience isn't prepared to let that go, they won't enjoy the film. But its alternate reality is undeniably engaging, perhaps more so with the driving Salieri rivalry. And the film certainly explores the essence of music itself with a surprisingly accessible profundity. It is a very ambitious, lengthy story, with mesmerizing music and artistic purpose. Mozart himself is presented in such an unexpected fashion, a juvenile and carefree personality that defies his genius. That laugh is so blaring and strange. But every performance at hand is superb. Ultimately, the romance of music is rarely defined with such radiance. It hardly requires the audience to even be familiar with, or fond of classical music to enjoy.

The Pianist

True, the controversial director is a difficult issue to overcome in accepting this film. But the screenplay itself, of a separate artist, should not be punished. Nor should this important piece of history. This story of a musician surviving the transformation of his home by the ugliness of World War II is astonishing. It is one of the most harrowing experiences imaginable, and unfolds on screen with gut-wrenching verity. This is undoubtedly Adrien Brody's greatest performance, which is no small statement. He creates an effective avatar for the stirring autobiography, nuanced with convincing piano skills. The music serves as a unique point of view, a glum beauty. And that self-contrast perfectly fits the scenario of a talented musician amidst the horrors of the Nazis. This story is absolutely necessary for everyone to witness.

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The 15 Best Documentaries About Bands

Jul 24, 2023 | Best Of , History , Music

Music is the universal language that has been connecting people for centuries. It’s no surprise that there are countless documentaries about bands and musicians throughout history, each one capturing a unique slice of time in music culture. From intimate looks at iconic groups like The Beatles to inspiring stories of up-and-coming indie acts, these films offer viewers an inside look into the lives of some of the most influential artists around. Here is our list of 15 must-see documentaries about bands—each one more captivating than the last! So grab your popcorn and get ready to explore music’s past—and its future.

1. Led Zeppelin: Whole Lotta Rock : Documentary

Led Zeppelin is one of the most influential rock bands in history. They rose to fame in 1968, with their unique sound and exciting performances. This documentary takes you on a journey through Led Zeppelin’s rise to stardom, from their formation to becoming one of the greatest bands ever known. Relive all the iconic moments of this legendary band as they revolutionized hard rock music and left an everlasting impact on generations of fans around the world!

2. Aerosmith – America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band

Aerosmith is one of America’s greatest rock and roll bands, with a style rooted in blues-based hard rock. This amazing group was formed in Boston, Massachusetts back in 1970 and since then has gone on to influence many other artists. Join us as we take an in-depth look at the band’s history and explore how they have become such an iconic part of American music culture. Learn about their journey from the Jam Band to becoming Aerosmith, discover why Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano, and find out what elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm & blues made their way into the unique sound that defines them today!

3. HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC – What is Rock Music?

Do you want to know the story behind rock ‘n’ roll? This documentary takes a look at how rock music came to be and its continuing evolution. From its beginnings in the United States shortly after World War II, to today’s ever-changing sound, this documentary will explore what makes it so special. We’ll also examine who might have invented it and why people are still drawn to it. Join us as we take an in-depth look into the history of rock music – What is Rock Music?

4. Third Eye – The TOOL Story

Explore the mysterious and enigmatic world of TOOL in this documentary. Delve into their roots, which were inspired by an imaginary philosophy known as Lachrymology. Learn how Maynard’s fabricated story influenced the band’s music, and discover the secrets behind Ronald P. Vincent’s 1949 book The Joyful Guide To Lachrymology – a book that explores pain through crying. Follow TOOL on their journey to success and uncover all the secrets hidden beneath its surface!

5. IOWA – The Slipknot Story

Slipknot is one of the most iconic bands in music history. Formed in Des Moines, Iowa by Shawn Crahan, Paul Gray and Joey Jordison, their sound has evolved over the years to become an instantly recognizable mix of hard rock and heavy metal. From classics like Left Behind and Duality to more recent hits such as Snuff, Vermillion, Wait and Bleed or Before I forget – Slipknot’s discography contains some truly amazing songs. And with their latest album We Are Not Your Kind they are still going strong! Check out this documentary about one of the biggest bands around – The Slipknot Story!

6. The Story Of The Smiths: Greatness and Controversy

Experience the captivating story of The Smiths – a band that rose to fame amidst controversy and greatness. Featuring rare musical performances, videos, TV appearances and interviews with the band, this documentary offers an in-depth look into their journey. With expert commentaries from John Porter, Stephen Street, Tony Wilson and more – you won’t want to miss out on this fascinating story!

7. BAND – AKANE

Meet Akane, the powerful female drummer who has been making waves in the music industry. Learn her story and journey that led to her becoming one of the most influential drummers today! Discover how she overcame challenges along the way and find out what drives her passion for music. Take a seat to travel through Akane’s life and explore how she is redefining drumming as we know it.

8. Jane’s Addiction: The Volatile History of The Band Behind ‘Jane Says, Mountain Song & Stop!’

Do you want to learn about the band behind Jane Says, Mountain Song & Stop!? This video will take you through the volatile history of Jane’s Addiction and explore their four unique styles. We’ll also look at their song writing process, how they rehearsed in a Warhol-esque environment and gigged around underground Los Angeles. Get ready to find out what went into making this legendary rock band!

9. The Velvet Underground: One Of The Most Unique And Underappreciated Bands Of The 60s

The Velvet Underground is one of the most unique and underappreciated bands of the 60s . This documentary brings together rare musical performances, interviews, photographs, and footage never before available to tell their story. You’ll get a look at Lou Reed, Andy Warhol, Sterling Morrison and John Cale as you explore this amazing band’s history. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience The Velvet Underground like never before!

10. The Cure: The Making Of The Goth Rock Legends

The Cure: Out of the Woods is a fascinating documentary about one of the most iconic goth rock bands in history. Featuring archival footage and interviews from those who worked with the band, you’ll get an exclusive look into their lengthy career. Plus, no original music from The Cure is included in this unauthorized release!

11. Bad Company: Total Rock Review

Are you a fan of Bad Company? If so, this is the perfect documentary for you! This rock doc reviews the classic era of Bad Company on stage and on record. Drawing from live performance footage and insights from founder Simon Kirke, along with reflections from biographer Steven Rosen and a team of distinguished critics, it’s sure to give you an in-depth look at what propelled them to stardom! Don’t miss out – watch now!

12. David Bowie’s Darkest Character: The Thin White Duke

Explore the life and career of David Bowie , one of the most iconic musicians of all time. The documentary features rare interviews with former members of both Neu! And Cluster, Dieter Moebius & Michael Rother, Mark Prendergast, David Stubbs, Daryl Easlea and Paolo Hewitt. Get an in-depth look at his darkest character: The Thin White Duke as well as live and studio performances by Bowie himself. This is a must watch for any fan or music enthusiast!

13. Let There Be Rock: The Origins Of AC/DC

This documentary takes you on a journey through the early years of AC/DC. Hear interviews with original band members, school friends of Bon, Angus and Malcolm, biographers Malcolm Dome and Clinton Walker and many others. Get an inside look at how one of the most iconic bands in history got their start. Learn about their struggles to make it big while they paved a new path for rock music that changed the world forever!

14. Chop Suey! – The System Of A Down Story

Chop Suey! – The System Of A Down Story is a documentary about two musicians who both attended the same Armenian school during their formative years. Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian, born in Beirut and Los Angeles respectively, ended up forming a band together after discovering they were working on separate musical projects in the same rehearsal studios. This video tells the story of how these two friends created one of the most iconic bands ever to exist. Watch to learn more about this amazing journey!

15. The Rolling Stones: How The Legendary Band Found Their Voice

The Rolling Stones are one of the most legendary bands in rock and roll history. This documentary reviews their creative journey from 1967 to 1969, exploring how they found their iconic sound. Join us as we explore this 90 minute documentary film that takes a look at some of the most memorable music created by The Rolling Stones during this time period!

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Best rock star biographies and memoirs: it's pure debauchery

We're talking sex, drugs and bloody good stories

Rock stars of yesteryear had all the fun. The best rock star biographies shed light on those glory days, answering questions you didn’t know you wanted answering.

From tales of debauchery to gritty insights into life on the road, the best biographies share the low points as well as the highs. Teasing details about their lives, many of these access-all-areas biographies allow you to be a fly on the wall for some of the most dramatic moments in musical history.

UPDATE: We've added a couple more key picks from the world of rock autobiographies. Elton John's Me makes the cut for the sheer style of its retelling of one of the iconic careers in rock music. And for those after a less classic biopic-style approach should check out Viv Albertine's 2014 memoir Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys. It's a top read.

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Here we’ve picked out a selection of the very best rockstar memoirs. They feature some of rock’s most prominent figures… as well as some who we’re glad we’ve been able to find out even more about.

Upvote your favourite read, and suggest any we've missed at the bottom.

Best rock star biographies

1 . Keith Richards – Life

No list of rockstar memoirs would be complete without a mention of the Rolling Stones guitarist and rock stalwart Keith Richards. Life spans several decades of music, drugs and life on the road – from the more glamorous elements to the hard reality of some of what he went through. As with all the best memoirs, Life shows a new side of its subject while retaining the kind of honesty and vulnerability which was often hidden from those who only saw his public persona.

2 . Mötley Crüe - The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band

Known for their extreme antics and tales of debauchery, Mötley Crüe has become synonymous with a life of excess that accompanies rock music. A culmination of 30 years worth of jaw-dropping material involving Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, and Mick Mars , the book features scandalous celebrity love affairs and dark stories involving extreme drug addiction. The book has also since been made into a Netflix Original Movie starring Machine Gun Kelly and Douglas Booth.

3 . Anthony Kiedis – Scar Tissue

The Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman is a 21st-century rocker you’d expect to have plenty of revealing stories, and Scar Tissue is certainly a revealing read.

Kiedis’s drug use has hardly been a secret throughout his career, but this is an at-times-sensitive look at his early exposure to substances and how it shaped his life and experiences as his band enjoyed a rapid rise and ultimately grew into one of the world’s biggest.

4 . Slash — Slash: The Autobiography

Few rock stars of the 80s and 90s are as instantly identifiable as Slash, and the Guns N’ Roses guitarist lived a proper rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle during his time with the band. This is documented in detail in his 2007 autobiography, with covers ups, downs, excess and near-death in the kind of detail you can only get from someone who lived through it all… and almost died in the process.

5 . Lemmy – White Line Fever

The title of Lemmy’s autobiography gives a bit of a clue to what to expect, but there’s more to it than just drugs and excess. It’s not just about Motörhead, either, although the band does have a big role to play. White Line Fever is often conversational in tone, and that gives you an idea of Lemmy’s real, authentic voice – it’s the sort of thing which not every memoir needs, but the feeling of him being right there with you certainly helps in this case.

6 . Patti Smith – Just Kids

Smith’s memoir isn’t just about music or even just about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, but rather a poignant look back at a very specific version of New York which we will surely never see again. Published in 2010, Just Kids captures a time, a place and the people united by both to make for a fascinating memoir, and we’re grateful to Smith for bringing it all back to life with such honesty.

7 . Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

'Writing about yourself is a funny business…But in a project like this, the writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind. In these pages, I’ve tried to do this.' — notes Bruce Springsteen, from the pages of his autobiography, Born to Run . The concept for the book spawned from his 2009 Superbowl half time show, which Springsteen noted as being so exhilarating, the experience simply had to be documented. From his Catholic upbringing in Freehold, New Jersey , to the traumatizing events which shaped some of his greatest lyrical work, this is a delightfully gritty tale depicting a rock 'n' roll great

8 . Nikki Sixx – The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star

Some of the most eye-catching rock memoirs aren’t even really about the music, and this work from the Mötley Crüe man is a case in point. The bassist presents a no holds barred depiction of life on tour, in the studio and on heroin, all presented in diary form, during a period where addiction to the drug almost killed him. Throw in retrospectives from Sixx and his bandmates and it makes for compelling reading.

9 . Kim Gordon – Girl in a Band: A Memoir

Girl in a Band takes us back to the 1980s heyday of Sonic Youth through the words of founding member Kim Gordon. The memoir looks back at Gordon’s childhood before exploring her career in music, her marriage to bandmate Thurston Moore, and the eventual unravelling of that relationship. The portrait of Gordon’s life in Rochester and LA is honest and exploratory without ever being performative, while painting a picture of plenty of her contemporaries from Sonic Youth’s rise to prominence.

10 . Mark Lanegan - Sing Backwards and Weep

Coming from Seattle in the 80s, Mark Lanegan saw everything grunge had to offer and managed to get out the other side. This frank autobiography does not paint an idolised life of a rockstar, but one that has knocks, scrapes and near misses. It's packed with the lowest of lows and the highs are all, well, something else. You need to read this and it's even more poignant after his passing.

11 . Elton John - Me

This autobiography covers Elton John's pre-fame years, his early career and most riotously depraved years. It's hilarious, touching and, as far as we can tell, pretty honest given how often John is not depicted as a flawless hero character. This biography was written in collaboration with music critic Alexis Petridis, who captures John's voice perfectly while delivering thoroughly well-written prose.

12 . Viv Albertine - Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.

Slits guitarist Viv Albertine's 2014 autobiography made an impact that went far beyond punk fans interested in her band. It's a feminist work that looks at the realities of being a woman in the 70s and 80s, amped up by being a pivotal part of the punk scene. The book also covers her work after the Slits, who disbanded in 1982.

13 . Laura Jane Grace - Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout

Grace, the vocalist for punk band Against Me!, has a unique story to tell. And she tells it brilliantly in Tranny. The singer and guitarist came out as transgender in 2012, and her memoir – written with journalist Dan Ozzi and published four years later – is a brutally honest look at her experiences with gender dysphoria alongside her breakthrough into the punk scene. As well as shedding light on Grace’s past, it allows us a look at Butch Vig and Bruce Springsteen through fresh eyes.

14 . Mark Oliver Everett – Things the Grandchildren Should Know

Everett, better known as E, has enjoyed a strong following with his band Eels without ever attaining worldwide superstar status. Everett’s emotional depth has always come through in his songwriting, so it’s no surprise to see him eloquently and sensitively detail the role of others’ deaths in his own life after losing both parents and his sister before turning 35. There isn’t the excess of other memories, but it’s just as emotionally affecting, if not more so.

15 . John Lydon – Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs

Lydon, known as Johnny Rotten during his time with the Sex Pistols, had front-row seats to the birth of punk in the UK. As you can guess, this makes for great memoir fodder. The Londoner tears in to anyone and everyone you can imagine from the “boring” society infiltrated by his band. As the man himself says: “A lot of people feel the Sex Pistols were just negative. I agree, and what the fuck is wrong with that?”

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25 Greatest Movie Bands, From ‘Sing Street’ to Spinal Tap

By Jennifer Wood

Jennifer Wood

On October 5th, 1991, the Dublin-based soul band known as the Commitments hit their peak position on the Billboard 200 when they cracked the top 10 to secure the number eight spot on the music chart, wedged between Ozzy Osbourne and Bonnie Raitt. The biggest difference between those two legendary artists and the Irish newcomers? The Commitments were a work of pure fiction — at least, they were originally.

Originally created by writer Roddy Doyle for his 1987 novel of the same name, director Alan Parker brought The Commitments to life on August 14th, 1991 — with a cast of (mostly) musicians who had the acting chops to carry a movie. But those R&B road dogs are hardly alone: From Pitch Perfect ‘s a capella champions to the punk Irish preteens of Sing Street, the movies are full of amazingly talented musical artists and groups who we only wish existed in real life.

We’re counting down 25 most amazing “movie bands” — those fake metalheads, glam divas, bluegrass crooners and underage rock superstars that have graced the screen, and a few cases, the actual stage. Some of them ended up touring (big up Jake and Elwood Blues!); others played their final note the minute they heard “That’s a wrap.” But all of them go to 11. Play this list loud.

[Editor’s Note: A version of this list was originally published in August 2016]

Sing Street, ‘Sing Street’ (2016)

Like an 1980s pop version of the Commitments, the title band in the latest from Irish filmmaker John Carney ( Once ) channels much of what there was to love about the decade — from the omnipresence of Duran Duran to an ever-changing lineup of pouffy-hair icons. It's the early MTV era as seen through the eyes of Conor, a misfit Dublin teen who decides to form a band for the oldest of reasons: to impress a girl. Despite his hormonally charged reasons, he and his classmates manage to produce some catchy tunes — complete with state-of-the-art D.I.Y. music videos, of course.The fact that the prom clip for "Drive It Like You Stole It" wasn't actually a Buzz Bin clip back in the day feels like a crime.

Marvin Berry & the Starlighters, ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Really, the band should be known as Marty McFly and the Starlighters, as it's Michael J. Fox's time-traveling teen who gives the Starlighters' lead singer, — Marvin Berry, fictional cousin to Chuck — a lesson in "oldies" mixed with some Eddie Van Halen-style electric guitar pyrotechnics. Which means that, in addition to forcing his parents to fall for each other and ensuring his own existence, Marty technically pioneered rock & roll music, too. (We'll leave the plutonium and Libyan terrorists out of it.)

Steel Dragon, ‘Rock Star’ (2001)

Mark Wahlberg was no stranger to standing in front of a stadium full of music fans by the time he took on the role of Chris "Izzy" Cole, a superfan-turned-lead singer of Eighties metal band Steel Dragon. Though the movie, based on the story of Tim "Ripper" Owens — a Judas Priest superfan who briefly replaced Rob Halford as lead singer — pretty much tanked, it at least got the music right; in addition to Walhberg and Dominic West (yes, seeing The Wire 's McNulty with a full-on metalhead 'do is a sight to behold), the bulk of the band is filled out with actual musicians, including (ex-Dokken-er) Jeff Pilson, Jason Bonham (son of John), and Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde. Feel the vibrations.

The Weird Sisters, ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005)

It may not seem like there's much room for a cool alt-rock group amidst all the wizardry, Quidditch, and other made-up things that Muggles will never understand in the world of Hogwarts. Then along came the Weird Sisters. In the fourth installment of the book series-turned-film franchise, an impressive all-star Britpop band showed up – featuring Pulp's Jarvis Cocker on lead vocals and members of Radiohead, All Seeing I, and Add N to (X) — to show those little wizards kids how to "Do the Hippograff." Imagine the Harry Potter version of the African Anteater Ritual, and you're halfway there.

The Carrie Nations, ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls’ (1970)

Three years after Mark Robson turned Jacqueline Susann's trash-lit Valley of the Dolls into a box office hit, sexploitation legend Russ Meyer and soon-to-be Pulitzer Prize-winner Roger Ebert teamed up to create a psychedelic sequel that followed the sex, drugs, and rock and roll-fueled lifestyle of an all-girl power trio. Though they were as badass as their namesake — a leader of the temperance movement who toted around a hatchet — they weren’t nearly as conservative. Ebert himself, who was surprised that it ever got made in the first place, once explained that in Meyer's mind, the film "should simultaneously be a satire, a serious melodrama, a rock musical, a comedy, a violent exploitation picture, a skin flick and a moralistic expose (so soon after the Sharon Tate murders) of what the opening crawl called 'the oft-times nightmarish world of Show Business.'"

The Ain’t Rights, ‘Green Room’ (2016)

Filmmaker Jeremie Saulnier put his film's fake band — consisting of Callum Turner, Peaky Blinders ' Joe Cole, Arrested Development 's Alia Shawkat and the late Anton Yelchin — through a punk-rock boot camp prior to shooting this modern exploitation-movie classic, and man, does it show. Watch this gnarly hardcore quartet tear through the Dead Kennedy's "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" with abandon — made all the more impressive by the fact that they're doing the number for a room full of white-supremacist skinheads. 

Citizen Dick, ‘Singles’ (1992)

Cameron Crowe has long had his finger on the pulse of the music scene, and never was that more evident than his Gen X rom-com that practically predicted the cultural impact of the Seattle grunge scene. Though much is made of the film's soundtrack — which became a hit months before the movie was even released — the movie's true rock stars are Citizen Dick, Matt Dillon's up-and-coming grunge group, which features Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, and Jeff Ament (who were still known as Mookie Blaylock at the time). That the group's big hit would be a riff on Mudhoney's era-defining single, here renamed "Touch Me, I'm Dick" only ups the bona fides.

Eddie and the Cruisers, ‘Eddie and the Cruisers’ (1983)

In a way, you almost have to feel bad for John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. The Rhode Island-based rockers were still just finding their way in the business when they were approached about creating the soundtrack for a musical mystery about the rise and fall of a formerly famous band named Eddie and the Cruisers. Though the movie took its time in gaining a cult following (almost a year after the film's release, thanks to multiple HBO viewings), the soundtrack immediately became a huge hit. But fans of the film thought of the music as Eddie's — not John's. To this day, it remains the (real) band's biggest hit.

The Wonders, ‘That Thing You Do!’ (1996)

Had Tom Hanks taken a different path in life, he may very well have become a successful music producer. In 1996, he released one of cinema's great earworms onto an unsuspecting public with the title track from That Thing You Do!, courtesy of the movie's fake British Invasion-style band the Wonders. (Also known as the "Oneders," the movie's cheekiest in-joke regarding its one-hit-wonder group.) Seriously, who knew Steve Zahn looked that good playing in a Sixties pop band?

Sex Bob-Omb, ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010)

While it's Scott Pilgrim's love life that drives the narrative in Edgar Wright's adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series, it's his band — Sex Bob-Omb — that gets taken along for the ride, as much of the film's action moves from one (sometimes literal) battle of the bands to the next. How good is this Le Tigre-meets-the-White-Stripes-meets-the-Buzzcocks power trio? Cartoon lightning bolts shout out as they play. That's good!

Maxwell Demon and Venus in Furs, ‘Velvet Goldmine’ (1998)

Todd Haynes' tribute to the glam rock scene of the 1970s gives the Ziggy Stardust-ish Brian Slade/Maxwell Demon (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and his Iggy-like friend Curt Wild (Ewan McGregor) top billing. But it's the Venus in Furs, Demon's backup band, who make the movie's soundtrack. In reality, the band — which has a penchant for Roxy Music covers — is a bit of a British supergroup that counts Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, Suede's Bernard Butler, and even Roxy Music's Andy Mackay among its members. It's a glam slam, to say the least.

CB4, ‘CB4 (1993)

Give it up for MC Gusto, Stabmaster Arson and Dead Mike — the trio behind Chris Rock and writer Nelson George's hilarious mockumentary about gangsta rap, public handwringing over crime-pays rhymes and a host of Clinton-era hip-hop fads. Everyone from MC Hammer to X-Clan gets ribbed here, and while the titular group is a nice amalgamation of the age's alpha male rap star — a little bit of Naughty by Nature and Ultramagnetic MCs here, a whole lot of N.W.A there — they also know how to rock a stage on their own. Not anybody can get the crowd moving to a classic like "Sweat From My Balls," people.  

The Soggy Bottom Boys, ‘O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)

More than a decade before Inside Llewyn Davis, Joel and Ethan Coen made music the star of one of their period films — specifically, the old-timey music that colors this Great Depression-era tale of escaped convicts who accidentally strike it big on the bluegrass scene. George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson may not have had the pipes to pull off the singing on their own, but their commitment to the art form is commendable — and the soundtrack featuring their rendition of the Americana standard "Man of Constant Sorrow" helped lead to a renewed interest in the genre.

Sonic Death Monkey, ‘High Fidelity’ (2000)

There are many things to love about Stephen Frears' adaption of Nick Hornby's novel of the same name (with a quick location switcheroo from London to Chicago). At the top of that list: Jack Black's impressive cover of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" with the band formerly known as Sonic Death Monkey, soon-to-be-known as Kathleen Turner Overdrive, and currently known as Barry Jive and the Uptown Five. The fact that the comedian was doing double duty in the metal-comedy duo Tenacious D hadn't quite reached the mainstream at that point — so when the funny man suddenly busted out a soulful rendition and proved he had some serious pipes? You could see people in the audience swoon.

The Barden Bellas, ‘Pitch Perfect’ (2012)

Three years after Glee brought some long overdue respect to the instrument-less art form, Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson helped turn what could have been a quickly forgotten musical comedy about competitive melody-making into a worldwide hit that is still the third highest-grossing musical comedy of all-time (its 2015 sequel currently holds the top position). When it comes to vocal breakdowns, you simply can't mess with the Bellas. And though a riff-off is the only way to determine which one of Pitch Perfect 's most popular a capella ensembles reigns supreme, it's hard to mention one without the other — so give it up as well for the Treblemakers, the Bellas' all-male counterpart. 

Jim and Jean, ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (2013)

First things first: In the 1960s, there really was a folk duo known as Jim and Jean, who were romantically involved and married for a time. Though they're a likely source of inspiration for Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan's folk duo (not to mention Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara's Mitch & Mickey from A Mighty Wind ), the Coen brothers' duo are not that Jim and Jean. But hearing them perform together, it would have worked — especially since Mulligan has the era's gorgeous, female-songbird trilling down pat. And that Timberlake guy isn't too bad, either.

School of Rock, ‘School of Rock’ (2003)

The Tenacious D rocker Jack Black never seems more in his element — even onscreen — than when he's given a microphone and left to his own devices. Which is exactly what he does in Richard Linklater's School of Rock, where he cons his way into a job as a substitute teacher and sets about giving his students an education in the history of music, eventually turning them into the academically named band of the title. Whereas Black, if left to his own devices, could have taken the film to a much more adult sense of humor, the fact that he's constrained by a PG-13 rating is part of the charm (and made the movie a family-friendly hit). if you wanna be the teacher's pet … baby, you just better forget it.

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, ‘The Muppet Movie’ (1979)

Sure, the Muppets may be best known for sentimental tunes like "Bein' Green" and "The Rainbow Connection," but don't count them out when it comes to finding a harder sound. Kermit gets the headlines, yet the true musical geniuses in Jim Henson's furry puppet playland are Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd Pepper, Janice, and Zoot – a.k.a. the Electric Mayhem. And not only do they bring the Seventies boogie-funk with the best of them; they're also great at dropping exposition in key moments of the story, per above. These cats could have toured with Leon Russell or April Wine back in the day. Can you picture that?

The Commitments, ‘The Commitments’ (1991)

When it comes to Irish music, Bono and bodhráns might be the first images that come to mind. But director Alan Parker decided to give the country a bit more soul when he adapted the 1987 book about a wayward group of Dubliners forming into a first-class R&B band. They face the inevitable challenges — equipment issues, uncomfortable romances, band member rivalries — but it's the music that matters. Parker's decision to record all of the vocals live on set helped give the movie a sense of authenticity, as did the casting of singer Andrew Strong, just 16 years old at the time, as the band's lead vocalist. And yes, that's the Frames/future Once star Glen Hansard on guitar.

Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes, ‘Star Wars’ (1977)

All things considered, Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes (a.k.a. the Cantina Band) were just a blip in the Star Wars universe. Yet this baldheaded gathering of Bliths somehow managed to make their presence known — even when their repetitive little ditty faded into the background of the Mos Eisley Cantina. Perhaps it's the oddly anachronistic, ragtime-like beat that plays in stark contrast to the sinister dealings that are happening right in front of them. Or that the tune comes courtesy of composer John Williams, in prime intergalactic-lounge mode. But it says something that your ear remains trained to it, even when Han Solo going on and on about making the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.

The Folksmen, ‘A Mighty Wind’ (2003)

Though it wasn't until 2003 that moviegoers got a taste of the clean-cut, folk music stylings of the Folksmen, the band's origins go back nearly 20 years earlier. Like a bizarro version of Spinal Tap, the fictional folk trio is comprised of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. They made their debut (in 1984) on Saturday Night Live, and in the decades that followed, the fake band put on many real performances — things even got meta on a few occasions when they served as the opening act for the Tap. Though it may seem unfair to single the Folksmen out amidst the other entertaining acts featured in Guest's A Mighty Wind (namely: The New Main Street Singers and Mitch & Mickey), this trio has the seniority.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch, ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ (2001)

This indie film (and its namesake band) began life on the New York stage, and like any worthwhile musical, the movie's narrative progresses through song. But Hedwig and the Angry Inch is about as far away from Singin' in the Rain as you can get. The film operates more like a rock opera, which is part of what allows Hedwig and her band to pivot from hard-rock tunes to moving ballads without losing a step, go-go boots and all. Since becoming a movie, Hedwig has once again returned to the stage, this time on Broadway, with marquee names like Neil Patrick Harris taking over the lead. But nothing compares to John Cameron Mitchell's original, especially when you see him front the band in the closest thing the movie has to a title song. Six inches forward, five inches back … . 

Stillwater, ‘Almost Famous’ (2000)

In real life, a 15-year-old Cameron Crowe had the opportunity to interview Poco for Rolling Stone. In the director's most personal movie, the 15-year-old in question is a wide-eyed kid named William Miller and the band is Stillwater (which was, in fact, a real band in the 1970s, but that's just a coincidence). What makes the band (featuring Billy Crudup and Jason Lee, in primo Seventies duds) such a standout in the landscape of fictional rock groups is not so much their music; it's the depths to which music, on a holistic level, drives the members' every decision. In the end, the movie stands as more of a testament to an era in music than one particular band, and Stillwater is the embodiment of that age of rockers — the good, the bad and the Golden God-like.

The Blues Brothers, ‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)

Introduced to television audiences on Saturday Night Live some 40 years ago, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's black-suited soul men were initially a lark. But they proved popular enough that they recorded a full album, Briefcase Full of Blues, then made the leap to the big screen with John Landis' iconic 1980 comedy. And the rest is history, with the duo do a few shows as Jake and Elwood Blues and assembling a dream-team band (featuring members of Booker T and the MGs, the Bar-Kays and Blood, Sweat and Tears) to back them up. That's when they weren't trading licks, of course, with Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. Belushi's death in 1982 didn't stop Aykroyd from resurrecting the brothers occasionally, but really, it's the original siblings on a mission from God  — the guys making that Stax-style revue swing — that have earned a prime placement on this list.

Spinal Tap, ‘This is Spinal Tap’ (1984)

Spinal Tap didn't invent the concept of the parody band — but for many, they're the still standard to which all others are held. While comedy-inclined audiences loved the band for their bitingly funny song titles and lyrics — "My baby fits me like a flesh tuxedo / I love to sink her with my pink torpedo" — dozens of famous musicians have been frank about just how accurately the movie depicts the life of a career musician. (Metallica's Lars Ulrich famously classified the flick as a horror film and swore that "Every single functioning band out there has sat and looked at that movie and cringed.") But look beyond its humor, its accuracy and the fact that the miniature version of Stonehenge is in danger of being crushed by a little person, and the fact remains that the band's actually good. Really good. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer have recorded and played live in character for so long as the metal trio that you sometimes forget they started life as a fictional band. Still, all these years later, their songs remain the same, the jokes are still funny — and in terms of fake movie bands, they still go to 11.

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Best Rock Band Movies

Rock band movies have been a popular genre in the film industry for decades. These movies often showcase the highs and lows of being in a band, the struggles of fame and fortune, and the power of music to bring people together. From fictional bands to real-life rock legends, there have been many memorable rock band movies that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the best rock band movies, along with 13 song examples and interesting details about each.

1. “Almost Famous” (2000)

“Almost Famous” is a semi-autobiographical film directed by Cameron Crowe, based on his experiences as a teenage writer for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s. The film follows a young journalist who goes on tour with the fictional band Stillwater, and captures the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle. One of the standout songs in the film is “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, which is featured in a memorable scene on the tour bus.

2. “The Commitments” (1991)

“The Commitments” is a comedy-drama film directed by Alan Parker, about a group of working-class Dubliners who form a soul band. The film features a soundtrack of classic soul songs, including “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett and “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin. The film was a critical and commercial success, and has since become a cult classic among music fans.

3. “School of Rock” (2003)

“School of Rock” is a comedy film directed by Richard Linklater, starring Jack Black as a struggling musician who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. The film features a mix of classic rock songs and original music, including “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin and “School of Rock” by Jack Black and the kids. The film was a box office hit and received critical acclaim for its humor and heartwarming story.

4. “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984)

“This Is Spinal Tap” is a mockumentary film directed by Rob Reiner, about a fictional British rock band called Spinal Tap. The film is a satire of the rock and roll lifestyle, and has become a cult classic for its humor and iconic quotes. One of the standout songs in the film is “Stonehenge”, a comedic take on the band’s failed attempt at a grand stage production.

5. “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018)

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a biographical film about the British rock band Queen, focusing on the life of lead singer Freddie Mercury. The film features a soundtrack of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Will Rock You”, and “Somebody to Love”. The film was a commercial success and won several awards, including four Academy Awards.

6. “Walk the Line” (2005)

“Walk the Line” is a biographical film about the life of American country music singer Johnny Cash, focusing on his rise to fame and tumultuous relationship with June Carter. The film features a mix of Cash’s classic songs, including “Ring of Fire”, “I Walk the Line”, and “Folsom Prison Blues”. The film was a critical and commercial success, and won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for Reese Witherspoon.

7. “Rock Star” (2001)

“Rock Star” is a drama film directed by Stephen Herek, about a tribute band singer who becomes the lead singer of his favorite rock band. The film features a mix of original music and classic rock songs, including “Stand Up and Shout” by Dio and “We All Die Young” by Steelheart. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but has since become a cult classic among rock music fans.

8. “The Doors” (1991)

“The Doors” is a biographical film about the iconic American rock band The Doors, focusing on the life of lead singer Jim Morrison. The film features a soundtrack of The Doors’ greatest hits, including “Light My Fire”, “Break on Through (To the Other Side)”, and “Riders on the Storm”. The film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for Val Kilmer’s performance as Morrison.

9. “Sing Street” (2016)

“Sing Street” is a musical comedy-drama film directed by John Carney, set in Dublin in the 1980s. The film follows a teenage boy who forms a band to impress a girl and escape his troubled home life. The film features original music inspired by 80s rock bands, including “Drive It Like You Stole It” and “Up” by the fictional band Sing Street. The film was a critical success and won several awards for its music and performances.

10. “The Runaways” (2010)

“The Runaways” is a biographical film about the American all-female rock band The Runaways, focusing on the lives of lead singer Cherie Currie and guitarist Joan Jett. The film features a soundtrack of The Runaways’ greatest hits, including “Cherry Bomb”, “Queens of Noise”, and “I Love Playin’ with Fire”. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but has since become a cult classic among music fans.

11. “Purple Rain” (1984)

“Purple Rain” is a musical drama film starring Prince, loosely based on his life and career as a musician. The film features a soundtrack of Prince’s greatest hits, including “Purple Rain”, “When Doves Cry”, and “Let’s Go Crazy”. The film was a commercial success and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.

12. “The Blues Brothers” (1980)

“The Blues Brothers” is a musical comedy film starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as the titular characters, Jake and Elwood Blues. The film follows the brothers as they reunite their band to save the orphanage where they were raised. The film features a mix of classic rhythm and blues songs, including “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave and “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson. The film was a box office hit and has since become a cult classic for its music and humor.

13. “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)

“Straight Outta Compton” is a biographical film about the American hip hop group N.W.A, focusing on the rise of gangsta rap in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film features a soundtrack of N.W.A’s greatest hits, including “Straight Outta Compton”, “F**k tha Police”, and “Express Yourself”. The film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its performances and social commentary.

These are just a few examples of the best rock band movies that have captivated audiences over the years. Each film offers a unique perspective on the music industry, from fictional bands to real-life legends. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, punk, or hip hop, there’s a rock band movie out there for everyone.

Common Questions:

1. What is the best rock band movie of all time?

– This is subjective and can vary depending on personal taste, but some popular choices include “Almost Famous”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, and “The Blues Brothers”.

2. Are rock band movies based on real bands or fictional bands?

– Rock band movies can be based on real bands, such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Doors”, or fictional bands, such as “Almost Famous” and “This Is Spinal Tap”.

3. What is the most iconic rock band song featured in a movie?

– “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is often considered one of the most iconic rock band songs featured in a movie, thanks to its prominent role in the film of the same name.

4. Are there any rock band movies that focus on female musicians?

– Yes, “The Runaways” is a biographical film about the all-female rock band of the same name, featuring the lives of lead singer Cherie Currie and guitarist Joan Jett.

5. What makes a good rock band movie?

– A good rock band movie should have a compelling story, memorable characters, and a killer soundtrack that captures the essence of the band’s music.

6. Are there any rock band movies that have won Academy Awards?

– Yes, “Bohemian Rhapsody” won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury.

7. What is the most underrated rock band movie?

– “Sing Street” is often considered one of the most underrated rock band movies, featuring original music inspired by 80s rock bands and a heartwarming story.

8. Do rock band movies accurately portray the music industry?

– While some rock band movies take creative liberties for entertainment purposes, many are based on real-life events and offer a glimpse into the music industry.

9. Are there any rock band movies that focus on the punk rock genre?

– “The Decline of Western Civilization” is a documentary film that focuses on the punk rock scene in Los Angeles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

10. What is the best rock band movie for fans of classic rock?

– “The Commitments” is a comedy-drama film that features a soundtrack of classic soul songs, perfect for fans of classic rock music.

11. Are there any rock band movies that are based on true stories?

– “Walk the Line” is a biographical film about the life of American country music singer Johnny Cash, based on his rise to fame and relationship with June Carter.

12. What is the most iconic rock band movie scene of all time?

– The concert scene in “Almost Famous” where the band Stillwater performs “Tiny Dancer” on the tour bus is often considered one of the most iconic rock band movie scenes.

13. Are there any rock band movies that feature a mix of genres?

– “School of Rock” is a comedy film that features a mix of classic rock songs and original music, appealing to fans of various music genres.

In conclusion, rock band movies have become a staple in the film industry, offering audiences a glimpse into the world of music and the lives of musicians. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, punk, or hip hop, there’s a rock band movie out there for everyone. From fictional bands to real-life legends, these films capture the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and the power of music to bring people together. So grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and enjoy the magic of rock band movies.

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The 140+ Best Biography Movies

Biographical films explore the fascinating lives of historical figures and cultural icons. The best biography movies offer viewers a detailed look into the lives of these people, skillfully recreating stories that have shaped history and left a lasting impact on the world. With unforgettable narratives to explore, you will find these films showcase exceptional storytelling, nuanced performances, and unparalleled cinematic vision. 

The best biography movies offer not just boring history, but gripping, groundbreaking, and original narratives. For instance, films like Catch Me If You Can follow the high-stakes exploits of a charming con artist, bringing together thrilling action with intriguing character development. Schindler's List, on the other hand, tackles the harrowing subject of the Holocaust, masterfully capturing the heroic efforts of one man to save lives during a dark time in history. Then there's A Beautiful Mind, which delves into the complex life of renowned mathematician John Nash, showcasing the challenges and triumphs associated with his brilliance. These films are but a few examples of the best biographical movies that excellently capture the essence of their subjects and the genre. 

The lasting impact of these movies demonstrates how well they resonate with audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Biographical movies not only accurately depict the lives of their subjects, but they also elevate the art of storytelling by blending truth with cinematic drama. Through these exceptional films, viewers gain fresh perspectives on the world, history, and the individuals who have shaped it, marking these biographical movies as the very best in their field. 

Catch Me If You Can

Schindler's List

A Beautiful Mind

The Social Network

Film fans list the best movie biopics of all time

Films about Malcolm X, Johnny Cash, Ian Curtis and Amy Winehouse are among the picks

Film fans have been sharing their favourite ever biopics, from movies about music legends to political leaders.

• READ MORE: 50 music biopics to see before you die

Biopics dramatise the life of a real person and are frequently among the most highly rated and awards-nominated films released each year, with movies such as Oppenheimer , Maestro , Elvis and King Richard all picking up Best Picture nominations at the Oscars in recent years.

Reddit user samx3i prompted the discussion on Thursday (August 15) after watching 1984’s Amadeus , another major Oscar winner that told the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s rivalry with Antonio Salieri.

“Incredible film if you haven’t seen it, and if you think you need to be a huge Mozart fan to get the full benefit of it, you do not (although it couldn’t hurt),” they wrote . “No sooner than Amadeus had ended did I immediately start thinking, “I wonder if there are biopics near as good regarding other great composers?”

The post then asked others to recommend other great films in the genre, and people were not slow in coming forward.

Films about the lives of musicians were common suggestions. “ Coal Miner’s Daughter (about country singer Loretta Lynn ) and The Buddy Holly Story are both great,” replied one user. “No lip-syncing to the music either. Sissy Spacek and Gary Busey actually perform the songs.”

Recommended

“ Walk The Line for me,” wrote another. “I remember sitting through the credits waiting to see who did such great [Johnny] Cash renditions, and it was Joaquin [Phoenix] – I was blown away.”

• READ MORE: ‘Back To Black’ review: Marisa Abela makes a worthy Amy Winehouse

“The Joy Division biopic  Control  is a bleak, beautiful, black and white masterpiece,” was another user’s pick.

“I enjoyed Back To Black which came out a few months ago ( Amy Winehouse ),” wrote another. “As someone who’s struggled with addiction, I could relate. I didn’t know much of her story prior to seeing it.”

It wasn’t all about the musicians, however. One pointed to Spike Lee ’s epic 1992 drama Malcolm X , starring Denzel Washington as the civil rights activist. “One of the few biopics I’ve seen that gets the essence of its main character and their journey across rather than just being a Wikipedia summary of their life,” they wrote. “Denzel’s best performance and for my money the best final 30 minutes of any movie and one of the best needle drops.”

Among the other picks were Lawrence Of Arabia , I, Tonya , Ed Wood , Sid And Nancy and La Vie En Rose .

Another suggested this year’s Best Picture winner Oppenheimer as a standout. “For me, not only is the history and context absolutely captivating (and the acting of course), the directing and editing is wonderful, weaving together 2 or 3 different important periods in the titular character’s life to create a fascinating narrative,” they argued.

In a  five-star review of that film ,  NME  wrote: “Not just the definitive account of the man behind the atom bomb,  Oppenheimer  is a monumental achievement in grown-up filmmaking. For years, Nolan has been perfecting the art of the serious blockbuster – crafting smart, finely-tuned multiplex epics that demand attention; that can’t be watched anywhere other than in a cinema, uninterrupted, without distractions. But this, somehow, feels bigger.”

• Related Topics
• Amy Winehouse
• Back to Black
• Johnny Cash
• Loretta Lynn
• Oppenheimer

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The 50 Best Biography Movies of All Time

1. Goodfellas

2. Lawrence of Arabia

3. Schindler's List

4. Raging Bull

6. The Wolf of Wall Street

7. The Pianist

8. A Beautiful Mind

9. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

12. The Aviator

13. Ed Wood

14. BlacKkKlansman

15. The Elephant Man

16. A Hidden Life

17. Dog Day Afternoon

18. Bonnie and Clyde

19. Downfall

20. Memories of Murder

21. Fruitvale Station

22. Into the Wild

23. The King's Speech

24. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

25. The Intouchables

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