Best Movies About Music: Top Picks for Music Lovers

Music has been an integral part of human life since ancient times. It has the power to influence emotions, change moods, and bring people together. It is no wonder that music has been a popular subject for movies.

From documentaries to biopics, musicals to dramas, there is a wide range of movies about music that have been made over the years.

These movies not only entertain but also educate and inspire. They showcase the lives of musicians, the struggles they face, and the impact they have on society. They also provide a platform for lesser-known artists to gain recognition and for viewers to discover new music.

In this article, we will explore some of the best movies about music that have been made. We will look at different genres, including documentaries, biopics, and dramas, and highlight some of the most influential and inspiring movies about music.

Whether you are a music lover or just looking for a good movie to watch, this list has something for everyone.

Biographical Films

Biographical films, or biopics, are movies that dramatize the life of a real person, often a musician. These films can be a great way to learn more about the life and legacy of some of the most influential musicians of all time.

Here are some of the best biographical films about musicians:

Amadeus (1984) – This film tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time. The movie won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – This film follows the life of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band Queen. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Rami Malek’s portrayal of Mercury.

Ray (2004) – This film is a biopic of Ray Charles, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Charles.

Walk the Line (2005) – This film tells the story of Johnny Cash, one of the most iconic country musicians of all time. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both received Academy Award nominations for their performances.

While biopics can be a great way to learn about the lives of musicians, it’s important to remember that they are still works of fiction. Many biopics take liberties with the truth in order to make a more compelling story.

So, it’s always a good idea to do additional research if you’re interested in learning more about a particular musician.

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Documentaries

Documentaries offer a unique glimpse into the world of music and the lives of the artists who create it.

Here are some of the best documentaries about music:

• Rolling Stone’s 70 Greatest Music Documentaries of All Time: This comprehensive list includes classics like ‘U2: Rattle and Hum’ and ‘It Might Get Loud,’ as well as newer documentaries like ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ and ‘Amy.’
  
• Mark Kermode’s Top 20 Music Documentaries: Film critic Mark Kermode’s list includes recent hits like ‘Summer of Soul’ and ‘The Beatles: Get Back,’ as well as classics like ‘Gimme Shelter’ and ‘The Last Waltz.’
  
• EW’s Best Music Documentaries of All Time: This list includes a mix of classic and modern documentaries, including ‘Woodstock,’ ‘The Last Waltz,’ and ‘Whitney.’

These documentaries offer a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry, the creative process, and the lives of musicians. They explore the highs and lows of fame, the struggles with addiction and mental health, and the impact of music on culture and society.

Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a new documentary to watch, these films offer something for everyone.

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Fictional Films

Music has always been a source of inspiration for filmmakers, and many fictional movies have been made about musicians and bands.

Here are some of the best fictional films about music:

• Almost Famous (2000): This movie is a coming-of-age story about a high school boy who becomes a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine and goes on tour with a fictional band called Stillwater. The movie captures the spirit of the 1970s rock scene and features great performances by Kate Hudson and Billy Crudup.
  
• This Is Spinal Tap (1984): This mockumentary follows the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap as they embark on a disastrous tour of the United States. The movie is a hilarious satire of the rock industry and features memorable scenes like the band getting lost backstage and their infamous “11” amplifier.
  
• Purple Rain (1984): This movie stars Prince as a fictional musician named The Kid who is struggling to make it in the music industry. The movie features great musical performances and a compelling storyline about love, family, and artistic expression.
  
• Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007): This comedy is a parody of biopics about musicians like Ray and Walk the Line. The movie follows fictional musician Dewey Cox as he rises to fame and battles addiction and personal demons. The movie features great performances by John C. Reilly and a hilarious cameo by Jack Black.

These movies are just a few examples of the many great fictional films about music. They capture the spirit of the music industry and the passion and creativity of musicians and bands.

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Musical Comedies

Musical comedies are a unique blend of laughter and melody. They are a perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a light-hearted movie with catchy tunes. Here are some of the best musical comedies of all time:

• Grease (1978): This classic musical comedy stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as high school sweethearts who sing and dance their way through their senior year.
  
• The Blues Brothers (1980): This musical comedy follows the hilarious misadventures of Jake and Elwood Blues as they try to save their childhood orphanage by putting together a blues band.
  
• Hairspray (2007): This musical comedy is set in 1960s Baltimore and follows a plucky teenager named Tracy Turnblad as she tries to integrate a local TV dance show.
  
• Pitch Perfect (2012): This musical comedy follows the journey of a college a cappella group as they compete against other groups in a national championship.