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16 Best Movies About Music

movies about music
Movies about Music photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash

Last updated on March 9th, 2023 at 08:54 pm

Movies about music always top the charts as some of the best movies of all time. While some movies about music are set up as musicals, others tell the story of an artist’s rise to fame.  Either way, the movies about music genre is huge, and there’s something in it for everyone.

We’ve made a list of the best movies about music. Take a look, and maybe you’ll find your next movie night movie or an old favorite you want to rewatch.

 

16. “Mama Mia!”—2008

“Mama Mia!” is a worldwide favorite movie about music that features the songs of the famous pop group ABBA. Although this movie is famous, the plot is absolute trash. We recommend just listening to the soundtrack if you do decide to indulge. But we do love a good Meryl Streep movie, and this film does feature her, which is the only way it made it on this list! 

Watch Mama Mia on Prime Video.

 

15. “Walk the Line”—2005

Have you ever wondered what Johnny Cash’s life was like? This movie will tell you the whole story. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some Johnny Cash songs along the way.

Stream Walk The Line on Prime Video.

 

14. “La La Land”—2016

“La La Land” is one of the most famous movies about music, but, to be honest, we felt it fell a bit short of the mark. The songs are catchy and inviting, but the plot is just quite flat compared to other movies on this list.

Stream Lala Land on Prime Video.

 

13. “8 Mile”—2002

“8 Mile” is a movie about music for those who enjoy the rap genre. The film follows the story of a white rapper in Detroit who is played by Eminem. This movie isn’t biographical, but Eminem does say that the plot is very close to his own origin story.

Stream 8 Mile on Prime Video.

 

12. “Amadeus”—1984

We did say that the movies about music genre is for everyone, and we weren’t lying as this movie about music is for classical music lovers as it follows the life and includes the compositions of none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Stream Amadeus on Prime Video.

 

 

11. “Inside Llewyn Davis”—2013

Folk music lovers, you’re up next, as this movie follows the life of a fictional folk singer. Even though it isn’t a true story, it presents many of the shortcomings of the music world while also featuring songs from popular musicians like Marcus Mumford, Justin Timberlake, and Chris Thile.

Stream Inside Llewyn Davis on Prime Video.

 

 

10. “The Doors”—1991

Sadly, this movie did not serve to appease critics, but it is still a great movie about music. It follows the story of the band The Doors, with several big-name actors like Meg Ryan and Val Kilmer playing lead roles.

It’s just a bit hard to follow—but then again, so were the 1960’s so basically, it’s authentic.

Stream The Doors on Prime Video.

 

9. “Purple Rain”—1984

For 80’s music fans, “Purple Rain” is a must-watch. Filled with all the Prince songs you love, you’ll definitely sing along to this feature film.

Watch Purple Rain on Prime Video.

 

8. “Elvis”—2022

One of the most influential musicians of all time, Elvis’ music shaped a generation. This biographical film follows his life, showing much of the side of Elvis that many never got to see.

Told from the point of view of his manager, if you aren’t an Elvis fan yet, you will be by the end of the film.

Stream Elvis on Prime Video.

 

7. “The Greatest Showman”—2017

Unlike other movies about music on this list, “The Greatest Showman” isn’t a biopic. But it does cover many real-life themes that led to the invention and evolution of modern-day circuses. While this movie isn’t a true story, the songs are catchy, and the emotions portrayed are some that everyone can relate to.

Stream The Greatest Showman on Prime Video.

 

6. “Rocketman”—2019

Elton John is a legend. Not only have his songs topped the charts in numerous countries around the world, but he also paved the way for other homosexual artists. This is one of the best movies about music that you won’t want to miss!

Stream Rocketman on Amazon Prime Video.

 

 

5. “The Sound of Music”—1965

No list of movies about music would be complete without the OG musical from 1965. Based on a true story of an Austrian family in the 1940s, Julie Andrews makes this movie a hit with her amazing singing voice. The best part is it’s old but timeless, so it won’t feel like it when you watch it!

Watch The Sound of Music on Amazon Prime Video.

 

4. “A Star is Born”—2018

The music industry isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and this film, which was remade for the third time in 2018, embodies that sentiment perfectly. We especially love seeing Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper on stage together. Their chemistry makes this movie unbelievably moving.

Stream A Star Is Born on Prime Video.

 

3. “Whiplash”—2014

While there are many movies about singers and guitarists, the percussionist often gets forgotten. In this 2014 hit, follow the tale of a percussionist and enjoy some awe-inspiring music along the way.

Watch Whiplash on Prime Video.

 

2. “Bird”—1988

Jazz loves will relish in this next movie about music, which follows the life of Charlie Parker, who is known as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Even if you don’t like jazz, this movie is by Clint Eastwood, making it an absolute masterpiece.

Stream Bird on Prime Video.

 

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody”—2018

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is another of the most famous movies about music of all time. Based on the life of Freddie Mercury, you’ll learn all about the band Queen and how their music became some of the most widely recognized songs in the world.

Just keep the tissues nearby because we all know this film doesn’t have a happy ending.

Stream Bohemian Rhapsody on Prime Video today.

What are your favorite movies about music? Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Hope Davis

Long-time music lover Hope became a full-time writer in 2020 after being laid off from her regular job due to COVID-19. She now spends her time traveling the world to see her favorite bands while writing about them!

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