Movies About Making Contemporary Music
by RalphWilliamsMusic | created - 28 Nov 2021 | updated - 2 months ago | PublicThis is a list of fictional and non-fiction movies about making contemporary folk-rock, rock, soul, and jazz music. It purposely does not include traditional rock concert videos but it does include concerts if there is a back-story added to the concert footage.
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1. The Commitments (1991)
R | 118 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
Jimmy Rabbitte, an unemployed Dublin boy, decides to put together a soul band made up entirely of the Irish working class.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle Kennedy
Votes: 38,811 | Gross: $14.92M
2. Music of the Heart (1999)
PG | 124 min | Drama, Music
After Roberta Guaspari separates from her husband, she receives encouragement from her mother to take up a job of a music teacher at the Central Park East School in East Harlem.
Director: Wes Craven | Stars: Meryl Streep, Cloris Leachman, Henry Dinhofer, Michael Angarano
Votes: 13,331 | Gross: $14.86M
3. The Five Heartbeats (1991)
R | 121 min | Drama, Music
The story of the rise and fall of an African American vocal group.
Director: Robert Townsend | Stars: Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry Lennix
Votes: 4,900 | Gross: $8.75M
4. The Temptations (1998)
TV-PG | 88 min | Biography, Drama, Music
Biography of the singers who formed the hit Motown musical act, The Temptations.
Stars: Charles Malik Whitfield, D.B. Woodside, Terron Brooks, Christian Payton
Votes: 5,273
5. Echo in the Canyon (2018)
PG-13 | 82 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.'s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
Director: Andrew Slater | Stars: Lou Adler, Fiona Apple, The Beach Boys, Beck
Votes: 4,011 | Gross: $3.33M
6. Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives (2017)
Not Rated | 123 min | Documentary
A look at the life and work of music producer, Clive Davis.
Director: Chris Perkel | Stars: Clive Davis, Simon Cowell, Jimmy Iovine, Sean 'Diddy' Combs
Votes: 1,222
7. Sound City (2013)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the fabled recording studio that was located in Van Nuys, California.
Director: Dave Grohl | Stars: Trent Reznor, Tom Petty, Mick Fleetwood, Vinny Appice
Votes: 13,443 | Gross: $0.42M
8. Be Here to Love Me (2004)
Not Rated | 99 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Be Here to Love Me - Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of musician Townes van Zandt.
Director: Margaret Brown | Stars: Joe Ely, Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson
Votes: 1,417 | Gross: $0.13M
9. Swing (1999)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Music, Romance
When Martin gets out of prison, the guards warn him to get a job or end up back in jail. Martin decides to start his own band. The band is a smashing success until the police find out that it was backed with stolen money.
Director: Nick Mead | Stars: Hugo Speer, Lisa Stansfield, Paul Usher, Tom Bell
Votes: 398
10. Muscle Shoals (2013)
PG | 111 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A documentary that celebrates Rick Hall, the founder of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and the signature sound he developed in songs such as "I'll Take You There", "Brown Sugar", and "When a Man Loves a Woman".
Director: Greg 'Freddy' Camalier | Stars: Rick Hall, Aretha Franklin, Keith Richards, Candi Staton
Votes: 4,292 | Gross: $0.70M
11. Love & Mercy (2014)
PG-13 | 121 min | Biography, Drama, Music
In the 60s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 80s, he's a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy.
Director: Bill Pohlad | Stars: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti
Votes: 42,624 | Gross: $12.55M
12. Take Me to the River (2014)
PG | 95 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary about the soul of American music. The film follows the recording of a new album featuring legends from Stax records and Memphis mentoring and passing on their musical magic to stars and artists of today.
Director: Martin Shore | Stars: Terrence Howard, James Alexander, Al Bell, William Bell
Votes: 220 | Gross: $0.03M
13. The Howlin' Wolf Story (2003)
87 min | Documentary
Music documentary about giant blues legend Chester 'Howlin' Wolf' Burnett, including rare performances, his influence on the Rolling Stones, and more.
Director: Don McGlynn | Stars: Howlin' Wolf, Hubert Sumlin, Barbra Marks, Bettye Kelly
Votes: 236
14. Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars (2017)
TV-MA | 135 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A look at the life and work of guitarist Eric Clapton, told by those who have known him best, including BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and George Harrison.
Director: Lili Fini Zanuck | Stars: Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Ginger Baker, Chuck Berry
Votes: 2,537
15. Jimi Hendrix (1973)
R | 98 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Made shortly after his death, this documentary explores the brief life and remarkable legacy of guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
Directors: Joe Boyd, John Head, Gary Weis | Stars: Arthur Allen, Albert Allen, Stella Benabon, Eric Barrett
Votes: 1,856 | Gross: $0.03M
16. The Kids Are Alright (1979)
PG | 109 min | Documentary, Music
Interviews, TV clips and concert footage make up this comprehensive profile of The Who, Britain's premiere rock band.
Director: Jeff Stein | Stars: Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Entwistle
Votes: 3,926
17. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)
PG-13 | 118 min | Documentary, History, Music
Documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity.
Director: Questlove | Stars: Dorinda Drake, Barbara Bland-Acosta, Darryl Lewis, Ethel Beatty
Votes: 13,886
18. Songwriter (1984)
R | 94 min | Drama, Music
Doc Jenkins is a country music star who's become fed up with the industry. With some help from an old friend he attempts to right some wrongs and get back at the ruthless promoter who's swindled him.
Director: Alan Rudolph | Stars: Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Melinda Dillon, Rip Torn
Votes: 884 | Gross: $0.87M
19. Honeysuckle Rose (1980)
PG | 119 min | Drama, Music, Romance
Buck is a country singer on the road caught in a romantic triangle with Viv and Lily, the daughter of his longtime musical sidekick.
Director: Jerry Schatzberg | Stars: Willie Nelson, Dyan Cannon, Amy Irving, Slim Pickens
Votes: 1,881 | Gross: $17.82M
20. The Wrecking Crew! (2008)
PG | 101 min | Documentary, History, Music
A celebration of the musical work of a group of session musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew", a band that provided back-up instrumentals to such legendary recording artists as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and Bing Crosby.
Director: Denny Tedesco | Stars: Brian Wilson, Dick Clark, Cher, Herb Alpert
Votes: 3,680 | Gross: $0.80M
21. It Might Get Loud (2008)
PG | 98 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White.
Director: Davis Guggenheim | Stars: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White, Dallas Schoo
Votes: 13,551 | Gross: $1.61M
22. Sonic Highways (2014)
TV-MA | 60 min | Documentary, Music
Sonic Highways commemorates the Foo Fighters 20th anniversary by documenting the eight-city recording odyssey that produced their latest, and eighth, studio album.
Stars: Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett
Votes: 3,757
23. What Drives Us (2021)
88 min | Documentary
The movie follows young bands RadKey and Starcrawler who are taking on the world one town at a time, while also telling stories of the biggest artists in the music industry, recalling the ... See full summary »
Director: Dave Grohl | Stars: Henri Cash, Exene Cervenka, Arrow de Wilde, The Edge
Votes: 1,131
24. History of the Eagles (2013)
Not Rated | 94 min | Documentary, Music
The life and times of the super successful American soft-rock band, Eagles.
Stars: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, Joe Walsh
Votes: 2,812
25. Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago (2016)
113 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The history of legendary rock band Chicago is chronicled from their inception in 1967 all the way to the present.
Director: Peter Curtis Pardini | Stars: Lee Loughnane, Robert Lamm, Walter Parazaider, James Pankow
Votes: 686
26. Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind (2019)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The iconic Canadian musician, Gordon Lightfoot, reflects on his life and career.
Directors: Martha Kehoe, Joan Tosoni | Stars: Gordon Lightfoot, Kim Lightfoot, Bernie Fiedler, Sylvia Tyson
Votes: 692
27. Creem: America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine (2019)
Unrated | 75 min | Documentary, History, Music
Explores the seminal music magazine from its 1969 launch in Detroit to the untimely death of its publisher Barry Kramer in 1981.
Director: Scott Crawford | Stars: Jeff Ament, Lester Bangs, Alice Cooper, Cameron Crowe
Votes: 331
28. Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something (2020)
93 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Documentary about the life of Harry Chapin.
Director: Rick Korn | Stars: Bill Ayres, Jeannine Ayres, Harry Belafonte, Pat Benatar
Votes: 215
29. Zappa (2020)
Not Rated | 129 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An in-depth look into the life and work of musician Frank Zappa.
Director: Alex Winter | Stars: Frank Zappa, Lonnie Lardner, Patrice Zappa, Carl Zappa
Votes: 3,598
30. Classic Albums (2021)
48 min | Music
The Who's historic third album, Sell Out was a bold new direction for the band and dictated a new vision for popular music. This documentary investigates the cultural upheaval of 1967, how ... See full summary »
Stars: Brett Anderson, Jazzie B, Richard Oakes, Ashley Kahn
Votes: 19
31. Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words (2016)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An in-depth look at the life and work of avant-garde musician, Frank Zappa.
Director: Thorsten Schütte | Stars: Frank Zappa, Steve Allen, Angel, Chuck Ash
Votes: 1,371 | Gross: $0.35M
32. U2: Rattle and Hum (1988)
PG-13 | 99 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary of the Irish rock group U2 on their Fall 1987 tour of North America.
Director: Phil Joanou | Stars: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.
Votes: 6,180 | Gross: $8.60M
33. Laurel Canyon (2020)
TV-14 | 78 min | Documentary, History, Music
Documentary pulls back the curtain on a mythical world and provides an up-close look at the lives of the musicians who inhabited Laurel Canyon. It paints an intimate portrait of the artists who created a music revolution that would change popular culture.
Stars: Michelle Phillips, Alice Cooper, Micky Dolenz, Neil Young
Votes: 1,296
34. Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)
PG-13 | 95 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
With one of the most memorably stunning voices that has ever hit the airwaves, Linda Ronstadt burst onto the 1960s folk rock music scene in her early twenties.
Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Stars: Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris
Votes: 2,481 | Gross: $0.16M
35. David Crosby: Remember My Name (2019)
R | 95 min | Documentary, Music
Meet David Crosby in this portrait of a man with everything but an easy retirement on his mind.
Director: A.J. Eaton | Stars: David Crosby, Stephen Barncard, Jackson Browne, Ethan Crosby
Votes: 1,406 | Gross: $0.62M
36. The Other One: The Long, Strange Trip of Bob Weir (2014)
85 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary that explores Bob Weirs life, through the Grateful Dead, Ratdog, and his childhood.
Director: Mike Fleiss | Stars: John Perry Barlow, Chuck Berry, Neal Cassady, John Coltrane
Votes: 1,814
37. ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (2019)
91 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet.
Director: Sam Dunn | Stars: Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard, ZZ Top
Votes: 1,977 | Gross: $0.01M
38. The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (2020)
TV-MA | 111 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An exploration of the history of the Bee Gees, featuring revealing interviews with oldest brother Barry Gibb, and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice.
Director: Frank Marshall | Stars: Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Peter Brown
Votes: 5,624
39. Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015)
TV-PG | 81 min | Documentary, Music
A portrait of Keith Richards that takes us on a journey to discover the genesis of his sound as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Director: Morgan Neville | Stars: Keith Richards, Anthony DeCurtis, Steve Jordan, Tom Waits
Votes: 3,668
40. Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Ginger Baker looks back on his musical career with Cream and Blind Faith; his introduction to Fela Kuti; his self-destructive patterns and losses of fortune; and his current life inside a fortified South African compound.
Director: Jay Bulger | Stars: Ginger Baker, Femi Kuti, Eric Clapton, Stewart Copeland
Votes: 3,616 | Gross: $0.11M
41. Last Days Here (2011)
Not Rated | 91 min | Documentary, Music
Documentary follows Bobby Liebling, lead singer of seminal hard rock/heavy metal band Pentagram, as he battles decades of hard drug addiction and personal demons to try and get his life back.
Directors: Don Argott, Demian Fenton | Stars: Bobby Liebling, Sean Pelletier, Diane Liebling, Joe Liebling
Votes: 2,053 | Gross: $0.01M
42. Lemmy (2010)
116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A documentary on the life and career of revered heavy-metal musician Lemmy Kilmister.
Directors: Greg Olliver, Wes Orshoski | Stars: Lemmy, Phil Campbell, Mikkey Dee, Dave Navarro
Votes: 8,603
43. Jaco (2015)
Not Rated | 110 min | Documentary, Biography, Drama
JACO" tells the story of Jaco Pastorius, a self-taught, larger-than-life musician who single-handedly changed the course of modern music by redefining the sound and the role of the electric bass guitar.
Directors: Stephen Kijak, Paul Marchand | Stars: Jaco Pastorius, Jerry Jemmott, Robert Trujillo, Flea
Votes: 1,258
44. Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)
Not Rated | 107 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band's musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the '70s to their current heavy rock style.
Directors: Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen | Stars: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart, Trent Reznor
Votes: 4,891
45. Hired Gun (2016)
Not Rated | 98 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary film about session and touring musicians that are hired by well established and famous bands and artists like Metallica, KISS, and Billy Joel. These hired guns may not be household names, but are still masters of their craft.
Director: Fran Strine | Stars: John 5, Kenny Aronoff, Corey Britz, Kara Britz
Votes: 2,213
46.
Sidewalks Entertainment (1994– )
Episode:
Toto with Steve Lukather
(2021)
Talk-Show
Music of Toto and interview with singer / musician Steve Lukather. Plus, we have two songs from Toto and a solo song from Steve Lukather featuring Ringo Starr and Joseph Williams.
47.
Behind the Music (1997–2021)
Episode:
Doobie Brothers
(2001)
TV-14 | Documentary, Biography, Music
As a biker band formed in 1970 from San Jose, CA The Doobie Brothers rise to become a Grammy Award winning supergroup.
Stars: Jim Forbes, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, John McFee
Votes: 12
48. Behind the Music (1997–2021)
TV-14 | Documentary, Biography, Music
Musical artists, their careers, their highs, their lows and everything in between are profiled and interviewed.
Stars: Jim Forbes, David Wild, Alexander Milas, Eddie Trunk
Votes: 1,665
49. Classic Albums (1997– )
50 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary series on several of the key albums in music history.
Stars: David Fricke, Joe Travers, Bruce Botnick, Phil Alexander
Votes: 339
50. Young@Heart (2007)
PG | 107 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary on a chorus of senior citizens from Massachusetts who cover songs by Jimi Hendrix, Coldplay, Sonic Youth, and other unexpected musicians.
Directors: Stephen Walker, Sally George | Stars: Joe Benoit, Helen Boston, Louise Canady, Elaine Fligman
Votes: 4,068 | Gross: $3.96M
51. Amazing Grace (2018)
G | 89 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary presenting Aretha Franklin with choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles in January 1972.
Directors: Alan Elliott, Sydney Pollack | Stars: Aretha Franklin, James Cleveland, Alexander Hamilton, Cornell Dupree
Votes: 5,154 | Gross: $4.45M
52. Respect (2021)
PG-13 | 145 min | Biography, Drama, Music
Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.
Director: Liesl Tommy | Stars: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Tituss Burgess
Votes: 17,848
53. Get on Up (2014)
PG-13 | 139 min | Biography, Drama, Music
A chronicle of James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.
Director: Tate Taylor | Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis
Votes: 26,146 | Gross: $30.51M
54. What's Love Got to Do with It (1993)
R | 118 min | Biography, Drama, Music
The story of singer Tina Turner's rise to stardom and how she gained the courage to break free from her abusive husband, Ike Turner.
Director: Brian Gibson | Stars: Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, RaéVen Kelly, Virginia Capers
Votes: 24,595 | Gross: $39.10M
55. Selena (1997)
PG | 127 min | Biography, Drama, Music
The true story of Selena, a Texas-born Tejano singer who rose from cult status to performing at the Astrodome, as well as having chart-topping albums on the Latin music charts.
Director: Gregory Nava | Stars: Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Jon Seda, Jackie Guerra
Votes: 31,645 | Gross: $35.42M
56. An Ox's Tale: The John Entwistle Story (2006)
Not Rated | 78 min | Documentary, Biography
An intimate portrait of the legendary bass guitarist for The Who. This documentary includes the last footage ever recorded with John Entwistle, and features interviews with Pete Townshend, as well as other major figures in rock history.
Directors: Glenn Aveni, Steve Luongo, Jack Edward Sawyers | Stars: Gordon Cotten, John Entwistle, Peter Frampton, Steve Luongo
Votes: 145
57. The Who: The Making of Tommy (2013 TV Movie)
Unrated | 60 min | Documentary
The Who's seminal double album "Tommy", released in 1969, is a milestone in rock history. It revitalised the band's career and established Pete Townshend as a composer and Roger Daltrey as ... See full summary »
Director: Martin R. Smith | Stars: Pete Townshend, Richard Barnes, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle
Votes: 229
58. Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015)
TV-MA | 103 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Musician Cat Power narrates this documentary on Janis Joplin's evolution into a star from letters that Joplin wrote over the years to her friends, family, and collaborators.
Director: Amy Berg | Stars: Cat Power, Janis Joplin, Karleen Bennett, Laura Joplin
Votes: 5,641 | Gross: $0.41M
59. When You're Strange (2009)
R | 86 min | Documentary, Music
A look at the late '60s and early '70s rock band The Doors, including rare exclusive footage.
Director: Tom DiCillo | Stars: Johnny Depp, John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek
Votes: 10,276 | Gross: $0.24M
60. Good Ol' Freda (2013)
PG | 86 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A documentary in which Freda Kelly looks back at her career as lifelong secretary for The Beatles.
Director: Ryan White | Stars: Freda Kelly, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison
Votes: 2,114 | Gross: $0.14M
61. Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010)
Not Rated | 116 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
The life and work of the enigmatic folk rock singer-songwriter.
Director: John Scheinfeld | Stars: Gerry Beckley, Lee Blackman, Perry Botkin Jr., Ray Cooper
Votes: 1,871 | Gross: $0.03M
62. Let It Be (1970)
G | 81 min | Documentary, Music
The filmed account of The Beatles' attempt to recapture their old group spirit by making a back to basics album, which instead drove them further apart.
Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg | Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Votes: 6,586 | Gross: $1.06M
63. George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011)
Not Rated | 208 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese examines the life of musician George Harrison, weaving together interviews, concert footage, home movies and photographs.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: George Harrison, Harry Harrison, Peter Harrison, Paul McCartney
Votes: 12,631
64. The Last Waltz (1978)
PG | 117 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison
Votes: 20,180 | Gross: $0.32M
65. Imagine: John Lennon (1988)
R | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
A biography of the rock music star.
Director: Andrew Solt | Stars: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul McCartney, George Harrison
Votes: 5,181 | Gross: $3.75M
66. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
G | 87 min | Comedy, Musical
Over two "typical" days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney's mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.
Director: Richard Lester | Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Votes: 48,110 | Gross: $13.78M
67. Help! (1965)
G | 92 min | Adventure, Comedy, Musical
Sir Ringo Starr finds himself the human sacrifice target of a cult, and his fellow members of The Beatles must try to protect him from it.
Director: Richard Lester | Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Votes: 21,128 | Gross: $13.08M
68. The Men's Room (2018)
74 min | Documentary, Music
25 Norwegian men in a men's choir are rehearsing for their biggest gig ever: Warming up for Black Sabbath. But at the same time their conductor is dying from cancer.
Directors: Petter Sommer, Jo Vemund Svendsen | Stars: Knut Akselsen, Nils Andersen, Lars Tefre Baade, Svein Bjørge
Votes: 274
69. Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love (2019)
R | 102 min | Documentary, Biography, Music
An in-depth look at the relationship between the late musician Leonard Cohen and his Norwegian muse Marianne Ihlen.
Director: Nick Broomfield | Stars: Nick Broomfield, Leonard Cohen, Marianne Ihlen, Axel Joachim Jensen
Votes: 2,211 | Gross: $1.01M
70. Joyful Noise (2012)
PG-13 | 118 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
G.G. Sparrow faces off with her choir's newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill, over the group's direction as they head into a national competition.
Director: Todd Graff | Stars: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan
Votes: 8,864 | Gross: $30.92M
71. Glee (2009–2015)
TV-PG | 44 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
A group of ambitious misfits try to escape the harsh realities of high school by joining a glee club headed by a passionate Spanish teacher.
Stars: Lea Michele, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith
Votes: 155,497
72. Pitch Perfect (2012)
PG-13 | 112 min | Comedy, Music, Romance
Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.
Director: Jason Moore | Stars: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp
Votes: 330,844 | Gross: $65.00M
73. Fame (1980)
R | 134 min | Drama, Music, Musical
A chronicle of the lives of several teenagers who attend a New York high school for students gifted in the performing arts.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Eddie Barth, Irene Cara, Lee Curreri, Laura Dean
Votes: 24,709 | Gross: $0.12M
74. Fame (1982–1987)
TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Music, Musical
The stories of the students and faculty of the New York City High School for the Performing Arts.
Stars: Carlo Imperato, Gene Anthony Ray, Debbie Allen, Albert Hague
Votes: 4,452
75. School of Rock (2003)
PG-13 | 109 min | Comedy, Music
After being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher of an uptight elementary private school, only to try and turn his class into a rock band.
Director: Richard Linklater | Stars: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Adam Pascal
Votes: 330,979 | Gross: $81.26M
76. Sister Act (1992)
PG | 100 min | Comedy, Family, Music
When a nightclub singer is forced to take refuge from the mob in a convent, she ends up turning the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire, until the sudden celebrity of the choir jeopardizes her identity.
Director: Emile Ardolino | Stars: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Harvey Keitel, Bill Nunn
Votes: 108,446 | Gross: $139.61M
77. Once (I) (2007)
R | 86 min | Drama, Music, Romance
A modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story.
Director: John Carney | Stars: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick
Votes: 121,293 | Gross: $9.44M
78. Sing Street (2016)
PG-13 | 106 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
A young lad notices a beautiful girl who begins to occupy his thoughts. While struggling with poverty, personal relationships and life's woes, he starts a band, hoping to catch her attention.
Director: John Carney | Stars: Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor
Votes: 100,976 | Gross: $3.24M
79. Begin Again (II) (2013)
R | 104 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
A chance encounter between a down-and-out music business executive, and a young singer songwriter new to Manhattan, turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.
Director: John Carney | Stars: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld
Votes: 166,999 | Gross: $16.17M
80. CODA (2021)
PG-13 | 111 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
Director: Sian Heder | Stars: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant
Votes: 165,055
81. tick, tick... BOOM! (2021)
PG-13 | 115 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
On the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out.
Director: Lin-Manuel Miranda | Stars: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesus, Vanessa Hudgens
Votes: 119,685
82. Amadeus (1984)
R | 160 min | Biography, Drama, Music
The life, success and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told by Antonio Salieri, the contemporaneous composer who was deeply jealous of Mozart's talent and claimed to have murdered him.
Director: Milos Forman | Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Votes: 428,263 | Gross: $51.97M
83. The Chorus (2004)
PG-13 | 97 min | Drama, Music
Pierre, a successful orchestra conductor, returns home when his mother dies. He stumbles upon an old diary and recollects the childhood school memories and his music teacher Clement Mathieu.
Director: Christophe Barratier | Stars: Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, Kad Merad
Votes: 67,193 | Gross: $3.64M
84. The Legend of 1900 (1998)
R | 169 min | Drama, Music, Romance
A baby boy discovered on an ocean liner in 1900 grows into a musical prodigy, never setting foot on land.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore | Stars: Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Mélanie Thierry, Bill Nunn
Votes: 69,159 | Gross: $0.26M
85. Departures (2008)
PG-13 | 130 min | Drama
Soon after buying an expensive cello, Daigo learns that his orchestra is disbanding. He moves back to his hometown with his wife, where he answers an ad for what Daigo thinks is a travel agency but is, in actuality, a mortuary.
Director: Yôjirô Takita | Stars: Masahiro Motoki, Ryôko Hirosue, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Votes: 54,997 | Gross: $1.50M
86. Les Choristes: Le making of (2004 Video)
72 min | Documentary
A conducteur of an orchestra meets a former teacher of the reform school of his childhood. This visit brings out from his the memories of a failed composer who put joy in their life thanks to music.
Director: Daniel Deleforges | Stars: Christophe Barratier, François Berléand, Marie Bunel, François Chauvaud
Votes: 547
87. August Rush (2007)
PG | 114 min | Drama, Music
A musically gifted orphan, Evan, runs away from his orphanage and searches New York City for his birth parents. On his journey, he's taken under the wing of the Wizard, a homeless man who lives in an abandoned theater.
Director: Kirsten Sheridan | Stars: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Votes: 111,120 | Gross: $31.66M
88. Little Voice (1998)
R | 97 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
A shy reclusive lady is convinced by an invisible entity to sing. Subsequently, she finds herself noticed by a sleazy talent agent and her talent being showcased on-stage. She also meets a kind but nervous man who becomes her best friend.
Director: Mark Herman | Stars: Brenda Blethyn, Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor
Votes: 17,186 | Gross: $4.60M
89. Perfect Harmony (1991 TV Movie)
93 min | Drama, Family, Music
In a private school in the U.S. South, Mr. Sanders, a new choirmaster tries to reduce some of the prejudice and hostility of some of the students in his choir. Paul, a bully who feels he ... See full summary »
Director: Will Mackenzie | Stars: Peter Scolari, Darren McGavin, Catherine Mary Stewart, Moses Gunn
Votes: 517
90. Crossroads (1986)
R | 99 min | Drama, Music, Mystery
A wannabe blues-guitar virtuoso finds an old blues player and hopes he can teach him a long-lost song by legendary musician Robert Johnson.
Director: Walter Hill | Stars: Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, Jami Gertz, Joe Morton
Votes: 17,660 | Gross: $5.84M
91. The Doors (1991)
R | 140 min | Biography, Drama, Music
The story of the famous and influential 1960s rock band The Doors and its lead singer and composer, Jim Morrison, from his days as a UCLA film student in Los Angeles, to his untimely death in Paris, France at age 27 in 1971.
Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan, Frank Whaley
Votes: 99,100 | Gross: $35.18M
92. As It Is in Heaven (2004)
Not Rated | 133 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
A famous international conductor returns to his small childhood town in Sweden for early retirement. He's asked to help with the church choir. He affects the lives of all in the choir.
Director: Kay Pollak | Stars: Michael Nyqvist, Frida Hallgren, Helen Sjöholm, Lennart Jähkel
Votes: 18,274 | Gross: $0.01M
93. The Sapphires (2012)
PG-13 | 103 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama
In 1968, four talented young Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship, and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertains the US troops in Vietnam.
Director: Wayne Blair | Stars: Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens
Votes: 15,177 | Gross: $2.45M
94. Quartet (2012)
PG-13 | 98 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Composer Giuseppe Verdi's birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean (Dame Maggie Smith), an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.
Director: Dustin Hoffman | Stars: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay
Votes: 21,210 | Gross: $18.39M
95. La La Land (2016)
PG-13 | 128 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.
Director: Damien Chazelle | Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Rosemarie DeWitt, J.K. Simmons
Votes: 671,992 | Gross: $151.10M
96. Rock Star (2001)
R | 105 min | Drama, Music
Lead singer of a tribute band becomes lead singer of the real band he idolizes.
Director: Stephen Herek | Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West, Jason Bonham
Votes: 45,306 | Gross: $17.01M
97. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
PG-13 | 134 min | Biography, Drama, Music
The story of the legendary British rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985).
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy
Votes: 593,179 | Gross: $216.43M
98. Rocketman (I) (2019)
R | 121 min | Biography, Drama, Music
A musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.
Director: Dexter Fletcher | Stars: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
Votes: 194,844 | Gross: $96.37M
99. That Day We Sang (2014 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 89 min | Musical
Musical set in 1969, with flashbacks to 1929. A middle-aged couple find love after meeting on a TV programme about a choir they both sang in as children.
Director: Victoria Wood | Stars: Michael Ball, Imelda Staunton, Christopher Jordan, Conleth Hill
Votes: 438
100. Tom Dowd & the Language of Music (2003)
Unrated | 90 min | Documentary, Music
A documentary about Tom Dowd, who was an innovative recording engineer and producer of noted albums with John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Otis Redding, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers and many others.
Director: Mark Moormann | Stars: Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, Ginger Baker
Votes: 579 | Gross: $0.04M
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