Best Movies About Bands

Updated May 1, 2024

Dozens of films have explored Best Movies About Bands. We listed 21 of our favorites.

Whiplash (2014)

★★★★

3.4 out of 4 stars

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash tells the story of a talented young jazz drummer named Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) who attends a prestigious music academy in New York City, where he is under the tutelage of the school's renowned and demanding instructor, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Andrew is determined to make a name for himself and be the best he can be, and Fletcher is determined to push him to his limits. Through a series of intense practice sessions and performances, Andrew is tested physically and emotionally as he strives to reach his potential. As the competition for a spot in Fletcher's top band intensifies, the two develop a volatile relationship, full of both admiration and animosity. In the end, Andrew must decide whether to push himself to go beyond his limits and take his playing to the next level.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Rob Reiner, starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Rated R

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 mockumentary film that follows the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap on tour. It stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer as the band members. The film follows the band on their doomed attempt at a comeback tour across the United States. Along the way, the band members encounter various obstacles that demonstrate the follies of the music industry, including bad sound technicians, overzealous promoters, and a series of disastrous concerts. The film is widely considered to be a cult classic and one of the greatest mockumentaries ever made.

Walk the Line (2005)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Rated PG-13

Walk the Line is a biographical drama film directed by James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. The movie tells the story of Johnny Cash, an iconic American singer-songwriter, and his turbulent life. Beginning with Cash's early childhood in Arkansas, the film chronicles his rise to fame, his courtship and marriage to fellow musician June Carter, and his struggles with substance abuse. Despite his troubled life, Cash's musical genius shines through, and his songs become hits as he embarks on a successful career. In the end, Cash finds solace in his faith and his music, and his legacy as a pioneer of rock 'n' roll is remembered.

Ray (2004)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Taylor Hackford, starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell
Rated PG-13

Ray is a biopic about the life of Ray Charles, a legendary American musician and composer who overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most influential and beloved figures in music history. The film follows Ray from his childhood in rural Florida to his success in the music industry thanks to his unique sound and style. Along the way, we witness Ray Charles battle personal demons, including a heroin addiction and a tumultuous relationship with his mother, while maintaining a career as one of the most respected and successful musicians of all time. The film stars Jamie Foxx in the title role, and also features supporting performances from Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell and Sharon Warren. The film was directed by Taylor Hackford, and won Jamie Foxx the Academy Award for Best Actor in the 2004 ceremony.

The Commitments (1991)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Alan Parker, starring Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle Kennedy
Rated R

The Commitments is a 1991 musical comedy-drama film directed by Alan Parker based on Roddy Doyle’s 1987 novel of the same name. Set in the inner city areas of Dublin, the film follows the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young music fan who assembles a group of working-class teenagers to form a soul band. In the process, they discover the power of music to bring people together, regardless of their individual backgrounds. With their newfound confidence, the band sets out to tackle the music industry and make it to the top. Along the way, they deal with the struggles of their personal lives and the difficulties of navigating fame and the music business. In the end, the band discovers the true meaning of success and how to make the best of the cards they’ve been dealt.

Control (2007)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Anton Corbijn, starring Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Craig Parkinson, Alexandra Maria Lara
Rated R

Control is a biopic about the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the iconic Manchester post-punk band Joy Division. Set in the late 1970s, the film follows Curtis' rise to fame as the band's frontman, as well as his personal struggles with depression, epilepsy, and a troubled marriage. Despite the success of Joy Division, Curtis ultimately decides to take his own life at the age of 23. The film is directed by Anton Corbijn and stars Sam Riley in the lead role, and features performances from the surviving members of Joy Division. Control is a powerful and poignant look at the short and tragic life of an iconic musical figure.