Best Movies About Rock Bands

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is an acclaimed feature film by Alan Parker that tells the story of an alienated British rock star named Pink. Struggling with depression and alcoholism, Pink slowly builds a metaphorical wall around himself to protect himself from the outside world. As the wall grows, so does Pink’s isolation from his family, friends, and fans. With the help of a supportive tour manager, Pink begins to confront his inner turmoil and his troubled past. Through dream sequences, animation, and powerful imagery, the film paints a vivid portrait of the anguish of a man unable to cope with the world around him.

From Cameron Crowe, starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand
Rated R

Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical film written and directed by Cameron Crowe, chronicling the coming-of-age story of a 15-year-old boy named William Miller. William is an aspiring music journalist and is given the chance to travel with an up-and-coming rock band, Stillwater, and their manager, to write an article for Rolling Stone magazine. Along the way, he learns important lessons about life, friendship, and love. Along with William's journey, we are also introduced to the band members and their unique personalities, as well as to William's mother and his enigmatic older sister, who serves as both a role model and a cautionary tale. As the story progresses and William's journey continues, he must find a balance between his dream of becoming a famous journalist and the normal life of a teenager.

From Bryan Singer, starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy
Rated PG-13

Bohemian Rhapsody is a 2018 biopic about the British rock band Queen and its lead singer, Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek). The film follows Mercury from the early days of the band in the 1970s up until their iconic performance at Live Aid in 1985. It traces the musicians’ rise to superstardom, their struggles with internal conflicts, and Mercury’s personal life, as he battles inner turmoil as he navigates his sexuality and a life-threatening illness. Despite the obstacles, Queen’s music continues to soar to heights of fame and fortune, culminating in their triumphant performance at Live Aid.

From John Carney, starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor
Rated PG-13

Sing Street is a 2016 comedy-drama film directed by John Carney. Set in Dublin, Ireland, in 1985, the film follows the story of Conor, a teenage boy who starts a rock band in order to escape his troubled home life and to impress a mysterious girl. With the help of his friends, Conor forms the band and performs original music as a way of expressing himself. As the band develops a unique sound and style, Conor also discovers the power of music to change his life for the better. Through his journey, Conor learns about the importance of following his dreams and taking risks, even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone. Sing Street is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that celebrates the power of music, friendship, and family.

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

This Is Spinal Tap follows the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap as they go on a tour to promote their new album. The film documents their performances and interviews with the band members and follows their struggles with fading popularity and internal conflicts. Along the way, the band encounters a number of bizarre occurrences, from a miniature Stonehenge to a malfunctioning stage prop. Through it all, the band members maintain their tongue-in-cheek attitude and rock star posturing. As the film progresses, the documentary style of the film exposes the inner workings of a rock band on the brink of disintegration. In the end, the film serves as a satirical look at the lives of the band members and a lampoon of the rock music industry.

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

Walk the Line is a biographical drama directed by James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. It tells the story of the rise and fall of legendary country singer and songwriter, Johnny Cash. The film follows Johnny's journey of self-discovery as he struggles with his inner demons, finds and loses love, and ultimately finds a way to transform his pain and struggles into music. As he rises to fame, Johnny Cash's life is filled with both triumph and tragedy, and the film follows his life from his childhood in rural Arkansas to his rise to fame and the struggles he faced along the way. Along the way, he meets the love of his life, June Carter, and his career is propelled forward with her support. The film also showcases Johnny's struggles with drugs and alcohol and his struggles to break free from his addictions and still stay true to himself. Ultimately, it is a story of redemption, as Johnny Cash is able to find the strength to overcome his demons and become a legendary country singer, songwriter, and performer.

From John Carney, starring Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick
Rated R

Once is a 2007 Irish musical romantic drama film written and directed by John Carney. It tells the story of a struggling Irish street musician (played by Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant (played by Markéta Irglová) who collaborate to record a demo album. Together, they explore their musical talent, the town's vibrant music scene, and the power of their budding friendship and romantic feelings. Along the way, they overcome their personal struggles, culminating in an emotional and life-changing climax. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Falling Slowly"), and earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards.

From John Cameron Mitchell, starring John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask, Theodore Liscinski
Rated R

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a musical film directed by John Cameron Mitchell. It tells the story of Hedwig Robinson, a transgender punk rock musician from East Berlin, and her quest for stardom. After undergoing gender reassignment surgery, Hedwig embarks on a cross-country tour with her band, "The Angry Inch," to follow her former lover and bandmate, Tommy Gnosis, who stole her songs and became a huge star. Along the way, she meets a variety of people, including a young drag queen named Yitzhak, and learns to accept herself and her past. The film is a comedic and touching exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and love.

From Richard Linklater, starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane
Rated R

Dazed and Confused is a 1993 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Richard Linklater. Set in 1976, the plot follows a group of teenagers in a small Texas town on the last day of school. The film captures the confusion and anxiety felt by the characters as they contemplate their future, dealing with issues like relationships, drugs, and freedom. The film follows the various characters as they go through their last day of school, which includes hazing initiations, partying, and trying to find out what their future holds. The film is considered a Cult Classic and has been highly praised for its authentic feel and cast of young actors.

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

Control is a biographical drama that tells the story of the rise and fall of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. Curtis was a troubled man, caught between the pressures of the world and his own mental health issues. The film follows his struggles with depression, epilepsy and his marriage, as well as his eventual suicide. It also touches on the band's meteoric rise from local obscurity to international fame, and their influential post-punk sound. Anton Corbijn's depiction of the early '80s punk scene, as well as its characters, is both powerful and intimate. The film features a strong performance by Sam Riley as Curtis, and is accompanied by a soundtrack of songs from Joy Division's albums. Control is a powerful insight into the world of music, fame, and the fragility of the human condition.

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

The Commitments is a feel-good comedy-drama directed by Alan Parker. The film follows a group of out-of-luck Irish youths, who attempt to form a soul band in the hopes of becoming successful and making their dreams come true. The ragtag group must learn to work together, overcome their differences, and make the best of their circumstances as they struggle to make a name for themselves in the Dublin music scene. Led by their ambitious band manager Jimmy Rabbitte, the group rises to the challenge and their hard work pays off when they become a smashing success. As their fame grows, so does the tension within the group, leading to a climactic ending. The Commitments is a heartwarming story of friendship, ambition, and triumph over adversity.

From Edgar Wright, starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick
Rated PG-13

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a 2010 action-comedy film directed by Edgar Wright and based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film follows Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician, played by Michael Cera, as he embarks on a quest to win the heart of his dream girl, Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. To do so, he must defeat her seven evil exes, who come to town one by one to challenge him to a fight. Along the way, he is aided by his best friend, Wallace Wells, played by Kieran Culkin, as well as a group of fighters, including a mysterious vegan called Matthew Patel, played by Satya Bhabha. The film features a combination of colorful visuals and quirky humor, and is an ode to video games and pop culture.

From Jim Jarmusch, starring Masatoshi Nagase, Yûki Kudô, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Cinqué Lee
Rated R

Mystery Train is a 1989 comedy-drama directed by Jim Jarmusch. The film follows three different stories that all occur in the same night at the same Memphis hotel. In the first storyline, two Japanese tourists visit Memphis in order to see the sites of Elvis Presley's career. As they explore the city, they encounter the locals, get into various misadventures, and learn about the city and its culture. The second storyline follows a married couple, whose relationship is strained by their differing views about the city. The third storyline follows a drifter who is mourning his recently deceased wife. Throughout the night, the characters intersect, and the stories intertwine in unexpected ways. The film explores the culture of Memphis and the importance of storytelling in our lives.

From Jim Kohlberg, starring Lou Taylor Pucci, J.K. Simmons, Julia Ormond, Cara Seymour
Rated PG

The Music Never Stopped is a 2011 drama film directed by Jim Kohlberg. It tells the story of a father and son whose relationship is put to the test after the son suffers a traumatic brain injury that prevents him from forming new memories. The father, Henry, discovers that the only way to connect with his son is through the classic rock music they both love. With the help of a unique music therapist, Henry discovers a way to bridge the gap between them. Through the power of music, they are able to reconnect, and the bond between them grows stronger as they share their mutual love of music. In the end, the power of music helps restore the family's relationship and brings them closer together.

From Bill Pohlad, starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

From James Merendino, starring Matthew Lillard, Michael A. Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

From Stephen Frears, starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black
Rated R

From William H. Macy, starring Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin, Felicity Huffman, Selena Gomez
Rated R

From John Carney, starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld
Rated R

From Julie Taymor, starring Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs
Rated PG-13

From Dennis Hopper, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Antonio Mendoza
Rated R

From Richard Curtis, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Michael Hadley
Rated R

From Dexter Fletcher, starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated R

From Richard Linklater, starring Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Adam Pascal
Rated PG-13

From Oliver Stone, starring Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan, Frank Whaley
Rated R