Biography Movies About Singers

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is an acclaimed biopic of legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, directed by Milos Forman and released in 1984. It tells the story of the rivalry between Mozart and court composer Antonio Salieri, who envies and sabotages Mozart’s genius. Upon learning that Mozart’s music is from God and not from himself, Salieri spirals into insanity, trying to find ways to ruin Mozart’s career. The film also depicts Mozart’s struggles with his finances and his personal life, showing how his genius was both a blessing and a curse. The movie won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham’s portrayal of Salieri.

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

Bohemian Rhapsody is a 2018 biographical drama film about the rock band Queen and their lead singer Freddie Mercury. The film follows Mercury’s life from his joining the band in 1970 to their Live Aid performance almost a decade later in 1985. The film focuses on the music of Queen, Mercury’s personal life, his relationships with the band members, and his diagnosis of AIDS. The movie also showcases the band’s creative process and the recording of their world-famous song “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The film was directed by Bryan Singer and stars Rami Malek in the lead role as Freddie Mercury. The film was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, which Malek won.

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

Walk the Line is a biographical drama film released in 2005, directed by James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. The film follows the life of country music legend, Johnny Cash, from his childhood until his successful career in the music industry. It chronicles his struggles with poverty, his relationship with his parents, his early courtship of June Carter, and his eventual rise to fame as one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century. Despite the many challenges he faced throughout his life, Johnny Cash persevered and ultimately achieved success. The film is both dramatic and musical, featuring several of Cash's iconic songs, including "Ring of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line".

From F. Gary Gray, starring O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr.
Rated R

Straight Outta Compton is a biographical drama based on the rise and fall of the controversial rap group N.W.A. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film captures the story of five young men from Compton, California, who rose to fame and fortune in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It follows their musical journey from local street corner shows to the world stage, and their struggles along the way to stay true to their music and their ideals. Despite the obstacles and controversies that surrounded the group, their influence on the rap and hip-hop culture would be unparalleled. The film stars O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., Aldis Hodge, and Paul Giamatti.

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

Ray is a biopic about the life of legendary musician Ray Charles, from his beginnings in rural Georgia to his rise to become a soul and R&B icon. The film follows Charles from his humble beginnings, growing up with a disability and a difficult family life, to his breakthrough with his own unique sound, while also battling personal demons such as drug addiction and financial struggles. The film follows Charles as he achieves tremendous success and fame, while still struggling with the personal issues that have plagued him throughout his life. Ultimately, Charles is able to triumph over his struggles and be remembered as one of the greatest musicians of all time.

From Scott Hicks, starring Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd
Rated PG-13

Shine is a biographical drama directed by Scott Hicks about the life of the Australian pianist and composer David Helfgott. The film follows his rise to international stardom, his struggles with mental illness, and his eventual triumphant return to the concert stage. The film follows David's story from his childhood, where he is pushed by his father to become a concert pianist, through to his teenage years when he is diagnosed with schizophrenia. His father's brutal demand for perfection ultimately leads to David's breakdown, and he is institutionalised. After many years, David is released and begins his journey to recovery, while at the same time trying to find his place in the world. Despite his mental struggles, David manages to find the courage and strength to start performing again. With the help of supportive friends, family and a passionate music teacher, David slowly begins to reclaim his life and build a successful career. In the end, David is able to shine again, finding personal happiness and success on the concert stage.

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

Control is a biographical film based on the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the band Joy Division. Set in the late 1970s in Manchester, England, the film follows Curtis' rise to fame and his eventual tragic downfall. It covers his battle with depression and his struggles with bipolar disorder, as well as his drug use and failing marriage. The story is told from the perspective of his wife and manager, Debbie, and manager, Rob Gretton. As the band's fame grows and they become increasingly successful, Curtis' personal struggles intensify, leading to his eventual suicide at the age of 23. The film is a unique and powerful look into the world of music, fame, and the human experience.

From Olivier Dahan, starring Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory, Emmanuelle Seigner
Rated PG-13

La Vie en Rose is a biographical musical drama directed by Olivier Dahan and released in 2007. The film stars Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf, a French singer and national icon. The film follows Piaf’s life from her childhood in the slums of Paris to her rise to international stardom. The film chronicles her struggles with poverty, addiction, illness, and her tumultuous relationships with men. The film also explores Piaf’s enduring legacy and her impact on French culture. La Vie en Rose was met with critical acclaim and won multiple awards including an Academy Award for Best Actress for Cotillard.

From Michael Apted, starring Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Levon Helm, Phyllis Boyens
Rated PG

Coal Miner's Daughter is a biographical film directed by Michael Apted and released in 1980. It stars Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn, the titular Kentucky coal miner's daughter who rises to become a successful country musician. The film follows Lynn's life between the ages of 13 and 31, as she struggles against poverty and sexism, marries young, and faces pressure from her family to remain in her small hometown. With the help of her husband Doolittle Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones) and producer Owen Bradley (Levon Helm), she eventually finds success in Nashville and becomes a legendary artist.

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson
Rated PG-13

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

From Brian Gibson, starring Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, RaéVen Kelly, Virginia Capers
Rated R

From Michael Winterbottom, starring Steve Coogan, Lennie James, John Thomson, Nigel Pivaro
Rated R

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

From Hal Ashby, starring David Carradine, Ronny Cox, Melinda Dillon, Gail Strickland
Rated PG

From Steve Rash, starring Gary Busey, Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith, Conrad Janis
Rated PG

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

From Curtis Hanson, starring Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer
Rated R

From Sam Taylor-Johnson, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Anne-Marie Duff, David Threlfall
Rated R

From Clint Eastwood, starring Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker, Samuel E. Wright
Rated R

From Eric Appel, starring Diedrich Bader, Daniel Radcliffe, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Richard Aaron Anderson
Rated TV-14

From Alex Cox, starring Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman, Debby Bishop
Rated R

From Karel Reisz, starring Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Ann Wedgeworth, David Clennon
Rated PG-13

From Darnell Martin, starring Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Beyoncé, Columbus Short
Rated R

From Jeff Tremaine, starring Douglas Booth, Iwan Rheon, Colson Baker, Daniel Webber
Rated TV-MA