Movies About Jazz Musicians

Updated May 1, 2024

Dozens of directors have reported on Movies About Jazz Musicians. Here are 14 of our favorites.

Amy (2015)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Asif Kapadia, starring Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Russell Brand
Rated R

"Amy" is an Academy Award-winning documentary film from 2015, directed by Asif Kapadia and produced by James Gay-Rees. It follows the life and career of renowned British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, from her childhood in London to her untimely death at the age of 27 in 2011. The film uses archival footage and interviews with Winehouse's family, friends and former collaborators to examine her meteoric rise to fame and her heartbreaking battle with drug and alcohol addiction. Through these interviews and clips from Winehouse's performances and recordings, the film paints a vivid portrait of a complex and talented musician who was both victim to and perpetrator of her own undoing. Ultimately, "Amy" is a heartbreaking cautionary tale of a life cut short, but it also serves as a tribute to Winehouse's indelible music and legacy.

Let's Get Lost (1988)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Bruce Weber, starring Chet Baker, Carol Baker, Vera Baker, Paul Baker
Rated Not Rated

Let’s Get Lost is a documentary film by director Bruce Weber that follows the life of iconic jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. The film details Baker’s life from his childhood in Oklahoma, through his musical successes and troubles with the law, up to his death in 1988. The film combines archival footage, interviews with Baker himself, and interviews with people who knew him, helping to paint a picture of a complicated, but talented, individual. The film documents his struggles with drug addiction, his relationships with his family, and his various musical projects, as well as his eventual death. Let’s Get Lost shines a light on the highs and lows of Chet Baker’s life and his lasting legacy in the jazz world.

All That Jazz (1979)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Bob Fosse, starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, Leland Palmer
Rated R

All That Jazz is a 1979 musical drama film written and directed by Bob Fosse. Set in the world of Broadway theater and show business, the story follows Joe Gideon, a workaholic choreographer and director consumed by his work, as he deals with his impending death. Joe's life is chaotic, with little time for his estranged wife Audrey and daughter Michelle, and his relationship with his girlfriend, Kate Jagger. As he nears the end, Joe reflects on his past and attempts to make peace with his life choices. The film features a number of musical numbers and showcases the choreography of Bob Fosse, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director. All That Jazz was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won four.

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 biographical drama about the life of rhythm and blues singer Ray Charles. It follows his career from childhood to superstardom and explores his personal struggles with addiction, infidelity, and blindness. Throughout the movie, we witness Charles’ rise to fame, delve into his personal relationships, and observe his immense influence on music. The film features Jamie Foxx in the titular role, and features performances from Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Curtis Armstrong. Through the film, we gain insight into the life of an incredible artist and the struggles he faced to achieve success.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Liz Garbus, starring Nina Simone, Lisa Simone Kelly, Roger Nupie, Al Schackman
Rated Not Rated

What Happened, Miss Simone? is a documentary film released in 2015 that chronicles the life and career of American singer, songwriter, and activist Nina Simone. It is directed by Liz Garbus and produced by Netflix. The film follows Simone as she rises to fame in the 1950s and '60s, becoming one of the most celebrated singers of her time. It also looks at the difficulties she encountered in her personal life and professional struggles over the next two decades, as well as her activism during the Civil Rights Movement. It includes a variety of archival footage and interviews, including with her daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly. It ends with Nina Simone's triumphant return to performing in the late '90s. The film earned several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.