Movies About Musicians Lives

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

Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. It stars Miles Teller as Andrew Neiman, a jazz drummer who attends a prestigious music conservatory and is mentored by an instructor, Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons. As Andrew strives to achieve perfection in his playing, Fletcher increasingly becomes more demanding and abusive. The conflict between the two reaches a boiling point as Andrew's passion for jazz music pushes him to his breaking point. The film is a riveting story about the pursuit of excellence and the costs associated with it.

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

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical drama directed by Milos Forman that tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his rival Antonio Salieri. Set in 18th century Vienna, the film follows the life and career of Mozart, a prodigious young composer whose genius is unrivaled. Salieri, an esteemed court composer, is envious of Mozart's talent and jealous of his success. The film follows their tumultuous relationship as they compete to create the most beautiful music. Despite their rivalry, Salieri is ultimately the one who is able to recognize the brilliance of Mozart's compositions. The film culminates with the death of Mozart and Salieri's confession that he was the individual who caused it.

From Mark Moormann, starring Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Aretha Franklin, Ginger Baker
Rated Unrated

Tom Dowd & the Language of Music (2003) is a documentary film that follows the life and career of legendary music producer Tom Dowd. The film explores how Dowd's innovations in recording and production revolutionized the sound of popular music, leading to some of the most influential albums of all time. Through the use of archival footage, interviews, and music performances, the film paints a portrait of Dowd as a gentle and visionary genius who was respected and loved by all who knew him. The film also highlights Dowd's influence on the development of jazz, blues, and rock and roll, as well as his involvement with some of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

From Directors: Jim Fields, Michael Gramaglia, starring Rick Rubin, Tommy Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, Johnny Ramone
Rated Unrated

End of the Century is a 2003 documentary about the punk rock band The Ramones. The film traces the band's history from their humble beginnings in Queens, New York, to their rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, and their ultimate break-up in 1996. Through interviews with the band members, their friends, and their fans, the film examines their musical legacy and the impact they had on popular culture. Additionally, the film explores the personal lives of the band members and the troubles they faced throughout their career. Ultimately, the documentary celebrates the band's accomplishments and the positive influence they had on the punk rock movement.

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

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 American mockumentary musical comedy film directed by Rob Reiner, and written by and starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer as members of the fictional rock band Spinal Tap. The film satirizes the behavior and musical pretensions of rock bands and the hagiographic tendencies of rock documentaries of the time. The film chronicles a satirical history of the band as they get ready for a tour in support of their new record. As the band struggles with and mocks their own ineptitude, they are followed by a documentary film crew who struggle to make a coherent film of the band's events while capturing some of the humor and madness of the band's performances. Along the way, the band experiences a series of misfortunes, including a canceled gig at an amusement park, a bizarre Stonehenge replica built too small to be seen from the stage, and a malfunctioning prop during a climactic performance. The film ends with a triumphant performance at a benefit gig for the charity of the band's choice, with the band playing a pitch perfect performance of their hit single "Big Bottom". Despite its low budget and limited production values, This Is Spinal Tap remains one of the

From Paul Justman, starring Joe Hunter, Jack Ashford, Uriel Jones, Richard 'Pistol' Allen
Rated PG

Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a documentary film directed by Paul Justman that tells the story of the Funk Brothers, the house band for the record label Motown Records. The film follows the band members as they reunite to perform together for the first time in over 30 years. It features interviews with the surviving members of the band, as well as musical performances that showcase their incredible musical talent. The film also features interviews with many of the most iconic Motown stars, including Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross, who reveal the impact the Funk Brothers had on their music. As the film progresses, it follows the band as they overcome the obstacles posed by fame, age, and distance in order to pull off a stunning live performance. The documentary ultimately celebrates the legacy of the Funk Brothers and the unique sound they created.

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

Let's Get Lost is a 1988 documentary film directed by Bruce Weber. It follows the life of renowned jazz trumpeter Chet Baker, who is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians of all-time. The film documents his life and career, from his early days in Oklahoma, to his move to California and subsequent success, to his struggles with drug addiction and personal issues. Throughout the film, Baker recounts stories of his past, including his relationships with women, his music, and his battles with addiction. In addition to stories from Baker himself, the film also includes interviews with his family, friends, and fellow musicians, as well as archival footage. Let's Get Lost is a revealing portrait of a troubled genius, and a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest jazz musicians of all-time.

From Greg 'Freddy' Camalier, starring Rick Hall, Aretha Franklin, Keith Richards, Candi Staton
Rated PG

Muscle Shoals is a documentary film that explores the incredible music created in the small town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Through interviews with iconic artists, studio owners, and other key players, the movie provides a fascinating look at the rich cultural history of the region and the tight-knit community that created such legendary songs as "Mustang Sally" and "When a Man Loves a Woman". It also delves into the personal histories of some of the most influential figures in music, such as Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Etta James. Along the way, the movie celebrates and pays tribute to the unique sound and spirit of Muscle Shoals, which has gone on to influence an entire generation of music.

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

"Walk the Line" is a 2005 biographical drama directed by James Mangold that follows the life of legendary country singer Johnny Cash. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as his wife June Carter Cash, and follows Cash's rise to fame in the 1950s and 1960s through his personal struggles with love, addiction, and faith. The film details Cash's relationships with June, his first wife Vivian, and his manager Sam Phillips, and his evolution from a troubled young man to a legendary singer-songwriter. Along with its narrative, the film features many of Cash's classic songs, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," and "Ring of Fire".

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

Ray is a biographical drama about the life and career of Ray Charles, an iconic American musical genius and innovator. The film follows Ray's life from his troubled childhood in the segregated South, through his rise to fame as a musician and singer, to his later battles with addiction and health problems. The film stars Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles, and also features performances from Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Clifton Powell. The film was directed by Taylor Hackford and released in 2004. It won two Academy Awards, for Best Actor and Best Sound Mixing, as well as BAFTA and Golden Globe awards. Ray is an inspiring story of courage and resilience that celebrates the life of an unforgettable musical legend.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Pegi Young, Ben Keith
Rated PG

Neil Young: Heart of Gold is a documentary/concert film directed by Jonathan Demme. It follows the making of Neil Young's album Prairie Wind, and documents his two "Greendale" concerts at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The film features interviews with Neil Young, his band, and family, as well as performances of the album's songs. It showcases the beauty of the music, with many scenes of Young and his band playing in a field and against a backdrop of a majestic landscape. The film also reflects on Young's career, highlighting his creative process and his influences. It is an intimate portrait of a man and his music, providing insight into his personal life and motivations.

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

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a 2001 musical-comedy-drama about a transgender singer-songwriter from East Berlin named Hedwig. After a botched sex-change operation, Hedwig is left with an "angry inch" of flesh between her legs, which she uses as a metaphor for her emotional state. After her husband leaves her for an American soldier, Hedwig embarks on a quest for self-discovery and love through a series of musical numbers. Along the way, she meets a punk rocker named Tommy Gnosis, who steals her songs and becomes a huge success. As her career spirals downward and Tommy's soars, Hedwig finds solace in her music and a newfound understanding of herself. Through her struggle, Hedwig discovers the true meaning of freedom and acceptance.

From Directors: Malcolm Leo, Andrew Solt, starring Elvis Presley, David Scott, Paul Boensch III, Johnny Harra
Rated PG

This Is Elvis is a 1981 documentary film directed by Malcolm Leo and Andrew Solt that tells the story of the life and career of legendary rock and roll singer Elvis Presley. The film begins with a few clips from Elvis's early days in Memphis and follows his meteoric rise to fame as the "King of Rock and Roll". It then chronicles his time in Hollywood and his return to the stage in Las Vegas. The film also explores some of the darker aspects of Presley's life, including his marriages, drug use, and eventual death at age 42. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, This Is Elvis paints a vivid portrait of the life and career of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

From Denny Tedesco, starring Brian Wilson, Dick Clark, Cher, Herb Alpert
Rated PG

The Wrecking Crew! (2008) is a documentary directed by Denny Tedesco that celebrates the behind-the-scenes story of the unsung session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew. The film follows the story of the group of Los Angeles session musicians, featuring interviews with members of the Wrecking Crew and the artists they worked with, such as Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, Glen Campbell, and Nancy Sinatra. It also includes rare performances, archival footage, and new arrangements of their classic songs. An exploration of the musical legacy of the Wrecking Crew, their contributions to the development of popular music, and their influence on classic recordings, the film celebrates their accomplishments and provides insight into the inner workings of the music industry.

From John Scheinfeld, starring Gerry Beckley, Lee Blackman, Perry Botkin Jr., Ray Cooper
Rated Not Rated

Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) is a documentary about the life and career of Harry Nilsson, a pioneering singer-songwriter of the 1960s and 1970s. Directed by John Scheinfeld, the film traces Nilsson's life from his early days in Brooklyn, through his years of fame and success, to his later years when he was a recluse. The film features interviews with Nilsson's friends, family, and collaborators, as well as archival footage, photographs, and concert performances. Throughout the documentary, Nilsson's music is explored in-depth, revealing the musical genius that created some of the most beloved songs of the twentieth century. Who Is Harry Nilsson is an intimate portrait of a complex artist whose life was filled both with joy and tragedy.

From Jay Bulger, starring Ginger Baker, Femi Kuti, Eric Clapton, Stewart Copeland
Rated Not Rated

Beware of Mr. Baker is a 2012 documentary directed by Jay Bulger that tells the story of Ginger Baker—the notoriously volatile and tempestuous rock drummer best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. Baker is a living legend, having revolutionized the art of drumming and helped define a generation of rock music. However, he has also been an enfant terrible for most of his life, often engaging in destructive behavior and facing numerous personal and professional difficulties. Through interviews with Baker and those who know him, Bulger paints a portrait of a complex and often contradictory man, trying to make sense of both his successes and failures. The film offers an intimate look into the life of a creative genius and the consequences of a life lived on the edge.

From Julien Temple, starring Paul Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon, Glen Matlock
Rated R

The Filth and the Fury is a 2000 documentary directed by Julien Temple which chronicles the story of the English punk rock band, The Sex Pistols. The film explores the history of the band, their influence on the punk movement, and their meteoric rise to fame and spectacular collapse. It features interviews with all the original members of the band and their friends, as well as music and video footage, to show how their outrageous behavior and their songs shook the music scene and shocked the world. The Filth and the Fury includes an in-depth look at the band, from their formation in 1975 to their break-up in 1978, and the legacy they left behind.

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

The Commitments is a 1991 film directed by Alan Parker, based on the novel written by Roddy Doyle. The movie follows the story of a young, working-class Irish group who form a soul band, led by a vocalist named Jimmy Rabbitte. Through a series of humorous and often heartbreaking events, the group struggles to make it big in the music industry. Along the way, they must overcome their personal differences, clashes with other bands, and money problems. The movie highlights the process of transforming from a rag-tag group of amateur musicians to a professional soul band, and highlights the struggles and rewards that come with pursuing a dream.

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

"La vie en Rose" tells the story of the life of Edith Piaf, one of France’s most beloved singers. The film follows her life from childhood when she was abandoned by her father, to her meteoric rise to fame and the tragic events that eventually led to her untimely death. Piaf was an outspoken artist who faced tremendous hardship and heartache along her journey, but still managed to become one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time. The film stars Marion Cotillard in an Academy Award-winning performance of Piaf, and features a soundtrack featuring some of the singer’s most beloved songs.

From Matt Schrader, starring Marco Beltrami, Jon Burlingame, Leonard Maltin, Bill Field
Rated Not Rated

Score: A Film Music Documentary, is a 2016 documentary directed by Matt Schrader which focuses on the importance of film scoring in the movie industry. It examines the role of composers in creating the emotional impact of films and the technical aspects of creating a musical score. The documentary features interviews with some of the most influential and iconic composers in the industry, such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Danny Elfman and Howard Shore, and discusses the artistic, technical and practical aspects of composition. Through the film, viewers gain insight into the creative process of these composers and the challenges they face in creating music that enhances films. The documentary also looks into the history and development of the art form, from the earliest days of silent films to the modern era of streaming films. The film is a celebration of the work of some of the world's greatest composers and an exploration of the power of music in cinema.

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

Coal Miner's Daughter is a biographical film based on the life of country music singer Loretta Lynn. The film follows Loretta from her humble upbringing in rural Kentucky, to her rise in the country music scene in the 1950s and 1960s. Along the way, she overcomes poverty, fights for her rights as a woman, and battles personal demons. The film stars Sissy Spacek as Loretta, Tommy Lee Jones as Doolittle Lynn, Beverly D'Angelo as Patsy Cline, and Levon Helm as Ted Webb. Throughout the film, Loretta's strength of character and powerful voice bring her fame and fortune despite the odds stacked against her. The film was critically acclaimed upon its release, earning seven Academy Awards nominations and winning one for Best Actress.

From Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund
Rated R

From Morgan Neville, starring Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill
Rated PG-13

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

From Paul Rachman, starring Greg Ginn, Ian MacKaye, James Drescher, Lucky Lehrer
Rated R