Movies About Rock And Roll

From Jonathan Demme, starring David Byrne, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steven Scales
Rated Not Rated

Stop Making Sense is a 1984 American concert film directed by Jonathan Demme and featuring the American rock band Talking Heads. The movie was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December 1983. The band is first seen performing with a basic set, then as the movie progresses, the set evolves into a larger, more complex show with each song. Throughout the film, the band's music is supplemented with visual elements, including strobe lights, video projections, and abstract stage props. The film culminates in the final song, "Take Me to the River". The film is a unique blend of live performance and documentary, capturing the energy of a live show and giving an insight into the creative process of the band.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison
Rated PG

The Last Waltz is a documentary film directed by Martin Scorsese that follows The Band's historic 1976 farewell concert appearance at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The film features an all-star cast of musical guests, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Ringo Starr, and many more. The documentary includes interviews with the members of The Band and their guests, as they discuss the impact of their music, the evolution of rock and roll, and how their lives have changed over the years. Through performance clips and behind-the-scenes footage, the film paints a vivid portrait of one of the most important moments in rock and roll history.

From Michael Wadleigh, starring Joan Baez, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker
Rated R

Woodstock is a 1970 documentary film that chronicles the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival in Bethel, New York. Directed by Michael Wadleigh, the film captures iconic performances from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, and Sly & the Family Stone. Additionally, it captures the spirit of the event, from the crowds and vendors, to the rain and mud. Along with the music, the documentary features interviews with concert goers and speakers, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1970. The film is considered one of the greatest documentaries ever made, and is a testament to the power of music and the generational divide of the 1960s.

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

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British musical drama film directed by Alan Parker and based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The film follows rock star Pink (Bob Geldof) as he descends into madness and tragedy, symbolized by an actual wall that he builds around himself. As the wall is built, Pink's memories, fantasies, and fears are explored through a series of surrealistic and psychedelic sequences. The music of the album is used throughout the film, as well as additional music written by Bob Ezrin. The film culminates in an explosive performance of the album's title track at the Berlin Wall, in which Pink symbolically and literally tears down the wall.

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

This Is Spinal Tap is a comedy mockumentary about the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap. The film follows the band behind the scenes as they struggle to stay relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape and embark on a disastrous tour across the United States. Along the way they encounter a series of hilarious misadventures, including faulty venues, malfunctioning equipment, and a total lack of interest in their music. The film stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, who also wrote and performed the music for the film. This Is Spinal Tap has been praised as one of the best mockumentary films of all time, and has become a cult classic.

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

Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical film directed by Cameron Crowe. It stars Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, and Frances McDormand. The film follows a teenage journalist, William Miller, as he is sent on assignment for Rolling Stone magazine to follow a fictional rock band, Stillwater, on their tour. He is inexperienced but determined to make it as a respected writer. Along the way, he has to deal with the egos and excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle and learns to balance his ideals with his ambition. William also has to contend with his protective mother, who fears that he will be corrupted by the industry. Along the way, he finds romance, friendship, and a new sense of self-confidence.

From D.A. Pennebaker, starring Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman, Bob Neuwirth, Joan Baez
Rated Not Rated

Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back is a 1967 documentary film featuring Bob Dylan during his 1965 concert tour of England and Ireland. Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, the film offers an intimate look into the life of one of the most important and influential figures in popular music. It documents Dylan's performances, his interactions with the press, and his banter with his friends, fans, and supporters. The film also serves as a reflection of the times as Dylan's music and lyrics reflect the social and political changes taking place in the 1960s. It is one of the earliest examples of the music documentary genre, and has been widely praised for its insight into the life of Bob Dylan and the historical context of the era.

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

Bohemian Rhapsody is a 2018 biopic centered around the life and career of British rock band Queen, focusing on lead singer Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek). The film follows the band’s meteoric rise to fame, culminating in their iconic performance at Live Aid in 1985. Along the way, it showcases Mercury's personal struggles with his sexuality and identity, as well as his relationships with fellow bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Through it all, Mercury ultimately succeeds in leading the band to break musical boundaries and create some of the most influential and defining songs of the 20th century.

From Sacha Gervasi, starring Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni, Scott Ian
Rated Not Rated

Anvil is a 2008 documentary film directed by Sacha Gervasi about the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil. The film follows the band's lead singer and founding member, Steve “Lips” Kudlow, and drummer Robb Reiner as they struggle to keep their dream of rock 'n' roll stardom alive. Despite their significant influence on the evolution of heavy metal, Anvil has not had much commercial success over the years. The film follows their attempts to secure a record deal, make a successful tour, and finally break through to the mainstream. It also examines the relationship between Kudlow and Reiner, exploring their deep friendship and shared passion for their music. Ultimately, the film shows how, despite all the odds, Anvil's legacy lives on.

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

The Filth and the Fury is a 2000 documentary film directed by Julien Temple which chronicles the rise and fall of the British punk rock band The Sex Pistols. The film features interviews with the four original band members, along with rare archival footage from the band’s history. It examines the band’s origins in working class London, the band’s initial rise to fame and their ultimate demise. The film also explores the wider context of the punk movement, and its influence on British culture and politics.

From Directors: Peter Clifton, Joe Massot, starring Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham
Rated PG

The Song Remains the Same is a documentary/concert film released in 1976 by directors Peter Clifton and Joe Massot. Featuring the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, the film documents the band's 1973 concert tour of the United States and the United Kingdom. The film also features interviews, fantasy sequences and backstage footage of the band members’ lives. The music featured in the film includes iconic songs such as “Stairway to Heaven”, “Dazed and Confused”, and “Whole Lotta Love”. The film was well-received by critics and fans alike, and was a commercial success, grossing approximately $11 million at the box office. The Song Remains the Same is an essential piece of rock and roll history and is often praised for its cinematic approach to documenting Led Zeppelin’s tour.

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

The Commitments is a 1991 musical comedy-drama film based on the book of the same name by Roddy Doyle. The film follows the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young music fan living in Dublin, Ireland. After forming a band of amateur musicians, The Commitments, Jimmy sets out to bring soul music to the people of Dublin. The band quickly becomes a hit, playing a variety of soul classics and originals, and soon the group has to deal with the pressures of fame. Along the way, the band members face their own personal struggles, such as a lead singer who has to choose between her career and her family, and a young girl dealing with a difficult home life. Ultimately, The Commitments must decide if the music is worth the personal sacrifices they are making.

From Richard Lester, starring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Rated G

A Hard Day's Night is a 1964 British musical comedy film directed by Richard Lester and starring the Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—during the height of their popularity. The film follows the Beatles as they attempt to evade their rabid fans while pursuing a series of misadventures, as they travel from Liverpool to London to perform in a television broadcast. Along the way, they must contend with their overbearing manager, a stubborn grandfather, photographers, and their own individual personalities. Although it was quickly written, A Hard Day's Night was met with critical acclaim and is now considered one of the greatest rock movies ever made. The film also showcased the Beatles' wit and humor, as well as their musical talents.

From D.A. Pennebaker, starring David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Mick Woodmansey
Rated PG

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a documentary by director D.A. Pennebaker that chronicles the final concert performance of Ziggy Stardust, a character created and portrayed by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. The film follows Bowie and his backing band, The Spiders from Mars, as they perform a selection of Bowie's most popular songs from the Ziggy Stardust era in front of a sold-out crowd at London's Hammersmith Odeon in July 1973. Along with performances of songs such as 'Moonage Daydream' and 'Suffragette City', the film also features intimate moments between Bowie and his bandmates, as well as backstage footage from the tour.

From George Lucas, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith
Rated PG

From George Dunning, starring Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon
Rated G

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

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

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 Ralph Bakshi, starring Mews Small, Ron Thompson, Jerry Holland, Lisa Jane Persky
Rated R

From Penelope Spheeris, starring Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere
Rated PG-13

From Todd Haynes, starring Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Christian Bale, Toni Collette
Rated R

From Tom Hanks, starring Tom Hanks, Liv Tyler, Charlize Theron, Tom Everett Scott
Rated PG

From Luis Valdez, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña
Rated PG-13