A Guide to the Best Music Movies of All Time

Introduction

Music Movies are a genre in their own right – they are films that explore landmark music moments, chronicle the rise and fall of important artists, and reflect pop culture along the way. From musicals to biopics, there have been plenty of classic music films over the years that have managed to capture our imagination.

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In this guide, we will provide an overview of the genre while listing some of its key films. We will be exploring music themes, understanding historical contexts around the feature's release date, analyzing film structure, and examining actor performances while also evaluating critical reception. We hope this will provide you with a deeper understanding of music movies as a genre.

Let’s start by looking at some of the most inspirational musical stories that have graced our screens over the years. The likes of A Star is Born (1954) directed by George Cukor and starring Judy Garland and James Mason stands tall as an iconic film about fame and ambition as Garland’s character struggles to find her place in Tinseltown. You can also add classics such as Singin' in the Rain (1952), and Cabaret (1972). The Blues Brothers (1980) to your list for further exploration into this genre's timeless stories.

Of course, modern-day blockbusters such as Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Rocketman (2019), o Mamma Mia. Here We Go Again (2018) all showcase various aspects of musicality while managing to stay true to their source material.

Classic Music Movies

If you’re looking to add some great music movies to your watchlist, then this guide is here to help. We’ve compiled the best classical music movies of all time into one handy list that you can reference anytime you need inspiration:

1) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): From its iconic music numbers to its unique cult following, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has cemented itself as one of the best musicals ever made. Led by Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon in the lead roles, this classic tells the everchanging tale of a couple who stumble across an eerie castle with peculiar inhabitants.

2) A Hard Days Night (1964): A Hard Days Night showcases the whirlwind adventure of The Beatles during a single day in London. This movie was incredibly influential and was one of the first films to capture Beatlemania on screen in an authentic way. Not only does it feature some of their most beloved hits but it also serves as an inspiring look into their creative process during this period in their career.

Musical Documentaries

Whether you're a casual listener or a devoted fan, countless documentaries tell the stories and celebrate the successes of some of music's biggest stars. From Elvis Presley’s rise as the King of Rock n’ Roll in The Searcher to Lady Gaga’s celebration of self-care in Five Foot Two, there's an array of documentaries available for viewers to explore. From artists like Bruce Springsteen to influence icons like Queen, these documentaries showcase captivating performances from both current and legendary acts capturing everything from jam sessions in small clubs to massive stadium concerts.

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Musical documentaries also offer fans an opportunity to learn more about different genres throughout history. From jazz vocalists like Billie Holiday in The Immortal Lady Day to HIP-HOP pioneers in Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest, documentaries provide entertainment and education all rolled into one introducing audiences to new styles and celebrating musicians who paved their way in the industry.

Music-Centric Adaptation Films

These types of films offer an immersive experience that’s filled with memorable original soundtracks, sensational song and dance numbers, and captivating storytelling. Whether it’s focusing on a specific culture or simply highlighting the beauty of music, music movies have a way of resonating with viewers on an emotional level.

For those who are looking for the best music movies ever made, we’ve put together a handy guide that outlines all the must-see films out there. Each movie featured here does an incredible job of showcasing music as a key element in crafting their narrative. Here are some of our top picks for the best music movies:

The Sound of Music (1965) This iconic musical follows the story of Maria, a young postulate who is sent to serve as governess for seven unruly children in Austria during World War II. Capturing all aspects of human emotion through its soundtrack and choreography, this film will take you on a truly unique journey filled with joy and heartbreak.

Fiddler on the Roof (1971) Set in 19th century Russia during a time when Jewish people were persecuted by the Tsar, this musical excellent captures what it means to be strong in times when equality was nonexistent. With memorable songs such as ‘If I Were A Rich Man’ and ‘Sunrise Sunset’, this thought-provoking movie is sure to leave you feeling inspired.

Music Videos and Short Films

Music videos are primarily used as promotional vehicles for songs to drive people to purchase or stream them. These videos often feature flashy visuals, choreography, and special effects that facilitate the narrative story of the song. Music videos can range from big-budget productions with expensive sets and props to low-budget DIY projects filmed on smartphones. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, due to the rise of digital streaming platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

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Short films are longer forms of storytelling that use music as one of their main elements. Short films can range from documentary-style pieces that focus on a particular theme or artist to experimental narrative works that tell a story without dialog or spoken words. Short films often rely heavily on musical scores as well as visuals to convey their message or story. The combination of audio and visual elements creates an immersive experience that allows viewers to connect with the film’s characters and emotions on an even deeper level than traditional cinema.

The popularity of music movies has grown significantly over the last decade, with filmmakers pushing boundaries in genre and style. Music movies are no longer confined to standard music video formats or traditional concert footage; they now encompass genres such as fantasy, comedy, horror, romance, science fiction, thriller/mystery, etc.

Rockumentaries

Rockumentaries are one of the greatest ways to explore, celebrate, and discover music from virtually any era. Whether you are a fan of classical jazz or heavy metal rock, these music documentaries can offer an intimate look into the stories behind some of the most beloved genres and subgenres in music history, while celebrating the best musical achievements of popular artists.

Let’s take a look at some of the best rockumentaries ever made, highlighting some amazing films that provide a unique and emotional lens into our musical history.

First up is an incredible film about jazz legends Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock – ‘Miles Ahead’ (2015). This documentary looks at two very different musicians with an equally influential impact on jazz. It shows how their contrasting personalities, ambitions, and experiences helped shape jazz as we know it today.

For those interested in classic rock ‘n’ roll, don’t miss out on ‘The Song Remains The Same’ (1976). This acclaimed documentary follows Led Zeppelin as they take audiences on a journey across different cities around the world during their 1977 tour. Expect rare performances of classic hits such as Stairway to Heaven as well as never seen footage from this legendary group.

In more recent years, fans have been bestowed with incredible documentaries on popular modern-day bands such as ‘Gimme Shelter’ (2013) which looks at The Rolling 1969 tour across America. Or if you prefer rap music check out Eminem’s feature-length documentary '8 Mile' (2002) which recounts his early struggles to succeed in Detroit's underground battle rap scene.

Musicals

Below we’ll take a look at some of the most popular music films of all time – each boasting a unique soundtrack and themes that evoke strong nostalgic emotions.

For starters, let’s look at some classic musicals from decades past. Films like “The Sound of Music” and “Grease” are just two examples of unforgettable musicals from the 70s. Boasting huge ensemble casts that bring their characters to life with great acting performances and a mix of classic songs that will make even those unfamiliar with the film want to start singing along.

From there we can move on to more modern classics such as “Moulin Rouge!” which provided an entirely new take on traditional musical numbers – merging contemporary pop songs into conventional show tunes with great success. Other modern offerings such as “Chicago” through to “La La Land" are sure to entertain thanks to their outstanding choreography and dynamic characters.

The Best Music Movies to Watch

Let's start with iconic musicals. Musicals have been a staple in Hollywood since the 1940s, and some have gone on to be considered classics. From beloved classics like The Wizard of Oz and Singin' in the Rain to modern interpretations such as La La Land and The Greatest Showman, there are plenty of musicals to choose from.

If classic rock n roll is your thing, look no further than iconic films like The Runaways or Almost Famous. Both showcase classic bands and artists at the height of their fame and tell captivating stories about life on the road as a musician.

Documentaries featuring some of history's most famous musicians can also be incredibly informative and entertaining. Amazing documentaries such as Amy and Quartz City Blues offer up an insider's perspective on life in the music industry while exploring these musicians' lives and legacies in incredible depth.

Biographical films featuring musicians aren't just limited to documentaries. Music biopics tend to focus on major figures who have shaped the music industry such as Johnny Cash (in Walk The Line) or Judy Garland (in Judy), while introducing their stories to new audiences.