By: Elena Donatone
In the last two decades, we witnessed the comeback of a genre that I very much love and that is biographical music drama.
Being a huge film and music lover, it is amazing for me to see the two combined in this genre.
Watching the story and life of famous singers and bands, while listening to their best songs, is such a great way to spend an evening in with your family or friends!
So if you are interested in the genre, these are the best biographical music films for me!
1. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
"We're family. We believe in each other. That's everything"
If you are a fan of classic rock, then I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with Bohemian Rhapsody (2018).
As the title already suggests, it is a biographical movie about the life and career of legend Freddie Mercury, played by the talented Rami Malek, and his famous British band Queen.
From the first performance, you will be sucked into their crazy world and witness their rise to fame and Freddie’s consequent struggles with his sexuality and rockstar lifestyle.
Bohemian Rhapsody is surely a movie that will not disappoint Queen and rock fans, and you will also find out new details about their careers and personal lives!
2. Ray (2004)
"Always remember your promise to me. Never let nobody or nothing turn you into no cripple"
The 2004 biographical movie about rhythm and blues legend Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) is a must watch for all music and film lovers.
The movie focuses on Ray Charles’ difficult upbringing, his life as a blind man and his career in the South of the U.S.
Although I’m not the biggest fan of the music genre, the musician was a great performer and the movie is a masterpiece in every single aspect. From Jamie Foxx’s amazing performance, which led him to an Academy Award victory, to the sensational setting, and the plot of the movie.
Ray is one of the best movies I have ever watched, and not only within this specific genre. I highly recommend it!
3. Rocketman (2019)
"Maybe I should have tried to be more ordinary"
Rocketman (2019) is a biographical musical movie about British singer Elton John (Taron Egerton) and his outstanding career in the music industry.
Unlike the other movies in this list, in Rocketman, Elton John’s life and career are accompanied by musical-like numbers and not just performances on stage.
Taron Egerton is both expressive and natural in all the musical parts and none of them feel forced or out of place in the movie.
The British singer’s life is full of obstacles and struggles, but his everlasting
love for music and determination are the centre of the movie. Nobody can stop him for sure!
I highly recommend Rocketman not only to Elton John’s fans, but to musical aficionados too. It is 100% a treat!
4. The Dirt (2019)
"That's fate. That's family. And that's Mötley Fuckin' Crüe"
If you are a fan of heavy metal and daring music genres, then The Dirt (2019) is the right movie for you!
Following the lives and careers of famous American band Motley Crüe, The Dirt is a comedy-drama and it both makes you laugh and get emotional about the band’s story.
Mötley Crüe’s most famous songs are performed in the movie, while we find out about their insane rockstar lifestyle.
In one particular scene, we will even get a sneak peak into a “normal day” in the life of their drummer Tommy (Colson Baker). And I can assure you, there is nothing normal about it!
Although the band is notoriously famous for their over the top behaviour and overall unlikable manners, we can find out in the movie how all four members have had to deal with struggles and painful experiences in their personal lives. And how their crazy side is not all there is to them.
The Dirt will definitely keep you entertained and leave you shocked at the band’s deranged lifestyle!
5. Walk The Line (2005)
"I’m asking you to marry me. I love you, June. Now I know I said and done a lotta things, that I hurt you, but I promise, I’ll never do that again. I only want to take care of you. I will not leave you like that dutch boy with your finger in the dam. You’re my best friend. Marry me"
The 2005 masterpiece Walk the Line is a great homage to singer-songwriter Jonny Cash, played by the amazing Joaquin Phoenix, and his unforgettable music.
As a great fan of his music, the movie doesn’t disappoint and it presents Cash’s major career successes and hit songs.
While his career was filled with fame and money, the singer had demons to fight with in his personal life.
From a miserable marriage and a difficult divorce from his first wife, to his long history of alcohol and drug abuse, Jonny Cash’s life was not an easy one. But his love for fellow singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) and her constant support kept him going, and that is what the movie focuses on the most.
Walk the Line is a great movie both for music fans and romantic drama lovers alike. The inspiring love between Jonny Cash and June Carter, which lasted a lifetime until they both died in 2003, will leave you emotional!
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