From ‘A Complete Unknown’ to ‘Selena’ to ‘Ray’: 33 Notable Music Biopics

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As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for biopics that delve deep into the lives of extraordinary individuals, I must say I’m utterly captivated by this list! It’s fascinating to see how these movies have chronicled the lives and struggles of such iconic figures as Johnny Cash, Tina Turner, and Al Yankovic.

As a music enthusiast just like John Lennon, I’ve always admired his belief that “music belongs to everyone.” This sentiment has been beautifully translated by Hollywood filmmakers who have seized the opportunity to share the stories of some of the music industry’s most celebrated artists.

In various instances, portrayals of notable Tejano music stars and depictions of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan have significantly boosted an actor’s career, some even winning Oscars for their performances.

As the movie “A Complete Unknown” starring Dylan prepares for its theater release, The Hollywood Reporter examines 33 films that portray the lives of legendary musicians – ranging from “Selena” to “Walk the Line”.

  • ’24-Hour Party People’

    20th Century Women could be rephrased as follows:

  • ‘8 Mile’

    Drawing inspiration from Marshall Mathers’ (also known as Eminem) transformation from a struggling rapper in Detroit to a renowned music star, the movie features Eminem himself playing Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith for his debut leading role. This film, directed by Curtis Hanson, doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities and struggles that shaped the rapper’s raw music style. Accompanying Eminem in this venture are co-stars Mekhi Phifer, Kim Basinger, and the late Brittany Murphy. The inspiring tale of an underdog garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with Eminem earning an Academy Award for best original song for “Lose Yourself.” — Lexy Perez

    • ‘All Eyez On Me’

    Twenty-one years following the demise of the rapper Tupac Shakur, his life story was portrayed on the big screen, with Demetrius Shipp Jr. playing the role. Shipp’s physical resemblance to Shakur is noticeable, but what’s more remarkable is their personal connection – Shipp’s father produced one of 2Pac’s songs for his album “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.” To authentically depict the East Coast/West Coast rappers, Shipp and Jamal Woolard (who played Notorious B.I.G.) wore genuine replicas of their clothing. Woolard had previously portrayed B.I.G. in the 2009 biopic “Notorious.” The film, directed by Benny Boom, also features Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, and Dominic L. Santana. — Lexy Perez

    ‘Back to Black’

    In “Back to Black,” directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, newcomer Marisa Abela portrays the late singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. This biopic chronicles Winehouse’s life journey, from her early years in Enfield, north London, through her meteoric rise and subsequent downfall. It covers her 2008 Grammy-winning album “Rehab” and her untimely death due to alcohol poisoning at the age of 27 in 2011. The film also delves into Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with her husband Blake Fielder-Civil, marked by mutual struggles with substance abuse, media harassment, and intrusive tabloid attention. Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville play her father and grandmother in the movie. Despite facing criticism for allegedly exploiting Winehouse’s personal struggles, the film received positive reviews for Abela’s portrayal of a 21st-century musical icon. She sang all her own parts and was nominated for a London Critics’ Circle Film Award on Dec. 19. — Lily Ford

  • ‘Backbeat’

    The 1994 film “Backbeat,” directed by Iain Softley, focuses on the early years of The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany, as they strive for success in the music industry. This movie primarily explores the relationship between Stuart Sutcliffe (played by Stephen Dorff) and John Lennon (Ian Hart), while Stuart deals with his professional and personal life alongside girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr (Sheryl Lee). The other band members are portrayed by Gary Bakewell as Paul McCartney, Chris O’Neill as George Harrison, Scot Williams as Pete Best, and Paul Duckworth as Ringo Starr. Notably, composer Don Was won the BAFTA for Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music for “Backbeat.” – Carly Thomas

    • ‘Bob Marley: One Love’

    The movie titled “One Love” focuses on Bob Marley, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir, from his rise to fame in the mid-1970s until his passing in 1981. The film recounts an unsuccessful assassination attempt at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, which led the icon to become even more determined to bridge the divide within his nation. Reinaldo Marcus Green directed “One Love”, and Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley, was a producer for the project. At the film’s Los Angeles premiere, Ziggy Marley shared with THR that his father used music as a means to connect with others and overcome obstacles. “Music is a potent tool when wielded correctly,” he said, “and that was his weapon. He essentially sacrificed himself for that message.” – Christy Piña

    ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

    As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the cinematic masterpiece, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” produced by 20th Century Fox, which catapulted Rami Malek to an Oscar win for his portrayal of the legendary Freddie Mercury from Queen. This film takes us on a captivating journey through the band’s history, from their inception in 1970 to their iconic Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in 1985. The movie was met with mixed reviews, with some critics expressing disappointment, labeling it as a “conventional PG-13 portrait of an unconventional band” (as THR put it). However, the audience couldn’t get enough of the stunning recreations of the band’s most memorable moments, propelling the movie to surpass expectations at the box office. Apart from Malek’s Academy Award, the film also took home honors for best sound mixing, sound editing, and film editing during that year’s Oscars ceremony. – Zoe G. Phillips

  • ‘The Buddy Holly Story’

    In the ’70s biopic, Gary Busey plays Buddy Holly, the Texas rock legend who met a tragic end in a plane crash at age 22. His portrayal earned an Oscar nomination and sparked renewed interest in Buddy’s music as it was released during the disco era. The movie’s success was remarkable, ultimately pushing the “Buddy Holly Lives” greatest hits collection to reach No. 55 on the Billboard album charts – Lexy Perez.

  • ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’

    In the movie portraying the life of country music legend Loretta Lynn, Sissy Spacek won an Academy Award for her outstanding portrayal of Lynn’s rise to fame. Not only did she convincingly depict Lynn during her early years in Kentucky and her immediate success as a country star, but she also lent her own voice to the film by singing all of Lynn’s songs. Instead of using Lynn’s vocals, Spacek’s renditions landed her at No. 2 on the country charts. Alongside Spacek in this movie are Tommy Lee Jones, Beverly D’Angelo, and Levon Helm. — Lexy Perez

    • ‘A Complete Unknown’

    The movie titled “A Complete Unknown” is inspired by the hit novel “Dylan Goes Electric!“. This film narrates Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of a young Bob Dylan, as he embarks on his journey in New York at age 19. The biopic delves into his meteoric rise to fame, where he becomes discontent with folk music and makes the contentious decision to transition to rock music. Throughout his journey, Dylan encounters several young women, including Suze Rotolo, who appears somewhat fictionalized in the James Mangold film and is played by Elle Fanning, and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). In an interview with “THR”, Chalamet confessed that embodying Dylan was the most challenging role he had taken on. He stated, “The story of this man’s life and his work became so profound to me that I felt if I allowed my focus to waver for even a moment, I would be plagued with self-loathing for years to come.” – Christy Piña

    ‘Dreamgirls’

    Bill Condon, known for his work on “Kinsey”, undertook the challenging job of transforming a hit Broadway musical into a movie. He achieved this by assembling an illustrious cast featuring Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, and Anika Noni Rose. The reality TV sensation Jennifer Hudson played the captivating role of Effie White in the film, demonstrating her star potential by winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, one of the movie’s two wins from eight nominations. Drawing loosely on the Motown journey of the Diana Ross-led Supremes, the 2006 film “Dreamgirls” tells the story of a fictional Detroit girl group called The Dreams as they navigate the music industry and encounter unscrupulous record executives and personal struggles. Ultimately, it grossed $155 million at the box office, almost doubling its production cost. — Chris Gardner.

    ‘Elvis’

    As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this:

  • ‘Get on Up’

    Despite not garnering huge numbers at the box office, Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of James Brown in the biopic was lauded by critics. Directed by Tate Taylor, this film traces Brown’s life journey from the 1930s to the 1980s. Notably, it showcases Brown’s intense work ethic and distinctive rhythm on stage, with performances by Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, and Viola Davis as well. — Lexy Perez

  • ‘Great Balls of Fire!’

    In 1989, Dennis Quaid portrayed rockabilly legend Jerry Lee Lewis in the film “Great Balls of Fire!”, named after one of Lewis’ most enduring hits. The movie was adapted from a biography by Myra Lewis, Jerry’s first wife and cousin, who married him at 13 and he at 22 (the book was co-authored with Murray M. Silver Jr., and the screenplay was written by director Jim McBride and Jack Baran). The film showcases Jerry Lee’s journey to rock ‘n’ roll stardom, leading to his decline due to his tumultuous marriage. Alec Baldwin played televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, another one of Lewis’ relatives, in a performance that garnered praise from critics. However, the movie was criticized for glamorizing the troubled aspects of Jerry Lee’s life, and it currently has a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes according to critics. – Zoe G. Phillips

  • ‘Her Smell’

    In a unique and captivating take by filmmaker Alex Perry Ross, the movie “Her Smell” showcases Elizabeth Moss’s exceptional portrayal of a troubled punk rock singer, Becky Something, who bears resemblance to Courtney Love in her Hole days. Instead of following the conventional route of a music biopic, this film is divided into five extended scenes set within individual locations. This structure effectively delves into the tumultuous life of this fictional whirlwind character, rather than forcing its themes into the predictable narrative of her adolescence to adulthood.

  • ‘I’m Not There’

    In the style of Bob Dylan tribute, Todd Haynes’ biopic presents a diverse ensemble of A-list actors, each embodying different phases of Dylan’s life. Marcus Carl Franklin portrays his younger years, while Christian Bale brings to life his New York breakthrough. The unique narrative weaves together the many dimensions of the musician-lyricist, all depicted in this biographical drama. Notable cast members include Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Cate Blanchett, and Ben Whishaw. Notably, Cate Blanchett won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and was nominated for an Academy Award in the same category. — Lexy Perez

    • ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’

    Kasi Lemmons’ biographical movie about the late Whitney Houston was headlined by Naomi Ackie and delves into Houston’s life and enduring legacy, 10 years after her passing. Produced with the support of Houston’s family, estate, and longtime music producer Clive Davis, it also features Stanley Tucci as Davis and Ashton Sanders as Bobby Brown. The movie chronicles Davis’ professional relationship with Houston, from the start of her career through her rise to fame and ultimate decline. It also sheds light on Houston’s personal struggles and trials, both professionally and personally. Clive Davis stated that the film offers insights into Houston’s sexuality, drug addiction, and their creative collaboration. Although Ackie performs in some scenes, the soundtrack keeps Houston’s original voice intact. – Lexy Perez

  • ‘The Jacksons: An American Dream’

    According to Katherine Jackson’s 1990 autobiography “My Family,” the miniseries delves into the rise of one of music’s most notorious families, starting from their early days with the group “ABC” and following through Michael’s solo career and the shocking accusations against him, the King of Pop. The two-part mini-series, broadcast on ABC, aims to reveal the untold story of this musical family. — Lexy Perez

  • ‘Jimi: All Is by My Side’

    John Ridley’s film, titled “Jimi: All Is by My Side,” focuses on the beginning of Jimi Hendrix’s musical journey as he departs from New York City and heads to London. André Benjamin steps into the role of Hendrix, with Hayley Atwell, Imogen Poots, and Ruth Negga completing the cast. Since Hendrix’s estate did not grant permission for using his original songs, the movie features cover versions of tunes that he played during that era. The Hollywood Reporter’s review found the film to be “both thoughtful and convincing, sympathetic yet not overly flattering towards a man who would only have three more years following this period to become an immortal figure in music.” After its premiere at TIFF in 2013, Jimi: All Is by My Side was released in theaters by XLrator Media on September 26, 2014. — Ryan Gajewski

  • ‘La Bamba’

    Lou Diamond Phillips garnered acclaim for his depiction of the real-life figure Richie Valens, who tragically died at just 17 in a plane crash. This biographical movie focuses on the final eight months of this teen’s life, chronicling his journey from being a high school student to a music star following the release of his iconic song “La Bamba.” The film also explores how Valens’ sudden fame impacted the lives of his brother Bob (Esai Morales), mother (Rosanna DeSoto), and girlfriend Donna (Danielle von Zerneck). Phillips received critical praise for his acting, and the movie was subsequently nominated for a Golden Globe award in 1988, recognizing it as the best motion picture in the drama category. — Lexy Perez

  • ‘Last Days’

    Gus Van Sant’s 2005 film, “Last Days,” is not a biographical depiction of Kurt Cobain’s life and death, but rather a movie that draws inspiration from Cobain’s tumultuous life and his inner circle. Van Sant described it as a fictional portrayal, saying it doesn’t aim to recount the specific events leading up to Cobain’s suicide in Seattle, Washington in April 1994, but rather to express them poetically. “Last Days” concludes a trilogy that includes “Gerry” and “Elephant,” films linked by a shared style and subject matter.

  • ‘Love and Mercy’ 

    The 2014 film “Love and Mercy,” directed by Bill Pohlad, chronicles the life, love, and brilliance of Brian Wilson, creator of the Beach Boys. It primarily focuses on his battles with mental health issues during the ’60s and his period under the manipulative care of Dr. Eugene Landy, played by Paul Giamatti in the ’80s. The movie presents two different time periods, with Paul Dano portraying a younger Brian Wilson and John Cusack depicting the older musician. Elizabeth Banks is cast as Brian’s romantic interest, Melinda Ledbetter. The film received two Golden Globe nominations: one for Paul Dano as best supporting actor in a motion picture and another for “One Kind of Love” as best original song. — Carly Thomas

  • ‘Nowhere Boy’

    In 2009, I had the privilege of portraying John Lennon in a biopic that delved into his formative years before The Beatles revolutionized the world’s music scene. This movie showcased several hits from Lennon’s early band, The Quarrymen, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster went as far as learning to strum left-handed, just like Paul McCartney did. However, we weren’t able to secure the rights for many other Beatles and rock songs popular during that era.

    • ‘The Pianist’

    Based on the autobiography of Jewish musician Władysław Szpilman, Adrien Brody portrayed Szpilman in a critically acclaimed film about his life. This biographical movie tells the story of Szpilman’s survival during the Holocaust in the Warsaw ghetto. Directed by Roman Polanski, it received numerous accolades and won the Palme d’Or at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, it was successful at the Academy Awards, with Brody taking home the award for best actor and the film earning two other wins. Alongside Brody, the cast included Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, and Maureen Lipman. — Lexy Perez

  • ‘Ray’

    In the biographical movie directed by Taylor Hackford, Jamie Foxx portrays rhythm and blues pianist Ray Charles. The film follows Charles’s life story, from his blindness at age 7 to his rise as a musical prodigy. Alongside Foxx, the cast includes Sharon Warren, Kerry Washington, and Regina King. Foxx received critical acclaim for his leading role in the movie, which ultimately led him to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Foxx was the second actor to achieve this feat of winning all five awards in the same category. Regrettably, Charles passed away from liver disease a few months before the film’s release. — Lexy Perez

  • ‘The Runaways’

    In a departure from her iconic role in the Twilight series, Kristen Stewart takes on the part of rock legend Joan Jett from the influential 1970s band The Runaways. Directed by Floria Sigismondi, the film is adapted from Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, a biography written by Cherie Currie, the band’s former lead vocalist (portrayed by Dakota Fanning). The movie follows the genesis of the band and the tension that eventually led to Currie leaving. Currie commended Fanning’s portrayal of her, but pointed out that the film didn’t cover everything in her book. Jett appreciated the film’s depiction of the era, but saw it more as a story than a biographical movie. – Lexy Perez

    • ‘Selena’

    Gregory Nava, both writer and director, crafted the biopic about Selena, the tragically slain Tejano singer who was murdered by her fan club leader, Yolanda Saldivar. The movie catapulted Jennifer Lopez to fame as she portrayed Selena, alongside Edward James Olmos (as Selena’s father Abraham) and Constance Marie (as Selena’s mother Marcella). The Quintanilla family collaborated extensively with Lopez during her preparations for the role, even inviting her to stay at their residence. Abraham Quintanilla served as the film’s producer, striving to preserve his deceased daughter’s legacy. The film garnered widespread acclaim. – Lexy Perez

    ‘Stardust’

    As a devoted fan, I found myself immersed in the 2020 film “Stardust,” where Johnny Flynn brilliantly portrays the iconic David Bowie during his first U.S. visit in 1971. This journey marked the beginning of the transformation into Ziggy Stardust, and Jena Malone and Marc Maron accompany Flynn on this musical voyage. Directed by Gabriel Range, the film unfortunately didn’t secure approval from Bowie’s estate to use his music, instead showcasing covers he performed during that time. David Rooney, THR’s chief film critic, described “Stardust” as a largely uneventful journey, the lack of excitement amplified by the absence of Bowie’s original music. IFC Films released “Stardust” on Nov 25, 2020. — Ryan Gajewski

    ‘Straight Outta Compton’

    Thirty years after their start, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, original members of NWA, delve back into their early days in the hip-hop biopic they produced. This authorized biography follows the remarkable journey of the iconic hip-hop group, detailing their transformation from ambitious teenagers to determined individuals striving for success in a predominantly white music industry. The film recounts key events such as Eazy-E’s battle with HIV and their rift with their former manager. This groundbreaking narrative chronicles the story of what would become the most successful hip-hop group in the history of the music industry. In the movie, O’Shea Jackson Jr. plays Ice Cube’s character, Corey Hawkins portrays Dr. Dre, and Jason Mitchell takes on the role of Eazy-E. The film received an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay.— Lexy Perez

    ‘This Is Spinal Tap’

    The movie “This Is Spinal Tap” isn’t the first mockumentary about rock and roll. That title belongs to “The Rutles“, a 1978 British parody created by Eric Idle and Neil Innes, which gently mocked The Beatles (originally titled “All You Need Is Cash“). However, unlike “Spinal Tap“, “The Rutles” is largely forgotten outside a small circle of dedicated entertainment journalists. On the other hand, lines from “Spinal Tap” such as “The numbers go all the way up to 11!” have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Rob Reiner’s 1984 spoof about a fictitious heavy metal band, known for being “one of England’s loudest bands,” stands as the greatest rock ‘n’ roll comedy ever made. This timeless cinematic masterpiece will undoubtedly continue to be appreciated for as long as Stonehenge itself (the massive structures in Salisbury Plains, not the miniature ones the band mistakenly ordered). A sequel is planned. — Benjamin Svetkey

  • ‘Walk the Line’

    In the 2005 biographical movie, Joaquin Phoenix takes on the role of Johnny Cash, the renowned country music legend who passed away. The film delves into Cash’s early life, his foray into the country music industry, and his battles with drug addiction. A significant portion of the film focuses on the relationship between Johnny Cash (Phoenix) and June Carter, portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. The movie garnered widespread praise from critics and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including acting nominations for Phoenix and Witherspoon. — Alex Pearson

    • ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’

    For those who are familiar with Al Yankovic’s career, they may ponder about his origins, the beginning of his journey, or what truly motivates him… His biopic sheds little light on these questions instead. In classic “Weird Al” style, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is a satire of biopics themselves, featuring an eccentric and musical screenplay co-written by Yankovic and Eric Appel. Daniel Radcliffe portrays the lead character with great enthusiasm, earning his first Emmy nomination and a Critics Choice award. Evan Rachel Wood takes on the role of his love interest, Madonna (yes, Madonna). The film, described as “infectiously silly” by THR, also received a Critics Choice award.

  • ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’

    The 1993 movie is based on Tina Turner’s top-selling autobiography, “I, Tina: My Story.” In this movie, Angela Bassett portrays Tina and Laurence Fishburne plays Ike Turner. While the film highlights Tina’s rise to musical fame, it primarily focuses on her tumultuous marriage with Ike, who inflicted physical abuse upon her. Directed by Brian Gibson, the film garnered nominations for both Bassett and Fishburne in the Best Actor and Actress categories at the Oscars. Bassett eventually won a Golden Globe for Best Actress, and the film received critical acclaim.

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2024-12-24 02:27