Written by: Carlyn Warren
Just because you're a music fan doesn't mean you have to spend every minute of your life listening to it. That's where movies come in. If you're looking for something to watch (and sing along with) during winter break, we've got you covered. We've picked 15 movies that any music fan should see at least once in their lifetimeâsome of them are about musicians, some are about the fans behind themâbut all are guaranteed to make you feel like a rock star for two hours straight! đ©âđ€
1. Yesterday (2019)
Yesterday is a film about a struggling musician who becomes the only person in the world who remembers The Beatles after a mysterious global blackout. As he skyrockets to fame performing their music, he must navigate complicated relationships and ethical dilemmas while also reconnecting with an old friend. The film features an impressive soundtrack of Beatles hits and a talented cast including Himesh Patel, Lily James, and Ed Sheeran. You can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime. âïž
2. Rocketman (2019)
Rocketman is a biographical musical film that tells the story of Elton John's rise to fame and features moving and emotional music that really makes you feel like you're in the moment with Elton John. It also features recreations of many of Eltonâs iconic outfits, which he simply wouldnât be the same without. The film features a mix of classic Elton John hits and original songs written for the movie. With a stellar cast led by Taron Egerton as John and Bryce Dallas Howard as his wife, Rocketman is a must-see for any fan of Elton John or just a good old-fashioned musical biopic! Rent or buy it on Amazon Prime here. đč
3. Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous is a coming-of-age film about a teen music journalist who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he is hired by Rolling Stone to cover an up-and-coming rock band. As he travels with the band on their tour, he struggles to balance his responsibilities as a journalist with his desire to fit in and be a part of the music scene. The film has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the 1970s rock scene. You can watch it with your Paramount+ subscription. âïž
4. Love, Lizzo (2022)
Love, Lizzo is the HBO max documentary starring the Grammy-winning singer, Lizzo. There are many things to love about Lizzo: her positive and uplifting lyrics, her message of self-love and self-care, and her confidence on stage and off. She talks about her childhood, her struggles with self-image, and how she learned that you don't have to be defined by your challenges or your mistakes. Her honesty and willingness to share with the world what sheâs going throughâand what so many of us are going throughâis refreshingly brave. Watch her incredible story here. đ€
5. Camp Rock (2008)
Watch Camp Rock for a fun throw-back film! This is a fun Disney Channel Original Movie about coming-of-age, music, and summer camp. It follows Mitchie (Demi Lovato) as she gets the chance to attend a summer camp for aspiring musicians and songwriters and her favorite band just so happens to be at the camp as guest counselors. This is basically our favorite fanfiction story in a film and an iconic classic. If you've ever wanted to rock out with the Jonas Brothers or Demi Lovato, this movie is for you! Watch it on Disney+. đ„
6. La La Land (2016)
This modern-day musical takes you on an adventure through Los Angeles. The story follows Sebastian and Mia, who meet in a coffee shop and quickly fall in love with each other. They both dream of being artists who play music and dance on the big screen. The film shows the process of cinematography while also still having an interesting storyline. We recommend it to anyone who likes musicals or is interested in the process of movies being made! You can watch it with your Amazon Prime subscription. đ„
7. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical film about the iconic rock band Queen and their legendary frontman Freddie Mercury. With electrifying performances and a raucous soundtrack, the film brings the magic of Queen to life on the big screen. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a rockin' good time, Bohemian Rhapsody is sure to have you singing along and feeling the power of rock and roll! You can watch it on Hulu or rent it on Amazon prime. đž
8. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
In theaters this Friday, December 23rd, I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a biopic about the life of icon Whitney Houston. The movie follows her life from her rise to fame to her marriage to singer Bobby Brown, and how music helped her cope with tragedy in her life. This is the perfect film to see with family or friends during winter break and will surely have you dancing for days! Grab tickets to see it in theaters here. đȘ©
9. Elvis (2022)
The biographical film follows the life of a young Elvis Presley and his journey from a young aspiring musician to an icon. It shows the hardships that Elvis (Austin Butler) faced as the world's most famous musician and the harsh truth about some who work in the music industry. The movie has all the classic hallmarks of an Elvis movie: singing, dancing, and lots of jumpsuits! Watch it on HBO max here. đș
10. Amy (2015)
Amy is a documentary that tells the story of the late Amy Winehouse, a talented and troubled singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 2000s. The movie is full of never-before-seen footage, interviews with friends and family, and tons of amazing music. Plus, it's got some killer tunes and some seriously witty one-liners. Whether you're a fan of Amy's music or just a fan of documentaries in general, Amy is definitely worth a watch. Just be sure to bring some tissues â it's a tearjerker! You can watch it with your HBO max subscription. đ
11. Respect (2021)
This film celebrates the life and career of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Respect takes a deep dive into Franklin's life and music, from her humble beginnings as a gospel singer in Detroit to her iconic performances at the Kennedy Center and the Grammy Awards. Whether you're a long-time fan of Franklin or just discovering her music for the first time, Respect is a must-see for anyone who loves soulful tunes and powerful female role models. So get ready to sing along to "Respect," "Chain of Fools," and all of Franklin's other classic hits! Watch it on Amazon Prime here. đ
12. A Star is Born (2018)
The fourth adaptation of the original film, A Star is Born, tells the story of a struggling musician named Ally (played by Lady Gaga) and her romance with an established musician named Jackson Maine (played by Bradley Cooper). The film is a heartwarming and emotional tale of love, loss, and the power of music, and it features some seriously impressive performances from both Gaga and Cooper. So grab some tissues, turn up the volume on your speakers, and get ready to sing along to all of the amazing songs from the film â don't be surprised if you end up reaching for your guitar (or your hairbrush) and belting out a ballad or two yourself. Log in to your HBO Max account to watch. âïž
13. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good movie â especially if you love ABBA and dancing on tables. This musical film follows the story of a young woman named Sophie as she tries to find out who her real father is with the help of her mother and a group of old friends. Along the way, there are plenty of catchy tunes, beautiful landscapes, and of course, plenty of "Dancing Queens." So grab your besties and get ready to sing and dance along â don't forget to bring your best "Waterloo" moves. Watch it on Hulu here. đ
14. 8 Mile (2002)
Eminem stars in this classic coming-of-age story set in the world of rap battles and underground hip-hop. The film follows the journey of Jimmy Smith Jr. (played by Eminem), a young rapper trying to make it big in the tough streets of Detroit. Although it is not an autobiography, it is based loosely on Eminemâs life and rise to fame. With its raw and powerful performances from Eminem, 8 Mile is a must-see for any fan of rap or just a good old-fashioned underdog story. So get ready to cheer on Jimmy as he battles his way to the top, and maybe even practice your own freestyle skills while you're at it! You can watch it with a Hulu subscription. đ€
15. School of Rock (2003)
School of Rock is a classic rock-and-roll comedy that follows the story of Dewey Finn (played by Jack Black), a wannabe rockstar who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. He turns his reluctant students into a rock band along the way, teaching them the joys of music and the power of self-expression. With its catchy tunes, hilarious performances, and heartwarming message, School of Rock is a must-see for any music fan â or anyone who wants a good laugh. So grab your guitar and get ready to rock out â school is in session! Watch it on Paramount+ here. đ€
There are so many amazing movies out there that every music fan should see; from biopics about iconic musicians to musical comedies and dramas, these films offer a glimpse into the world of music and the lives of some of the most talented and influential performers of all time. Whether you're a rock, rap, soul, or pop fan, there's a movie on this list for you. So grab your popcorn, turn up the volume, and get ready to be inspired, entertained, and moved by these amazing films. Happy watching! đș
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