Movies About Rock Music

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

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 musical film directed by Alan Parker and based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The film follows a fictionalized version of the band's lead singer, Pink, as he is driven into insanity due to the death of his father during World War II, the overprotective nature of his mother, and all the other anxieties and pressures of life. The film takes a surreal, non-linear journey through Pink's life, featuring animation, live-action segments, and moments of fantasy. With its mixture of ideas, symbols, and music, the film explores themes of alienation, loneliness, and the search for identity.

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

Almost Famous is a coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe, starring Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, and Billy Crudup. The film follows a 15-year-old named William Miller, an aspiring teenage journalist who is given the opportunity of a lifetime: to write a piece for Rolling Stone magazine about the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater. Along the way, William experiences the highs and lows of life on the road, developing relationships with the band members and the groupies who follow them, as he struggles to make his dream a reality. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about fame, love, and what it means to be an adult.

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

Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic directed by Bryan Singer which follows the life and career of the legendary British rock band, Queen, and its frontman, Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film chronicles the band's formation in 1970 to their famous 1985 Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium. It focuses on the struggles and triumphs of Mercury as he navigates a rocky relationship with the other band members and deals with his own personal demons. Along the way, Queen creates some of the greatest music ever written, including the hit singles "Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Are The Champions", and "Another One Bites The Dust". With outstanding performances from lead actor Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody is a celebration of Queen's music, legacy, and the life of Freddie Mercury.

From John Carney, starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor
Rated PG-13

Sing Street is a musical drama film set in 1980s Dublin, Ireland. It follows the story of Conor, a teenage boy who forms a rock band in order to impress a mystery girl. By doing so, he discovers his passion for music, and uses it to cope with his tough home life and school life. Along the way, he befriends other musicians, wins over his skeptical older brother, and gets advice from a mysterious mentor. With the help of his newfound friends and newfound confidence, Conor is able to rise above his troubled past and create a bright future.

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

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows the British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on their disastrous attempt at an American comeback tour. Through interviews with the band members, their record label, and those following the band, the film presents a humorous and often satirical look at the fading days of heavy metal. The film portrays the band’s members as aging rockers trying desperately to stay relevant in a music scene that has moved on without them. Along the way, they encounter a number of humorous obstacles, including a drum player who accidentally dies on stage and an amplifier that goes up to 11. Ultimately, the tour ends in disaster and the band members go their separate ways. This Is Spinal Tap is widely considered to be a classic of both the mockumentary and music genres.

From James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Rated PG-13

"Walk the Line" is a biographical drama film directed by James Mangold, based on the life of iconic country music legend Johnny Cash. The film follows Cash's life from his childhood in rural Arkansas to his meteoric rise to fame as one of the most influential musicians of his generation. It follows Cash's struggles with poverty, his turbulent relationship with his father, his tumultuous marriage to June Carter, and his battle with drug addiction. The film also features performances by Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Patrick, Ginnifer Goodwin, and many other actors. Through Cash's story, the film explores themes of love, redemption, and the power of music.

From John Carney, starring Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick
Rated R

Once is a 2007 Irish independent musical romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by John Carney. It tells the story of an Irish busker (Guy) and a Czech musician (Girl) who meet on the streets of Dublin, Ireland, and have a chance to fulfill their dreams of making music. The film features a series of original songs written and performed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, both of the group The Frames. The film earned positive reviews and won numerous awards, including the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly". The story follows the two musicians on their quest to create music, and their developing relationship as they write and record their songs. Despite the challenges they face, the film ultimately celebrates the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

From John Cameron Mitchell, starring John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask, Theodore Liscinski
Rated R

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a musical comedy-drama film directed by John Cameron Mitchell and starring John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask. It follows the story of Hedwig, a transgender punk rock singer from East Berlin who immigrates to the United States following a botched sex-change operation. The film follows Hedwig’s struggles as she attempts to find success in the music industry while searching for her long-lost love, Tommy Gnosis. Along the way, she is accompanied by her band, The Angry Inch, and her backup singer Yitzhak. The film details her struggles of identity and acceptance, as well as her love-hate relationship with Tommy. Through her music and her journey, Hedwig learns to accept and embrace her true self, learning to let go of her anger and hurt.

From Richard Linklater, starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Rory Cochrane
Rated R

Dazed and Confused is a 1993 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Richard Linklater. Set in the small town of Austin, Texas, in the last day of school in 1976, the film follows a group of teenagers as they navigate through the complexities of their teenage lives. The movie follows the teens through their hijinks, pranks, partying, and potential romance. With the help of their older peers, they come to terms with their feelings of growing up and moving on to adulthood. As the night heats up, the teens come to realize that the only constant in life is change.

From Anton Corbijn, starring Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Craig Parkinson, Alexandra Maria Lara
Rated R

Control is an award-winning 2007 British biographical drama film directed by Anton Corbijn, based on the life and career of singer-songwriter Ian Curtis of the band Joy Division. It stars Sam Riley as Curtis and Samantha Morton as his wife Deborah. The film follows Curtis from his teenage years as a fan of both punk music and David Bowie to his later rise as the lead singer of Joy Division, and his eventual suicide at the age of 23. It also features some of the band's most famous songs, including "Love Will Tear Us Apart". The film's visual style was inspired by the early 1980s music videos of the band. Control received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Curtis' life and struggles and was praised for its direction and cinematography.

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

The Commitments is a 1991 musical comedy-drama directed by Alan Parker about a group of young, working-class Dubliners who form a soul band. The band members come from different backgrounds and have different dreams and aspirations, but they are united in their shared love of American soul music. With the guidance of their ambitious manager Jimmy Rabbitte, the group is determined to make it big. But as the band's success grows, so do the tensions between its members. After a series of highs and lows, The Commitments must decide if their dreams are worth fighting for. Along the way, they learn more than just how to make great music – they also learn the importance of friendship, loyalty and compromise.

From Edgar Wright, starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick
Rated PG-13

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a 2010 action comedy film directed by Edgar Wright and based on the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film follows Scott Pilgrim, a 23-year-old slacker who falls in love with the mysterious and beautiful Ramona Flowers, only to find out she comes with seven evil exes who will stop at nothing to eliminate him from the picture. In order to win the heart of Ramona and defeat her exes, Scott must first take on each of the seven in a series of epic battles. With the help of his friends, Scott must face the music and prove himself to be a true hero if he is to win his true love.

From Jim Jarmusch, starring Masatoshi Nagase, Yûki Kudô, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Cinqué Lee
Rated R

Mystery Train is a 1989 film directed by Jim Jarmusch that follows the intertwining stories of three guests in a Memphis hotel. The three strangers are all from different countries: a Japanese couple who have come to visit Elvis Presley's home, and an Italian widow who is visiting her son's grave. As they pass through the night, they share stories, dreams, and experiences that bring their lives together in unexpected ways. The film is a meditation on loneliness, alienation, and the search for individual identity. It is also a tribute to Memphis and its music, particularly Elvis. Ultimately, it is a story of hope and redemption, in which the characters find connection and understanding in a strange and unexpected place.

From Jim Kohlberg, starring Lou Taylor Pucci, J.K. Simmons, Julia Ormond, Cara Seymour
Rated PG

The Music Never Stopped is a 2011 drama directed by Jim Kohlberg and starring J.K. Simmons and Lou Taylor Pucci. The film is based on the neuroscience case study of Dr. Oliver Sacks, who used music to reawaken memories in his patient, Henry. Henry (Pucci) is a young man in his early 20s who has been estranged from his father (Simmons) for years. When Henry is hospitalized with a tumor in his temporal lobe, his father visits him in the hospital and discovers that the tumor is preventing Henry from forming new memories. In desperation, he contacts Dr. Sacks (Julia Ormond), an expert in memory and music, who suggests that music may be a way to access Henry’s lost memories. With the help of Dr. Sacks, Henry’s father uses music to reawaken his son’s memories, leading to a reconciliation between the two. Along the way, they discover the power of music to remember the past and to form new connections. The film is a heartwarming story of redemption, love, and the power of music.

From Bill Pohlad, starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

From James Merendino, starring Matthew Lillard, Michael A. Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

From Stephen Frears, starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Jack Black
Rated R

From William H. Macy, starring Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin, Felicity Huffman, Selena Gomez
Rated R

From John Carney, starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld
Rated R

From Julie Taymor, starring Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs
Rated PG-13

From Dennis Hopper, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Antonio Mendoza
Rated R

From Richard Curtis, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Michael Hadley
Rated R

From Dexter Fletcher, starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated R

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

From Oliver Stone, starring Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan, Frank Whaley
Rated R