Music backdrop

Music movies

Stories where rhythm and melody take center stage, including biographies of legends and dance-filled spectacles.

Subgenres include: Narrative Musical, Jukebox Musical, Concert Film.

Rudderless

451. Rudderless

Music Drama Comedy Narrative Musical Family Drama
7.4

20141h 45min

United States

Director: William H. Macy

A grieving father in a downward spiral stumbles across a box of his recently deceased son's demo tapes and lyrics. Shocked by the discovery of this unknown talent, he forms a band in the hope of finding some catharsis.

Themes

Parent child relationship, Memory and guilt, Authenticity in music, Mourning to catharsis, Rock band dynamics, Legacy within family

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Whiplash

452. Whiplash

Drama Music Professional Drama Backstage & Showbiz Music
8.5

20141h 47min

United States

Director: Damien Chazelle

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.

Themes

Obsessive perfectionism, Performance under pressure, Competitive culture, Abusive mentorship, Discipline vs humanity, Romance under ambition

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Music rules and rainbows rock as Twilight Sparkle and pals compete for the top spot in the Canterlot High "Mane Event" talent show. The girls must rock their way to the top, and outshine rival Adagio Dazzle and her band The Dazzlings, to restore harmony back to Canterlot High.


God Help the Girl

454. God Help the Girl

Comedy Drama Music Coming-of-Age Drama Narrative Musical
6.4

20141h 51min

United Kingdom

Director: Stuart Murdoch

Eve is a catastrophe—low on self-esteem but high on fantasy, especially when it comes to music. Over the course of one Glasgow summer, she meets two similarly rootless souls: posh Cass and fastidious James, and together they form a band.

Themes

Identity through music, Collaboration under pressure, Ambition and authenticity, Loneliness in temporary scenes, Mental health pressures, Self-esteem and fantasy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Get on Up

455. Get on Up

Drama Music History Historical Drama Music Biopic
6.9

20142h 19min

United States

Director: Tate Taylor

A chronicle of James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.

Themes

Domestic violence, Leadership under strain, Poverty to prominence, Soul music evolution, Shout music, Non linear storytelling

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Step Up All In

456. Step Up All In

Romance Drama Music Feel-Good Romance Dance-Centered Music Film
5.9

20141h 52min

United States

Director: Trish Sie

All-stars from previous installments convene in glittering Las Vegas, battling for a victory that could define their dreams and their careers.

Themes

Economic precarity, Dreams vs reality, Competition as catalyst, Collaborative resilience, Team loyalty under strain, Deception and rigging

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Begin Again

457. Begin Again

Comedy Music Romance Drama Narrative Musical
7.4

20141h 44min

United States

Director: John Carney

Gretta, a budding songwriter, finds herself alone after her boyfriend Dave ditches her. Her life gains purpose when Dan, a record label executive, notices her talent.

Themes

Artistic integrity vs commerce, Creative collaboration under pressure, Mentor protégé dynamics, Industry transformation tensions, Urban ambition authenticity, Relationship between art and market

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Jersey Boys

458. Jersey Boys

Music Drama Music Biopic Entertainment Industry Drama
6.8

20142h 14min

United States

Director: Clint Eastwood

A musical biopic of the Four Seasons—the rise, the tough times and personal clashes, and the ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. Far from a mere tribute concert, it gets to the heart of the relationships at the centre of the group, with a special focus on frontman Frankie Valli, the small kid with the big falsetto.

Themes

Fame and personal cost, Debt pressure on art, Identity and reinvention, Mob pressure on creativity, Ambition vs family obligations, Internal group dynamics and leadership

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Like Sunday, Like Rain

459. Like Sunday, Like Rain

Drama Music
6.9

20141h 44min

Director: Frank Whaley

A struggling musician becomes a 12-year-old musical prodigy's guardian for a summer.


Miss Granny

460. Miss Granny

Drama Comedy Music
7.2

20142h 4min

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk

An unappreciated old granny magically turns 20 years old again and decides to make the most of her newfound youth.