Films about singers delve into the lives of musical artists, showcasing their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. These movies often explore the consequences of fame, the passion for music, and the personal stories that resonate with audiences. They can be biographical or fictional, but they center on the unique experiences of vocal performers. Here are some films about singers with brief descriptions:
“Walk the Line”, 2005
Director: James Mangold
A biopic centering on the life of country music legend Johnny Cash, the film explores his early days, his romance with June Carter, and his struggles with addiction. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star as Cash and Carter, respectively, with Witherspoon winning an Oscar for her role.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller, Larry Bagby, Shelby Lynne, Tyler Hilton, Waylon Payne;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Walk the Line” on the website imdb.com
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, 2018
Director: Bryan Singer
This film is a celebration of the band Queen, their music, and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. It follows the band's rise to fame, Mercury's personal life, and the iconic Live Aid performance. Rami Malek's portrayal of Mercury won him an Academy Award.
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Allen Leech, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers, Aaron McCusker;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the website imdb.com
“Selena”, 1997
Director: Gregory Nava
Jennifer Lopez stars in this biographical drama about the life and career of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The film covers Selena's rise to stardom and her tragic early death.
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Jackie Guerra, Constance Marie, Alex Meneses, Jon Seda, Edward James Olmos, Jacob Vargas, Pete Astudillo, Rueben Gonzáles, Ricky Vela;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: biography, music, drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Selena” on the website imdb.com
“Ray”, 2004
Director: Taylor Hackford
Jamie Foxx stars in this biopic of Ray Charles, covering his life from the early days of his career to his rise as a legendary musician, despite struggling with racism, drug abuse, and the loss of his sight.
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Curtis Armstrong;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Ray” on the website imdb.com
“Rocketman”, 2019
Director: Dexter Fletcher
A musical fantasy based on the life of Elton John, this film presents his breakthrough years with a mix of musical sequences, drama, and flamboyant performances by Taron Egerton, who stars as the iconic singer-songwriter.
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett, Matthew Illesley, Kit Connor, Charlie Rowe;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, music, musical, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Rocketman” on the website imdb.com
“The Runaways”, 2010
Director: Floria Sigismondi
Chronicling the rise and fall of the 1970s all-girl rock band The Runaways, this film focuses on the relationship between band members Cherie Currie and Joan Jett, played by Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, respectively.
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon, Stella Maeve, Scout Taylor-Compton, Alia Shawkat, Riley Keough, Johnny Lewis, Tatum O'Neal, Brett Cullen;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Runaways” on the website imdb.com
“The Rose”, 1979
Director: Mark Rydell
Bette Midler stars in this film loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin. Midler's character, a rock singer named Mary Rose Foster, battles the pressures of fame and drug addiction.
Starring: Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton, Barry Primus, David Keith, Sandra McCabe, Will Hare, Rudy Bond, Don Calfa;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama, melodrama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Rose” on the website imdb.com
“A Star Is Born”, 2018
Director: Bradley Cooper
The third remake of a classic Hollywood tale, this film stars Bradley Cooper as a fading country musician who discovers and falls in love with a young singer played by Lady Gaga. It showcases her character's rise to stardom as his own career wanes.
Starring: Lady GaGa, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay, Anthony Ramos, Rafi Gavron, Greg Grunberg, Alec Baldwin, Marlon Williams;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: melodrama, music, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “A Star Is Born” on the website imdb.com
Please note that some of these movies might be fictionalized accounts of real artists' lives or wholly original stories inspired by the experiences of various singers and musicians.
In conclusion, films about singers offer a powerful insight into the world of music and the personal lives of its most iconic figures. From capturing their rise to fame and creative processes, to exploring their vulnerabilities and the price of fame, these films paint vivid portraits that resonate with audiences. Whether through raw documentaries or dramatized biopics, they not only celebrate the music and talent of these artists but also invite viewers to reflect on the complexities of artistic life and the enduring impact of their legacies. As such, they continue to be a captivating genre within the cinematic landscape, enchanting music lovers and moviegoers alike.
