There are biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody or The Doors (one of Val Kilmer’s best movies), and there are musicals like Guys and Dolls. But, what about those music films that fall under neither camp? Movies that have adoration for the world (and industry) of music, but aren’t about a real-world figure or constantly reliant on big, catchy numbers.
These 20 films fit that formula, movies that serve as love letters to music, and the industry. Now, they’re not all about rock ‘n roll but, let’s face it — most are. Rock’s always been about expressing oneself to the max, and is cinema really any different?
20 Some Like It Hot (1959)
Some Like It Hot
- Release Date
- March 29, 1959
- Director
- Billy Wilder
Some Like It Hot tells the story of two male musicians who don drag to escape some pursuing gangsters. Then, after joining an all-female band, things get even more complicated. Because Marilyn Monroe’s Sugar Kane is the lead singer, and they have to find ways to hit on her… while not quite looking like their normal selves.
What Makes It a Rockin’ Lovely Time?
Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis have terrific chemistry in Some Like It Hot. And, much to its credit (especially given the period of release), it’s a narrative that never pokes fun at its subjects, when it easily could have. In short, there aren’t many movies about music that are funnier or more charming than this one. Not to mention, Marilyn was never better.
Stream Some Like It Hot on Max
19 This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Rob Reiner’s This Is Spinal Tap was a hit in the ’80s, and it remains as such now. Perhaps more as a cult film, but it has a fanbase. And it’s easy to see why, as this look into a fake rock band (and the members within) is a hoot.
What Makes It Rock(umentary)?
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer have electric chemistry throughout the film. It makes sense that they’ve worked together so often and even spent time together off-camera, because the bond is there. And that’s integral to selling the humor of this band’s rabble-rousing and debauchery.
18 Top Secret! (1984)
Top Secret! was the second spoof to come from the collective minds of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker after Airplane! And, while it’s not nearly as solid, it’s hilarious nonetheless. Plus, this was the audience’s introduction to Val Kilmer’s talent (though he wouldn’t stay in comedy long).
What Makes It a Rockingly Hilarious Caper?
The whole point of the movie is that Kilmer’s playing an Elvis Presley-type. But, it’s not just a spoof of that star’s films, nor is it even just a spoof of spy movies, it’s a merger of the two. Toss in a few decent (and funny) numbers and a great cameo from Peter Cushing, and there’s merit to Top Secret!
Stream Top Secret! on Pluto TV
17 Wayne’s World (1992)
Penelope Spheeris’ Wayne’s World was and remains the definitive SNL film (though MacGruber is amazing as well). A loosely-plotted laugh-riot with a killer soundtrack, it’s a movie that rocks front to back. And, amazingly enough, it never gets old.
What Makes It Rock Like a Bohemian Rhapsody?
For one, the “Bohemian Rhapsody” scene. It’s a cinematic classic, comedy genre or otherwise. But, what really makes it work is just how likable Mike Myers’ Wayne Campbell and Dana Carvey’s Garth Algar are. Not to mention how organic and realistic their love for music plays.
16 The Bodyguard (1992)
the bodyguard
- Release Date
- November 25, 1992
- Director
- Mick Jackson
Mick Jackson’s The Bodyguard was a huge box office hit. And, frankly, in spite of the movie’s faults, it’s easy to see why. It captured the zeitgeist of the time perfectly, especially when it came to nabbing Kevin Costner and, especially, Whitney Huston when neither of them were at or near the peak of their star power.
Why Does It Rock So Hard You’ll Wanna Dance With Somebody?
Huston’s participation is integral to The Bodyguard‘s success, not just commercially, but as a narrative. She’s effectively playing herself, but within the framework of a fictional narrative. In other words, this is basically the Whitney Houston film, and it was that long before Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody was even a thing.
Rent The Bodyguard on Prime Video
15 Singles (1992)
Before Cameron Crowe wrote and directed the ultimate love letter to music, he directed something similar — in that it has a love for music, but more like the bands you’d find in a hole-in-the-wall venue at 11:30 PM, not the big-time rockers seen in Almost Famous. Furthermore, Singles is about love just as much as grunge music, if not more-so.
Why Does It Rock in the Most ’90s Way Possible?
The grunge vibes of Singles are what fuels it just as much as the chemistry between ’90s faves Bridget Fonda, Campbell Scott (in one of his better roles), Matt Dillon, and Kyra Sedgwick. Sedgwick and Dillon, in particular, are absolute dynamite, with both performers fully diving into the whole grunge aesthetic in a way that’s fully believable (not just in terms of style, but how they carry themselves).
14 Airheads (1994)
Airheads
- Release Date
- August 5, 1994
- Director
- Michael Lehmann
Michael Lehmann’s seemingly-forgotten Airheads is one of the ultimate examples of a beloved ’90s favorite that’s even better now than it was in the ’90s. There’s a palpable energy to it that puts films such as Detroit Rock City to shame. In other words, the easy-going-but-devoted love for rock that films such as that tried to achieve, Airheads achieves just by being its (ambitious) slacker self.
Why Does It Rock for SNL Fans?
The cast is incredible in this film. Brendan Fraser has never been better outside The Mummy and The Whale, and really, it’s his show. But he’s ably backed up by Steve Buscemi and, in a role entirely different from the remainder (AKA he’s quiet in Airheads), Adam Sandler. But, Sandler’s not the only ’90s SNL legend here, as Chris Farley pops up too. In fact, to heck with everything else — Chris Farley’s in Airheads. Watch it.
13 Empire Records (1995)
A major box office bomb in the ’90s, Empire Records has nonetheless gone on to gain a substantial cult following. And, thankfully, it didn’t kill the careers of (most of) its stars. In fact, Anthony LaPaglia, Debi Mazar, Renée Zellweger, and Liv Tyler only blew up more after this film. This is especially true of the latter two, with Empire Records effectively serving as Tyler’s big break (in spite of the film’s failure).
What Makes It One of the ’90s Most Rockin’ Films?
Like High Fidelity, much of Empire Records‘ narrative takes place in a record shop — in fact, even more so. But, it’s as focused on teens growing up as it is the music itself, and what two things could be more palpably entwined?
12 Detroit Rock City (1999)
Make no mistake, Detroit Rock City, also known as the KISS movie, is not high art. It’s the type of R-rated teen-skewing comedy that goes for gross-out gags instead of strong writing. But, that cast. T2‘s Edward Furlong leads Detroit Rock City, and he does so well. But he’s also backed up by solid supporting cast members James DeBello (also in Grind), Sam Huntington, and Giuseppe Andrews (Cabin Fever). Basically, a bunch of celebs you’d believe to be KISS fans.
Why Does It Rock So Hard You’ll Want to Shout It Shout It Shout It Out Loud?
Speaking of the band, they show up too, as does the ever-perfect Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey (incredible in this, per usual), and Emmanuelle Chriqui. But it’s Lin Shaye who steals the show as a mother devoted to having her son not listen to rock (AKA Satan’s path towards accessing the souls of our lovely, innocent children).
Rent Detroit Rock City on Prime Video
11 Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous is nothing short of a love letter to rock. Well, plus a love letter to those who love rock (or love to rock, rather). With an incredible cast and career-best direction from Crowe (not to mention an equally incredible script from the director), Almost Famous is cinema’s ultimate tribute to rock ‘n roll.
What Makes It Quite Possibly the Most Rockin’ Film of All Time?
For one, this is one of the most well-cast films of all time. Billy Crudup has never been better, nor has Patrick Fugit. But it’s the one-two punch of Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand that steals the show. That is, them and the soundtrack, which features “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move” by Yes.
Stream Almost Famous on Paramount+
10 High Fidelity (2000)
High Fidelity was a game-changer for the rom-com genre. It primarily focused on just one character and his past. Naturally, there was a connection building throughout the narrative, but for the most part, it’s about an individual cognitively owning up to their past mistakes.
What Makes It a Rockin’ Love Letter to Music (And Love)?
John Cusack has been great in many things, but he flat out just is the tunes-loving puppydog-hearted Rob Gordon. He makes the character just shy of perpetually-likable, which is great because it conveys depth. Or, rather, a developing depth.
Rent High Fidelity on Prime Video
9 School of Rock (2003)
A little more mainstream than the remainder of Richard Linklater’s filmography, School of Rock nonetheless carries indie vibes. It’s a character-focused piece, one where no one could have been a better hire than Jack Black. He portrays a former rocker who accepts a very new gig as a substitute teacher. Of course, he’ll bring a good bit of himself to that role.
What Makes It a Feel-Good Rockin’ Classic?
Mike White’s script for School of Rock is one of the aughts’ best. It’s human, it’s funny, and it’s well-paced. But, what sells it is Black (not to mention all the kiddos, including Miranda Cosgrove).
Stream School of Rock on Paramount+
8 A Mighty Wind (2003)
A Mighty Wind
- Release Date
- April 16, 2003
- Cast
- Jim Moret , Stuart Luce , Mary Gross , Marty Belafsky , Michael Baser , Jared Nelson Smith
Like This Is Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind is a mockumentary focusing on the music industry. And, like that film, it comes from the mind of Christopher Guest. In fact, whereas Rob Reiner directed Spinal Tap, Guest himself helmed A Mighty Wind, just as he did with Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show and would do again with For Your Consideration and Mascots.
What Makes It a Mighty Rockin’ Good Time?
If Best in Show isn’t the best in the bunch, A Mighty Wind is. Naturally, that’s excluding Spinal Tap. But, what makes them all so great (outside the genuinely funny cast members) is their ability to make silly caricatures seem not like characters, but real people.
Rent A Mighty Wind on PrimeVideo
7 Be Cool (2005)
A very sad excuse for a sequel to Get Shorty, F. Gary Gray’s Be Cool is quite possibly the worst adaptation of an Elmore Leonard work to date. But, to be fair, Be Cool, the book, was later Leonard, and even the source material seemed like a cash-in. But, whereas Shorty focused on the film industry, Be Cool focused on tunes, so it applies.
Why Doesn’t It Rock?
Even with John Travolta back as Chili Palmer and Danny DeVito back as Martin Weir, Be Cool feels entirely separated from the film that preceded it. Probably because the two scripts’ levels of quality vary to an almost ridiculous extent. Dwayne Johnson’s stereotype-collage of a character alone shows the film’s utterly juvenile nature.
6 Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
All of the Coen Brothers’ films are thoughtful, but Inside Llewyn Davis is the most introspective. It’s also their quietest film. Boil it down to its most basic parts and the movie is about a struggling musician couch-hopping with a cat snuggled by his side.
Why Does It Soft Rock?
This is a New York-based movie all the way. And, in the film’s accurate realization of the Big Apple, it accentuates just how alone Davis feels within it. He’s just a man with a guitar and a cat, and the viewer has to decide if he feels that’s enough for him.
Stream Inside Llewyn Davis on The Criterion Channel
5 Whiplash (2014)
One of the most intense and outright best movies about musicians and their drive, Whiplash is a gut-punch. The narrative follows Andrew (Miles Teller), a college freshman with his sights set on the position of core drummer for the United States’ most respected jazz orchestra. Too bad his instructor is a monstrous individual.
Why Does It Intensely Rock?
As focused on an individual’s devotion to their craft as it is focused on someone who’s been ruined by theirs, Whiplash is a thinker. It sticks with the viewer long after Teller has finished banging the drums until his knuckles bleed.
4 Green Room (2015)
Green Room
- Release Date
- April 15, 2016
- Director
- Jeremy Saulnier
One of A24’s best horror films isn’t even really a horror film. Green Room is a claustrophobic thriller, and an indictment of some (particularly hateful) members of society. Specifically, neo-Nazis.
Why Does It Rock Your Head Off?
Green Room is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that remains effective even after multiple viewings. Naturally, it’s the least music-focused entry on this list, but it does take place at a venue. A creepy, dark, dirty, hateful venue. And the vibe of not only the band, but also the events, is nothing if not punk rock.
3 The Perfection (2018)
One of Netflix’s better original horror films, The Perfection is a brutal winner of a revenge tale. It’s also entirely different from revenge tales of the past, such as Hard Candy. Why? It’s all about being a cellist. But the character played by Allison Williams doesn’t have an overbearing J.K. Simmons-type teacher looming over her — but rather, someone much worse.
What Makes It Rock Frighteningly?
The Perfection is a mostly unpredictable film, even for those well-versed in horror. But, what sells it is Williams’ performance. Even before the audience realizes it, her Charlotte is a calculating force. Distract her from her goal, or god forbid hurt her, and it’s up to you to realize she’s not done with you yet. Allison Williams is three for three in the horror genre.
Stream The Perfection on Netflix
Sound of Metal, an Amazon original, is further proof that that streamer has some of the best in-house-produced content available. The narrative follows metal drummer Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed, delivering Oscar-worthy work), who loses his hearing and thus, his ability to perform at his peak.
What Makes It a Hard-Core Look at Rock?
Is Sound of Metal about metal? Absolutely. But, it’s about the Sound in the title more than anything else. If anything, it’s an effort to inform the layman about the deaf community’s daily struggle.
Stream The Sound of Metal on Prime Video
1 Soul (2020)
Soul
- Release Date
- December 25, 2020
Pixar’s output has been divisive as of late, but Soul very easily falls on the more respected side of the coin. With Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey contributing note-perfect vocal work, a compellingly retro (but modernized) animation style, and a love for jazz, it’s a real winner.
What Gives It Soul?
The plotline of Soul is extremely deep, even for Pixar (Up is still sadder). The narrative follows a comatose middle school teacher who attempts to reconnect his soul to his physical form. Why? Because, while his love for music has fueled him, he’s never come close to making it big, achieving his dream. The film explores what it means to live for a goal or passion, in a way that is surprisingly poignant and moving.
