The 10 Best Movies About The Music Industry, Ranked

Music-themed films, be they musicals, biopics, or documentaries have always enamored audiences. There’s something special about seeing your favorite band or artist featured in a film or discovering new music from a fictional band all while an intriguing story is being told.

Most music-themed films feature aspects of the industry, giving viewers a glimpse into the music world behind the scenes and the process artists have to go through to get their music heard. The music industry and the people that comprise it can be ruthless and conniving, often creating tumultuous times for artists.

10 That Thing You Do! (1996)

Some bands are only ever known for one song and such is the case for the fictional band the Wonders in 1996’s That Thing You Do!. The film charts the band’s rise to superstardom after becoming a one-hit-wonder, largely due to their enthusiastic manager.

The film features one of the rare instances of a music industry-type who genuinely wants the best for their client, with Tom Hanks the perfect choice to fill that role. That Thing You Do! covers the highs and lows of fame to the tune of an excellent, 60’s inspired original soundtrack.

9 All Eyez on Me (2017)

Tupac Shakur is widely regarded as one of the most influential rap artists of all time and his life story is told in the 2017 biopic All Eyes on Me. The film follows Shakur’s journey from being an aspiring artist with big dreams to eventually fulfilling those dreams and then some – at a cost.

Shakur was under constant industry pressure after hitting it big, with shady record producers and the media all wanting a piece of him. His strong-willed nature saw him tackle adversity head-on as he paved his own way to becoming a cultural icon, though fame, fortune and the pressure of carrying the world on his shoulders would ultimately lead to his demise.

8 Hustle & Flow (2005)

At a crossroads in life, a Memphis pimp seeks help from friends in the music industry to make a record in an attempt to become a successful rap artist in Hustle & Flow. The pimp, played by Terrence Howard, will seek redemption through music as he looks to turn his life around.

Hustle & Flow is an intriguing look at a character with a dubious background make his way up in the music industry through sheer will and a determination to change his life. The film doesn’t glorify the character, but rather, follows his journey in a cathartic manner.

7 24 Hour Party People (2002)

Steve Coogan stars in the biographical comedy/drama film 24 Hour Party People, in which he plays a British TV personality who starts a record company in an effort to bring Manchester’s music to the world. Soon after he signs two major artists and opens up one of Europe’s most popular nightclubs – The Hacienda.

24 Hour Party People gives viewers an inside look at the colorful characters involved in building a culture-defining music scene from the ground up. The film plays out like a docu-drama, which adds a sense of realism to this true story.

6 Rocketman (2019)

World-renowned artist Elton John’s life story is the subject of the biopic Rocketman, which follows his journey from aspiring musician to global superstardom. Along the way, John is forced to deal with many industry players, some of whom only have their own interests in mind.

Elton John’s fame brought with it many people that were out for some of the money and perks that came with it. Record companies, producers, and managers sometimes seek to reap the rewards from their artists, without placing the talent’s needs before their own. John’s journey to the top of the music industry would see him cross paths with several of these types.

5 Straight Outta Compton (2015)

One of the most influential rap groups in history, NWA, was born on the mean streets of Compton, Los Angeles in 1987 during some of the most turbulent times in the city’s history. Straight Outta Compton is a biographical film that chronicles the events which led to the band’s formation and their rise to becoming cultural icons, all while dealing with industry players with selfish motives.

The band’s take-no-prisoners attitude and musical style would transfer across to their business dealings, earning them a spot at the top as one of the greatest of all time. It doesn’t come easy for them, however, as their closest cohorts in the industry would cause irreparable damage within the band.

4 Almost Famous (2000)

Almost Famous follows a teenage writer for Rolling Stone magazine as he joins a popular band on tour to write about their escapades. The young writer will experience first hand all of the good and bad sides of being part of a famous rock band.

Music journalism can play a significant role in determining the success of a band, as writers from popular publications often have a wide reach to cast their influence. Almost Famous provides an entertaining look at the two worlds colliding, with humorous results.

3 Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Iconic frontman Freddie Mercury and his band Queen get the biopic treatment in 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The film follows the struggles of the charismatic frontman as he and his band rise to the highest highs of the music industry while navigating through a sea of industry sharks.

Another example of an artist under pressure from the industry to succeed, ultimately causing a downward spiral. Bohemian Rhapsody tells Freddie Mercury’s and Queen’s story empathetically, making for a highly entertaining and emotional roller-coaster ride of a film.

2 A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

One of the most influential music films of all time comes in the form of 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night featuring The Beatles. In it, a series of mischievous shenanigans threaten to derail The Beatles’ plans to perform live on TV, while their manager frantically tries to make it all come together on time for the broadcast.

A Hard Day’s Night is a comedic send-up of the music industry that doesn’t take itself seriously in any way. The band members just want to enjoy their lives and have fun with their fame, while the industry pressures them to fulfill their duties. It’s a common scenario told in a hilarious fashion with some of the best music to have ever been produced.

1 Whiplash (2014)

The relationship between student and teacher is the key focus of the supremely intense film, Whiplash. It follows the story of a talented drummer who’s aggressively pushed to do his best by his volatile instructor. The instructor’s constant berating will test the student’s limits as he seeks to improve his craft and achieve greatness.

Whiplash is a unique music film in that it focuses on the psychological aspects of the process to becoming a successful musician. A willingness to learn, perform and stay calm under extreme pressure while paying your dues is the key theme of the film, making for some suspenseful viewing.

About The Author

Nick Janks
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Nick Janks is a film and tv buff that enjoys sharing his opinions in written format. A blogger, reviewer, and editor for several years, Nick has written and published hundreds of content pieces. When not catching up with the latest pop-culture news or writing for ScreenRant and his blog Janks Reviews, he can be found keeping active or eating something.

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