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.

Detroit Rock City

571. Detroit Rock City

Comedy Music Adventure
6.8

19991h 35min

United States, Canada

Director: Adam Rifkin

In 1978, a Kiss concert was an epoch-making event. For the four teen fans in Detroit Rock City getting tickets to the sold-out show becomes the focal point of their existence. They'll do anything for tickets -- compete in a strip club's amateur-night contest, take on religious protesters, even rob a convenience store!


Hilary and Jackie

572. Hilary and Jackie

Drama Music
7.3

19982h 1min

United Kingdom

Director: Anand Tucker

The tragic story of world-renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pré, as told from the point of view of her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi.


The Red Violin

573. The Red Violin

Drama Thriller Mystery Music Romance
7.6

19982h 10min

Austria, Canada

Director: François Girard

300 years of a remarkable musical instrument. Crafted by the Italian master Bussotti (Cecchi) in 1681, the red violin has traveled through Austria, England, China, and Canada, leaving both beauty and tragedy in its wake. In Montreal, Samuel L Jackson plays an appraiser going over its complex history.


Little Voice

574. Little Voice

Comedy Drama Music
7.0

19981h 37min

United Kingdom

Director: Mark Herman

After the death of her father, Little Voice or LV becomes a virtual recluse, never going out and hardly ever saying a word. She just sits in her bedroom listening to her father's collection of old records of Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe and various other famous female singers. But at night time, LV sings, imitating these great singers with surprising accuracy. One night she is overheard by one of her mother's boyfriends, who happens to be a talent agent. He manages to convince her that her talent is special and arranges for her to perform at the local night club, but several problems arise.


Still Crazy

575. Still Crazy

Comedy Music
7.0

19981h 32min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Brian Gibson

In the 1970s, Strange Fruit were it. They lived the rock lifestyle to the max, groupies, drugs, internal tension and an ex front man dead from an overdose. Even their demise was glamorous; when lightning struck the stage during an outdoor festival. Twenty years on, these former rock gods they have now sunk deep into obscurity when the idea of a reunion tour is lodged in the head of Tony, former keyboard player of the Fruits. Tony sets out to find his former bandmates with the help of former manager Karen to see if they can recapture the magic and give themselves a second chance.


The Legend of 1900

576. The Legend of 1900

Drama Music
8.0

19982h 50min

Italy

Director: Giuseppe Tornatore

The story of a virtuoso piano player who lives his entire life aboard an ocean liner. Born and raised on the ship, 1900 learned about the outside world through interactions with passengers, never setting foot on land, even for the love of his life. Years later, the ship may be destroyed, and a former band member fears that 1900 may still be aboard, willing to go down with the ship.


Cats

577. Cats

Music Fantasy
7.3

19982h

United Kingdom

Director: David Mallet

"Jellicle" cats join for a Jellicle ball where they rejoice with their leader, Old Deuteronomy. One cat will be chosen to go to the "Heavyside Layer" and be reborn.


SLC Punk

578. SLC Punk

Comedy Drama Crime Music
7.3

19981h 37min

United States

Director: James Merendino

Two former geeks become 1980s punks, then party and go to concerts while deciding what to do with their lives.


Velvet Goldmine

579. Velvet Goldmine

Drama Music
6.9

19982h 3min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Todd Haynes

Almost a decade since larger-than-life glam-rock enigma Brian Slade disappeared from public eye, an investigative journalist is on assignment to uncover the truth behind his former idol.


Kurt & Courtney

580. Kurt & Courtney

Documentary Music
6.1

19981h 35min

United States

Director: Nick Broomfield

After rocker Kurt Cobain's death, ruled a suicide, a film crew arrives in Seattle to make a documentary. Director Nick Broomfield talks to lots of people. Portraits emerge: a shy, slight Kurt, weary of touring, embarrassed by fame, hooked on heroin; an out-going Courtney, dramatic, controlling, moving from groupie to star.