Music Biopic backdrop

Music Biopic movies

Biopic-style music stories: rise to fame, creative breakthroughs, conflict, and fallout.

Elvis

1. Elvis

Drama Music History Historical Drama Music Biopic
7.3
20222h 39min

Overview

The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Themes

Image versus authenticity, Financial leverage and debt, Power dynamics in management, Career ascent vs control, Artist exploitation risks, Public scrutiny and polarization, Family tensions and loyalty

Available on

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

Respect

2. Respect

Drama Music History Historical Drama Music Biopic
6.6
20212h 25min

Overview

The rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom.

Themes

Media scrutiny, Artistic reinvention, Patriarchal control, Family vs career, Gospel roots and crossover, Sibling backup dynamics

Available on

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

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

3. The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Music Drama History Music Biopic Historical Drama
6.3
20212h 11min

Overview

Billie Holiday spent much of her career being adored by fans. In the 1940s, the government targeted Holiday in a growing effort to racialize the war on drugs, ultimately aiming to stop her from singing her controversial ballad, "Strange Fruit."

Themes

Surveillance pressures, Fbi agent dynamics, War on drugs crackdown, Ban from profession consequences, Heroin addiction toll, Betrayal within industry

Available on

Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

I Still Believe

4. I Still Believe

Music Drama Romance Music Biopic Tragic Drama
6.5
20201h 55min

Overview

The true-life story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss that looks to prove there is always hope.

Themes

Enduring faith under hardship, Artistic calling vs sacrifice, Love tested by illness, Anger toward god, Hope through storytelling, Resilience after loss

Available on

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

Miss Americana

5. Miss Americana

Documentary Music Biographical Documentary Music Biopic
7.4
20201h 25min

Overview

A raw and emotionally revealing look at one of the most iconic artists of our time during a transformational period in her life as she learns to embrace her role not only as a songwriter and performer, but as a woman harnessing the full power of her voice.

Themes

Creative process under pressure, Political voice and allyship, Public scrutiny and resilience, Artist self-expression, Body image dynamics, Women in music identity

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Judy

6. Judy

Drama History Music Historical Drama Biographical History
6.8
20191h 58min

Overview

Thirty years after starring in "The Wizard of Oz," beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.

Themes

Addiction under pressure, Fame-induced isolation, Public scrutiny of life, Romantic entanglements and career, Voice fatigue and rest, Aging in the spotlight

Available on

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

Rocketman

7. Rocketman

Music Drama Music Biopic
7.3
20192h 1min

Overview

The story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.

Themes

Gay theme tensions, Fame vs authenticity, Drug abuse pressures, Creative partnership resilience, Public image control, Mentor artist power

Available on

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

The Dirt

8. The Dirt

Drama Music Comedy Entertainment Industry Drama Music Biopic
7.0
20191h 48min

Overview

The story of Mötley Crüe and their rise from the Sunset Strip club scene of the early 1980s to superstardom.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Substance abuse cycles, Fame and excess, Identity and reinvention, Leadership and lineup changes, Creative control and rights, Family strain and loss

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Bohemian Rhapsody

9. Bohemian Rhapsody

Music Drama Music Biopic Entertainment Industry Drama
7.9
20182h 15min

Overview

Singer Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon take the music world by storm when they form the rock 'n' roll band Queen in 1970. Hit songs become instant classics. When Mercury's increasingly wild lifestyle starts to spiral out of control, Queen soon faces its greatest challenge yet – finding a way to keep the band together amid the success and excess.

Themes

Loyalty vs ambition, Creative ambition under constraint, Fame under pressure, Public image vs authenticity, Media scrutiny and rumor, Sexual identity conflict

Available on

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

I Can Only Imagine

10. I Can Only Imagine

Music Drama Music Biopic Family Drama
7.3
20181h 50min

Overview

Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son. Years later, Bart's troubled childhood and mended relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song "I Can Only Imagine" as singer of the Christian band MercyMe.

Themes

Music as identity, Abusive father dynamics, Faith shaping choices, Independent film realism, Family reconciliation pressures, Biographical drama frame

Available on

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