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.

Patti Cake$

1. Patti Cake$

Music Drama Narrative Musical Coming-of-Age Drama
6.8
20171h 48min

Overview

Straight out of Jersey comes Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$, an aspiring rapper fighting through a world of strip malls and strip clubs on an unlikely quest for glory.

Themes

Rap music authenticity, Strip malls constraints, Strip clubs dynamics, Aspiring musician reality, Family obligations vs dreams, Aspiring musician pressure

Available on

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

Descendants 2

2. Descendants 2

Family Fantasy TV Movie Adventure Music
6.3
20171h 51min

Overview

When the pressure to be royal becomes too much for Mal, she returns to the Isle of the Lost where her archenemy Uma, Ursula's daughter, has taken her spot as self-proclaimed queen.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Loyalty under threat, Magic reliance, Royalty pressure, Appearance as identity, Leadership dynamics

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

All Eyez on Me

3. All Eyez on Me

History Drama Music Biographical History Music Biopic
5.9
20172h 19min

Overview

All Eyez on Me chronicles the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur, including his rise to superstardom as a hip-hop artist, actor, poet and activist, as well as his imprisonment and prolific, controversial time at Death Row Records. Against insurmountable odds, Tupac rose to become a cultural icon whose career and persona both continue to grow long after his passing.

Themes

Trial and public perception, Activist identity pressure, Imprisonment and control, Independence versus exploitation, Rise to superstardom, Police brutality risk

Available on

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

Kiss and Cry

4. Kiss and Cry

Romance Drama Music
6.7
20171h 35min

Overview

A romantic drama based on the story of Carley Allison, a promising 18 year old figure skater and singer who made medical history in her fight against a rare 1 in 3.5 billion type of sarcoma.


David Bowie: The Last Five Years

5. David Bowie: The Last Five Years

Music Documentary TV Movie
7.5
20171h 30min

Overview

In the last five years of his life, David Bowie ended nearly a decade of silence to engage in an extraordinary burst of activity, producing two groundbreaking albums and a musical. David Bowie: The Last Five Years explores this unexpected end to a remarkable career. Made with remarkable access, Francis Whately’s documentary is a revelatory follow-up to his acclaimed 2013 documentary David Bowie: Five Years, which chronicled Bowie’s golden ‘70s and early-‘80s period.


Sing

6. Sing

Family Comedy Music Animation Family Animation
7.1
20161h 48min

Overview

A koala named Buster recruits his best friend to help him drum up business for his theater by hosting a singing competition.

Themes

Economic precarity, Creative collaboration, Community versus ambition, Deception and cheating, Ambition under pressure, Resilience through performance

Available on

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

Trolls

7. Trolls

Family Animation Fantasy Adventure Comedy
6.4
20161h 32min

Overview

After the monstrous Bergens invade Troll Village, Princess Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and overly-cautious, curmudgeonly outcast Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Their mission is full of adventure and mishaps, as this mismatched duo try to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Intergroup conflict, Deception and loyalty, Collective resilience, Power of music, Identity through expression, Friendship as shelter

Available on

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

Supersonic

8. Supersonic

Music Documentary History Music Documentary Concert Film
7.8
20161h 57min

Overview

Supersonic charts the meteoric rise of Oasis from the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years. This palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the most genre and generation-defining British bands that has ever existed and features candid new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and members of the band and road crew.

Themes

Class mobility constraints, Family influence on art, Rapid fame dynamics, Collective musical identity, Archival memory and performance, Public spectacle and private fatigue

Available on

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

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Legend of Everfree

9. My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Legend of Everfree

Adventure Animation Music Fantasy Comedy
6.4
20161h 13min

Overview

When Canterlot Highschool goes on a trip to Camp Everfree, they’re surprised to find a magical force is causing strange things to happen around camp. With the help of the Mane 6 and especially Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle must confront the dark “Midnight Sparkle” within herself and embrace her newfound magical abilities to save the camp.


Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: One More Time with Feeling

10. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: One More Time with Feeling

Documentary Music
8.2
20161h 53min

Overview

Andrew Dominik's One More Time With Feeling is a remarkable black and white documentary which chronicles the creation of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' album Skeleton Tree. Originally a performance based concept, the film evolved into something much more significant as Dominik delved into the tragic backdrop of the writing and recording of the album. The result is stark, fragile and raw, and a true testament to an artist trying to find his way through the darkness. It documents the writing, recording and performing of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ sixteenth studio album, Skeleton Tree.