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.

171. Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2
Comedy Music Narrative Musical Buddy Comedy
6.4
20151h 55minUnited States
Director: Elizabeth Banks

Overview

The Bellas are back, and they are better than ever. After being humiliated in front of none other than the President of the United States of America, the Bellas are taken out of the Aca-Circuit. In order to clear their name, and regain their status, the Bellas take on a seemingly impossible task: winning an international competition no American team has ever won. In order to accomplish this monumental task, they need to strengthen the bonds of friendship and sisterhood and blow away the competition with their amazing aca-magic! With all new friends and old rivals tagging along for the trip, the Bellas can hopefully accomplish their dreams.

Themes

Mentorship and growth, Ambition vs loyalty, Team identity under scrutiny, External judgment and resilience, Competition pressure and prestige, Sisterhood and rivalry

Available on

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

172. Boychoir

Boychoir
Music Drama Narrative Musical Coming-of-Age Drama
6.7
20151h 43minUnited States
Director: François Girard

Overview

A troubled and angry 11-year-old orphan from a small Texas town, ends up at a Boy Choir school after the death of his single mother. Completely out of his element, he finds himself in a battle of wills with a demanding Choir Master who recognises a unique talent in this young boy as he pushes him to discover his creative heart and soul in music.

Themes

Class disparity, Institutional pressure, Talent versus belonging, Wealthy secrecy, Mentor authority, Discipline and control

Available on

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

173. Cobain: Montage of Heck

Cobain: Montage of Heck
Documentary Music Biographical Documentary Music Biopic
7.5
20152h 12minUnited States
Director: Brett Morgen

Overview

Hailed as one of the most innovative and intimate documentaries of all time, experience Kurt Cobain like never before in the only ever fully authorized portrait of the famed music icon. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen expertly blends Cobain's personal archive of art, music, never seen before movies, animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest friends.

Themes

Price of fame, Indie rock authenticity, Grunge lineage, Fatherhood under scrutiny, Rock star image, Addiction and artistry

Available on

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

174. Danny Collins

Danny Collins
Music Comedy Drama Narrative Musical Satire
7.0
20151h 47minUnited States
Director: Dan Fogelman

Overview

An ageing hard-living 1970s rock star decides to change his life when he discovers a 40-year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon.

Themes

Public image vs private life, Illness as catalyst, Betrayal and loyalty, Financial self-destruction, Pursuit of authentic connection, Aging fame vs family

Available on

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

175. Strange Magic

Strange Magic
Music Animation Family Fantasy Narrative Musical
5.8
20151h 39minUnited States
Director: Gary Rydstrom

Overview

A love potion works its devious charms on fairies, elves and the swamp-dwelling Bog King as they all try to possess the potion for themselves.

Themes

Elves loyalty under strain, Romance vs potion interference, Love potion tension, Elves and fairy tensions, Musical spectacle, Love potion dynamics

Available on

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

176. The Bélier Family

The Bélier Family
Comedy Music Drama Narrative Musical Family Drama
7.3
20141h 45minFrance
Director: Eric Lartigau

Overview

The whole Bélier family is deaf, except for sixteen year old Paula who is the important translator in her parents' day to day life especially when it comes to matters concerning the family farm. When her music teacher discovers she has a fantastic singing voice and she gets an opportunity to enter a big Radio France contest the whole family's future is set up for big changes.

Themes

Coming of age tension, Family duty versus ambition, Talent as identity, Deaf family dynamics, Communication as lifeline, Artistic aspiration vs obligation

Available on

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

177. The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years
Comedy Drama Music Romance Relationship Drama
5.9
20141h 34minUnited States
Director: Richard LaGravenese

Overview

In New York, a struggling actress and a successful writer sing about their failed marriage from two perspectives.

Themes

Trust under strain, Marriage under pressure, Career versus relationship, Ambition shaping identity, Self-doubt under achievement, Public success private cost

Available on

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

178. Gloria

Gloria
Music Drama
6.7
20142h
Director: Christian Keller

Overview

Gloria never imagined that an audition for the music producer Sergio Andrade was going to change her life so drastically. King Midas not only brought her to stardom, but also to a dramatic story of love, heartbreak and betrayal. Based on the life story of pop/rock singer Gloria Trevi.


179. Rudderless

Rudderless
Music Drama Comedy Narrative Musical Family Drama
7.4
20141h 45minUnited States
Director: William H. Macy

Overview

A grieving father in a downward spiral stumbles across a box of his recently deceased son's demo tapes and lyrics. Shocked by the discovery of this unknown talent, he forms a band in the hope of finding some catharsis.

Themes

Parent child relationship, Memory and guilt, Authenticity in music, Mourning to catharsis, Rock band dynamics, Legacy within family

Available on

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

180. Whiplash

Whiplash
Drama Music Professional Drama Backstage & Showbiz Music
8.5
20141h 47minUnited States
Director: Damien Chazelle

Overview

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.

Themes

Obsessive perfectionism, Performance under pressure, Competitive culture, Abusive mentorship, Discipline vs humanity, Romance under ambition

Available on

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