Narrative Musical backdrop

Narrative Musical movies

A story where songs are part of the plot, expressing emotion and moving the narrative forward.

Trolls

1. 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.

High Strung

2. High Strung

Music Romance Drama Narrative Musical Passionate Romance
6.3
20161h 36min

Overview

When a hip hop violinist busking in the New York subway encounters a classical dancer on scholarship at the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts, sparks fly. With the help of a hip hop dance crew they must find a common ground while preparing for a competition that could change their lives forever.

Themes

Rivalry under pressure, Immigration and belonging, Scholarship vs merit, Economic barriers to training, Genre crossing collaboration, Discipline vs improvisation

Available on

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

Sing Street

3. Sing Street

Romance Drama Music Comedy Coming-of-Age Romance
7.9
20161h 45min

Overview

A boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s escapes his strained family life by starting a band to impress the mysterious girl he likes.

Themes

Bullying and resilience, Sibling relationship under pressure, Divorce and family disruption, Romance and social aspiration, Financial strain on family, Creative escape through music

Available on

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

The Anthem of the Heart

4. The Anthem of the Heart

Animation Drama Music Romance Anime
7.3
20151h 59min

Overview

A young girl had her voice magically taken away so that she would never hurt people with it, but her outlook changes when she encounters music and friendship. Will Naruse be able to convey the anthem of her heart?

Themes

Voice as expression, Music as communication, Fear of speaking, High school social pressure, Friendship and collaboration, Romantic misunderstanding

Available on

Amazon Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Marguerite

5. Marguerite

Comedy Drama Music Entertainment Industry Drama Narrative Musical
6.9
20152h 7min

Overview

Paris in the 1920s. Marguerite Dumont is a wealthy woman with a passion for music and the opera. For years, she has performed regularly for a circle of guests. But Marguerite sings tragically out of tune and no one has ever told her. Her husband and her close friends have always encouraged her in her illusions. Things become very complicated the day she gets it into her head to perform in front of a genuine public, at the Opera.

Themes

Artistic pretension and hypocrisy, Bourgeois expectations and performance, Deception and social image, Gendered artistry and expectations, Surrealism in performance, Teacher-student dynamic in singing

Available on

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

Descendants

6. Descendants

Family Adventure Fantasy TV Movie Music
6.3
20151h 52min

Overview

A present-day idyllic kingdom where the benevolent teenage son of King Adam and Queen Belle offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of Disney's classic villains: Cruella De Vil (Carlos), Maleficent (Mal), the Evil Queen (Evie) and Jafar (Jay).

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Belonging and identity, Coming of age, Appearance versus self-worth, Peer pressure and popularity, Family legacy vs independence

Available on

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

Ricki and the Flash

7. Ricki and the Flash

Comedy Drama Music Family Drama Narrative Musical
6.0
20151h 40min

Overview

Meryl Streep stars as Ricki Rendazzo, a guitar heroine who made a world of mistakes as she followed her dreams of rock-and-roll stardom. Returning home, Ricki gets a shot at redemption and a chance to make things right as she faces the music with her family.

Themes

Absent parenting consequences, Fame vs family duty, Romantic betrayal, Financial precarity, Family hostility and acceptance, Generational tensions

Available on

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

Pitch Perfect 2

8. Pitch Perfect 2

Comedy Music Narrative Musical Buddy Comedy
6.4
20151h 55min

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.

Boychoir

9. Boychoir

Music Drama Narrative Musical Coming-of-Age Drama
6.7
20151h 43min

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.

Danny Collins

10. Danny Collins

Music Comedy Drama Narrative Musical Satire
7.0
20151h 47min

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.