Narrative Musical backdrop

Narrative Musical movies

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

A Late Quartet

1. A Late Quartet

Music Drama Narrative Musical Relationship Drama
7.1
20121h 46min

Overview

When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, the group's future suddenly hangs in the balance as suppressed emotions, competing egos and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert — quite possibly their last — only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy.

Themes

Intergenerational conflict, Creative collaboration under strain, Role renegotiation, Illness as pressure, Ego vs loyalty, Deception and boundaries

Available on

Apple TV
Starz Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Pitch Perfect

2. Pitch Perfect

Comedy Music Romance Narrative Musical Romantic Comedy
7.1
20121h 52min

Overview

College student Beca knows she does not want to be part of a clique, but that's exactly where she finds herself after arriving at her new school. Thrust in among mean gals, nice gals and just plain weird gals, Beca finds that the only thing they have in common is how well they sing together. She takes the women of the group out of their comfort zone of traditional arrangements and into a world of amazing harmonic combinations in a fight to the top of college music competitions.

Themes

Peer group dynamics, Competition pressure, Creative disruption, Dorm room friction, Leadership conflict

Available on

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

The Suicide Shop

3. The Suicide Shop

Comedy Animation Music Dark Comedy Narrative Musical
6.2
20121h 19min

Overview

In a cold French city where suicide is a common urge, there is a colorful shop, managed for many years by the Tuvache family, where it is very easy to obtain the necessary tools to satisfy the sinister desires of so many depressed citizens.

Themes

Despair as commerce, Family complicity in death, Economic crisis pressure, Innocence contradicting business, Hope disrupting doom, Generational tension in business

Available on

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

Let It Shine

4. Let It Shine

Family Music TV Movie Narrative Musical Family TV Movie
6.4
20121h 44min

Overview

A young teenage rapper must use his musical talent to help his friend out and win the girl of his dreams by going through several events of betrayal, trust and agreement while his religious parents have strictly dislike his interests.

Themes

Faith vs art in youth, Deception and credit misattribution, Friendship tested by rivalry, Parental disapproval of music, Authenticity vs role expectations, Fame pressures in performance

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Chico & Rita

5. Chico & Rita

Animation Music Romance Narrative Musical Passionate Romance
7.2
20101h 33min

Overview

Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey - in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero - brings heartache and torment.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Racial prejudice, Jazz influence, Artistic ambition, Romantic desire, Adult animation

Available on

Apple TV
Kanopy
Hoopla
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Starstruck

6. Starstruck

Romance Comedy TV Movie Music Romantic Comedy
6.1
20101h 20min

Overview

Pop star Christopher Wilde has fame, fortune and a big-budget Hollywood movie awaiting him. But after meeting Jessica Olson, a down-to-earth girl from the Midwest, he is faced with following his heart or doing what's best for his career.

Themes

Public gaze and privacy, Fame versus authenticity, Performative image management, Romance under surveillance, Agency and personal choice, Deception under publicity

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Crazy Heart

7. Crazy Heart

Drama Music Romance Entertainment Industry Drama Narrative Musical
7.2
20091h 52min

Overview

When reporter Jean Craddock interviews Bad Blake—an alcoholic, seen-better-days country music legend—they connect, and the hard-living crooner sees a possible saving grace in a life with Jean and her young son.

Themes

Alcoholism and sobriety, Fame versus family, Creative partnership vs solo career, Relational tension with journalist

Available on

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

The Soloist

8. The Soloist

Drama Music Entertainment Industry Drama Narrative Musical
6.7
20091h 49min

Overview

A Los Angeles journalist befriends a homeless Juilliard-trained musician, while looking for a new article for the paper.

Themes

Mental illness stigma, Identity through performance, Marginalized artistry, Art as shelter, Journalistic responsibility, Dependency in care, Community-based rehabilitation

Available on

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

High School Musical 3: Senior Year

9. High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Comedy Romance Drama Family Music
5.0
20081h 57min

Overview

As seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.

Themes

Friendship under strain, Rivalry and loyalty, Coming of age, Performance as identity, Scholarship competition, Future college pressure

Available on

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

Another Cinderella Story

10. Another Cinderella Story

Music Comedy Romance Family Narrative Musical
5.8
20081h 30min

Overview

A guy who danced with what could be the girl of his dreams at a costume ball only has one hint at her identity: the Zune she left behind as she rushed home in order to make her curfew. And with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in front of him, he sets out to find his masked beauty.

Themes

Pursuit of dreams, Bullying and resilience, Public image manipulation, Modern fairy tale motifs, Guardianship power imbalance, Dance contest ambition

Available on

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