My Favorite Rock and Pop Music Movies
These are my favorite movies featuring popular music and/or musicians whether they're musicals, documentaries or concert films.
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- DirectorRichard LesterStarsJohn LennonPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonOver two "typical" days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney's mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.This was made at the height of the Beatles' popularity. A funny and fast paced and slightly fictionalized glimpse in the life of the Beatles at that time. Classic! :D
- DirectorAlbert MagnoliStarsPrinceApollonia KoteroMorris DayA young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise.Prince making his film debut in a semi-autobiographical film about his life in Minneapolis trying to make it to the big time. A lot of people complain about the acting in this movie, but what did they expect... Citizen Kane? It features a group of professional musicians playing caricatures of themselves. Nonetheless, this movie is a historic piece of pop culture and Prince made it that way. I'm still struggling with the fact that he's gone. He was a musical genius and a legend that had no equal. RIP Prince :'(
- DirectorJerry KramerJim BlashfieldColin ChilversStarsMichael JacksonJoe PesciSean LennonAnthology movie by, and starring, Michael Jackson in his prime, combining a number of music videos from his bestselling "Bad" album with a fantasy tale of Michael's confrontation with a ruthless drug dealer known as Mr. Big.I cannot tell you how many times me and my siblings have watched this movie. This was Michael Jackson at his peak and at his best! Rather than featuring one continuous narrative, the film is a collection of short films about Michael, several of which are long-form music videos from the "Bad" album. Every time I watch this film, it makes me miss Michael more and more. :`( RIP Michael.
- DirectorJim SharmanStarsTim CurrySusan SarandonBarry BostwickA newly-engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter.The ultimate cult classic written by Richard O'Brien who also played "Riff Raff", featuring great rock music, a parody of B-movie, science fiction and horror films of the late 1940s through early 1970s and best of all... Tim Curry as Dr. Frank N' Furter! Awesome!
- DirectorGregory NavaStarsJennifer LopezEdward James OlmosJon SedaThe true story of Selena, a Texas-born Tejano singer who rose from cult status to performing at the Astrodome, as well as having chart-topping albums on the Latin music charts.This 1997 bio is about the life and career of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a recording artist well known in the Latino communities in the United States and Mexico before she was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club, at the age of 23. Love the movie and the soundtrack and I wish I knew about her way sooner. RIP Selena. :(
- DirectorLuis ValdezStarsLou Diamond PhillipsEsai MoralesRosanna DeSotoBiographical story of the rise from nowhere of early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens who died at age 17 in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.Lou Diamond Phillips' film debut playing the 17 year old rock legend who died way before his time.
- DirectorAllan ArkushJoe DanteStarsP.J. SolesVincent Van PattenClint HowardRamones fanatic and delinquent Riff Randell battles it out with the strict new principal of Vince Lombardi High School, Miss Togar, with help from the Ramones.This was the movie that introduced me to the Ramones. I never saw a group quite like them and they hooked me instantly! Plus, the movie is really a lot of fun! :D
- DirectorTom HanksStarsTom HanksLiv TylerCharlize TheronA local Pennsylvania band scores a one-hit wonder in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as they can, with lots of help from their manager.There's one thing I've always been a sucker for and that's movies about fictional bands/singers with original music. This movie was full of them from the Wonders to the Chantrellines and Diane Dane. Tom Hanks was the genius who came up with groups and the music for this film.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsNancy AllenBobby Di CiccoMarc McClureIn 1964, six teenagers from New Jersey run off to see The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) in the hope of meeting their idols. However, they don't have tickets. Along the way, they learn new things about friendship and growing up.This is a guilty pleasure of mine that my sister introduced me to. This movie is somewhat of a love letter to the Beatles. Six teenagers from Jersey take a trip to New York to see the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan show and is desperate for tickets. The movie is about how far they will go to get them. :D
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsRami MalekLucy BoyntonGwilym LeeThe story of the legendary British rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985).This movie had me missing Freddie Mercury more than I already do. Queen's music is virtually flawless and Freddie was a talent that had no equal. This movie made me appreciate both more than ever before. The movie's pacing was a little problematic, but the epic end scene at Wimbley Stadium more than made up for that. Freddie will forever be missed!
- DirectorDaniel LindsayT.J. MartinStarsTina TurnerCarl ArringtonIke TurnerExclusive access to the Grammy Award-winning artist to celebrate her career.This 2021 film follows the life and career of musician Tina Turner, with Turner appearing in the film alongside Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Loder, Katori Hall, Erwin Bach, Carl Arrington, Jimmy Thomas, Le'Juene Fletcher, Rhonda Graam, Roger Davies and Terry Britten. We lost our Queen of Rock N' Roll and the musical world won't be the same without her. RIP Tina. :(
- DirectorRobert TownsendStarsRobert TownsendMichael WrightLeonThe story of the rise and fall of an African American vocal group.This film directed and starring Robert Townsend which chronicles the rise and fall of fictional 60s R&B group, the Five Heartbeats, due to in fighting, betrayal, changing line up and drug abuse. This was loosely based on real life Motown group, The Dells. Wonderful original music and a stellar cast! :D
- DirectorBryan BarberStarsAndré 3000Big BoiTerrence HowardAt a sexy, sizzling nightclub, pianist Percival lives life by the rules, while Rooster, the club's flashy lead performer, struts his stuff on the stage. But all changes when greed, fame and murder threaten to destroy them and the joint.This underrated film stars Andre 3000 and Big Boi from the hip hop group OutKast as Percival and Rooster, who have been good friends since childhood. However, as they grow up, they each begin to live separate lives. Percival works at his father Percy Senior's (Ben Vereen) funeral home preparing dead bodies during the day, and works at a local club called Church at night playing the piano. Rooster grows up and involves himself in gambling, partying and business deals; he also gets married to Zora (Melinda Williams) and has a family. He also works at the Church club as a performer. At the same time, a singer from St. Louis named Angel Davenport (Paula Patton) comes into the club and begins a relationship with Percival and sees his potential as a full time musician. Idlewild contrasts OutKast's hip-hop/funk/soul sound against a story based on a juke joint in the fictional Depression-era town of Idlewild, Georgia in 1935. Great musical fusion of old and new styles! :D
- DirectorBob RafelsonStarsPeter TorkDavy JonesMicky DolenzThe Monkees frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing surreal humor and anti-establishment social commentary.This was the Monkees' trippy romp into psychedelia. The movie was critically and commercially panned, but I did love the music in it. Just don't try to figure of what the plot is, there isn't one.
- DirectorGeorge DunningStarsPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonRingo StarrThe Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his yellow submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.This is the Beatles trippy romp into psychedelia and THIS actually had a plot! The Beatles are recruited to come to Pepperland to rid the place of the Blue Meanies threatening to strip the land and it's people of music, color and life. Cool music and animation! ;D
- DirectorBeyoncéKahlil JosephDikayl RimmaschStarsBeyoncéBrittani AlexanderJasmine BadieA view of a woman's journey through life.Lemonade is a film and visual album executive produced by American singer Beyoncé. The film serves as a visual companion to the 2016 album of the same name. It premiered on HBO on April 23, 2016. The film is divided into eleven chapters, titled "Intuition", "Denial", "Anger", "Apathy", "Emptiness", "Accountability", "Reformation", "Forgiveness", "Resurrection", "Hope", and "Redemption".
- DirectorSteve BinderStarsDiana RossOn July 21;1983;the legendary Diana Ross took the stage in New York's Central Park before an audience of over 800,000. Soon after the entertainer began;pouring rain and heavy wind threatened to put an end to the show;but Diana pushed on for much of the set;urging the drenched crowd to remain calm and stay with her. Eventually the torrential storm put an end to the performance;but not before Diana promised her fans she would return the next day. True to her word;Diana performed the entire concert again on July 22nd for the people of New York.This TV special featured the July 21, 1983 concert in The Great Lawn of New York City's Central Park, which was cut short by a massive lightning storm. The concert was staged as a benefit to raise funds for a children's park, later known as the Diana Ross Playground, located inside the park at West 81st Street and Central Park West.
The concerts were aired worldwide on the Showtime cable network as For One and For All, and directed by Steve Binder. That concert lasted 45 minutes before the storm. Winds of nearly 50 mph were reported, and electrical power was disrupted for nearly 40,000 homes throughout the NYC metropolitan area during the storm. On July 22, 1983, the New York City Parks Department determined that the ground was dry enough for the crowd to stand on for a second concert, which began at 6pm that evening. - DirectorChris SmithStarsBananaramaBonoDavid BowieThrough archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham career, from '70s best buds to '80s pop icons.Wham! is a 2023 documentary film about the English pop duo Wham! consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The film marks the 40th anniversary of their 1983 debut album Fantastic. Directed by Chris Smith it relies primarily on rare archive footage and audio interviews by the duo, including television appearances, concert footage, private home video, behind-the-scenes outtakes, and family comments all linked together using scrapbooks created by Ridgeley's mother. This film just made me miss George Michael even more than I already do. :'(
- DirectorThomas KailStarsLin-Manuel MirandaPhillipa SooLeslie Odom Jr.The real life of one of America's foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Captured live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theater with the original Broadway cast.This is the movie version of the 2015 Broadway smash hit! Divided in two acts, the musical depicts the life and career of Alexander Hamilton portrayed by Lin-Manuel Miranda who also created the play and wrote the music. For all of us who will probably never see this play live on Broadway, this is the next best thing and doesn't disappoint!
- DirectorAllison AndersStarsIlleana DouglasJohn TurturroSissy BoydEdna wins a recording contract singing her own song at a competition in 1958. After trying to make it as a singer/songwriter for 11 months in NYC, she has success writing songs for others at the Brill Building.This falls under the fictional musician movies with original songs that I love, though the characters are based on real musicians. Denise Waverly(loosely based on singer/songwriter Carole King) is an aspiring singer who wants to break into the music world at a time when solo female singers weren't in demand. So, she decided to make a living writing songs for other artists.
- DirectorBrian GibsonStarsStephen ReaBilly ConnollyJimmy NailFame, fortune and fornication drove the British rock band in the '70s until a divine end. 20 years later, Strange Fruit reunites and goes on a tour with ups and downs on the continent.Another fictional musician/original music gem, this one focusing on the British invasion. The film is about a defunct British rock group called Strange Fruit(a kind of Led Zeppelin type band) who is trying to perform together after breaking up 20 years ago. A great film with a stellar cast and infectious music. :D
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsEwan McGregorJonathan Rhys MeyersChristian BaleIn 1984, British journalist Arthur Stuart investigates the career of 1970s glam superstar Brian Slade, who was heavily influenced in his early years by hard-living and rebellious American singer Curt Wild.Fictional musician/original music movie(are you sensing a pattern with me?), focused on the glam rock era. This was originally suppose to be a biopic about David Bowie, but negotiations fell through and he backed out. I would have loved to see what it would have been like if it was about Bowie, but I still love this version too. ;)
- DirectorDavid MalletStarsTina TurnerBryan AdamsDavid BowieTina' tour of 1985 named after her big hit album of 1984. "private dancer." This concert has special appearances from David Bowie and Bryan Adams.Two shows at the UK's Birmingham NEC Arena in March 1985 were filmed and released as Tina Live: Private Dancer Tour. The VHS release featured special guests Bryan Adams and David Bowie.
- DirectorMartin DavidsonStarsTom BerengerMichael ParéJoe PantolianoA television newswoman picks up the story of a 1960s rock band whose long-lost leader Eddie Wilson may still be alive, while searching for the missing tapes of the band's never-released album.Based on the novel by P. F. Kluge, the film is about a television reporter named Maggie Foley (Ellen Barkin) investigating the mysterious death of musician Eddie Wilson (Michael Paré) and the search for his band's second album, which disappeared from the vaults of Satin Records the day after Eddie's alleged death. The music in the film was performed by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band. "On The Dark Side" became a #1 hit on the Billboard's Mainstream, Rock, and Heatseeker charts and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Another single from the film, "Tender Years", peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and both played in heavy rotation on MTV. Not bad for a movie about a fictional band. ;)
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsChristian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRuminations on the life of Bob Dylan, where six characters embody a different aspect of the musician's life and work.If you aren't at least a little familiar with Bob Dylan, this movie will completely lose you. The film isn't your typical biopic like "Ray", "Walk The Line" or "The Buddy Holly Story". Let's face it, Bob would never approve of a straight biopic about him because he's too private a person. This movie is more of a tribute to the masks and incarnations of Dylan than to the man himself.
- DirectorAlan ParkerStarsBob GeldofChristine HargreavesJames LaurensonA confined but troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.Roger Waters' account of his breakdown that was turned into a concept album that was later turned into this film. Bob Geldof stars as Pink Floyd, a burned out rock star who is reexamining his life and what lead him to build a philosophical wall around himself.
- 1985– 3h 28mNot Rated8.4 (12K)TV EpisodeDirectorMartin ScorseseStarsBob DylanB.J. RolfzenDick KangasA chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.A documentary directed by Martin Scorsese about Bob Dylan early career between 1956-1966. Bob talks candidly about his early life in Hibbing, ME, the artists that influenced him and the role his music played during and after the civil rights movement. Also being interviewed about Bob are Joan Baez, Dave Von Ronk, Pete Seeger, Liam Clancy, Mavis Staples, Bobby Neuwirth and Suze Rotolo.
- StarsJanet JacksonRebbie JacksonKatherine JacksonAn intimate and unfiltered look at the untold story of Janet Jackson filmed over the span of three years featuring archival footage, never before seen home videos and star-studded interviews.This series was developed over a period of three years by Rick Murray at Workerbee Documentary Films who executive produced. The documentary series premiered 28 January 2022, with the first two episodes of the four-part series airing on Lifetime and A&E simultaneously in the United States. The next two episodes aired the following night, 29 January. On 29 January 2022, Jackson previewed a clip of a new song, "Luv I Luv", during the end credits of the last episode
- DirectorBrian GibsonStarsAngela BassettLaurence FishburneRaéVen KellyThe story of singer Tina Turner's rise to stardom and how she gained the courage to break free from her abusive husband, Ike Turner.An Academy Award nominated film about the life of Tina Turner before, during and after her tumultuous relationship with her abusive husband, Ike. Solid Best Actor and Best Actress performances by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.
- DirectorMarty CallnerStarsMarc AnthonyMulti-platinum, Grammy Award-winner Marc Anthony gives a spectacular performance from The Garden. The concert features hits from his smash English-language debut album Marc Anthony, along with some of his Spanish-language classics.Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winner Marc Anthony gives a spectacular performance from The Garden. The concert features hits from his smash English-language debut album Marc Anthony, along with some of his Spanish-language classics.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.This highly acclaimed 2015 biographical drama chronicles the rise and fall of the Compton, California hip hop music group N.W.A. The film borrows its title from the name of their debut studio album and its title track. Straight Outta Compton was directed by F. Gary Gray and stars O'Shea Jackson, Jr. as Ice Cube, Corey Hawkins as Dr. Dre, Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E, and Paul Giamatti as N.W.A's manager Jerry Heller. Awesome flick and killer soundtrack! :D
- DirectorKen RussellStarsRoger DaltreyAnn-MargretOliver ReedA psychosomatically blind, deaf, and mute boy becomes a master pinball player and, subsequently, the figurehead of a cult.The original rock opera by The Who about a deaf, dumb and blind young man named Tommy portrayed by Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey who finds fame and notoriety as a genius pinball player.
- DirectorJeff TremaineStarsDouglas BoothIwan RheonColson BakerBased on the bestselling autobiography from Mötley Crüe, the film is an unflinching tale of success and excess as four misfits rise from the streets of Hollywood to the heights of international fame.Based on their 2001 autobiography, this is the unabashed, uncensored tale of 80s glam band, Motley Crue. In 1973, runaway teen Nikki Sixx walks away from his drunk mother Deana after years of abusive stepfathers and moves from Seattle to Los Angeles in 1978. Two years later, after a falling out with members of his former band, London at the Whisky a Go Go, Nikki befriends drummer Tommy Lee and reveals to him that he is forming a new band. Joining the band is guitarist Mick Mars, who suffers from ankylosing spondylitis and rounding out the rest of the band is former cover band lead singer, Vince Neil.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsVal KilmerMeg RyanKyle MacLachlanThe story of the famous and influential 1960s rock band The Doors and its lead singer and composer, Jim Morrison, from his days as a UCLA film student in Los Angeles, to his untimely death in Paris, France at age 27 in 1971.As stellar as Val Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison was, I wish Oliver Stone had made the film more accurate. The visuals and the music were phenomenal but the inaccuracies and displeasure of the finished product by Jim's bandmates and friends lessened the joy of liking this film slightly for me. Still, I enjoyed it overall. ;)
- DirectorBrian GrantStarsDonna SummerNathan AlfordPaul BahnA live concert starring Donna Summer at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa California. Guests included Musical Youth, Donna's sisters Dara and Mary Ellen and her eldest daughter Mimi. It was recorded on August 6th, 1983.A Hot Summer Night was filmed and recorded live on August 6, 1983, at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA, with an audience of 18, 000 fans, during the second-leg of Donna Summer's 1983 Hard For The Money Tour, which supported the recently released She Works Hard For The Money album.
The set-list includes 'MacArthur Park', 'Love Is In Control...', 'Bad Girls' Medley, 'On The Radio' and 'Last Dance', as well as performances with special guests Musical Youth, her sisters Dara and Mary Ellen on an extended showpiece version of 'Woman', as well as closing the show with her eldest daughter Mimi, performing 'State Of Independence'. - DirectorJim McBrideStarsDennis QuaidWinona RyderJohn DoeThe life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis.This was a great movie that I practically grew up with! The early life of Jerry Lee Lewis, when he became a teen idol and married his 13-year-old cousin Myra, is depicted in this film. Until the scandal of the marriage depreciated his image, many had thought Lewis would supplant Elvis Presley as the "King of Rock and Roll" in the 1950s. Dennis Quaid and Winona Ryder portrayals of Jerry Lee and Myra were wonderful. A lot of people complained that Dennis was "over the top" with his portrayal, but that's because they don't know that's actually how Jerry Lee Lewis is! XD
- DirectorJulie TaymorStarsEvan Rachel WoodJim SturgessJoe AndersonThe music of The Beatles and the Vietnam War form the backdrop for the romance between an upper-class American girl and a poor Liverpudlian artist.An original story crafted from the songs of the Beatles to make a beautifully directed film by Julie Taymor. It's about a shipyard worker from Liverpool named Jude who comes to America to find a father he never knew and ends up falling for a young girl named Lucy and finding friendships with a eclectic group of bohemians living in Greenwich Village.
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsDavid ByrneBernie WorrellAlex WeirConsidered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time, the live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.This was a 1984 American concert film featuring a live performance by the American rock band Talking Heads. Directed by Jonathan Demme, it was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December 1983, as the group was touring to promote their new album Speaking in Tongues.
The concert serves as a comprehensive retrospective of the band's history to that time, featuring many of their popular songs from their first hit single "Psycho Killer", through to their most recent album. In addition, the group performs one song, "Genius of Love", by the Tom Tom Club, a side project for two members of the band. Personally, I like the live versions of the Talking Heads' songs better than the album versions. :D - DirectorD.A. PennebakerStarsDavid BowieMick RonsonTrevor BolderThe July 3rd, 1973 historic concert of the 'leper Messiah'. This was to be David Bowie's last concert with the Ziggy persona and the Spiders from Mars. A great medley of 'Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud'/'All The Young Dudes'/'Oh! You Pretty Things', a Lou Reed cover, and a Rolling Stones cover are but some of the highlights.OMG... what can I say about rock's most brilliant and talented chameleon? For the longest time, I couldn't understand how some rock fans can attach themselves so fiercely to a mere persona... that is, until I saw this documentary. Ziggy Stardust had to be one of Bowie's greatest invention and the music and stage show were absolutely hypnotic. I can see why his fans were so devastated when they heard he was killing Ziggy off. It was just too great to let die! I'm still having trouble accepting that our Starman had left us. RIP David. :'(
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobbie RobertsonMuddy WatersNeil YoungA film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.The Last Waltz was a concert by the rock group The Band, held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The Last Waltz was advertised as the end of The Band's illustrious touring career, and the concert saw The Band joined by more than a dozen special guests, including Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Bobby Charles and Neil Young.
- DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsJoe PerrySteven TylerGene SimmonsDocumentary showcase, what life was like for the music artists living during the Los Angeles Heavy Metal scene in the mid and late 1980s.This documentary made by Penelope Spheeris is about the LA metal scene between 1986-1988. It features interviews with members of KISS, Aerosmith, Megadeth, Ozzy Osborne, Motorhead, Alice Cooper and W.A.S.P.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsTaye DiggsWilson Jermaine HerediaRosario DawsonIn New York City's gritty East Village, a group of bohemians strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic.I am such a Rent Head! :D This movie is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name, in turn based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème. The film depicts the lives of several Bohemians and their struggles with sexuality, cross-dressing, drugs, paying their rent, and life under the shadow of AIDS. It takes place in the East Village of New York City from 1989 to 1990. The film features six of the original Broadway cast members reprising their roles.
- DirectorGerald PottertonJohn BrunoJohn HalasStarsRichard RomanusJohn CandyJoe FlahertyA glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.The film is an anthology of various science fiction and fantasy stories adapted from Heavy Metal magazine and original stories in the same spirit. Like the magazine, the film has a great deal of graphic violence, nudity, and sexuality. Great music from Blue Öyster Cult, Sammy Hagar, Devo, Stevie Nicks, Black Sabbath, Cheap Trick, Journey, Grand Funk Railroad, etc.
- DirectorRalph BakshiStarsMews SmallRon ThompsonJerry HollandThe story of four generations of a Russian Jewish immigrant family of musicians whose careers parallel the history of American popular music in the 20th century.This was a 1981 animated film directed by Ralph Bakshi. The film tells the story of four generations of a Russian Jewish immigrant family of musicians whose careers parallel the history of American popular music. The majority of the film's animation was completed through rotoscoping, a process in which live actors are filmed and the subsequent footage is used for animators to draw over. However, the film also uses a variety of other mixed media including water colors, computer graphics, live action shots, and archival footage. Amazing animation, great timeless music and a wonderful story holding it all together. :D
- DirectorWalter HillStarsMichael ParéDiane LaneRick MoranisA mercenary is hired to rescue his ex-girlfriend, a singer who has been kidnapped by a motorcycle gang.Described as "A Rock & Roll Fable", it's an unusual mix of music, action, drama, and comedy with elements both of retro-1950s and 1980s. The film stars Michael Paré as a soldier of fortune who returns home to rescue his ex-girlfriend (Diane Lane) who has been kidnapped by Raven (Willem Dafoe) and his motorcycle gang, the Bombers. The film has a great soundtrack featuring artist such as Stevie Nicks, Dan Hartman, Fire Inc., The Fixx, Ry Cooder, and the Blasters.
- DirectorNancy WalkerStarsRay SimpsonDavid HodoFelipe RoseA pseudo autobiography of disco's The Village People.I know this is a terrible film(this and Xanadu were the catalysts for starting the infamous "Razzie Awards"), but I love the campy cheesiness of the movie. This is a pseudo-biography of disco's Village People which bears only a vague resemblance to the actual story of the group's formation starring Steve Guttenberg, Valerie Perrine and Bruce Jenner.
- DirectorAlan ParkerStarsRobert ArkinsMichael AherneAngeline BallJimmy Rabbitte, an unemployed Dublin boy, decides to put together a soul band made up entirely of the Irish working class.Based on a novel by Irish writer Roddy Doyle, and is the first episode in The Barrytown Trilogy, it's a tale about a group of unemployed young people in the north side of Dublin, Ireland, who start a soul band. Great flick with great music mainly because of Andrew Strong's wonderful vocal talent.
- DirectorJohn CarneyStarsFerdia Walsh-PeeloAidan GillenMaria Doyle KennedyA young lad notices a beautiful girl who begins to occupy his thoughts. While struggling with poverty, personal relationships and life's woes, he starts a band, hoping to catch her attention.In south inner-city Dublin in 1985, 15 year old Conor Lawlor(Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) and his family are facing financial downfall that result in him having to be transferred to an inner city school called Synge Street where he meets the girl of his dreams, a 16 year old aspiring model named Raphina(Lucy Boynton). To impress her, he comes up with the idea to form a New Wave band that he names Sing Street. I wasn't too impressed with the movie overall, but the soundtrack was infectious, especially the track, "Drive It Like You Stole It".
- DirectorClive A. SmithStarsDon FrancksPaul Le MatGreg SalataA malevolent rock star kidnaps a singer to force her to participate in the summoning of a demon, and her band must help her stop him.The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic United States populated by mutant humanoids. Mok, an aging yet legendary rock musician is on the search for a very special voice that can unleash a powerful demon from another dimension. After travelling around the world looking for the right voice, he returns to Ohmtown, his hometown and finds the voice he needs in a local club singer named Angel. The film includes songs by Cheap Trick, Chris Stein and Debbie Harry of the pop group Blondie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Earth, Wind & Fire. A very cool and under appreciated film! :D
- DirectorPeter WebbStarsPaul McCartneyJohn BurgessBryan BrownPaul McCartney's recording of his new album is complicated by the fact that the master tapes of his recordings are missing.Paul (Paul McCartney) is driving around the countryside when he gets a call from Steve (Bryan Brown) that Harry (Ian Hastings), a reformed criminal, is missing along with the Paul's new album's master tapes he was supposed to give to the record factory the previous day. Paul races to the studio to find that the police are already there investigating the matter, thinking that Harry is back to his old ways and plans to bootleg the tapes. The news gets worse when Mr. Rath (John Bennett), whom the studio owes loans from, arrives with the news that he will take over the studio if the tapes aren't found by midnight. Okay, not the greatest plot line or acting job by those involved, but the music and the musical sequences are very interesting to watch.
- DirectorRobert GreenwaldStarsOlivia Newton-JohnGene KellyMichael BeckA struggling artist living in Los Angeles meets a girl who may hold the key to his happiness.Now, don't hate me for liking this film, but I do have a soft spot for this one. As cheesy as the film's plot was, I loved the music by Olivia Newton-John and ELO and I especially love the animated sequence in the middle of the film by Don Bluth.
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsElvis PresleyJudy TylerMickey ShaughnessyAfter serving time for manslaughter, young Vince Everett becomes a teenage rock star.I couldn't have a rock n' roll movie list without mentioning the one man who made more of them than anyone else. Elvis Presley! Out of all his movies, this one is my favorite. The jailhouse dance sequence is widely acknowledged as the most memorable musical scene in Presley's 30 narrative movies, and it is credited by musical historians as the prototype for the modern music video. Awesome!
- DirectorMark RosenthalStarsJennifer RunyonDonovan Leitch Jr.Joe PantolianoIn the mid-60s, a teenage 4.0 high-school student is drawn out of his element on a dare by his peers, to become a dancer on popular TV music show.I remember someone describing this movie as "Hairspray" with a boy and I can see how someone could say that. The movie is a lot like "Hairspray" in many ways except it's not campy. It's about a teenager named Del Green (Donovan Leitch), an honors student, who’s dream is to dance on the Perry Parker show(a popular local dance show) with Vicky (Jennifer Runyon), a blond parochial school student, and the show's most popular dancer.
- DirectorFloria SigismondiStarsKristen StewartDakota FanningMichael ShannonA coming-of-age biographical film about the 1970s teenage all-girl rock band The Runaways. The relationship between band members Cherie Currie and Joan Jett is also explored.Based on the book Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by the band's original lead vocalist Cherie Currie, the film stars Dakota Fanning as Currie, Kristen Stewart as rhythm guitarist and vocalist Joan Jett, and Michael Shannon as record producer Kim Fowley. The Runaways depicts the formation of the band in 1975 and focuses on the relationship between Currie and Jett until Currie's departure from the band.
- DirectorGreg WhiteleyStarsArthur KaneDavid JohansenSylvain SylvainA recovering alcoholic and recently converted Mormon, Arthur "Killer" Kane, of the rock band The New York Dolls, is given a chance at reuniting with his band after 30 years.This 2005 documentary details the history of both the New York Dolls and one of its members, Arthur "Killer" Kane. The film narrates the history of the band from its formation in 1972, through its drug problems and the deaths of several of its members. The central focus of the film, however, is Arthur's life after conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after struggles with alcoholism, drug abuse, an attempt at suicide, and a 1992 beating with a baseball bat (falsely rumored to be related to the Rodney King riots happening at the same time) that left him near death and needing a long recovery.
As Kane struggles with both loneliness and poverty, he discovers that he will once again have a chance to perform with the Dolls in London. After overcoming his differences with former band member David Johansen, Kane has a successful performance. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Kane contemplates touring with the reunited Dolls, but plans are cut short by his unexpected death from leukemia. - DirectorEmmanuel AdjeiIbra AkeBlitz BazawuleStarsBeyoncéTina KnowlesJay-ZVisual album from Beyoncé inspired by 'The Lion King'.Black Is King is a 2020 American musical film and visual album directed, written, and executive produced by American singer Beyoncé. It tells the story of a young African prince (Folajomi Akinmurele) who is exiled from his kingdom after his father's death. As he grows into a man (Nyaniso Dzedze), he undergoes a journey of self-identity, using the guidance of his ancestor (Beyoncé), childhood love (Nandi Madida) and his own subconscious (Stephen Ojo) to reclaim his throne. The prince's journey acts as an allegory for the African diaspora's journey of discovering, reclaiming and celebrating their culture and heritage, which is echoed by the inclusion of spoken-word poetry that focuses on the question of black identity.