Though the movie industry has brought many stories to life on the big screen, there's a special energy to those which focus on music. Because films that fall into this category are becoming increasingly more popular, we thought it was time to look at the best music films to date. To do this, we'll be turning to IMDb.
The movie aggregation website has assigned every music movie a star rating, based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10. This is what we'll be using to stack up Hollywood's best.
Though some of the movies on this list are musicals, it's important to clarify that not every film on this list features music, rather each is about music
With that said, it's time to rock 'n' roll into the best music films of all time.
10 This Is Spinal Tap (1984) - 7.9
This 1984 mockumentary follows the fictional English metal band known as Spinal Tap as they tour across America.
The satirical movie makes light of the god-like view of rock bands, and to give it a more realistic feel, actors improvised many lines across multiple hours of material.
Though the film was modestly successful when it was first released, it wasn't until This Is Spinal Tap was brought to VHS in 2002 that it curated a cult following. Many feel that in addition to kicking off the mockumentary style, the film featured great quotes and strong performances.
9 Almost Famous (2000) - 7.9
Loosely based on the life of director Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous tells of a teen journalist who embarks on tour with the fictional rock band Stillwater in an attempt to get his stories about the rock 'n' roll lifestyle on the cover of Rolling Stone in the early '70s.
The spirit of the comedy-drama combined with the chemistry of the cast gave the film an organic feel. Its humor and life have cemented it as a music classic.
8 Straight Outta Compton (2015) - 7.9
Shifting gears from rock to rap, Straight Outta Compton depicted the rise and fall of the hip hop group N.W.A, composed of members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre.
In addition to featuring a strong cast, the biopic boasted vibrant energy and solid direction. Though some of the real-life people disliked their portrayal, most audiences were entertained by the story.
7 Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) - 8.0
The legacy of English rock band Queen was brought to life through this 2018 drama.
It follows lead singer Freddie Mercury as he rises from a misfit to a rock 'n' roll legend. The film ends with a reenactment of the historic Live Aid benefit concert, in which Queen performed one of the most memorable acts of all time.
With passionate music, a brilliant, Oscar-winning performance from lead actor Rami Malek, and a brisk pace, Bohemian Rhapsody quickly became a fan favorite.
6 La La Land (2016) - 8.0
La La Land danced into theaters in 2016. The romantic comedy-drama tells of a jazz pianist and a hopeful young actress who fall in love and attempt to make their dreams come true against the busy backdrop of L.A.
Viewers loved the pretty backgrounds, dazzling score, and sizzling chemistry between leads Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Additionally, the film helped breathe new life into the classic Hollywood musical.
5 Some Like It Hot (1959) - 8.2
Marilyn Monroe was front and center in this 1959 rom-com about a set of musicians that disguise themselves in drag in order to get away from mafia gangsters.
Some Like It Hot was both a critical and commercial success, with many praising the wit, authenticity, and charm of the film. Though decades have gone by since the movie's release, the black-and-white feature remains a classic.
4 Green Book (2018) - 8.2
Perhaps the most controversial film to appear on this list is 2018's Green Book. Inspired by the true story of jazz pianist Don Shirley and his driver Tony Lip, Green Book follows the pair's concert tour journey through the South during the early '60s.
The film's material was debated, particularly because some believed Green Book depicted the criticized "white savior narrative" in which, put simply, a white character learns a lesson through their heroic support of a lesser important non-white character. On the other hand, some viewers thought the material was compelling, timely, and racially important. Regardless, the film brought home the Best Picture award at the Oscars, and most audiences agreed that it was well made despite featuring a polarizing story.
3 Coco (2017) - 8.4
The only animated film to make this list is Pixar's Coco.
Based on the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, this 2017 fantasy follows a young boy who hopes to become a famous musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Though his family is against all song, Coco might just get the chance to chase after his dreams (and learn about what's most important in life) after falling into the Land of the Dead.
The rich visuals, layered narrative, cultural significance, and imaginative story made this film not only one of Pixar's greatest, but one of music's greatest.
2 Amadeus (1984) - 8.3
The life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was recounted in this 1984 epic period drama.
Taking place in Vienna, Austria, during the late 18th century, Amadeus follows the iconic musician as he engages in a fictional rivalry with Italian composer Antonio Salieri.
The film was showered in awards including that of Best Picture at the Oscars. This was due to its powerful narrative, interesting scenes, and influential themes.
1 Whiplash (2014) - 8.5
Topping off the list as the highest-rated music film of all time is Whiplash.
This 2014 drama follows ambitious young jazz drummer Andrew Neiman as he attempts to achieve success while working under the instruction of the cruel Terence Fletcher at the Shaffer Conservatory.
The film's intensity, excitement, and in-depth take on the difficulties of music left audiences impressed. Additionally, Damien Chazelle's intimate directorial style makes Whiplash stand out among the best of the best.
from ScreenRant - Feed https://ift.tt/2SqoRhS
No comments: