19 Biopics that tell us about a musician’s journey

Music can move, inspire, and define generations, but every great song or album has a backstory that deserves to be heard. These 19 amazing biopics bring the lives of the biggest music icons to the big screen with memorable performances, ranging from dramatic ascents to tragic declines. These films depict the highs, lows, and creative genius of renowned musicians, whether it is the soul-stirring power of Ray, the poetic tragedy of Control, or the electrifying energy of Bohemian Rhapsody. Prepare to relive the artists' passion, adversity, and victory that influenced our lives' soundtrack.

Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

19. La Bamba (1987)

On July 24, 1987, the musical biography performed its opening production. The music star Ritchie Valens is portrayed through actor Lou Diamond Phillips in the retelling of his life. Through its main anthem, "La Bamba," the film documents the musical journey of Valens from his working-class family roots to his rise to fame while he deals with family and romantic relationships. The terrible 1959 plane crash serves as the story's climax by ending the life of the 17-year-old Valens. Luis Valdez directed this movie to highlight the musical achievements that characterized the brief period of a rising artist.

18. La Vie en Rose (2007)

Marion Cotillard delivered an enchanting performance in 2007 when the film came out on February 14 to show Édith Piaf's troubled existence. Viewers follow Piaf as she transforms from a struggling Parisian to a world-renowned singer, despite her emotional turmoil, thanks to her distinctive singing abilities. Under Olivier Dahan's direction, the biopic presents an exceptional method for reenacting the spirit of great singer Édith Piaf through its powerfully delivered narrative of her life.

17. Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013)

British audiences were able to watch the film on August 8, 2014, for the first time. The film appeared as a special presentation at the South by Southwest Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 2013. André Benjamin brings forth a remarkable portrayal of Jimi Hendrix in his film role. John Ridley directed the biopic that focuses on the transformative two years between 1966 and 1967 when Hendrix exchanged his New York backup guitarist status for his London rock legend role. The film documents everything from Hendrix's professional beginnings through his important relationships up to his historic musical path.

16. Sid and Nancy (1986)

Under the direction of Alex Cox, this biographical film tells the story of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) alongside his love interest Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb) while showing their intense relationship. It was released on November 7, 1986. The film, which is set against the backdrop of the late 1970s punk scene, depicts their drug-fueled, chaotic, and self-destructive relationship, which ultimately results in Nancy's premature death. The film presents a raw depiction of intense love along with social triumph while showing how everything crumbles through an unfiltered presentation.

15. Bird (1988)

This incredibly poignant biography was directed by Clint Eastwood and premiered on September 30, 1988. The director tells the story of jazz great Charlie Parker (played by Forest Whitaker). The film spans through time to demonstrate Parker's exceptional musical ability together with his fight against addiction, the battle with his psychological urges, and his unstable relationship with his wife Chan Parker (Diane Venora). The film presents a jazz-inspired setting to show how the talented yet struggling musician left an enduring mark on modern jazz heritage.

14. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

As the director Brian Gibson showed in his film's June 6, 1993 debut, his audience learned about Tina Turner's (portrayed by Angela Bassett) transformation from devastation to acclaim through life. The film follows Anna Mae Bullock from her early life through her violent relationship with Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne) up to the point where she triumphs both personally and professionally by achieving independence. This award-winning film displays Tina's endurance and consistent musical excellence through its outstanding acting.

13. 8 Mile (2002)

Eminem brings a promising rap character, Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith Jr., to the screen in a gritty drama starring the rapper and released on November 8, 2002, as he battles to channel hip-hop into a street escape. Curtis Hanson directed the film, and it shows Jimmy's struggles with rap competitions, family strife, and self-doubt before ending with a pivotal moment of poetic success. The motion picture shares an authentic portrayal of talent and drive through the performances of Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer, and Kim Basinger.

12. Rocketman (2019)

In 2019, the biographical movie premiered, and Taron Egerton played the endearing musical figure Elton John. Film director Dexter Fletcher created an imaginative biographical project, which follows John's path to stardom by showing his addiction struggles and his path to gaining self-assurance. This movie effectively shows both honest representations of the legendary musician's career history and displays his emotional issues through exceptional musical composition.

11. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

The movie made its worldwide premiere on October 24, 2018. Rami Malek outstandingly portrayed Freddie Mercury. Bryan Singer directed the biopic that displays Queen's meteoric rise, including Mercury's identity complications and legendary status and the band's ambitious musical approach. Mercury's extraordinary talent receives ultimate celebration as the movie reaches its climax with the mesmerizing performances of their iconic “Live Aid Concert.” Malek received an Academy Award for maintaining the legendary figure's essence with his exceptional performance.

10. Walk the Line (2005)

Country music star Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) got his life story detailed in a biographical film on November 18, 2005, while showing his troubled romance with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). Director James Mangold guides his biopic by showing how Cash fought addiction through romance and music after facing his troubled beginnings. Moreover, the movie highlights the passionate essence of Cash’s music and his emotional life through daring performances and a deep storytelling approach.

9. Ray (2004)

On October 29, 2004, this biographical film depicted Ray Charles' (Jamie Foxx) musical journey from his early poor state to his achievement of musical fame. Through its direction by Taylor Hackford, the film depicts Charles's music industry revolution that integrates gospel blues and jazz, then his struggles with racial discrimination, drug addiction, and gradual blindness. Through his Oscar-winning talent, Foxx helps create a story that highlights an artist's strength and extraordinary talent alongside the high cost of genius.

8. The Doors (1991)

Val Kilmer delivered a remarkable portrayal of Jim Morrison that audiences witnessed through the March 1, 1991, film release. During his time with “The Doors” and their ascent to prominence, Jim Morrison’s turbulent existence is portrayed through the direction of William Oliver Stone. The film illustrates Morrison's use of poetry as well as his emotional relationships, followed by his battle with substance abuse. Through its psychedelic imagery and informing sequences, the film portrays both the rebellious 1960s movement and the mystifying heritage of Jim Morrison.

7. Amadeus (1984)

Milos Forman directed the film that debuted on September 19, 1984. The director showed the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) through the eyes of his musical adversary Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). The director shows how Mozart possessed exceptional talents while remaining joyful and conceited leading Salieri to have intense feelings of hatred towards him. Amadeus displays an intense combination of breathtaking visual effects with its historical story about destiny and genius alongside competitive feelings.

6. The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

A positive film about rock musician Buddy Holly (Gary Busey) played in theaters on May 18, 1978, to show the rapid rise in his fame during that time. In his direction of the movie, Steve Rash presents a storyline that specifies Holly's innovative musical work while documenting his unconventional industry methods together with his love story with Maria Elena before his premature aircraft accident death in 1959. The film serves as a respectful memorial to a young musical prodigy through Busey's portrayal, receiving nominations and recognition for his role as Holly's character.

5. Love & Mercy (2014)

John Cusack portrays the adult Brian Wilson in a film that premiered in 2014, while Paul Dano plays Brian as a young musician in the same release. The film follows Wilson's creative process of Pet Sounds during the 1960s as it reveals his later stark confrontation with mental illness under the control of Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti). The movie delivers its poignant narrative through an untraditional musical documentary that successfully highlights Brian Wilson's genius and his human weaknesses.

4. Control (2007)

The movie was released on October 5, 2007, and is based on a personal and disturbing portrait of Joy Division's mysterious vocalist Ian Curtis (Sam Riley). The film, which was directed by Anton Corbijn, depicts Curtis' transformation from a poet in a tiny village to a post-punk star. It documents his struggles with melancholy, epilepsy, and his broken marriage to Debbie Curtis (Samantha Morton). The movie was shot in harsh black and white and depicts a poet whose genius was overshadowed by personal suffering in a tragic yet poetic way.

3. Born to Be Blue (2015)

Born to Be Blue (2015) is a semi-fictional biopic directed by Robert Budreau, starring Ethan Hawke as jazz legend Chet Baker. Set in the 1960s, the film follows Baker as he stars in a movie about his earlier life, including his struggles with addiction. When Baker is attacked and loses his front teeth, his embouchure is ruined, making it difficult to play the trumpet. With the support of actress Jane (Carmen Ejogo), Baker attempts a musical comeback despite his challenges.

2. What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

The 2015 documentary directed by Liz Garbus features a biography about Nina Simone as she evolved from musician to civil rights activist throughout her existence. The film presents an extensive portrait of Simone's legendary musical skills while showing her battle for racial justice together with her personal life via historical materials, direct interview segments, and her authentic commentary. The documentary provides an honest, raw exploration of both major achievements and hard times from Simone's exceptional life story.

1. Get on Up (2014)

An outstanding performance by Chadwick Boseman leads the movie that tells the famous story of James Brown. Tate Taylor directed the musical biographic film that highlighted both achievements and challenges in the life of the "Godfather of Soul." The film achieves masterpiece status in the genre because it shows Brown's achievements and struggles with raw honesty during powerful performances. The film stands among the best biographical films because it presents authentic content, and Boseman commands power onscreen.