19 Movies where we get to see the struggle of musicians

When listening to music we usually explore tales through songs that depict triumphs alongside heartbreaks but rarely hear singers retell their life experiences. From this list, some of the films are biopics, for example, Miles Ahead, Bohemian Rhapsody, and 8 Mile. Through these films, we witness deeply moving struggles that exist beneath the musical masterpieces we appreciate.

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

19) Begin Again (2014)

In this film, Mark Ruffalo plays the role of an anxious record label executive, Dan Mulligan. The movie follows his efforts to get back to enjoying music and collaboration with Greta (Keira Knightley), who is a talented but struggling singer-songwriter and has issues with personal relationships after her partner and collaborator, Dave (Adam Levine), cheated on her. Both characters are frustrated and undergo personal and professional failures. Their unexpected friendship and the music they make together give both hope and comfort.

18) Born to Be Blue (2015)

Born to Be Blue features Ethan Hawke as jazz icon Chet Baker. The movie highlights Baker's struggle to revive his career after a violent assault renders him incapable of playing the trumpet. Hawke's performance conveys Baker's struggle with addiction and his attempts to regain his musical persona, displaying the musician's physical and psychological struggles. The film focuses on Baker's determination and the effect of his charm, even as he struggles to continue his musical journey.

17) Tár (2022)

In the 2022 movie Tár, Cate Blanchett plays Lydia Tár, the first female director of a large German orchestra and a well-known composer-conductor. In contrast to the usual struggling artist trope, Lydia fights against her downfall as her past actions and allegations catch up with her. The film highlights her battle to deal with the impacts of her conceited actions and the difficulties of keeping her art and her controversial image apart.

16) Miles Ahead (2015)

In the 2015 movie Miles Ahead, Don Cheadle plays jazz icon Miles Davis. The film shows Davis's trial for five years in the late 1970s when he virtually vanished from the public eye. Fighting with chronic pain, addiction, and a crumbling hip, Davis retreats into seclusion, his musical voice muffled by drugs and physical suffering. The movie tracks his path back to his creative flame and personal life, tracing the artist's fight with his inner demons and its effect on his career.

15) Once (2007)

This movie stars Glen Hansard, a struggling Dublin vacuum repairman and musician. He meets Markéta Irglová, a musician and Czech immigrant. The two individuals are portrayed as struggling artists, balancing personal and professional obligations. Their unanticipated collaboration results in the composition of exquisite music that perfectly conveys their emotional journey. The film won the “Independent Spirit Award” for Best Foreign Film and the “Academy Award” for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly.

14) Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

In 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek portrays Queen’s iconic lead vocalist Freddie Mercury. The film describes Mercury's turmoil with his identity, fame, and illness. Freddie wrestles with his sexuality, relationships, and ultimate AIDS diagnosis despite his phenomenal talent and success. Mercury's complex musical process illustrates the artist's struggles in an attempt to preserve his musical vision and legacy. It received four "Academy Awards" for Best Actor (Rami Malek), Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

13) Frank (2014)

In the 2014 film Frank, Michael Fassbender stars as Frank, a talented and quirky musician who never removes a gigantic papier-mache head. Frank's mental state is depicted as a significant obstacle in his life and the origin of his creative ability. Frank’s singular talent and enigmatic attitude captivate Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), a young, struggling musician. The film highlights Frank's conflicts and the effects on people around him as it examines the complex relationship between original creativity and mental health via their relationships.

12) Walk the Line (2005)

Joaquin Phoenix portrays the legendary country music star Johnny Cash in the movie. The movie highlights Cash's troubled life, from his troubled childhood of struggling against poverty to his ascent to fame. It traces his addiction, inner struggles, and how his traumatic personal relationships influenced his career. Phoenix's performance highlights the psychological and physical strain that Cash's life left upon him. Cash's enduring love for June Carter (Reese Witherspoon) and how they reciprocally influenced each other's lives are also depicted in the film.

11) Straight Outta Compton (2015)

The 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton tells the story of the hip-hop group N.W.A. It depicts the group's hardships, interactions with law enforcement, and societal effects. According to some viewers, the film does a fantastic job of portraying the struggle for social justice and the significance of sticking up for your convictions. N.W.A. faced numerous struggles, including forming the group, battling censorship, dealing with law enforcement issues, managing internal conflicts, and coping with fame.

10) Whiplash (2014)

Miles Teller plays Andrew Neiman in this movie. He is a driven jazz drummer in a prominent music conservatorium. The film shows Andrew's relentless quest for excellence while being brutally and abusively mentored by Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Andrew's unrelenting quest for excellence wears him out physically and emotionally, straining his relationships and driving him to the edge.

9) 8 Mile (2002)

Through B-Rabbit’s portrayal of Jimmy Smith Jr. in 8 Mile, Eminem gives his first performance on screen in 2002. Throughout the story, the filmmakers track teenager Jimmy who raps under the name "B-Rabbit" in Detroit Michigan while attempting to leave behind his difficult circumstances. Through his tedious manual labor for minimum wage, Jimmy struggles against various obstacles, which include his flaws alongside family instability and extreme competition among Detroit rappers.

8) Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

This film delves deep into the struggles faced by Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac). He grapples with poverty, couch surfing from one friend's place to another. His musical career seems stagnant, with his solo album failing to gain traction. The constant rejections from record labels and the indifference of audiences add to his woes. Additionally, Llewyn faces personal challenges, including the loss of his musical partner and strained relationships with those around him. The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

7) Ray (2004)

In this film, Jamie Foxx plays the iconic singer Ray Charles. Through the story, Ray's challenges with addiction and his blindness, become central as well as his experience as an African American musical artist in the entertainment industry. Ray fights numerous obstacles in his life as an outstanding musician because he confronts social disapproval stemming from his condition and must heal from his brother's tragic demise. Through his performance as Ray Charles Jamie Foxx won the “Academy Award” for Best Actor.

6) Sound of Metal (2019)

This movie stars Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone, a metal band drummer who unexpectedly loses his hearing over time. As he confronts denial, frustration, and anxiety as he deals with losing his ability to hear, the film depicts Ruben's difficult struggle to adjust to his new reality. His identity as a musician is severely questioned, and he must navigate the challenging process of adjusting to his impairment.

5) The Doors (1991)

Val Kilmer portrays Jim Morrison, the mysterious frontman of the legendary rock group The Doors. Morrison's turbulent life is examined in the film, with particular attention paid to his struggles with substance misuse, celebrity, and inner demons. The band faces several difficulties because of Morrison's unpredictable conduct and drug problems, which cause friction and disputes. Morrison's charismatic yet damaged personality is captured in Kilmer's portrayal, which also highlights the difficulties of his journey.

4) School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black played the character of Dewey Finn in School of Rock and he used deceit to assume substitute teaching duties in 2003. The money problems that started when his band threw him out led Dewey to see the teacher role as immediate financial salvation. When he notices his students' musical abilities, he creates their rock band thus using his musical drive to enhance their training. Through his financial crisis along with the pursuit of his own musical dreams, Dewey battles with present reality while nurturing musical talents in a new generation of students.

3) Amadeus (1984)

Within the 1984 movie Amadeus Tom Hulce takes on the role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart's life during the film depicts his economic troubles together with internal conflicts and his fierce rivalries with Antonio Salieri. Although Mozart demonstrates remarkable talent, he battles the pressures of success, and his unconventional ways of living reveal the complexities of his genius while navigating his professional life.

2) A Star is Born (2018)

Bradley Cooper plays seasoned musician Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born. He struggles with addiction and diminishing stardom. During their first encounter, he realizes that Ally (Lady Gaga) is extremely talented. Through Ally's growing musical success, Jackson deals with declining professional fortunes coupled with personal struggles, which highlight common obstacles all musicians confront in their careers.

1) The Pianist (2002)

In this movie, Adrien Brody plays a gifted Polish-Jewish pianist, Władysław Szpilman who fights to survive during World War II. The movie demonstrates his terrifying episodes inside the Warsaw Ghetto along with his agonizing break from his loved ones and rapid search to avoid Nazi capture. Through all the unimaginable difficulties, music continues to serve as a connecting force that strengthens and inspires him.