8 Music Biopics You’ve Got to Watch

You can’t call yourself a true fan of an artist if you haven’t devoured the last bit of trivia on them. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet and the craze for bare-all music documentaries, knowing everything about your music hero’s life isn’t hard as it probably used to. Here’s a list of some of the greatest music biopics that we think you must watch:

1. Notorious:

The 2009 biographical film based on the life of American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., directed by George Tillman Jr, is still on everyone’s favorite list, almost 10 years on. Truly capturing the dramatic life and talent of Biggie, this film goes through the highs and lows of his personal life and career, while paying tribute to one of the most talented rappers of all time.

2. Walk the Line:

This dramatic biopic follows the life of American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, and his famous love story with American singer, dancer and actress, June Carter. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, this movie takes you back to a time of music, love, and drama.

3. Ray:

Jamie Foxx skillfully pays homage to one of the greats in rhythm and blues, Ray Charles, in this film which released in 2004. Watch it for Foxx’s impeccable acting, the beautiful soundtrack and to witness the life of a great musician unravel before your eyes.

4. Sid and Nancy:

This 1986 British biopic soon became a cult classic after audiences from all over the world were attracted to the love story of the bassist from the famous punk rock group, The Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Filled with sex, humor and great music to rock out to, this movie will always be an all time favorite for us.

5. Straight Outta Compton:

When Straight Outta Compton released in 2015, fans of NWA — old and young — were on cloud nine. While depicting the story behind how the most popular hip-hop group was formed in the Eighties, this movie also manages to portray the characters as real people, with their talent, dreams and the struggles of making it.

6. Bird:

Bird is a 1988 movie directed by Clint Eastwood, which brings to life the story of Charlie “Bird” Parker. Forrest Whittaker plays the famous jazz saxophonist as the film meanders through his struggles and successes.

7. Elvis:

Following the life of the King of Rock&Roll, Elvis Presley, this 1979 biographical drama stars Kurt Russell, and is directed by John Carpenter. We recommend this movie for all of you who want to watch how Presley’s life unfolded and the atmosphere during the peak of his fame.

8. Bohemian Rhapsody:

Everybody has been talking about this upcoming film with Ramil Malek in the lead, playing one of the greatest music personalities of all time — Freddie Mercury. Scheduled for release later this year, the biopic also stars Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee (as Brian May), Ben Hardy (as Roger Taylor), Joseph Mazzello (as John Deacon), Aiden Gillen, Tom Hollander and Mike Meyers.