MUST SEE FILMS FOR MUSIC FANS
If you’re hunting high and low for music films this lockdown, then we’ve got you covered! Read below for some mainstream and lesser-known films heavily featuring music.
Almost Famous
Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film is iconic to many, from the classic 70’s soundtrack to Penny Lane’s shearling coat. This story tells the tale of one young man’s quest to become a music journalist whilst following the fictional rock band ‘Stillwater’.
Available on: Now TV
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
This film is based on the influential blues singer Ma Rainey, focusing on a particularly fiery recording session back in Chicago in the 1920s. Played brilliantly by Viola Davis, the film also features the late great Chadwick Boseman’s last screen appearance earning the duo both Oscar nominations this year.
Available on: Netflix
Spike Island
One for Stone Roses fans, based on their gig on Spike Island in Cheshire in 1990. The film follows a gang of music-obsessed teens and their mission to attend the most sought-after gig of the year. Soundtracked by Stone Roses’ biggest hits, this one will transport you to early 90s subculture heaven!
Available on: Amazon Prime
Wild Rose
If you’re after an uplifting tale, this one’s for you. The brilliant Jessie Buckley stars as Glaswegian mum Rose-Lynn Harlan on her pursuit to become a country music star. This is a great film for all (not just country music fans) if you fancy a heartwarming watch on a Sunday afternoon.
Available on: Netflix
How to Build a Girl
The film adaption of Caitlin Moran’s semi-autobiographical novel stars Beanie Feldstein as 16-year-old Johanna. Johanna has dreams of leaving her council estate home in Wolverhampton and so travels to London to embark on a wild music journalist career in a very heavily male-dominated industry. A sweet coming of age tale with some brilliant cameos.
Available on: Amazon Prime
24 Hour Party People
Michael Winterbottom’s biographical comedy-drama focuses on British record label owner Tony Wilson played by Steve Coogan. It follows his career from the ‘70s right up to the ‘Madchester’ days of the ’90s. Featuring music from the likes of Joy Division, New Order, The Durutti Column, and the Happy Mondays, this is an absolute must-watch for music fans!
Available on: Amazon Prime
Blinded by The Light
Set in Luton 1987, British-Pakistani teen Javed feels like an outsider in his family and at school - until he discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen that is! Directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like Beckham), this sweet coming of age tale is a family heart-warmer and includes a soundtrack of legendary songs from The Boss.
Available on: Amazon Prime
Juliet, Naked
A light-hearted tale of the frustrated Annie (played by Rose Byrne) and her accidental love story with the fictional aged rock star Tyler Crowe (Ethan Hawke) who also happens to be her boyfriend’s lifetime obsession. Set on the pretty Kent coast (think Richard Curtis Britain), this charming little film is an ideal easy watch.
Available on: Netflix
Beats
This is one for the ravers... Set in 1994 Scotland when outdoor rave parties were banned across the UK, the story follows two boys desperate to attend one last rave before they part ways. Authentically showcasing the peak of 90’s acid house music, this film will make you wish you were there.
Available on: Now TV
Empire Records
This cult classic stars a young Liv Tyler and Renee Zellwegger in some iconic outfits you may even recognise. In a familiar struggle to today, this story follows employees at an independent record store in their fight to keep it open. If you liked Dazed & Confused or Fast Times at Ridgemont High, then you’ll love this goofy comedy.
Available on: Amazon Prime
Begin Again
John Carney’s (Once, Sing Street) 2013 movie introduces Mark Ruffalo as a washed-up music executive and Keira Knightley as a disheartened singer-songwriter. What follows is their journey of an uplifting collaboration through their resilience to be authentic. It also features an original soundtrack from the likes of Cee-Lo Green and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine.
Available on: Amazon Prime
Amy
If you haven’t seen this already, where have you been?! Asif Kapadia’s beautiful documentary explores the life and death of the one and only, Amy Winehouse. This film isn’t an easy watch; you’ll mourn the talented soul that Amy was and feel frustration at the harsh treatment that the press inflict on her like so many other young rising female stars.
Available on: Amazon Prime
