30 Best Music Biopics You Shouldn’t Miss (2025 List)

Written By: Eram Shaikh
Last Updated: May 3, 2025

There’s something magical about watching the journey of our favorite artists unfold on screen, complete with their triumphs, struggles, and the creation of songs we’ve all come to love. 

Among the top must-watch music biopics, What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993) stands out, portraying Tina Turner’s inspiring journey from adversity to global stardom. 

In this article, I will guide you through 30 incredible music biopics that are worth your attention. So, without further ado, let us get started!

Top 10 Must-Watch Music Biopics of All Time

These 10 musicians’ biography movies are most loved by people for their musical storytelling on screen, combining exceptional performances with compelling narratives.

RankMovie NameBased OnRun Time
1What’s Love Got to Do with ItTina Turner118 minutes
2AmadeusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart161 minutes
3La Bamba Ritchie Valens108 minutes
4Straight Outta ComptonNiggaz Wit Attitudes (N.W.A)147 minutes
5Love & MercyBrian Wilson of The Beach Boys121 minutes
6RocketmanElton John121 minutes
7ControlIan Curtis of Joy Division122 minutes
8Coal Miner’s DaughterLoretta Lynn124 minutes
9ShirleyShirley Chisholm107 minutes​
10Walk the LineJohnny Cash136 minutes

Here are 30 of my favorite music biopics, ranked and supported by my opinions along with their Rotten Tomatoes scores. 

1. What’s Love Got to Do with It

Biopic OfTina Turner
Rotten Tomatoes Rating97%
ActorsAngela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis
DirectorBrian Gibson
One Line PlotThe story of Tina Turner’s rise to stardom and her abusive relationship with husband Ike Turner.
Watch It HerePrime Video

Angela Bassett delivers one of the most physically demanding and emotionally powerful performances. Her portrayal of Tina Turner’s journey from abuse victim to empowered solo artist is stunning. 

What's Love Got to Do with It
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Feel every blow and triumph as she escapes her violent marriage to Ike (portrayed by Laurence Fishburne) and reclaims her career. The electrifying performance scenes reflect Bassett’s months of studying Turner’s movements. This biopic balances Turner’s dark past with her victory and resilience.

2. Amadeus

The story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is told through the eyes of his rival composer, Antonio Salieri.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Rotten Tomatoes Rating93%
ActorsF. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge
DirectorMiloš Forman
One Line PlotThe story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart told through the eyes of his rival composer, Antonio Salieri.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

This Oscar-winning biopic is more than a mere biography. F. Murray Abraham’s performance as the jealous Salieri provides the perfect counterpoint to Tom Hulce’s childish, giggling Mozart. 

Amadeus
Image source: Prime Video

This film demonstrates a profound understanding of Mozart’s music, utilizing it effectively to underscore dramatic moments. The scene where Mozart dictates his Requiem from his deathbed to Salieri remains one of cinema’s most powerful depictions. Even though it’s nearly 40 years old, this film’s exploration of artistic jealousy feels timeless.

3. La Bamba 

Biopic OfRitchie Valens
Rotten Tomatoes Rating91%
ActorsLou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto
DirectorLuis Valdez
One Line PlotThe brief life and career of rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens before his tragic death in a plane crash at age 17.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Lou Diamond Phillips shows a charismatic performance as the young Chicano rock star who helped bring Latin influences into American rock and roll. You’ll see Valens’ Mexican-American identity in his music and life, particularly through his relationship with his brother Bob.

La Bamba 
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

The recreation of Valens’ hit “La Bamba” performed by Los Lobos feels authentic. The film builds to the fateful “Day the Music Died” plane crash. This musician’s biography movie captures the bittersweetness of lost potential so effectively.

4. Straight Outta Compton

Biopic OfHip hop group N.W.A
Rotten Tomatoes Rating89%
ActorsO’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell
DirectorF. Gary Gray
One Line PlotThe rise and fall of pioneering hip-hop group N.W.A. amid social tensions in 1980s Los Angeles.
Watch It HereHotstar

This film brings the revolutionary impact of N.W.A. to life with incredible authenticity. Having O’Shea Jackson Jr. play his father, Ice Cube, adds a dash of realism to the film.

Straight Outta Compton
Image Source: IMDb

You’ll get a complete look at how their music emerged from the streets of Compton and changed American culture forever. You can know about the context behind controversial songs like “F*** tha Police”. Among recent music biopic movies, few captured cultural context so effectively.  

5. Love & Mercy

Biopic OfBrian Wilson of The Beach Boys
Rotten Tomatoes Rating89%
ActorsJohn Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks
DirectorBill Pohlad
One Line PlotThe story of Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, shifting between his innovative young years and his later struggles with mental illness.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

This unique music biography movie presents two actors portraying Brian Wilson at different stages. Paul Dano as the young musical innovator creating “Pet Sounds,” and John Cusack as the older Wilson, under the controlling care of therapist Eugene Landy. 

Love & Mercy
Image Source: Prime Video

Wilson’s creative process, combined with exceptional sound design, lets you experience music the way he did. His experimentation in the studio gives you a genuine appreciation for his musical genius. The film handles mental illness with rare sensitivity and insight, avoiding typical biopics.

6. Rocketman

Biopic OfElton John
Rotten Tomatoes Rating89%
ActorsTaron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden
DirectorDexter Fletcher
One Line PlotA musical fantasy about the uncensored human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years.
Watch It HereNetflix

Unlike other music biopics, “Rocketman” embraces fantasy elements to reflect Elton John’s larger-than-life personality. Taron Egerton doesn’t just imitate John. He embodies his spirit while performing his impressive vocals. 

Rocketman
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

The film uses Elton’s songs as emotional expressions rather than chronological performances. The “Crocodile Rock” sequence at the Troubadour, where Elton and the audience begin floating, captures that magical feeling of a musical moment. The film also reveals John’s sexuality and substance abuse issues.

7. Control 

Biopic OfIan Curtis of Joy Division
Rotten Tomatoes Rating89%
ActorsSam Riley, Samantha Morton, Alexandra Maria Lara
DirectorAnton Corbijn
One Line PlotThe brief life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of post-punk band Joy Division, and his struggles with epilepsy, depression, and fame.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Photographer Anton Corbijn, who knew and photographed Joy Division, brings an authentic visual sensibility. Sam Riley’s portrayal of Ian Curtis is mesmerizing, as he captures the singer’s distinctive performance style and internal turmoil with great sensitivity.

Control 
Image Source: Prime Video

The film portrays Curtis’s depression or epilepsy. It also depicts Curtis caught between his wife, lover, band responsibilities, and his deteriorating health. The concert scenes feel real, with the actors playing their instruments and Riley performing the vocals live.

8. Coal Miner’s Daughter

Biopic OfLoretta Lynn
Rotten Tomatoes Rating86%
ActorsSissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Beverly D’Angelo
DirectorMichael Apted
One Line PlotThe inspiring journey of country music legend Loretta Lynn from her impoverished Kentucky childhood to country music stardom.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Sissy Spacek’s Oscar-winning performance captures every nuance of Loretta Lynn’s character and voice. It will take you to rural Kentucky and witness Lynn’s incredible journey from coal miner’s wife to country music royalty. 

Coal Miner's Daughter
Image Source: Prime Video

The film depicts the struggles of balancing fame and family alongside the physical toll of touring. This biopic stands out due to Lynn’s endorsement of Spacek’s portrayal. The honest depiction of her marriage highlights both supportive and challenging aspects.

9. Shirley

Biopic OfShirley Chisholm
Rotten Tomatoes Rating86%
ActorsRegina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges
DirectorJohn Ridley
One Line PlotThe groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president for a major party.
Watch It HereNetflix

This engaging biopic focuses on the role of music in Chisholm’s political journey. Regina King imbues her portrayal of Chisholm with great dignity and passion. The film illustrates how her campaign effectively utilized soul and funk music to connect with younger voters.

Shirley
Image Source: Netflix

It shows how campaign events transformed into celebrations of Black culture through music. The soundtrack became an anthem of change, demonstrating how politics and music were intertwined during this pivotal moment in American history.

10. Walk the Line

Biopic OfJohnny Cash
Rotten Tomatoes Rating82%
ActorsJoaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin
DirectorJames Mangold
One Line PlotThe turbulent journey of country music legend Johnny Cash and his romance with June Carter.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Joaquin Phoenix captured Johnny Cash’s deep and troubled soul perfectly, while Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar-winning performance as June Carter adds tremendous heart to this film. It focuses on Cash’s redemption through love and music.

Walk the Line
Image Source: Prime Video

What makes this biopic musical special is how skillfully it balances his darker periods with moments of pure musical joy. Both actors performed their vocals. Especially, you’ll be impressed by Phoenix’s authenticity in recreating those iconic Folsom Prison performances. 

11. Maestro 

Biopic OfLeonard Bernstein
Rotten Tomatoes Rating81%
ActorsBradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer
DirectorBradley Cooper
One Line PlotThe complex relationship between legendary composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre Bernstein.
Watch It HereNetflix

Bradley Cooper showcases his transformation into Bernstein across decades of the composer’s life. This music biography movie centers on his marriage to Felicia (Carey Mulligan) and his struggles with his sexuality. 

Maestro 
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

The most breathtaking sequence was when Cooper conducted Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in a single shot, conveying Bernstein’s complete immersion in music. The shift from black and white to color cinematography mirrors the evolution of their relationship. Cooper captured Bernstein’s style and passionate approach to music education.

12. Ray

Biopic OfRay Charles
Rotten Tomatoes Rating80%
ActorsJamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King
DirectorTaylor Hackford
One Line PlotChronicles the life of Ray Charles from his impoverished childhood to international stardom while battling personal demons.
Watch It HereNetflix

Among movies about music artists, this one stands out for its emotional depth and authenticity. Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Ray Charles is nothing short of remarkable. It earned him a well-deserved Academy Award. 

Ray
Image Source: Netflix

The film doesn’t shy away from his struggles with drug addiction and relationships, giving you an honest look at his complex life. 

It portrayed his blindness not as a limitation but as part of what made his musical perception so unique. 

13. Get On Up

Biopic OfJames Brown
Rotten Tomatoes Rating80%
ActorsChadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd
DirectorTate Taylor
One Line PlotA chronicle of James Brown’s rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.
Watch It HereNetflix

Chadwick Boseman’s electric performance as James Brown is a masterclass in physical acting. He captures Brown’s unique dance moves, stage presence, and vocal style with great precision. The film effectively mirrors Brown’s innovative approach to music. 

Get On Up
Image Source– Rotten Tomatoes

The film explores Brown’s complicated personality, his musical genius, alongside his controlling and abusive behavior—the recreation of the T.A.M.I. show performance where Brown upstaged the Rolling Stones is a highlight among movies about music artists of this caliber.

14. Nowhere Boy

Biopic OfJohn Lennon (early years)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating80%
ActorsSam Taylor-Johnson
DirectorSam Taylor-Johnson
One Line PlotThe turbulent teenage years of John Lennon as he forms his first band and discovers the truth about his family.
Watch It HerePrime Video

This intimate music biography movie explores Lennon’s relationships with his absent mother, Julia, and his strict aunt Mimi, who raised him. Aaron Taylor-Johnson captures Lennon’s rebellious spirit and vulnerability with great beauty.

Nowhere Boy
Image Source: IMDb

The film highlights Lennon’s rock and roll discovery as an artistic awakening and emotional outlet for family trauma. It depicts his first band, The Quarrymen, and his initial meeting with Paul McCartney, with historical significance. The relationship between Taylor-Johnson and director Sam Taylor-Wood adds an intriguing layer to their chemistry.

15. Bird 

Biopic OfCharlie “Bird” Parker
Rotten Tomatoes Rating80%
ActorsForest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker
DirectorClint Eastwood
One Line PlotThe troubled life and career of jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, focusing on his revolutionary music and self-destructive tendencies.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Clint Eastwood’s lifelong love of jazz is evident in this atmospheric music biopic, which prioritizes mood and music over conventional narrative. Forest Whitaker’s immersive performance captures Parker’s genius and demons equally. 

Bird 
Image Source: IMDb

The film examines how it undermined his relationships and career. Eastwood innovatively paired contemporary musicians with Parker’s isolated saxophone tracks, creating a dialogue across time. The film mirrors jazz improvisation to form emotional connections.

16. La Vie en Rose

Biopic OfÉdith Piaf
Rotten Tomatoes Rating74%
ActorsMarion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory
DirectorOlivier Dahan
One Line PlotThe tragic life of French chanteuse Édith Piaf, from her impoverished childhood to international stardom.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Marion Cotillard’s tremendous performance as Édith Piaf will leave you breathless. It’s one of the most deserving Oscar wins. The storytelling may initially challenge you, but it effectively captures Piaf’s fragmented and chaotic lifestyle. 

La Vie en Rose
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Watch Piaf rise from Paris’s gritty streets to glamorous concert halls, battling addiction and loss. The performance of “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien,” after her lover’s death, feels devastating. It’s one of the finest biographical music movies ever made.        

17. Wicked Little Letters 

Biopic OfEdith Swan and Rose Gooding
Rotten Tomatoes Rating78%
ActorsOlivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall
DirectorThea Sharrock
One Line PlotBased on the true story of a 1920s English town scandalized by anonymous poison pen letters.
Watch It HereNetflix

This film shows how music reflected social divisions in 1920s England. The scandal at the center of the film serves as a lens through which to examine class tensions, with the contrasting musical preferences of conservative Edith Swan (Colman) and the free-spirited Rose Gooding (Buckley).

Wicked Little Letters 
Image Source: Prime Video

The film’s exceptional soundtrack transports you to Jazz Age England. Early jazz and blues music was considered threatening to the established order, with characters’ musical tastes serving as shorthand for their politics and values.

18. Elvis

The life of Elvis Presley from childhood to superstardom, with focus on his complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.Elvis Presley
Rotten Tomatoes Rating77%
ActorsAustin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge
DirectorBaz Luhrmann
One Line PlotThe life of Elvis Presley from childhood to superstardom, with a focus on his complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Watch It HereNetflix

Baz Luhrmann’s extravaganza brings Elvis to life through Austin Butler’s extraordinary two-year performance, perfecting Presley’s movements and voice. The film situates Elvis in American culture, highlighting his ties to Black music and political tensions.

Elvis
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Tom Hanks as Colonel Parker serves as a complex, multifaceted villain and narrator figure. The concert recreations are electric, particularly the ’68 Comeback Special. It perfectly captured the whirlwind nature of Presley’s rise and tragic decline.

Check out more information on the most famous pop music artists here.

19. I’m Not There

Biopic OfBob Dylan
Rotten Tomatoes Rating77%
ActorsCate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Richard Gere
DirectorTodd Haynes
One Line PlotSix different characters embody aspects of Bob Dylan’s life, music, and public personas.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

This music biopic has six different actors portraying different aspects of Dylan’s persona. Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of mid-60s Dylan is particularly mesmerizing, as she captures his mannerisms and energy so perfectly that we forget we’re watching a woman playing a man. 

I'm Not There
Image Source: YouTube

The film’s fragmented narrative style mirrors Dylan’s ever-evolving artistic identity. The film explores not just Dylan’s life but the very concept of identity itself. It’s challenging to view, which requires multiple watches.

20. 8 Mile

Biopic OfEminem (semi-autobiographical)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating76%
ActorsEminem, Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer
DirectorCurtis Hanson
One Line PlotA young white rapper struggles to find his voice and escape poverty in Detroit’s predominantly Black hip-hop scene.
Watch It HereNetflix

This film stars Eminem, essentially playing himself (as “B-Rabbit”), and delivers a compelling story about class struggle and artistic expression. Director Curtis Hanson’s portrayal of Detroit’s economic devastation creates a stark backdrop for the battle rap scenes.

8 Mile
Image Source: IMDb

Eminem’s surprisingly nuanced acting debut brings vulnerability to what could have been a one-dimensional role. The final rap battle remains one of cinema’s most satisfying victories, and “Lose Yourself” rightfully earned its Oscar for Best Original Song.

If you love rap music, check out my list of the best rap albums of all time right here to find out if Eminem makes it on my list.

21. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 

Biopic OfDewey Cox 
Rotten Tomatoes Rating74%
ActorsJohn C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows
DirectorJake Kasdan
One Line PlotThe life and music career of fictional singer Dewey Cox parodies music biopics by incorporating elements from numerous musicians’ lives.
Watch It HereNetflix

This music biopic deserves recognition for John C. Reilly’s committed performance. Reilly performs all the songs himself, shifting musical styles from 50s rock to 60s Dylan-esque folk to 70s disco as Dewey’s career evolves. 

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Image Source: Prime Video

The film shows childhood trauma, drug experimentation scenes, and the “dark period” every musician seems to experience. The quality of the original songs, “Walk Hard” and “Let’s Duet” is legitimately catchy. This biopic feels like a refreshing palate cleanser.

22. The Runaways 

Biopic OfThe Runaways
Rotten Tomatoes Rating69%
ActorsKristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon
DirectorFloria Sigismondi
One Line PlotThe formation, rise, and dissolution of the first successful all-girl hard rock band.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

This music biopic focuses on the relationship between Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) as they navigate the male-dominated rock scene of the 1970s. Stewart’s performance captures Jett’s swagger and determination perfectly. 

The Runaways
Image Source: IMDb

It includes the predatory behavior of their manager, Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon). The concert scenes vibrate with rebellious energy, and how groundbreaking these teenage girls were in creating space for women in rock music. The film shows both the exhilaration and exploitation they experienced.

23. Respect 

Biopic OfAretha Franklin
Rotten Tomatoes Rating68%
ActorsJennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans
DirectorLiesl Tommy
One Line PlotThe remarkable journey of Aretha Franklin from child gospel singer to international superstar.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Aretha Franklin is nothing short of magnificent. Franklin herself selected Hudson for the role before her passing. The film excels in showing Franklin’s evolution from performing her father’s chosen gospel songs to finding her voice and style.

Respect
Image Source: YouTube

You’ll be particularly moved by the scenes showing the creation of her breakthrough album at Muscle Shoals. It portrayed her activism alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and her struggles with domestic abuse. 

24. Bohemian Rhapsody

Biopic OfFreddie Mercury and Queen
Rotten Tomatoes Rating60%
ActorsRami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee
DirectorBryan Singer
One Line PlotThe story of Freddie Mercury and Queen’s meteoric rise to fame, internal struggles, and iconic performance at Live Aid 1985.
Watch It HereDisney Hotstar

You’d be mesmerized entirely by Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning transformation into Freddie Mercury. The film magnificently captures Queen’s musical evolution and Mercury’s flamboyant stage presence. It gives you an insight into why Queen ranks among the best-selling singers of all time.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Image Source: Disney Plus

While some critics pointed out historical inaccuracies, the concert recreations are stunning. The Live Aid sequence alone is worth your time, meticulously recreated shot for shot from the original performance. Once you’re done watching it, you’ll be singing “We Will Rock You” by the end.

25. The Doors

Biopic OfJim Morrison and The Doors
Rotten Tomatoes Rating57%
ActorsVal Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan
DirectorOliver Stone
One Line PlotThe rise and fall of 1960s rock-and-roll poet Jim Morrison and his band The Doors.
Watch It HerePrime Video

Oliver Stone’s provocative music biopic showcases Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison, with The Doors’ members reportedly unable to tell the difference between Kilmer’s singing and Morrison’s in certain scenes. The film seeks to immerse viewers in Morrison’s mind, merging reality with illusion. 

The Doors
Image Source: Prime Video

It captures the intensity of his performances and the spiritual quest beneath his self-destruction. The film portrayed the late 1960s counterculture, with Morrison serving as both its voice and its casualty in this musician’s biopic.

26. Jersey Boys 

Biopic OfFrankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Rotten Tomatoes Rating52%
ActorsJohn Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda, Vincent Piazza
DirectorClint Eastwood
One Line PlotThe rise of four young men from New Jersey who formed the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.
Watch It Here

This biopic musical features John Lloyd Young reprising his Tony-winning role as Frankie Valli. Eastwood’s direction brings a realism focusing on the group’s mob connections and personal conflicts. 

Jersey Boys
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

In this film, each band member narrates their perspective directly to the camera. While some critics found the approach stagey, it revealed contradictions in their shared history. The sequence showing their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame brings satisfying closure to their complicated journey.

27. The United States vs Billie Holiday 

Biopic OfBillie Holiday
Rotten Tomatoes Rating55%
ActorsAndra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund
DirectorLee Daniels
One Line PlotThe federal government targets jazz vocalist Billie Holiday for her song “Strange Fruit,” viewing it as a call to action for the civil rights movement.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

Andra Day’s stunning performance (which earned her an Oscar nomination) elevates this biopic that specifically focuses on how Holiday’s rendition of the song “Strange Fruit” made her a target of government harassment. Unlike many music biopics, this film depicts drug addiction while contextualizing it within the systemic racism she faced. 

The United States vs Billie Holiday 
Image Source: Hulu

Day captures not just Holiday’s vocal style but the emotional weight of singing such powerful content. The film connects Holiday’s artistic expression to broader political 

movements.

28. Beyond the Sea 

Biopic OfBobby Darin
Rotten Tomatoes Rating42%
ActorsKevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, John Goodman
DirectorKevin Spacey
One Line PlotBobby Darin’s rise from sickly child to multi-talented entertainer, told as a fantasy musical through his own imagination.
Watch It HereBobby Darin’s rise from sickly child to multi-talented entertainer, told as a fantasy musical through his imagination.

This movie, directed by and starring Kevin Spacey, who also performed his vocals, takes a meta approach, with the older Darin directing a film about his own life while interacting with his younger self. Critics were divided, but you’ll appreciate its creative ambition. 

Beyond the Sea 
Image Source: Prime Video

Spacey convincingly performs Darin’s hits, such as “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea.” The film excels in depicting Darin’s romance with actress Sandra Dee, played by Kate Bosworth, and his relentless drive to reinvent himself.

29. The Dirt 

Biopic OfMötley Crüe
Rotten Tomatoes Rating39%
ActorsDouglas Booth, Machine Gun Kelly, Iwan Rheon, Daniel Webber
DirectorJeff Tremaine
One Line PlotThe outrageous story of how Mötley Crüe became the most notorious rock band of the 1980s.
Watch It HereNetflix

This music biopic doesn’t shy away from the band’s notorious behavior, addiction issues, and rock excess. Critics weren’t kind to the film, but appreciated its unflinching approach to showing both the glamour and grime of fame. 

The Dirt 
Image Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Douglas Booth portrays Nikki Sixx, and Machine Gun Kelly plays Tommy Lee, both delivering surprisingly subtle performances amid turmoil. Their legendary live performances convey the vibrant energy that established their iconic status, providing a compelling, sometimes unsettling, glimpse into rock star life.

30. I Saw the Light 

A somber look at country music’s tragic poet.

Biopic OfHank Williams
Rotten Tomatoes Rating21%
ActorsTom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Cherry Jones
DirectorMarc Abraham
One Line PlotThe tragic story of country music pioneer Hank Williams, whose brilliant career was cut short by alcoholism and heart failure at age 29.
Watch It HereAmazon Prime Video

This biography music movie features Tom Hiddleston, who performed all Williams’ songs himself after intensive vocal training. The film shows Williams’ alcoholism, chronic pain from spina bifida, and tumultuous relationship with his wife Audrey (Elizabeth Olsen). 

I Saw the Light 
Image Source: IMDb

It showcases Williams’ simple, poetic songs about loneliness and heartbreak, as well as his chaotic personal life. The film effectively conveys the bleakness of Williams’ inner world. His Grand Ole Opry performances provide a window into a pivotal moment in American musical history.

New & Upcoming Music Biopic Movies in 2025

The success of recent music biopics has inspired a new wave of films about legendary artists. Here are 20 more remarkable music biopics to add to your watchlist:

  • Back to Black (2025) – Marisa Abela transforms into Amy Winehouse in this intimate portrayal directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, focusing on her musical journey and personal struggles with fame and addiction.
  • Bob Marley: One Love (2025) – Kingsley Ben-Adir brings the reggae legend to life, exploring Marley’s musical innovation and his message of peace during Jamaica’s political turmoil.
  • A Complete Unknown (2025) – Timothée Chalamet portrays the young Bob Dylan during his controversial transition from folk to electric rock, directed by James Mangold.

Related Reads:

Conclusion: What’s Love Got To Do With It Is A Must-Watch With A 97% Rating!

​In 2025, the top three music biopics, What’s Love Got to Do with It, deliver a powerful portrayal of Tina Turner’s journey, highlighted by Angela Bassett’s acclaimed performance. 

Amadeus offers a dramatic exploration of Mozart’s life and genius, earning multiple Academy Awards. La Bamba captures Ritchie Valens’ rise and tragic end, resonating with audiences through its heartfelt narrative and musical legacy. 

These films continue to captivate viewers, celebrating the lives and music of iconic artists. So what is your first pick going to be today?

FAQs

What is the highest-grossing music biopic of all time?

“Bohemian Rhapsody” takes the crown with over $900 million worldwide, making it not just the highest-grossing music biopic but one of the most successful biopics in any category.

Do actors sing their own parts in music biopics?

It varies. Rami Malek lip-synced to Freddie Mercury recordings in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” while Taron Egerton performed his own vocals in “Rocketman” and Joaquin Phoenix sang as Johnny Cash.

Are music biopics historically accurate?

Most take creative liberties with timelines and events for dramatic effect. They aim to capture the essence of the artist rather than document every detail with strict accuracy.

Why have music biopics become so popular recently?

Nostalgia, streaming platforms’ demand for content, and the success of films like “Bohemian Rhapsody” have all contributed to the recent boom in musical biographical films.

Which music biopic has won the most Academy Awards?

“Bohemian Rhapsody” won four Oscars, including Best Actor for Rami Malek, while “Ray” earned Jamie Foxx a Best Actor win among its two Oscar victories.

About the Author

Eram Shaikh is the passionate editor of Simplebeen.com, where she brings her love for music, concerts, movies, and TV shows to life. Having attended countless live concerts, Eram offers readers an insider’s perspective on the magic and reality of live events. Always in tune with the hot trends in the entertainment industry, she combines her personal experiences and expertise to deliver engaging, authentic content for entertainment enthusiasts.

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