10 Movies and Shows Like Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock ‘n’ Roll (2018)

Description: This biopic, similar to the Chuck Berry documentary, chronicles the life of another rock 'n' roll pioneer. Both films showcase the artist's musical innovation and their role in shaping the genre. The narrative also touches on the cultural impact of their music during a transformative era.

Fact: Gary Busey received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Buddy Holly. The film's musical performances were recorded live, adding to its authenticity. It covers Holly's brief but influential career, ending with his tragic death at age

Description: Oliver Stone's biopic of Jim Morrison, like the Chuck Berry documentary, delves into the life of a charismatic and controversial music figure. Both films examine the artist's creative process, their impact on music, and the darker aspects of fame.

Fact: Val Kilmer's performance as Morrison is highly regarded for its accuracy. Kilmer sang all the songs himself, closely mimicking Morrison's voice. The film is known for its psychedelic visuals, reflecting the band's style.

Description: This Tina Turner biopic shares with the Chuck Berry documentary a focus on a music legend's career and personal struggles. Both films highlight the artist's resilience and their significant contributions to music, despite facing substantial obstacles.

Fact: Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne received Oscar nominations for their roles. Bassett performed many of Turner's dance moves herself. The film is based on Turner's autobiography, offering a personal perspective on her life.

Description: 'Ray' shares with the Chuck Berry documentary a deep dive into the life of a musical genius—Ray Charles. Both films explore the artist's unique sound, their struggles with personal demons, and their indelible mark on music history. The storytelling in both is both celebratory and candid.

Fact: Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for his transformative performance as Ray Charles. Foxx learned to play piano blindfolded to accurately portray Charles. The film was made with the cooperation of Ray Charles, who approved of Foxx's casting before his death.

Description: This Johnny Cash biopic, like the Chuck Berry documentary, focuses on a music legend's rise to fame, their distinctive style, and their personal battles. Both films highlight the artist's influence on their genre and their complex relationships with those around them.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all the songs themselves. Witherspoon won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash. The film is based on Cash's autobiographies, providing a firsthand account of his life.

Description: This film, similar to the Chuck Berry documentary, focuses on a pioneering act in rock music—The Runaways. Both works highlight the artists' breaking of barriers in a male-dominated industry and their influence on future generations of musicians.

Fact: Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning play Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, respectively. The film captures the band's raw energy and rebellious spirit. It's based on Currie's autobiography, providing an insider's view of the band's rise and fall.

Description: This film, like the Chuck Berry documentary, explores the early days of rock 'n' roll and the artists who shaped it. While focusing on Chess Records and artists like Muddy Waters and Etta James, it shares with the Berry documentary a look at the cultural and racial dynamics of the music industry at the time.

Fact: Beyoncé plays Etta James, performing several of her classic songs. The film dramatizes the founding of Chess Records, a pivotal label in blues and rock 'n' roll. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of black artists to the genre.

Description: This film, like the Chuck Berry documentary, celebrates the life and legacy of a music icon—Freddie Mercury of Queen. Both works highlight the artist's groundbreaking contributions to their genre and their enduring influence on music. The films also share a focus on the challenges and triumphs of their subjects' careers.

Fact: Rami Malek won an Oscar for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury. The film's Live Aid concert sequence is a meticulous recreation of the original 1985 event. Despite criticism for historical inaccuracies, the film was a massive box office success.

Description: This film, like the Chuck Berry documentary, tells the story of a group that left a lasting mark on music history—The Four Seasons. Both works explore the artists' rise to fame, their distinctive sound, and the challenges they faced along the way.

Fact: Directed by Clint Eastwood, it's an adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The film uses the group's original recordings for the musical numbers. It features the band's signature harmonies and hits like 'Sherry' and 'Big Girls Don't Cry'.

Description: Like 'Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'n' Roll', 'Rocketman' is a biographical musical film that delves into the life of a legendary musician—Elton John. Both films explore the artist's rise to fame, their impact on music history, and the personal struggles they faced. The films share a vibrant visual style that mirrors the energy of their respective musical genres.

Fact: 'Rocketman' is notable for its fantastical elements, blending reality with surreal musical sequences. Taron Egerton performed all the songs himself, unlike many musical biopics that use the original artist's recordings. The film was produced by Elton John himself, ensuring an authentic portrayal of his life.