Music has the power to stir emotions, tell stories, and change lives. These 10 films delve into the world of music, showcasing the drama, passion, and sometimes the heartache that comes with it. From the rise of legendary musicians to the personal struggles behind the scenes, these movies offer a symphony of human experiences that resonate with music lovers and drama enthusiasts alike.

Amadeus (1984)
Description: A fictionalized account of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, focusing on his rivalry with Antonio Salieri, exploring themes of genius, jealousy, and the divine in music.
Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and the music was performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.


The Pianist (2002)
Description: Set during WWII, this film tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survives the Holocaust by hiding in the ruins of Warsaw, using his music as solace.
Fact: Adrien Brody learned to play the piano for the role, and his performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.


Ray (2004)
Description: A biographical drama about the life of Ray Charles, showcasing his rise to fame, his battle with addiction, and his groundbreaking contributions to music.
Fact: Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles, and he performed all the singing himself.


Walk the Line (2005)
Description: This film chronicles the life of Johnny Cash, focusing on his relationship with June Carter, his music career, and his personal demons, offering a raw look at the man behind the music.
Fact: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all their own singing, with Witherspoon winning an Oscar for her role as June Carter.


Control (2007)
Description: A black-and-white biopic about Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division, detailing his life, his battle with epilepsy, and his tragic end, all set against the backdrop of the punk rock scene.
Fact: Sam Riley, who played Curtis, had never acted before and learned to sing and perform like him for the role.


A Star is Born (2018)
Description: This remake tells the story of a seasoned musician who discovers and falls in love with a struggling artist, highlighting the highs and lows of fame and personal relationships.
Fact: Lady Gaga performed all her songs live during filming, and Bradley Cooper learned to sing and play guitar for his role.


Whiplash (2014)
Description: A gripping tale of a young drummer's pursuit of greatness under the ruthless mentorship of a jazz teacher, exploring themes of ambition, dedication, and the cost of perfection.
Fact: Miles Teller learned to play the drums for the role, practicing up to 4 hours a day. The film's intense drumming scenes were performed live on set.


La La Land (2016)
Description: This film is a modern-day musical that captures the dreams and struggles of two aspiring artists in Los Angeles, blending romance with the harsh realities of chasing stardom.
Fact: The opening dance number was filmed in one take, requiring extensive rehearsals. The film won six Oscars, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle.


The Commitments (1991)
Description: A humorous yet heartfelt story about a group of working-class youths in Dublin who form a soul band, capturing the spirit of music as a means of escape and expression.
Fact: The film features a soundtrack of classic soul hits, and many of the actors were not professional musicians but learned to play for the film.


Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Description: A poignant look at the folk music scene in the early 1960s, following a struggling musician through a week of his life, capturing the essence of artistic struggle and the fleeting nature of success.
Fact: The film features original music by T Bone Burnett and Marcus Mumford, and the character of Llewyn Davis is loosely based on real-life folk singer Dave Van Ronk.
