10 Must-Watch Dramas About Musicians

Description: This film explores the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of his rival, Antonio Salieri. It's a dramatic portrayal of genius, jealousy, and the divine nature of music, offering a deep dive into the psyche of one of history's greatest composers.

Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is loosely based on the play by Peter Shaffer.

Description: Set during World War II, this film tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survives the Holocaust by hiding in the ruins of Warsaw. It's a poignant tale of survival through music.

Fact: Adrien Brody learned to play the piano for the role, and his performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Description: This biopic chronicles the life of Ray Charles, focusing on his rise to fame, his personal struggles, and his groundbreaking contributions to music. Jamie Foxx delivers a tour de force performance, capturing the essence of the legendary musician.

Fact: Jamie Foxx performed all the piano playing in the film, and his portrayal won him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Description: This biographical drama captures the tumultuous life of Johnny Cash, from his early days to his legendary status, highlighting his relationship with June Carter. It's a story of love, addiction, and redemption, all set to the backdrop of his iconic music.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all their own singing in the film. Witherspoon won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter.

Description: This film chronicles the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division, focusing on his struggles with epilepsy, depression, and the pressures of fame, leading to his tragic end.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, reflecting the starkness of Curtis' life and the band's aesthetic.

Description: A biographical film about the life of Édith Piaf, one of France's most beloved singers. It covers her rise from the streets of Paris to international stardom, her tumultuous personal life, and her enduring legacy.

Fact: Marion Cotillard's performance as Piaf was so convincing that she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming the first person to win for a French-language role.

Description: Based on a true story, this film explores the relationship between a journalist and a homeless, mentally ill musician, showcasing the transformative power of music and human connection.

Fact: Jamie Foxx learned to play the cello for his role, and the film's score was composed by Dario Marianelli, who won an Oscar for his work on "Atonement."

Description: This remake tells the story of a seasoned musician who discovers and falls in love with a struggling artist, only for their careers to take opposite paths. It's a modern take on the classic tale of fame, love, and the music industry.

Fact: Lady Gaga performed all her own singing in the film, and Bradley Cooper learned to sing and play guitar for his role.

Description: A gripping drama about the relationship between a young jazz drummer and his ruthless instructor, pushing the boundaries of ambition, dedication, and the cost of greatness in the world of music.

Fact: J.K. Simmons' intense performance as the abusive instructor earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Description: Set in the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene, this film follows a week in the life of a struggling folk singer. It's a melancholic yet humorous look at the life of an artist on the brink of obscurity.

Fact: The Coen Brothers wrote the film with Oscar Isaac in mind for the lead role, and he performs all the songs himself.