Movies & Shows Like Shoplifters of the World

Description: A gritty yet heartwarming tale of a group of working-class Dubliners forming a soul band, highlighting the transformative and unifying power of music.

Fact: The film is based on Roddy Doyle's novel and features mostly unknown actors who performed their own music. It won the BAFTA Award for Best Film.

Description: A nostalgic look at teenage life in the 1970s, focusing on the last day of school and the antics of a group of high school students, embodying the spirit of youth and freedom.

Fact: The film's soundtrack features classic rock songs from the era, and it was shot in Austin, Texas, where many of the actors were local unknowns at the time.

Description: A day in the life of employees at an independent record store, exploring themes of friendship, music, and the struggles of young adulthood.

Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but gained a cult following over the years, especially among music lovers. The store's name was inspired by a real record store in Delaware.

Description: A lighthearted story about a one-hit-wonder band in the 1960s, capturing the excitement and fleeting nature of fame, with a strong emphasis on music and camaraderie.

Fact: Tom Hanks not only directed the film but also wrote the title song, which became a real-life hit. The fictional band's name, The Wonders, was inspired by The Beatles.

Description: A story about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, centered around a record store owner who revisits his past relationships, blending humor and emotional depth with a strong musical backdrop.

Fact: The film is based on Nick Hornby's novel of the same name, and the record store scenes were filmed in an actual Chicago record store called Reckless Records.

Description: A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1970s rock music scene, capturing the essence of youth, rebellion, and the transformative power of music.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on director Cameron Crowe's experiences as a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone. The fictional band Stillwater was inspired by real-life bands like Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers.

Description: A black-and-white biopic about Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division, exploring his personal struggles, artistic genius, and the pressures of fame.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where Joy Division lived and performed. Sam Riley, who played Curtis, learned to sing and perform like him, capturing his distinctive stage presence.

Description: A raw and energetic portrayal of the all-female rock band The Runaways, focusing on their rise to fame and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated industry.

Fact: The film is based on Cherie Currie's autobiography, and Kristen Stewart learned to play guitar left-handed to accurately portray Joan Jett. The band's music was a mix of punk and hard rock.

Description: A biographical drama about the rise of the legendary band Queen, focusing on the life of Freddie Mercury and the band's musical journey, blending personal struggles with triumphant performances.

Fact: The film's climactic Live Aid performance was meticulously recreated, using a mix of original footage and new shots. Rami Malek learned to sing like Mercury but his vocals were mixed with Mercury's and a soundalike.

Description: A fantastical musical biopic of Elton John's life, blending his personal struggles with his iconic music, presented in a vibrant, theatrical style.

Fact: The film uses Elton John's songs to tell his life story, often breaking into elaborate musical numbers. Taron Egerton performed all the songs himself, unlike many musical biopics.