10 Movies and Shows Similar to A Complete Unknown (2024)

Description: As one of the earliest successful musical biopics, 'The Buddy Holly Story' paved the way for films like 'A Complete Unknown'. Both celebrate the brief but impactful careers of musicians who changed the face of popular music.

Fact: Gary Busey earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Holly. Busey performed all the songs live during filming. The film takes some liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect.

Description: 'The Doors' shares similarities with 'A Complete Unknown' as both films are biopics about iconic musicians who pushed boundaries. The film captures the psychedelic era and the tumultuous life of Jim Morrison, much like how 'A Complete Unknown' might explore Bob Dylan's revolutionary impact on music and culture.

Fact: Val Kilmer's performance as Jim Morrison was so convincing that the band members reportedly had eerie moments of deja vu. Kilmer learned 50 of Morrison's songs and performed them live during filming. The film's soundtrack features original recordings by The Doors.

Description: Like 'A Complete Unknown', 'Ray' is a biographical film about a music legend, Ray Charles. Both films highlight the artist's groundbreaking contributions to music and their personal battles. The emotional tone is deeply moving, showcasing the protagonist's resilience and creativity.

Fact: Jamie Foxx wore prosthetic eyelids to portray Ray Charles' blindness. Foxx learned to play piano like Charles and even performed with him before his death. The film won two Oscars, including Best Actor for Foxx.

Description: Similar to 'A Complete Unknown' (2024), 'Walk the Line' is a biographical drama that delves into the life of a legendary musician, Johnny Cash. Both films explore themes of artistic genius, personal struggles, and the transformative power of music. The storytelling style is intimate, focusing on the protagonist's rise to fame and personal demons.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix learned to sing and play guitar for the role, performing all the songs himself. Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash. The film was based on two autobiographies by Johnny Cash.

Description: 'I'm Not There' is particularly relevant as it's another film about Bob Dylan, like 'A Complete Unknown'. It uses a non-linear, avant-garde approach to explore Dylan's multifaceted persona, which might resonate with the storytelling style of the new film.

Fact: Six different actors, including Cate Blanchett, portray Dylan. The title comes from a Dylan song that wasn't released until years after it was recorded. The film was co-written by Todd Haynes, known for his unconventional biopics.

Description: 'Control' shares with 'A Complete Unknown' a focus on a transformative figure in music history, Joy Division's Ian Curtis. Both films likely explore the intense pressure of fame and the personal costs of artistic genius, with a stark, atmospheric visual style.

Fact: Shot in black and white to reflect the mood of Joy Division's music. The lead actor, Sam Riley, learned to sing and perform like Curtis. The film is based on a memoir by Curtis's widow.

Description: 'The Runaways' and 'A Complete Unknown' both depict the rise of revolutionary musicians in their respective eras. The films explore youth, rebellion, and the music industry's challenges, with a raw energy that captures the spirit of their subjects.

Fact: Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning learned to play their instruments for the film. Joan Jett served as an executive producer. The film focuses on the band's formation and early years rather than their entire career.

Description: 'Nowhere Boy' examines John Lennon's formative years, similar to how 'A Complete Unknown' might explore Bob Dylan's early career. Both films likely delve into the influences and experiences that shaped these iconic artists.

Fact: Aaron Taylor-Johnson's performance as young Lennon was widely praised. The film explores Lennon's complex relationship with his aunt and mother. It includes early versions of Beatles songs performed by the cast.

Description: 'Bohemian Rhapsody' parallels 'A Complete Unknown' in its portrayal of a musical icon's rise to fame and personal struggles. Both films celebrate the artist's legacy and the cultural impact of their music, with a focus on live performances and the creative process.

Fact: Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddie Mercury earned him an Academy Award. The film's Live Aid concert sequence was meticulously recreated using original stage designs. The movie became the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time.

Description: 'Rocketman' and 'A Complete Unknown' both explore the life of a musical genius with a unique storytelling approach. 'Rocketman' uses fantastical elements to depict Elton John's emotional journey, similar to how 'A Complete Unknown' might blend reality and artistry to tell Bob Dylan's story.

Fact: Taron Egerton performed all the songs himself, unlike many musical biopics. The film was produced by Elton John himself, ensuring authenticity. It won an Oscar for Best Original Song ('I'm Gonna Love Me Again').