10 Movies & Shows Like School of Rock (2003)

Description: The Buddy Holly Story shares with School of Rock a celebration of rock 'n' roll's rebellious spirit and innovative energy. Both films feature protagonists who challenge musical conventions, though Holly was a real pioneer while Dewey Finn is a fictional enthusiast. The films share an infectious musical energy and belief in music's power to inspire and connect people.

Fact: Gary Busey performed all the musical numbers himself. Busey earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal. The film takes some liberties with Holly's actual life story.

Description: The Commitments mirrors School of Rock's theme of forming an unlikely musical group from diverse individuals. Both films celebrate the unifying power of music and feature charismatic leaders trying to shape raw talent into something special. The working-class Dublin setting provides a grittier counterpart to School of Rock's prep school environment, but both are ultimately feel-good stories about music bringing people together.

Fact: The film is based on Roddy Doyle's novel of the same name. Most cast members were non-actors with musical backgrounds. The soundtrack went triple platinum in several countries.

Description: That Thing You Do! shares School of Rock's joyful exploration of a band's formation and first taste of success. Both films capture the excitement of making music and the bonds formed through creative collaboration. While set in different eras (1960s vs contemporary), they both have an affectionate, nostalgic tone and emphasize the pure fun of rock 'n' roll.

Fact: Tom Hanks made his directorial debut with this film. The title song was written by Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger. The Wonders were portrayed by actual musicians who learned to play as a band.

Description: Almost Famous, like School of Rock, is a coming-of-age story deeply immersed in rock music culture. Both films feature young protagonists discovering themselves through music, though in different capacities - one as a teacher and the other as a journalist. They share themes of mentorship, the purity of musical passion, and the contrast between commercial success and artistic integrity.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on Cameron Crowe's experiences as a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone. Kate Hudson's performance as Penny Lane earned her an Oscar nomination. The fictional band Stillwater was inspired by a combination of Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Description: Rock Star shares similarities with School of Rock in its focus on the transformative power of music and the journey of an underdog protagonist. Both films explore themes of passion, identity, and the pursuit of dreams within the rock music scene. While School of Rock is more comedic and family-oriented, Rock Star delves into the grittier side of the music industry, but both celebrate the spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg's character was inspired by real-life Judas Priest replacement singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens. The film features cameos from real rock musicians like Zakk Wylde and Jeff Pilson. Originally intended to be a more serious drama, the script was rewritten to include more comedic elements.

Description: The Runaways shares with School of Rock the theme of young musicians finding their voice. Both films depict the formation of a band and the challenges of the music industry, though The Runaways presents a grittier, more biographical take. The mentorship dynamic between Joan Jett and Kim Fowley parallels in some ways Dewey Finn's relationship with his students, though far more problematic.

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 early years before Cherie Currie's departure.

Description: Cadillac Records shares School of Rock's love for music history, though focusing on blues and early rock rather than contemporary rock. Both films show how music transcends boundaries and creates unlikely families. The ensemble cast of musicians finding their voice parallels School of Rock's students discovering their talent, albeit in a more dramatic, historical context.

Fact: Beyoncé learned to play guitar left-handed for her role as Etta James. The film compresses Chess Records' 20-year history into a shorter timeline. Mos Def's portrayal of Chuck Berry was particularly praised.

Description: Bohemian Rhapsody shares School of Rock's celebration of rock music's power and theatricality. Both films feature charismatic frontmen (albeit at different career stages) and explore how music can define identity. While School of Rock is fictional and comedic, Bohemian Rhapsody's biographical approach to Queen's story similarly captures the joy and energy of rock performance.

Fact: Rami Malek spent months studying Freddie Mercury's movements and voice. The Live Aid recreation used some original audio from the 1985 concert. Sacha Baron Cohen was originally attached to play Mercury.

Description: Rocketman, like School of Rock, is a musical celebration that blends performance with personal growth. Both use music as a vehicle for emotional expression and transformation, though Rocketman takes a more fantastical, musical-theater approach to Elton John's biography. The films share an exuberant energy and belief in music's power to heal and inspire.

Fact: The film uses Elton John's songs as musical numbers to advance the story. Taron Egerton performed all the vocals himself. John and his husband David Furnish produced the film.

Description: While tonally different, Whiplash shares with School of Rock an intense focus on music education and the teacher-student dynamic. Both explore what it takes to achieve musical excellence, though Whiplash presents a much darker, more obsessive perspective. The films contrast in their portrayal of mentorship - one abusive, one inspirational - but both powerfully demonstrate music's transformative effect on young people.

Fact: Damien Chazelle based the story on his own high school band experiences. J.K. Simmons won an Oscar for his supporting role. The film was shot in just 19 days.