From the glitz and glamor of the rock ‘n’ roll era to the gritty underground scenes of hip-hop and jazz, music biopics have long been a favorite genre among film enthusiasts. These films not only give us a glimpse into the lives of our favorite musicians but also provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context in which they thrived. This is why today we decided to take a journey through the early days of Vaudeville with Fanny Brice to the streets of Compton with N.W.A. and explore some of the best music biopics ever made, delving into stories that captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Considering how many notable musicians throughout history have had films about their lives, narrowing it down to just seven is no easy task. Especially when you factor in how strongly people feel about biographical pictures, especially when it comes to being nominated at the Oscars. In 2020, Renee Zellweger was awarded for her work portraying Judy Garland in “Judy,” and just last year, Austin Butler was nominated for Best Actor for his work in “Elvis.” However, a poll done surveying people about the big award show back in 2022 showed many people felt that the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson, was specifically snubbed for a chance at the iconic golden statue. The Oscars have also snubbed “Get On Up,” the James Brown biopic starring the late Chadwick Boseman. However, anyone who’s seen the films can agree they feature one-in-a-lifetime performances that truly exceed any statute reward.
But why are people so passionate about music biopics? Music biopics have a unique ability to resonate with people on a deep level. One reason for this is the power of music itself. Music has a way of evoking emotions and connecting with our own personal experiences, and when we see the story of a musician unfold on the big screen, it becomes a window into their world and their creative process. Moreover, music biopics often delve into the personal struggles and triumphs of these artists, shedding light on the human side of their larger-than-life personas. This vulnerability and relatability allow audiences to empathize with their journey and find inspiration in their resilience.
There’s no greater example of the journeys described above than the films on this list. The seven movies that made the ranking are all epic tales of self-discovery and the importance of music in one’s life. As always, we at StudyFinds have researched across eight expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top seven best music biopics of all time. Of course, everything is subjective, and you may not share the same opinion, which is why we would love to hear from you in the comments below. Now, onto the list!
The List: Best Music Biopics That Fans Recommend
1. “Funny Girl” (1968)
Yeah, the guy said, “Honey, you’re a funny girl!” And no girl was funnier than Ms. Fanny Brice. From her days in the Ziegfeld Follies to portraying the loveable but annoying Snooks, Fanny Brice set a tone for all comedians to come. August Man describes this film as a “masterpiece,” starring none other than Barbra Streisand in an Oscar-winning performance as the Jewish icon.
Though it’s difficult to imagine, according to The Guardian, this was Streisand’s on-screen debut. She plays the pre-war singer and comic star with such chutzpah that she transforms Brice’s silliness into an amazing and distinctive character. Her songs, particularly “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” are obvious hits, as she exudes brilliance, femininity, Jewish identity, sensuality, and vulnerability all in one performance.
2. “Elvis” (1979)
Next up is “Elvis.” Though Austin Butler’s take as the King of Rock’ N Roll is fresh in people’s minds, it is Kurt Russell’s take from the 1979 film that proved to be a standout. GQ notes that “one major point of difference” between this movie and Baz Luhrmann’s most recent creation is that the former concentrates on the subject’s early years and ends in 1970, just as his health begins to worsen, rather than following him from birth to death. This enables filmmaker John Carpenter to highlight the importance of his mother and Colonel Tom Parker’s ties and highlight the impact these individuals had on the King.
Since the King’s untimely death in 1977, a number of Elvis Presley biopics have been produced, but this made-for-TV film, directed by John Carpenter, is still “one to beat,” raves Rolling Stone. Russell lip-synced to country music musician Ronnie McDowell’s voice instead of singing for the movie, but his performance scenes nonetheless capture a great deal of the intensity and visceral thrill of Presley’s onstage presence.
The film follows him from his early years, when Shelley Winters played his mother, Gladys, to his celebrity years, when Pat Hingle played Colonel Tom Parker. Russell delivers a powerful yet delicate performance that is unforgettable as an Elvis impersonator. Just three years after Presley passed away, Russell’s brilliant and entertaining rendition effectively started the worldwide fad of Elvis imitation, which is still practiced today in pubs, clubs, and hen parties all over the world, but mostly “without Russell’s skills,” jokes The Guardian.
3. “Ray” (2004)
The next biopic to make the list is 2004’s “Ray.” Written, produced, and directed by Taylor Hackford, this movie “focuses on 30 years in the life of pioneering soul music/R&B icon Ray Charles,” writes U Discover Music. It follows the trajectory of Charles’s career from his early club days to his crossover success with Atlantic Records, his commercial downfall in the 1970s, and his incredible return, which earned him a Grammy for his work with Chaka Khan.
Jamie Foxx, who earned an Oscar for his captivating portrayal of American musician Ray Charles in this movie, is at his best ever. The narrative traces his modest beginnings in Florida, where he studied piano instruction before experiencing the twin traumas of his brother’s murder and total blindness. It also depicts the background of his relationships and his involvement in the civil rights struggle as his career soars. “Amongst many other things, Ray is cold hard proof that ‘Georgia on my Mind’ is one of the greatest songs ever written,” adds GQ.
Foxx portrays Charles with a brilliant performance, perfectly capturing his eccentricities and physical gestures, particularly his rolling walk, which is a cross between a star’s swagger and a blind man’s cautiousness. Charles is seen experimenting with a variety of musical genres, including blues, country, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and, most importantly, gospel. The Guardian claims that the entire film is, in a sense, “evangelizing for Ray Charles.”
4. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980)
Once upon a time, a woman named Loretta Lynn was born to a coal miner in Butcher Holler. She would make history and personally pick one Sissy Spacek to play her in this biopic. Which, according to U Discover Music, was arguably a “career-best performance.” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which is based on Lynn’s autobiography and also stars Levon Helm and Tommy Lee Jones, chronicles the story of the iconic singer from her impoverished upbringing to her rise to fame.
“Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which takes its name from a song and album that Lynn released, features an Oscar-winning performance by Spacek as the country artist, mentions Forbes. Spacek’s portrayal of Lynn is considered one of the most authentic and compelling performances in the history of biographical films. Her dedication to the role and her ability to capture Lynn’s essence on-screen earned her critical acclaim, among other accolades.
Even though Lynn is shown singing nonstop throughout the film, Sift Pop reviewers were shocked with how much the film focuses on her background before jumping into her music career. A large part of the film particularly centers on how she meets and marries her husband. The fact that Beverley D’Angelo (as Patsy Cline) and Spacek both sang the lead roles is remarkable. According to Sift Pop, seeing how Lynn’s life changes from the first scene to the last scene is “striking” and a fantastic way to visually wrap up the movie.
Source : https://studyfinds.org/best-music-biopics