If you are a big fan of the music industry, you will be well-aware that there is a lot of drama involved in the lives of celebrities. Whether it’s due to drug addiction or infidelity, many singers have been known to file for bankruptcy or even die young. This list is dedicated to ten movies about famous singers and their struggles in life and music. Take a peek at what they’re all about!
Movies About Being a Famous Singer
1. Begin Again
This romantic comedy stars Keira Knightley as a singer-songwriter who rediscovers her mojo when she falls in love with a struggling record label executive played by Mark Ruffalo during the height of the recession. Chances are, if you’ve never heard of Keira Knightley, you’re more likely to recognize Mark Ruffalo from his roles in The Avengers and Shutter Island. The movie is available on Netflix.
2. Bloody Sunday
This Oscar nominee about the 1972 British civil rights march at Derry, Northern Ireland is one of the best movies about famous singers. It was based on events that occurred in Bloody Sunday when British troops massacred a crowd of unarmed civilians.
3. Can’t Buy Me Love
This comedy stars a young Hugh Grant as a 14-year-old rock star who has to break up with his manager, played by Paul McGuigan, after he discovers that he’s been embezzling money. The soundtrack includes top hits from the 1960’s like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” by The Beatles, “Come See About Me,” by The Supremes, and “All I Have to Do is Dream,” by The Everly Brothers.
4. Fame
This musical drama was a remake of the Oscar-winning 1979 film starring Irene Cara that was loosely based on the 1975 documentary of the same name. It features a cast of unknowns including Kris Allen, who was brought on as a last minute replacement for Joe Jonas after he dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and Bianca A. Santos, who you might recognize as Sandra on ABC’s Once Upon A Time. The movie is available on Netflix streaming.
5. I Called Him Morgan
This indie film tells the true story of jazz musician Lee Morgan and the murder trial that followed his alleged shooting of his wife, Helen. The movie stars Elvire Emanuelle Beart (from Gossip Girl) and Toby Huss (from Mad Men). It is currently available to rent on Amazon Instant Video.
6. La Bamba
This biopic about Latin rock star Ritchie Valens was one of Lou Diamond Phillips’ most successful films as an actor and has become a cult classic in recent years. The movie is available to rent on Amazon Instant Video and Google Play.
7. Memphis
The Oscar-nominated true story of blues legend Isaac Hayes, who played music with Sam and Dave in Fame and went on to have a successful solo career, is a movie that has stood the test of time. A scene in which Isaac Hayes sings “Soul Man,” with accompanying lip-syncing from Samuel L. Jackson, is considered one of the most memorable scenes from an Oscar-winning movie.
8. Midnight Cowboy
This Oscar winner for Best Picture stars Jon Voight as a street busker who becomes a male escort for gay men before becoming a transgender hustler who works on the streets of New York City’s West Village. The movie is available to rent on Amazon Instant Video.
9. Unforgettable
This romantic comedy starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere was based on a novel by CeeCee Honeywood that was subsequently turned into a TV series starring Emma Samms as Honeywood’s character Martha Reynolds.
Conclusion
Fans of singing and music will enjoy the following films about famous singers. These movies might not be for everyone, but should be considered by those looking for a good cry or feeling nostalgic.