The Best Music Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 25, 2024 119 items
Ranked By
10.7K votes
836 voters
13 reranks
Voting Rules
Movies that revolve around music, including biopics, but not music documentaries or concert films
Latest additions: Unsung Hero, Amar Singh Chamkila, Band Aid
Most divisive: Moulin Rouge!
Over 800 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Music Movies

A list of all the best music movies ever made, ranked by movie fans. This music movie list can be sorted by cast, year, director and more, but is currently ordered by popularity. Rank the best items on the list to see them get to the top. This list of music films also contains music movie titles that can be clicked on for more information about the film. Re-rank this page as your own by re-ordering the items, then you can share it on Tumblr,Twitter or Facebook. These are the top films about music in that each and every one on this list either focuses or deals with the concept of music, most often as a central theme. Don't like 'Parkway Drive: The DVD' or 'Xanadu'? Give them a thumbs down. If there are any movies about music you believe we missed, please feel free to add them to the list yourself. The films on this list cover the most famous music movies of all time.What makes for a truly great musical movie? Clearly it's the fact that great music is the central theme. Ever single one of the items listed here could easily be included on any list of the greatest soundtracks of all time. Among them: 'The Blues Brothers,' 'This is Spinal Tap,' 'Almost Famous' and 'High Fidelity.' Films are listed below along with release information. Director information on these music movies is included when available. Films about music include photos if you click on the name of the film and movie trailers are also included, when available. Enjoy checking out these films, many of which are some of the best movies of all time.Whether you're watching these music movies on DVD, Blu-ray or on Netflix instant streaming, this is a list of good music movies for a wide variety of occasions. So from the latest to simply the greatest music movies, here is the full music movies list, ordered from best to worst.

  • The Wizard of Oz
    1

    The Wizard of Oz

    Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
    349 votes
    The Wizard of Oz is a classic fantasy film, an enduring testament to Hollywood's Golden Age. Young Dorothy (Judy Garland) finds herself whisked away from her Kansas home by a tornado, landing in the vibrant and fantastical Land of Oz. Joined by a trio of unforgettable characters - the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) longing for brains, the Tin Man (Jack Haley) yearning for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) seeking courage - they traverse the yellow brick road. Their destination: the enigmatic Wizard of Oz, who can potentially grant their wishes and return Dorothy home. Winner of two Academy Awards, this movie is noted for its innovative use of Technicolor and iconic musical numbers.
  • The Sound of Music
    2

    The Sound of Music

    Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
    373 votes
    In the heart of Austria, Maria (Julie Andrews), a vivacious postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, is sent to serve Captain Von Trapp's (Christopher Plummer) seven children as their governess. A stern widower, Von Trapp runs his home with military discipline. However, Maria's spirited personality and love for music soon win over the children, transforming the gloomy household into a vibrant hub of song and dance. The Sound of Music is a captivating musical drama that won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 1965. As political tensions rise in Europe, the family faces tough decisions about their future.
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  • The Blues Brothers
    3

    The Blues Brothers

    John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown
    435 votes
    In the eclectic comedy The Blues Brothers, Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) are on a mission from God. Paroled from prison, they set out to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from closure due to unpaid taxes. With a plan to reunite their old band and stage a big gig, they dodge police, neo-Nazis, and country singers in a madcap race against time. Director John Landis melds music, humor, and high-speed car chases in this cult classic that celebrates blues, soul, and R&B music.
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  • La Bamba
    4

    La Bamba

    Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto
    97 votes
    Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips) becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend (Danielle von Zerneck) whose parents didn't want her to date a Latino boy. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob (Esai Morales), and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly (Marshall Crenshaw).
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  • Singin' in the Rain
    5

    Singin' in the Rain

    Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor
    93 votes
    In the heart of Hollywood's golden era, Singin' in the Rain is a musical delight, dancing through the transition of silent movies to talkies. Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), a beloved silent film star, grapples with the industry's seismic shift alongside his co-star Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) whose voice could shatter glass. Enter Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), an aspiring actress who becomes both Don's love interest and his salvation. The film, known for its iconic dance sequences and catchy tunes, won a Golden Globe for Jean Hagen's performance and remains a timeless classic in cinematic history.
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  • West Side Story
    6

    West Side Story

    Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn
    243 votes
    In the heart of New York City, a tale of love and rivalry unfolds in West Side Story. Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood), two star-crossed lovers, find themselves caught between the warring Jets and Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The movie, a musical drama, is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set to Leonard Bernstein's score. Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, it won ten Academy Awards including Best Picture. However, this urban romance is marred by tragedy as tensions escalate to fatal consequences.
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  • Grease
    7

    Grease

    Adrian Zmed, Maxwell Caulfield, John Travolta
    80 votes
  • The Lion King
    8

    The Lion King

    Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
    74 votes
    In The Lion King, a young lion prince named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas when young and Matthew Broderick as an adult) is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. His wicked uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), however, has other plans. The film, an animated musical drama produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, presents a tale of betrayal, exile and ultimately redemption. Aided by a meerkat Timon (Nathan Lane) and a warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), Simba reclaims his birthright. It won two Academy Awards in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
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  • Walk the Line
    9

    Walk the Line

    Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin
    331 votes
    The biographical drama Walk the Line chronicles the rise of legendary singer Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) from his early Arkansas origins to his remarkable success in the music industry. June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), a fellow musician, plays an instrumental role in Cash's life, both professionally and personally. The movie is woven with iconic songs from Cash's repertoire, highlighting key moments in his career. Walk the Line won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Witherspoon's performance. It showcases the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that marked Cash's journey, offering an intimate look into his volatile relationship with fame and personal demons.
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  • Beauty and the Beast
    10

    Beauty and the Beast

    Tim Curry, Haley Joel Osment, Christopher Lee
    65 votes
    Beauty and the Beast is an 48-minute animated film originally released on May 4, 1992, and based on the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. Like all other Golden Films productions, the film featured a single theme song, "The Beauty in the Beast", written and composed by Richard Hurwitz and John Arrias. Produced by Golden Films and the American Film Investment Corporation, it was distributed to DVD in 2002 by GoodTimes Entertainment, as part of its "Collectible Classics" line.
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  • School of Rock
    11

    School of Rock

    Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White
    410 votes
    In the vibrant comedy, School of Rock, Dewey Finn (Jack Black), a passionate yet failed musician, finds himself posing as a substitute teacher at an elite prep school. Faced with a class of overachieving students, he diverts from the standard curriculum and instead instructs his pupils in the art of rock 'n' roll. The film, directed by Richard Linklater, explores themes of identity and rebellion while showcasing compelling performances from its cast. Joanna 'Joey' Mullins (Rebecca Brown) and Zack Mooneyham (Joey Gaydos Jr.) play pivotal roles as members of the makeshift band. The movie was nominated for several awards, including Best Comedy at the 2004 MTV Movie Awards.
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  • Saturday Night Fever
    12

    Saturday Night Fever

    John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller
    182 votes
    In Saturday Night Fever, Tony Manero (John Travolta) is a Brooklyn paint-store clerk who'd give anything to break out of his dead-end existence. It's the disco era and dance floor becomes his stage. Life turns rhythmic, under the mirrored ball, with pulsating music that drowns reality. Amidst this, he encounters Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney), an ambitious dancer with dreams beyond the boroughs. The film, a drama peppered with romance, encapsulates their journey through life and dance. Winner of 2 Golden Globes, it captures the quintessence of the 70s disco scene.
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  • This Is Spinal Tap
    13

    This Is Spinal Tap

    Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest
    331 votes
    This is Spinal Tap, a 1984 mockumentary, chronicles the fictitious British rock band Spinal Tap. The film stars Michael McKean (David St. Hubbins), Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel), and Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls) as members of the band. Directed by Rob Reiner (Marty DiBergi), the film cleverly parodies the wild lifestyle and musical pretensions of hard rock and heavy metal bands. It's known for its satirical insight into the music industry, presenting hilarious scenarios like a Stonehenge stage prop disastrously undersized. This cult classic won the Best Comedy Film award at Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film in 1985.
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  • The Greatest Showman
    14

    The Greatest Showman

    Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams
    60 votes
    The Greatest Showman is a vibrant musical drama that brings to life the tale of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), a visionary who rose from nothing to create the world-renowned Barnum & Bailey Circus. The film showcases Barnum's journey, his struggles, and triumphs, as well as the colorful troupe of performers he gathers along the way. Michelle Williams stars as Charity Barnum, his supportive wife, while Zac Efron and Zendaya play key roles as Phillip Carlyle and Anne Wheeler, two members of his extraordinary circus ensemble. Directed by Michael Gracey, this film won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2018.
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  • Amadeus
    15

    Amadeus

    F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Jeffrey Jones
    308 votes
    In the period drama Amadeus, we journey into the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce), a prodigious composer in 18th-century Vienna. The film also introduces us to Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), a contemporary of Mozart, tormented by jealousy over Mozart's divine talent. This Oscar-winning biopic, directed by Milos Forman, explores themes of envy, genius, and the destructive power of obsession. Through Salieri's perspective, we witness Mozart's career bloom amidst personal downfall, creating a riveting narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
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  • A Hard Day's Night
    16

    A Hard Day's Night

    The Beatles, Wilfrid Brambell, Norman Rossington
    218 votes
    In the musical comedy A Hard Day's Night, The Beatles, comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr (playing themselves), are thrust into a whirlwind of fame. This cinematic romp follows them over a 36-hour period as they navigate screaming fans, press conferences, and recording sessions - all while attempting to keep a grip on their own sanity. Directed by Richard Lester, this film is known for its innovative editing style and memorable soundtrack, including the titular song A Hard Day's Night. It was nominated for two Academy Awards in 1965.
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  • Hairspray
    17

    Hairspray

    John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Amanda Bynes
    250 votes
    In the vibrant musical comedy Hairspray, Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) is a plump teenager with a heart full of rhythm. Living in 1960s Baltimore, she dreams to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV program. After bagging a spot on the show, Tracy becomes an overnight sensation and uses her newfound fame to advocate for racial integration - a controversial move during that era. The movie also features Edna Turnblad (John Travolta), Tracy's supportive mother, who undergoes her own transformation. With its dazzling performances and poignant themes, Hairspray won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy in 2008.
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  • Almost Famous
    18

    Almost Famous

    Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson
    313 votes
    Almost Famous is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe. It follows the journey of 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit), an aspiring rock journalist who gets his big break when he lands an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine. He goes on tour with emerging band Stillwater, led by charismatic frontman Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and experiences the highs and lows of the '70s rock scene. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and features a breakout performance from Kate Hudson as groupie-with-a-heart-of-gold, Penny Lane.
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  • Annie
    19

    Annie

    Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett
    235 votes
    Annie (Aileen Quinn), a fiery young orphan, lives in a miserable orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). Her seemingly bleak existence is transformed when she is chosen to spend a short time at the residence of the wealthy industrialist, Oliver Warbucks (Albert Finney). Despite Warbucks's initial apprehension towards Annie, their bond grows stronger and they become an unlikely family. The film, a musical comedy-drama directed by John Huston, garnered two Academy Award nominations and remains an enduring classic of its genre. It's a tale of resilience, unexpected friendships and the transformative power of optimism.
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  • Mamma Mia!
    20

    Mamma Mia!

    Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth
    71 votes
    Mamma Mia! is a delightfully vibrant musical comedy. Its heart beats to the rhythm of ABBA's greatest hits, led by Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep), an independent single mother running a hotel on a Greek island. The story swirls around her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who, on the eve of her wedding, secretly invites three men from Donna's past (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård) hoping to discover her real father. Amidst this chaos, laughter and melodious mayhem ensue. A box office success, Mamma Mia! was nominated for multiple awards including two Golden Globe Awards.
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  • Yellow Submarine
    21

    Yellow Submarine

    Paul Angelis, Peter Batten, John Clive
    192 votes
    In the animated spectacle Yellow Submarine, a blissful paradise known as Pepperland is besieged by the music-hating Blue Meanies. The town's mayor, Old Fred (Lance Percival), escapes in the titular yellow submarine and embarks on a quest to Liverpool. Here, he recruits none other than The Beatles - John (John Lennon), Paul (Paul McCartney), George (George Harrison), and Ringo (Ringo Starr) - to bring harmony back to their world. This psychedelic adventure, rich with iconic Beatles tunes and vibrant visuals, won a Grammy for its innovative soundtrack and remains a beloved classic in the realm of animation.
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  • Pink Floyd – The Wall
    22

    Pink Floyd – The Wall

    Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson
    144 votes
    In this visual riff on Pink Floyd's album "The Wall," successful but drugged-out musician Pink (Bob Geldof) is looking back on his isolated childhood from the confines of a Los Angeles hotel room. Through a swirl of flashbacks and chemical-induced hallucinations, Pink recalls his lonely upbringing, during which he built a symbolic wall to the world as he coped with the death of his father (James Laurenson) and the overbearing ways of his mother (Christine Hargreaves).
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  • Elvis
    23

    Elvis

    Kurt Russell, Shelley Winters, Season Hubley
    15 votes
    Covering the rise of music legend Elvis Presley (Kurt Russell), this film starts with his early years in Mississippi and Tennessee raised by his parents, Gladys (Shelley Winters) and Vernon (Bing Russell). Eventually, Elvis forms a partnership with "Colonel" Tom Parker (Pat Hingle) that leads to the release of his first song, "Heartbreak Hotel," which zooms to the top of the charts. Elvis soon catapults to stardom, marrying the beautiful Priscilla (Season Hubley) and becoming an actor too.
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  • Chicago
    24

    Chicago

    Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere
    96 votes
    In the whirlwind world of 1920s jazz, Chicago unravels a tale of ambition, crime, and fame. Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) is an aspiring starlet who finds herself on trial for murder alongside vaudevillian Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), a slick lawyer known for his theatrics, takes their case. As the courtroom drama unfolds amidst razzle-dazzle numbers, the women vie for public attention. This 2002 musical film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its captivating narrative and performances create an unforgettable viewing experience.
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  • Dirty Dancing
    25

    Dirty Dancing

    Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach
    32 votes
    In the heart of summer 1963, Frances 'Baby' Houseman (Jennifer Grey) vacations with her affluent family at a high-end Catskills resort. She's an innocent daddy's girl until she stumbles upon the resort's dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). A tough-talking guy from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny introduces Baby to an intoxicating world of dirty dancing and steamy after-hours parties. As they dance, they fall in love - a passionate affair that defies class boundaries and family expectations. Dirty Dancing, a music-filled drama that won the 1987 Oscar for Best Original Song, is a timeless tale about love, growth, and the power of dance.
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  • The Wedding Singer
    26

    The Wedding Singer

    Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor
    288 votes
    In the 1998 romantic comedy The Wedding Singer, Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) is a charming, small-town wedding singer with a heart of gold. He's set to marry his longtime girlfriend, Linda (Angela Featherstone), but things take an unexpected turn when she leaves him at the altar. Enter Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore), a sweet and endearing waitress who's engaged to a selfish tycoon. As Robbie and Julia's paths intertwine, they find themselves drawn to each other in this light-hearted tale of love, laughter, and 80s nostalgia. With its quirky blend of humor and romance, The Wedding Singer proves that sometimes, love can hit the right note when you least expect it.
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  • The Phantom of the Opera
    27

    The Phantom of the Opera

    Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson
    40 votes
    The Phantom of the Opera, a haunting musical drama film, is a riveting tale of obsession and unrequited love. The enigmatic Phantom, performed with intense depth by Gerard Butler, resides in the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House. He falls for the beautiful soprano Christine Daaé (Emmy Rossum), his protégé. Patrick Wilson plays Raoul, a nobleman vying for Christine's affection, setting up an eerie love triangle. This atmospheric movie won three Academy Awards and is renowned for its striking visuals and unforgettable music score by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A compelling journey into the shadows of love, artistry, and madness awaits viewers.
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  • Les Miserables
    28

    Les Miserables

    Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Hugh Jackman
    48 votes
    Les Misérables is a 2012 musical drama film directed by Tom Hooper, based on the 1862 French novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, which also inspired a 1980 concept album and 1985 musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. Set in France during the early 19th century, the film tells the story of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), an ex-convict who decides to turn his life around.
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  • Pitch Perfect
    29

    Pitch Perfect

    Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson
    60 votes
    College student Beca (Anna Kendrick) knows she does not want to be part of a clique, but that's exactly where she finds herself after arriving at her new school. Thrust in among mean gals, nice gals and just plain weird gals, Beca finds that the only thing they have in common is how well they sing together. She takes the women of the group out of their comfort zone of traditional arrangements and into a world of amazing harmonic combinations in a fight to the top of college music competitions.
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  • Yesterday
    30

    Yesterday

    Himesh Patel, Lily James, Kate McKinnon
    20 votes
    In the British romantic comedy, Yesterday, Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), an unsuccessful singer-songwriter, wakes up after a mysterious global blackout to discover he's the only person who remembers The Beatles. With the world oblivious to one of its greatest rock bands, Jack takes the chance to perform their hits as his own, skyrocketing to fame. However, his meteoric rise creates a rift with his long-time friend and manager, Ellie Appleton (Lily James). As Jack navigates the pitfalls of stardom, he questions what success truly means. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, this film presents a unique twist on the classic tale of overnight success.
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