Music can immerse its listeners, evoke powerful emotions and change the atmosphere of any room. Given the power of music for expression, it’s no wonder the medium is so integral to film. Films about bands bring music to the forefront of the film. Band movies remind viewers of the importance of music, as well as the sacrifice and effort that goes into every note. Such movies about music and musicians often follow a social outcast on their journey to become a beloved star. These stories show how music gives a voice to the voiceless, transforms even the most extreme characters and connects opposing personalities.
The act of starting a band, of various characters coming together to create something meaningful, is a powerful coming-of-age trope that has been used in films like We are the best! and sitcoms like We Are Lady Parts. For those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of music and see how it brings people together, here are some of the best movies about starting a band.
This coming of age story follows Hunter and Kevin as they try to prove themselves by starting a rock band. The two struggle to work together and find other band members, but eventually they come together to compete in the battle between the bands. While the basic story of Metal Lords As told before, the film does an excellent job of capturing the feelings and fears of high school, resulting in a really fun coming-of-age movie. Teens and adults alike can relate to the misfits of college students looking to make a name for themselves and the message about the power of music.
6 The Runaways
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Just as music history wouldn’t be complete without The Runaways, this list wouldn’t be complete without their biopic. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning bring rock icons Joan Jett and Cherie Currie to life in this film about one of rock’s greatest female bands. The story follows their formation and rise to fame, as well as their subsequent struggles. It mainly focuses on the tumultuous relationship between the two lead singers, huge egos that often clashed. Although the film does not provide historical details, it successfully immerses the audience in the time and culture. Stewart, Fanning and the great Michael Shannon’s great performances save the film from its other flaws.
5 Sing Street
The sweet romance and uplifting story set this feel-good comedy apart. Sing Street tells the story of a boy who starts a band to impress a girl and escape the pressures of his everyday school and family life. Set in the 1980s, the film features musical renditions of beloved 1980s hits that will immerse viewers in the time period and leave them feeling nostalgic. Sing Street is loved for being breakfast club-such as friendships and comedy, not to mention the delightful soundtrack of nostalgic favorites (such as The Cure, The Jam and Duran Duran). The film is almost guaranteed to leave audiences with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.
4 Oh brother, where are you?
The timeless character of classical myths, legends and fairy tales cannot be surpassed, but can only be built upon. Oh brother, where are you? is based on all of Homer’s story elements. to make The Odyssey a universally recognized story. Set during the Great Depression, Everett escapes a chain win in partnership with two other convicts. Together, the three set out to find Everett’s ancient buried treasure and return home. Along the way, the desperate heroes record a song at a radio station to earn money.
What was intended as a stopover becomes one of the key events in the heroes’ quest and ultimately their only way to win back Everett’s family. The film’s historically significant folk, religious, and a cappella music all take center stage. This unique adaptation brings new soul and meaning to the old myth and finds the unlikeliest band members come together to create something truly special. Strangely enough, it remains one of the Coen brothers’ sweetest and most accessible films.
3 Walk the line
One of music’s greatest icons comes back to life in this film about the life of Johnny Cash. Walk the line follows Cash from his childhood and describes his time in prison, forming a band, his fame, his struggle with drug addiction and his love story with June Carter. Walk the line is more serious than other films on this list, as it takes audiences through both the highs and lows of Cash’s career with surprising honesty. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon give impressive musical performances and impressions of their respective music stars. Viewers who don’t like classic country before the movie starts will sing a different tune before the credits start.
2 The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers remains more than one of America’s classic comedies for the subtle yet impeccable acting, comedic timing and action sequences that raise the stakes; it’s also a sweet story of two band members getting back together. After Jake ends his time in prison, he and his brother (The Blues Brothers) are accused of raising money to save their orphanage. The two wanted to reunite their band and raise $5,000, but all sorts of challenges stand in their way. Despite the serious dispositions of the characters, the film’s plot is as silly as they come. The Blues Brothers also features captivating music and dance performances that will keep audiences coming back for more.
1 The Rock School
The diverse characters, rocking music and laughing out loud comedy make School of Rock one of the most typical band movies, even though this rock band is a bunch of elementary school students. The film was so successful that Broadway playwrights adapted School of Rock to a stage musical. Jack Black brings all his energy and comedic timing to his performance as Dewey Finn in this great mid-period Richard Linklater movie. Under increasing pressure to give up his rock and roll lifestyle in exchange for a more stable job, Dewey finds work as a substitute teacher. After discovering that his high school students have musical talent, Dewey turns his cramped classroom into a freewheeling band. A warm message about the bond between teachers and students, and the power of music, offset the rather farcical plot, and everyone’s performances seal the deal.