8 Essential Musician Biopics For Any Music Lover!

While there are a plethora of biopic films to choose from these days, only a select few are remembered for their daring and brave exploration of the legends they focus on – particularly these 8 unforgettable musicians whose lives are celebrated in the films listed below! 

1. La Bamba (1987)

Released in 1987, La Bamba follows the young adulthood of Ritchie Valens (portrayed by Lou Diamond Phillips), the Chicano pop star and early rock & roll pioneer whose meteoric rise to success was cut short following his tragic death in the 1950s. Available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.

2. Respect (2021)

Posthumously released after Aretha Franklin’s death in 2018, Respect follows the Queen of Soul’s triumphant and turbulent personal life and career as portrayed by Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson. Stream on Prime Video.

3. Rocketman (2019)

Named after his 1972 hit song, Rocketman explores the life of the iconic Elton John through his most notable hit songs performed as elaborate musical numbers. Taron Egerton won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of the legendary singer. Available to rent on YouTube and Apple TV.

4. Selena (1997)

Perhaps the most recognizable and beloved artist in Latin music history, Selena Quintinalla’s inspiring career and untimely death led to this 1997 dramatization of her life starring Jennifer Lopez in the title role. Available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.

5. Straight Outta Compton (2015)

The formation and eventual disbanding of NWA, the legendary '90s hip-hop group, is explored through the lives of each of its members, including Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and the late Eazy-E. Ice Cube is portrayed by Cube's real-life son, O'Shea Jackson Jr.Available to rent on YouTube and Apple TV.

6. tick, tick… BOOM! (2021)

Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, based on the musical by Jonathan Larson, based on Larson’s love of the performing arts, tick, tick… BOOM! is a love letter to musical theater nerds everywhere. The film was nominated for 2 Oscars, including Best Actor for Andrew Garfield. Stream on Netflix.

7. The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)

In a role that would garner her an Academy Award nomination, Andra Day effortlessly portrays legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, whose life was defined by her unforgettable voice and the people who tried to take it away from her. Stream on Hulu.

8. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

Angela Bassett cemented her icon status (and earned her her first Oscar nomination) thanks to her performance as rock legend Tina Turner in this film that follows Turner’s highest highs and lowest lows. Stream on Hulu.