Biopics not only honor the greatest of the great personalities, but also bring to light their struggles of attaining and maintaining fame, and at times, losing after winning at life. There have been multiple movies based on the lives of musicians who became stars but battled internal and external demons. Many of these films triumphed at the Oscars. Here are the greatest of cinema chronicling the lives of music stars that were recognized by the Academy.
10. Bird (1988)
Through the biopic, Clint Eastwood traced the life of the jazz legend Charlie Parker. Forest Whitaker gives a monumental performance imbibing the passion, struggles, and joy of Parker’s life and music. The film showcases the jazz saxophonist’s addiction to drugs and his relationship with his wife Chan. All this is mixed with lively jazz music.
Related: Top 25 Oscar-Winning Films Of All Time
9. Rocketman (2019)
The movie is based on the life and the career of the British musician, Elton John portrayed by Taron Egerton. The 2019 biopic went on to win the Oscars for Best Original Song. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, ‘Rocketman‘ delves into the early days of Elton John as a musical prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music and his transformation into an international star. The musical fantasy also looks into his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
8. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
From a poverty-stricken area in Kentucky, Loretta Lynn sang and performed her way to becoming a country singer. Sissy Spacek received the Best Actress Oscar for her performance, living the life of Lynn as a teenager, mother, and star.
7. Shine (1996)
Directed by Scott Hicks, ‘Shine‘ is based on the true story of the globally famous pianist, David Helfgott. The Australian prodigy is portrayed by three actors tracing the childhood, adolescence, and adulthood of musical genius. Growing up with an assertive and dominant father, the musician takes refuge with an elderly woman who helps him get to London to study music. However, as he becomes a career man, Hefgott slips into a breakdown and has to revive himself.
In case you missed it: Top 25 Movies Based On True Stories, Ranked
6. Judy (2019)
The movie won Renée Zellweger the Oscar for Best Actress in 2019. She portrayed the anxious and fidgety Judy Garland in the late ’60s, 30 years after she became a star for her performance in ‘The Wizard of Oz‘. The heartbreaking movie directed by Rupert Goold traces the talented singer’s struggle with alcoholism, pill addiction, and eating disorders.
5. Ray (2004)
Taylor Hackford’s directorial venture saw some terrific performances and set the template for musical biopics. Jamie Foxx won the Oscar for his marvelous depiction of the blind R&B singer-pianist, Ray Charles. Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Clifton Powell were also shone in supporting roles.
4. Walk The Line (2005)
Directed by James Mangold, the movie traces the life of the legendary singer Johnny Cash, from his childhood in Arkansas to the highs and lows of his life as a star singer. The movie also gives a peek into the musician’s relationship with his brother, father, first wife Vivienne, and above all, his co-singer, June Carter. Reese Witherspoon won Best Actress for her role as Carter while Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars.
3. The Pianist (2002)
‘The Pianist travels’ through the life of the Polish pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman who is separated from his family in the background of the Second World War. He survives by living in the ruins of Warsaw. The movie won three Oscars including the awards for Best Actor for Adam Brody and Best Director for Roman Polanski.
2. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The movie is the celebration of Queen’s music, especially the story of the lead singer Freddie Mercury who broke stereotypes and conventions both in life and music. The movie doesn’t flinch while thrusting viewers into his struggle with isolation, ego, sexuality, and his fatal illness in the end. Rami Malek portrayed Freddie in the movie and went on to win the Best Actor Oscar.
Related: Why Did Freddie Mercury’s Parents Burn All Of His Possessions After He Died?
1. Amadeus (1984)
The lavish period drama directed by Miloš Forman is based on the supposed rivalry between 18th-century composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The movie took home a whopping eight Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. It’s definitely one of the best movies ever made.
