Sonic Stories: The Cinematic Magic of Movies About Music

In cinematic storytelling, few genres possess the universal appeal and emotional resonance as movies about music. From toe-tapping soundtracks to soul-stirring narratives about the impact of music on a character’s life, these types of stories have carved out a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Movies about music offer more than just entertainment—they provide a visceral experience that taps into the universal language of music.

Join us on a melodic exploration as we feature some of the most enchanting movies that bring the world of music to the screen. We will shy away from direct biographical masterpieces this time around. Instead, let’s focus on movies with fictional tales set against the backdrop of vibrant music scenes, and musical journeys that capture the essence of the human experience through the enchanting lens of melody and rhythm.

Scripts from this Article

Whiplash

Cabaret

Some Like It Hot

LA LA Land

8 Mile

The Pianist

Almost Famous

CODA

Tár

Soul

A Star Is Born

Pitch Perfect

Coco

School of Rock

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Vox Lux

This is Spinal Tap

Sister Act

Whiplash (2014)

Screenplay By: Damien Chazelle

Whiplash orchestrates a symphony of tension and passion, immersing audiences in the relentless pursuit of greatness. Damien Chazelle’s screenplay offers a thrilling narrative, creating a cinematic masterpiece that resonates long after the final beat of the drums. 

The conflicting approaches to music between Andrew and Fletcher, as well as Fletcher’s intense and verbally abusive teaching technique, make this otherwise purely dramatic story ooze with suspense and tension. 

Cabaret (1972)

Screenplay By: Jay Allen

Cabaret choreographs a mesmerizing dance between love and societal upheaval. Allen’s screenplay, paired with a stunning star Oscar-winning performance by Liza Minnelli (daughter of The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland), makes this film an enduring classic that remains poignant and entertaining. It truly stands the test of time as one of the greatest movies about music. 

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Screenplay By: I.A.L. Diamond, M. Logan, Robert Thoeren, and Billy Wilder

Some Like It Hot is a comedic gem, finely tuned with Wilder and Diamond’s sharp wit. This timeless classic marries humor and social commentary. It’s also relevant as arguably Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic role as she exudes charisma and appeal. 

Read More: Some Like It Hot: Mother of All Comedies

La La Land (2016)

Screenplay By: Damien Chazelle

La La Land and Chazelle’s masterful screenplay crafts a modern musical that echoes the romance of classic cinema. The film’s vibrant energy and captivating story make it a love letter to the magic of dreams and the City of Stars. 

8 Mile (2002)

Screenplay By: Scott Silver

8 Mile captures the struggle and triumph of an artist finding his voice. Silver’s screenplay, paired with rapper Eminem’s magnetic performance, transforms the rap battle into a cinematic anthem of resilience and self-discovery, telling the semi-autobiographical story of Eminem himself. 

The Pianist (2002)

Screenplay By: Wladyslaw Szpilman, Ronald Harwood

The Pianist strikes a chord of profound emotion with Harwood’s eloquent screenplay, and the Oscar-winning performance of Adrien Brody. Through the eyes of a musician amid war, the film creates an enduring symphony of resilience and the indomitable power of music. 

Read More: Screenwriting Advice from Every 21st Century Oscar Winner

Almost Famous (2000)

Screenplay By: Cameron Crowe

Almost Famous is a love letter to the rock ‘n’ roll era, capturing the essence of music journalism with authenticity, heart, and a soundtrack that resonates with audiences to this day. It is also a semi-autobiographical story of director and writer Cameron Crowe and his early life as a young music journalist for Rolling Stone.

CODA (2021)

Screenplay By: Sian Heder

CODA received acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, breaking barriers and providing representation for the deaf community, making it a pivotal moment in inclusive cinema. Actor Troy Kotsur broke real-world barriers by becoming the first hearing-impaired male actor to win an Oscar (Best Supporting Actor). His CODA costar, Marlee Matlin, was the first deaf actor to win an Oscar in 1987 (Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God).

Read More: Blue Collar, Silver Screen: Great Modern Working-Class Hero Movies

Tár (2022)

Screenplay By: Todd Field

Tár is a cinematic gem that explores the universal language of music while showcasing the transformative power of art across barriers. It is also an emotional and cathartic story that explores social issues society is dealing with today.

Soul (2020)

Screenplay By: Pete Docter, Mike Jones, and Kemp Powers

Pixar’s Soul is a visually stunning and philosophically rich animated film that delves into existential questions, resonating with audiences of all ages and receiving acclaim for its profound themes. The music within the film is equally stunning, offering a look into the musical dynamics of jazz. 

A Star Is Born (2018)

Screenplay By: Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, and Will Fetters

The fourth rendition of A Star is Born captivated audiences with its raw emotion, stellar performances, and powerful music, solidifying its place as a timeless tale of love and sacrifice. The film was co-written and directed by its star, Bradley Cooper, as a labor of love. He and his co-star, Lady Gaga, performed all their music in the film.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Screenplay By: Kay Cannon, and Jeff Roda

Pitch Perfect became a surprise hit, blending humor, catchy music, and female empowerment. It sparked a resurgence in the popularity of a cappella and left an indelible mark on the teen comedy genre. Its music roots covered everything from old-time classics to creative a cappella renditions of past hit pop songs. 

Coco (2017)

Screenplay By: Adrian Molina and Matthew Aldrich

Pixar’s Coco celebrates Mexican culture and family bonds through its vibrant animation, emotional storytelling, and enchanting music, earning widespread acclaim and lasting cultural significance. Like Pixar’s later Oscar-winner Soul, the film delved into the culture of music by exploring a culture unique to the masses. 

Read More: Sad Movies Guaranteed to Make You Ugly Cry

School of Rock (2003)

Screenplay By: Mike White

School of Rock is a feel-good comedy that resonates with audiences of all ages, celebrated for Jack Black’s charismatic performance and its celebration of the power of music education. Each student learns life lessons from his musical teachings, leading to an amazing musical performance that highlights each of their individual talents.  

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Screenplay By: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

The Coen Brothers’ unique blend of folk music, humor, and mythology in O Brother, Where Art Thou? earned this film critical acclaim and a Grammy for its soundtrack. George Clooney’s singing voice for his character, Ulysses Everett McGill, was dubbed by country and bluegrass musician Dan Tyminski. 

Read More: 3 Tactics to Writing Like the Coen Brothers

Vox Lux (2018)

Screenplay By: Brady Corbet

Vox Lux is a visually striking and provocative film that explores the dark side of celebrity culture, leaving audiences with a thought-provoking commentary on the price of fame. Natalie Portman’s performance is outstanding. The film itself is a piece of art, albeit a flawed one in the eyes of many. 

Regardless, the music is a driving force in the backdrop. Even more interesting is the behind-the-scenes commentary of celebrity within the world of pop music. 

This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Screenplay By: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner

This is Spinal Tap is a comedic masterpiece celebrated for its improvisational humor, memorable characters, and satirical take on the excesses of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. It pushed the boundaries of comedy movies about music with its mockumentary approach, making the characters and the story feel like a real-life rock documentary. A sequel with the original cast and director (Rob Reiner) is on its way. 

Sister Act (1992)

Screenplay By: Paul Rudnick

Sister Act is a delightful comedy that adds a touch of humor and music to the life of a convent and its nuns. Its infectious energy and memorable performances made it a beloved—and surprising—classic. It also demonstrated the universal appeal of music and joy, two themes heavily explored in the story. 

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout, starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed, and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies and Instagram @KenMovies76