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Biopics are an entertaining way for fans to learn more about their favourite idols and get immersed in their lives by seeing them through a more vulnerable and intimate lens. Many biographical musical documentaries have emerged throughout the years, so to give you a head start on your summer watch list, here is a list of some of the best musical biopics of all time. From Elvis to Rocketman, these films remain at the top of the charts.
Elvis
The biopic Elvis narrates the story of American rock ‘n’ roll singer and actor Elvis Presley, also known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” played by Austin Butler. Viewers look at Elvis’ rise to stardom and his struggles and milestones through the eyes of the prominent people in his life. The film is mainly based on the singer’s relationship with his long-time manager Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks, who had been his manager for the past 20 years of his career and remained by his side every step of the way.
Rocketman
Rocketman is a biopic named after English singer-songwriter Elton John, also known by the nickname ‘Rocket Man’ due to his hit song. This movie tells the story of the music legend, played by Taron Egerton, and takes the viewers on a journey through his life. Viewers look inside Elton’s childhood, his struggles with addiction, and how everything shaped him into the music icon he is today.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody narrates the life of Queen’s vocalist Freddie Mercury, played by Rami Malek, and the British rock band. The film navigates through Mercury’s childhood and his life growing up with traditional Indian parents. In this biopic, viewers will also see events leading up to their most famous performance at Live Aid in 1985. Viewers can expect to see the vocalist at his most vulnerable stages regarding subjects regarding his identity, feeling misunderstood, and having to deal with his fatal illness during the last years of his life.
Respect
Respect navigates through the life of American singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin, also known as the “Queen of Soul,” played by Jennifer Hudson. This biopic will take viewers through Franklin’s musical journey from her beginnings singing in her church’s choir to becoming a musical icon. Viewers look at all the stones thrown in the way of her success due to being a minority female in the industry. We also get an insight into how her father, C.L Franklyn, played by Forest Whitaker, tries to take over her career, as well as an intimate look into her life alongside her abusive husband, Ted White, played by Marlon Wayans. On display will be the singer’s most vulnerable moments dealing with her struggles with substance abuse and how she managed to prevail.
Walk The Line
Walk The Line takes viewers through the life of late American country music singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, played by Joaquin Phoenix. This biopic navigates Cash’s rise to fame from his early life as an aspiring musician to the peak of his career. It also does not shy away from showing the most vulnerable and dark moments in his tumultuous life, including his substance addictions and mental health downfalls. On top of that, viewers will get an insight into Cash’s love life and how he met his second wife, June Carter-Cash, played by Reese Witherspoon, and pursued after her heart for an unforgettable love story.
Notorious
Notorious is a biopic about the life of one of the biggest American rappers in history, the Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie, played by Jamal Woolard as a grown-up and by Christopher Jordan Wallace as a young Biggie. This movie will show viewers how an aspiring young rapper went from barely surviving poverty in Brooklyn, New York, to fulfilling his career goal of becoming a famous rapper all on his own. It will also get deeper into Biggie’s troublesome life by showing viewers his struggles and the situations that led to his unfortunate murder. This movie contains iconic characters, including legendary rappers like Lil’ Kim and even Tupac Shakur.
Selena
Selena is a dramatic biopic about Tejano music singer Selena Quintanilla, played by Jennifer Lopez. This film narrates the singer’s life growing up and her father’s persistence in making her a star. We will see the Quintanilla family’s struggles with making ends meet, disagreements between Selena and her strict father, and her rebellious years. Viewers will be immersed in the young singer’s rise to fame and her sudden unexpected murder when she was just 23 years old by one of the closest people to her during her stardom.
