10 music filled Flicks for your next movie night
There are musicals, and there are movies, and then there are music filled movies where the characters may not be singing the songs as a means to tell their story, but the songs that play carry you through the story just as well. I was raised on movies that revolved around music - here are some not-so-obvious flicks I recommend for your next music filled movie night.
Almost Famous
Ask any music writer about the movie that made them want to do what they wanted to do, and their answer (if they’re being honest) will have something to do with their first time watching Almost Famous. Fun Fact: Elton John credits this movie for the success that his song “Tiny Dancer” has since obtained. Though the films director, Cameron Crowe labeled John’s comment, “incredibly generous”
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount +
bandSlam
Bandslam is one of the most grossly underrated movies of the early 2000s and also happens to be one of my favorites of all time. The movie follows a lonely kid who lives and breathes music, and also happens to regularly write to David Bowie like he’s an old friend. With a star studded cast (Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka, Lisa Kudrow, and even David Bowie) and a story that will tug at your heartstrings while guiding your vocal chords, this movie deserved better.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube (free)
The Trailer Stinks: Watch this Clip Instead
School of Rock
Filled with hilarious one liners, and an unforgettable eclectic bunch of spunky kids, School of Rock tells the great comeback story of Dewey Finn, and proves that a great exists only where there is a ton of heart, and a little mischief. Plus, who doesn’t like to “stick it to the man.”
Available on: Netflix, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
Sing Street
If you’re a fan of The Commitments you’ll be a fan of Sing Street. 1980s Dublin, Ireland meets Rock and Roll. A boy starts a band to woo a girl - what more could you need?
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, Vudu, Tubi (All Free)
The Sapphires
The talent in this movie alone makes it one to watch. Four Black Australian girls in the 60s go to Vietnam to perform for the troops. Along the way their manger teaches them to sing and about soul music. The rest is history (literally, its a true story).
Available on: Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi (All Free)
August Rush
A musical prodigy, the product of two wildly different musicians whom he’s been separated from, finds his way back to his family through the power of his music.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu (For Rent/Purchase)
Yesterday
This movie is very long - but incredibly worth it in the end. Filled with Beatles music in a way that welcomes even those who only know the chorus to a song or two. One of those movies that forces you to reconsider the cosmic nature of every good and bad thing you’ve ever experienced.
Available on: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu (For Rent/Purchase)
Baby Driver
This movie is a cinematic masterpiece. Filled with action, suspense, and a whole lot of great music. Plus, it’s unexpectedly funny.
Available on: Youtube, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (For Rent/Purchase)
Country Strong
Gwenyth Paltrow and Time McGraw. Need I say more? This movie is A Star is Born if the movie was built entirely around country music. Also, if you’ve ever seen an episode of Nashville, you need to watch this movie.
Available on: Hulu, Starz, Youtube, Apple TV
That Thing You Do
Follow a band as their one-hit-wonder rises and falls, taking them through all that comes with being in the spotlight. You’ll find yourself humming their songs for the next week or so. Also, Tom Hanks.
Available on: Youtube (Free), Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video (For Rent/Purchase)
Honorable Mentions:
Freaky Friday: Chad Micheal Murray singing Hit Me Baby One More Time by Britney Spears simply can’t be beat.
