Five Must-Watch Music-Based Films Available on Netflix

The music film genre and biopics are currently on the rise. Be sure to watch these hidden recommended gems and familiar movie favorites that are now streaming on Netflix.

This new year I’ve decided to expand my movie knowledge and watch films I’ve never seen before. I’ve noticed the culture around the film community exponentially growing as popular productions such as A24 are becoming notable for their prestige showings. There has also been an uprising upon movie commentaries on Youtube where creators are discussing the in-depth analysis and themes behind the movies that have been creating topics of conversation.  

With my newly set ambition, here are some of my familiar and newly favorite recommended films that are currently available to watch and stream on Netflix. 

1. Annie (1982)

The classic broadway musical turned movie, Annie is a cult favorite that features a whimsical soundtrack and the most well known song, “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” 

I grew up watching this movie on repeat and found myself being emotionally attached to the characters because of their background story and their ability to strive further despite their untimely harrowing situations.

Directed by John Huston, the film follows a riotously loveable and brave 10 year old orphan named Annie who longs to find her long lost parents. She is selected to stay at billionaire’s Oliver Warbucks’ mansion for one week where she experiences the feeling of love and admiration of a family dynamic. Along the way she gets into a misfit of troubles and finds out what really happened to her parents. The cast of the movie features Aileen Quinn (Annie), Carol Burnett (Miss Hanagan), Albert Finney (Warbucks) and Tim Curry (“Rooster”).
If you’re looking for some nostalgia and want to watch a classic heartfelt film be sure to add Annie  to your list.

2. School of Rock (2003)

There is never a time where I would pass up the opportunity to watch this movie again and again. This highly beloved film is surely one of the best for a reason. It shows the ability that music has that brings people together despite one’s differences. 

School of Rock follows a recently fired guitarist, Dewey Finn who desperately wants to win a battle of the bands competition. Without the structure of the band he is left on his own and figures out a way to make his dream come true. Finn struggles to make ends meet and takes on a role pretending to be a substitute teacher at a renowned private academy. During his time teaching, he discovers the many hidden musical talents his students possess. 

Finn forms an all-student band, taking on the role as a mentor and frontman. He then enlists them to a battle of the band’s competition. 

The film directed by Richard Linklater features an ensemble cast such as Jack Black (Dewey Finn), Joan Cusak (Rosalie Mullins), Miranda Cosgrove (Summer Hathaway), Sarah Silverman (Patty Di Marco) and Mike White (Ned Scheebly). 

If you’re looking for a mix of comedy with an amazing soundtrack, School of Rock is the ultimate fan favorite film to watch.

3. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Spring is right around the corner and as warmer temperatures arrive there is always a time for adventure and getting lost into another world. For this moment the movie musical, Mamma Mia! fits perfectly. 

I have always heard and seen people talk about the movie but never had the chance to watch it, feeling completely left out. The first time I watched Mamma Mia!, I was absolutely invested in every moment and enjoyed its flamboyant nature.

In the summer of a Greek Island, bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan is soon to walk the aisle. Her dream is for her dad to give her away at the altar but has never met him. Sophie begins the journey of searching for her long lost father inviting three different men who could potentially be her long lost dad. The movie is based around songs from the Swedish pop group, ABBA, that coincides with the plot line of the film. 

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Mamma Mia!’s  outstanding cast features Meryl Streep (Donna Sheridan), Amanda Seyfried (Sophie Sheridan), Julie Walters (Rosie Mulligan), Christine Baranski (Tanya), Pierce Brosnan (Sam Carmichael), Colin Firth (Harry Bright) and Stellan Skarsgärd.

If you’re looking for some fun romantic comedy with an amazing soundtrack featuring A List actors, this is a must see!

4. Metal Lords (2022)

This film is one of my newly favorite music based movies that has been released yet. I’ve recently delved more into listening to the metal genre and rediscovering my love for it, especially now that it has evolved taking in a wide range of fluid influences. This movie couldn’t have come at a better time. I was intrigued by the fast paced storyline and duality of the characters progressing on their endeavored musical journey together.

Directed by Peter Sollett, the film includes Jaeden Martell (Kevin Schlieb), Adrian Greensmith (Hunter) and Isis Hainsworth (Emily). 

Metal Lords follows the lives of two high school outcasts and best friends Hunter Sylvester and Kevin Schlieb. They both attain widely different personalities and constantly clash with one another. Sylvester has a deeply rooted love for metal music while Schlieb is more on the contemporary side. Upon finding out about the schools battle of the bands competition, Sylvester decided to form a metal band with Schlieb and their new friend Emily. Sylvester takes on the role of teaching Schlieb the history of metal music and legendary icons.

If you’re looking for a modern and feel good comedy/ coming of age movie that involves the metal genre this is right up your alley! 

5. Elvis (2022)

One of the most raved and talked about music biopic films, Elvis is finally available to watch on Netflix! 

I finally had the chance to view this film as I wasn’t able to see it in theaters, but good things come to those that wait. The gravitational and magnetic pull that this movie carried left me with a rush of emotions. I was enthralled by the development of the characters and its cinematography that made the scenes feel like an out of body experience. The pacing and drama kept me invested at  every moment which had me on my toes on what proceeded next. One of the main takeaways from this movie is its ability to reach a long range of audiences from old longtime Elvis fans all the way into the new generation of newly obsessed fans. 

The film follows a timeline story of the rise of fame of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The movie is a highlight tribute that shares the stardom power Elvis possessed and the legacy he still carries today. Within the film, audiences can see the major effects about the faulty destruction of the music industry and their ability to control and manipulate an artist. 

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, Elvis is supported by astonishing performances starring Austin Butler (Elvis Presley), Tom Hanks (Tom Parker) and Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla Presley). 

If you’re feeling nostalgic and wanting to learn more about retro rock and roll legends, this is a must watch!

Overall, there are so many more incredible films that delve deep into the heart of music and its importance to society out there in the world. Whether it is a documentary or a coming of age movie musical with an outstanding soundtrack, music is a universal language that everyone loves and understands. 

Once you find the perfect film that speaks the most to you or a character that you truly relate to, it will be something you can never pull your heart and soul away from. It will provide you with an endless amount of inspiration and heartwarming emotions. The best thing about these types of movies is that it portrays the undeniable power of music and the community it creates. 
Personally my top favorite music based films that include every rush of emotions and shaped my worldview of music are Wayne’s World (1992), Empire Records (1995), Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (2010), Sing Street (2016), Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Pistol miniseries (2022), just to name a few.