Platform’s own culture and entertainment editor, Katie Green, shares her picks for the best music biopics you can treat your eyes and ears to…
As we are in unfamiliar times, the days seem longer leaving us to question what to do with our time. Well, you are in luck! We can’t go to any gigs during this lockdown, but this is the next best thing: music biopics. Read our list below of the five best music biopics to get you through these days at home.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The 2018 biopic tells the story of Queen, one of the best British rock bands of all time. We see their journey to stardom, as well as a focus on lead singer Freddie Mercury as he faces personal and societal struggles towards his sexuality. Not only is there an amazing soundtrack but lead actor Rami Malek plays a powerful performance of Mercury; recognised after he won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2019. A musical bonanza that is a hit for all ages whether you’re a 40-year-old reminiscing on your childhood heroes or a just a teenager appreciating musical geniuses.
Rocketman (2019)
Rocketman, the 2019 biopic that tells the story of the ‘Rocketman’ himself, Elton John – previously known as Reginald Dwight in his younger days. From when he could first play the piano, right up to the release of I’m Still Standing in 1983, we see it all, as the film takes us through the ups and downs of his musical career. After watching, you will have a new perception of Elton John as you experience the hardship he had in his family, drug and alcohol addiction and, like Freddie Mercury, his battle with his sexuality. Full of classic hits and a star-studded cast including Taron Egerton, Rocketman is a great biopic to watch.
What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)
The story of musical legend Tina Turner, and her journey to becoming musical royalty. The 1993 musical biopic shows us Tina Turner from her younger days and the highlights of her musical career. Not only is this a film full of great music to sing along to, but it shows us the struggles Turner went through with her husband Ike Turner – whom she built up her musical career alongside that unfortunately led to Ike’s jealousy. What’s Love Got To Do With It, an astounding interpretation of the dedication and difficulties Tina Turner faced in her career that makes her the legend she is today.
Jersey Boys (2014)
After being adapted from the beloved musical on Broadway and the West End, 2014’s Jersey Boys tells the story of 1960’s legendary band The Four Seasons. Full of classic hits everyone knows from age 1 to 100, Jersey Boys is the perfect biopic to watch to get you up and dancing during this isolation as you flashback to December 1963. Not only does this show the musical journey of the Four Seasons, but also how they became to be victims of threats from the mafia. A great film with a much-appreciated soundtrack and drama along the way.
Ray (2004)
Jamie Foxx plays the resounding part of Ray Charles, a pioneer for soul music during the 1950s. After becoming blind at a young age after a tragic accident, young Ray becomes inspired to be more than people expect him to be and takes the world by storm with his singing and piano playing skills. Like the other biopics in this list, we are taken on a journey of Ray’s musical career from a young age and his rise to musical success. A must watch that is worthy of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2005.
By Katie Green