From soulful biopics to fictional feature lengths, music films rarely fail to leave a mark (and a couple of added songs on your Spotify playlist). Since music and film are basically inseparable, we’ve rounded up some of our fave on-screen music stories for you to dive into!
Consider this a cinematic mixtape from Freely to you…
Amy (2015)
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Asif Kapadia presents a beautiful, tender and heartbreaking portrait, using archival footage, of the Lioness herself, Amy Winehouse. The documentary sensitively untangles her spiral into alcoholism and drugs whilst shining a light on the negative influences surrounding her. But ultimately, at its heart, the documentary beats with Amy’s love for jazz, soulfully woven through every moment.
Supersonic (2016)
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From the rough edges of council estates in Manchester to hosting record-breaking concerts – yep it’s Oasis in all their messy, magical glory. Liam and Noel Gallagher provide interviews and voice overs, plunging us back into the 90s with archival footage. With bursts of arrogance and swagger but coupled with sweetness, Supersonic is ultimately a feel-good doc and oh so quintessentially Oasis.
A Star is Born (2018)
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A Star is Born is all kinds of special – a sweeping, emotionally charged romance that will linger longggg after the credits roll. When seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers and falls for aspiring singer Ally (Lady Gaga), he encourages her to step into the spotlight and chase the stardom she never quite believed was possible. As Ally’s fame rises, Jackson’s personal struggles with addiction begin to strain her relationship, creating this raw and heartbreaking portrayal of loveeee, fame and sacrifice.
A Complete Unknown (2024)
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This captivating musical biopic whisks you into the world of Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet), charting his electrifying rise at the heart of the 1960s folk scene. A Complete Unknown follows his journey from an unknown drifter arriving in New York, to a voice that would define a generation! This is a must-watch for anyone who loves his music or wants to discover the story behind the legend.
Elvis (2022)
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From his childhood in Tupelo to his explosiveeee rise through the 1950s, Elvis sweeps you straight into the whirlwind of Presley’s life – the controversial dancing, teenage riots, army years and increasingly chaotic grip of Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). Austin Butler doesn’t just play Elvis, he basically channels him, capturing the charisma, vulnerability and electricity that reshaped the entire music landscape!
La La Land (2016)
Stream on ITVX
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Here’s to the fools who dream. We follow Mia (Emma Stone) an aspiring actress, scraping by between auditions and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) a jazz musician who feels stuck in dead-end gigs. They crash into each other and spark a whirlwind of romance. But the very dreams that draw them together threaten to pull them apart. It’s the kind of film that lingers long enough to make you want to go on a long, dreamy walk home.
Whiplash (2014)
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A hard-core instructor (J.K Simmons) and extremely talented young drummer (Miles Teller) enter a turbulent relationship as he trains his student to pursue perfection. Your heart will be in your throat, and you heart will still be pounding 24 hours after watching. Not one to watch if you’re already feeling a bit anxious buttt flawlessly spell bounding.
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
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A Coen brother’s gem, following the story of struggling folk musician Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) trying to forge his path, in bustling 60’s New York. Davis is prickly and self-destructive, but when he picks up a guitar and bares his soul, it is simply mesmerising. A quietly devastating look at what it means to live, create and simply keep going. Also, there’s a cat.
La Vie en Rose (2007)
Stream on ITVX
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Olivier Dahan sweeps us from cobbled Paris pavements to dazzling New York stages as he unpacks the turbulent life of Edith Piath. He follows her from a childhood surrounded by brothels to smoky nightclubs where she was first discovered, love affairs to devastating losses, all whilst her raw, pure vocals pierce the heart of French soul. And at its centre glows the Oscar-winning performance of Marillion Cotillard, who delivers with aching depth and vulnerability. J’adore!
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
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Told in her Nina Simone’s words, Liz Garbus chronicles one of the mosttt gifted vocalists of the 50s and 60s through brilliant archival footage. Opening with Maya Angelou’s unforgettable question:
“Miss Simone, you are idolised, even loved, by millions now. But what happened, Miss Simone?”
This documentary delves into the key role Simone played in the Civil Rights movement and does not hold back from shining a light on the intimate struggles of her life that shaped her. All underscored by the blues, jazz and soul Simone made her own!
Carole King and James Taylor: Just Call Out My Name (2025)
Stream on BBC iPlayer
Carole King and James Taylor have been best mates for the past 50 years! This doc follows the incredibly talented duo on their 2010 world tour. Totally charming, and endless smiles throughout the run-time, this is packed with nostalgia and a delight to watch!
Beyoncé: Homecoming (2019)
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Prepare to bow down. Homecoming is Beyoncé at her most mind-blowingly brilliant – a behind-the-scenes journey into her iconic 2018 Coachella performance! Part doc, part live concert and part celebration of Black excellence, she peels back the curtain on the creativity and fierce determination behind the glitter!
Dolly Parton: Here I Am (2019)
Stream on BBC iPlayer
Get to know the queen of country like never before. From Dolly’s roots by rivers of Tennessee to the sparkle that still continues to dazzle Nashville and has captivated the world. Meet the people and places that shaped her, dabble in archival footage, gain access to behind the scenes of iconic songwriting, and revel in the wigs. Oh, so many wigs.
Straight Outta Compton (2015)
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This gripping, adrenaline-fuelled biopic tracing the formation of N.W.A and the revolutionary impact it had on music, culture and conservations around race and policing in America.
And if you're looking for weekly recommendations, why not discover the best films to stream for free this week!
