Music Films with Unforgettable Impacts

Every music nerd needs an epic music film to sink into, electrified by the filmmaker’s primal love for the performing arts. But once you’ve exhausted every Hollywood biopic and outlandish rock band documentary, you might be left wondering: ‘What next?’

That’s why we’ve collected the top five music films which will absolutely wreck you (in a good way, of course), each boasting a ground-breaking soundtrack and a host of A-List actors ready to reignite your raw passion for music, no matter what your favourite genre might be. 

From tear-jerking musicals to gritty tales of an artist’s struggle to snatch the spotlight, these music flicks don’t just rank amongst top-leagues of modern cinema, but are doubtlessly some of the the most poignant and unforgettably impactful music films of our age.

1. A Beautiful Life (2023)

A Beautiful Life follows the unlikely story of a fisherman named Elliott, as he’s thrust into the limelight.

After performing an impromptu set at a club night and dazzling a high-profile manager in the audience, Elliott achieves almost instant success with his extraordinary voice. But as he tackles the overwhelming pressures of fame, Elliott must unravel his own feelings towards Lilly, the estranged daughter of his manager, all whilst battling against his own harrowing past.

Starring home-grown Danish popstar-turned-actor Christopher Nissen and directed by Medhi Avaz, this subtitled/dubbed Danish romantic drama was first released through Netflix in 2023. Its official soundtrack was so phenomenal that it claimed the top position on the Danish album charts!

2. A Star Is Born (2018)

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s Oscar Award-winning film, A Star Is Born hardly needs any introduction. Carved with darkness, warmth and zestful, heart-wrenching tunes, this romantic musical is served with a gritty edge, following the tale of an alcohol-addicted country musician as he’s pulled into the orbit of Ally, a bright and budding pop artist. Amongst its eye-watering 99 wins and 288 award nominations, this film picked up the BAFTA for Original Music, the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, four Grammy Awards including Best Song and Compilation Soundtrack, with Lady Gaga taking home countless individual awards for Best Actress.

 And that’s not to mention the outlandish success of its soundtrack hit, “Shallow,” peaking at #1 on both the UK and US Singles charts, whilst stealing the top-spot in 19 other countries across the globe.

3. La La Land (2016)

Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, La La Land pours its focus into every performing artist’s biggest struggle: balancing a career in the spotlight with a convoluted love life. 

When Mia, an actress, meets Sebastian, a jazz musician, they must navigate an emotional obstacle course leading to their happily-ever-after, keeping love alive in a city which seeks to crush their spirits.

Directed by Damien Chazelle and featuring ‘All Of Me’ hitmaker John Legend in a supporting role, this romcom-musical won a staggering five Oscar Awards, five BAFTAs, seven Golden Globes, two Grammys and eight Critics Choice Awards, amongst countless other accolades. Its biggest soundtrack hit, ‘City of Stars,’ even picked up seven awards of its own!

4. Begin Again (2013)

Keira Knightley might be best known for her period dramas. However, the New York-based musical comedy drama, Begin Again, casts the star in a brand new light as she takes on the role of Gretta: a singer-songwriter and Manhattan newbie searching for her big break. But when her music captivates a down-and-out record label executive (Mark Ruffalo), Gretta’s world is turned inside out.

From the mind of Irish director John Carney, Begin Again comes flocked with themes of hope, betrayal, addiction and blinding success. This sentimental flick mixes fantastic songs with gripping characters, constellated with celebrity cameos from James Corden and CeeLo Green, and a supporting role by Adam Levine.

5. Once (2006)

The Oscar Award-winning Irish romantic musical drama Once leads viewers through a love story set in Dublin. A struggling city busker and an immigrant musician join forces for a week of songwriting and recording, unearthing feelings for each other whilst using the power of music to work through their complex ex-relationships and estrangements.

Starring Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and directed by Dublin’s own John Carney, Once broke clean through the chokehold placed on most independent, foreign films; hitting the big-time with two Grammy Award nominations for its soundtrack while picking up an Oscar and Critics Choice Award with its soundtrack hit ‘Falling Slowly.’

Fun fact: when ‘Falling Slowly’ won the Oscar for Best Original Song, Markéta Irglová cemented her name in film history, becoming the youngest actress to win an Academy Award in a non-acting category.

Want more from Christopher Nissen?

Christopher Nissen, star of A Beautiful Life, has taken his chart-topping movie soundtrack across the globe, crafting the brand new and sensational concert film, Christopher: A Beautiful Live Tour, now streaming here on On Air. Fancy a watch? Check it out here!

And when the curtains close, don’t forget to scroll through our complete catalogue of live concert films to find more epic flicks to fill your evenings.

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