Rock and roll is more than a genre. It’s an emotion. From its early stage of emergence in the 1950s, rock and roll is often credited as a rite of passage experienced by a majority of teenagers, globally. Many modern-day masters have credited rock and roll as a source of induction at the start of their creative pursuits. From filmmakers like Wong Kar Wai to cultural icons like Andy Warhol, rock and roll is often regarded as the cornerstone of most creative endeavors. There is no surprise that these two mediums of art are as compatible as salt and pepper, with these 10 films proving just why.
10Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Only Lovers Left Aliveopened to a grand reception at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Touted as a refreshingly dark take on love and life, the film centers around Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, who play an aging vampire couple living among modern day humans.The film was helmed by Jim Jarmusch, who is a musician himself. Jarmusch’s distinctive visual style successfully pays homage to the city of Detroit, highlighted beautifully in the night sequences in the film. With eerie, heart-touching soundtracks from frequent fellow collaborator Sqùrl,Only Lovers Left Aliveis a must-watch for every lover of rock and roll.
Related:The History of Rock and Roll
9School of Rock (2003)
If we all had a music teacher like Jack Black, we’d all be rock stars.School of Rockis often regarded as one of the first introductory films to rock and roll. From legendary director Richard Linklater, the film perfectly sets up the ethos of the genre — perfectly creating the balance of individuality and unity. While many films about rock are dark and gritty,School of Rockcelebrates the spirit of rock, a spirit that transcends all groups.
8Inside Lweyn Davis (2013)
If rock and roll can thrill, oftentimes it instills a deep sadness that seeps into one’s bones. Partly inspired from Dave Von Ronk’s autobiography,Inside Lweyn Davistells the heart-wrenching tale of a musician struggling to make ends meet against thebackdrop of New Yorkin the ’60s. From master filmmakers, the Coen Brothers,Inside Lweyn Davisstars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, and Adam Driver. The film also features soundtracks from industry heavyweights such as Bob Dylan and Justin Timberlake.
Related:Best Movies & TV Series About Real-Life Rock Stars, Ranked
7Dazed and Confused (1993)
Richard Linklater’sDazed and Confusedis another one of those films about rock and roll that one views during their introductory phase to the genre.Dazed and Confusedrevolves around agroup of teenagersliving through their last few days of high school. The film touches on important subjects related to coming-of-age, with themes such as individuality, rebellion, and teenage trite, all highlighted in a delicately beautiful manner. With a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, and Adam Goldberg, it’s Matthew McConaughey’s small but memorable role that steals the show.
6Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famousis Cameron Crowe’s love letter to himself. Loosely based on his journey in the world of journalism,Almost Famousrecounts the story of a fifteen-year-old journalist as he coversa rock band during their tour. Being a contributing editor for Rolling Stone, Crowe leaves no stone unturned in his unflinching recollection of the rock and roll life. Receiving four Academy Award nominations and one win (Best Original Screenplay),Almost Famousis a film that’s bold, fast-paced, and rocks out like no other.
5Purple Rain (1984)
Musicals, when made for adults, are difficult to get right. Add to that a rock star making his acting debut and a director with not a lot of prior experience. One would think the outcome would be a product of disaster, right? Wrong. Albert Magnoli’sPurple Rain, starring Prince, is proof that when a film is made from the heart, it eventually finds its way through. Prince’sPurple Rainrevolves around his character, The Kid, and his band The Revolution, documenting their rise to super-stardom. Upon its release in 1984,Purple Rainreceived commercial and critical success along with an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
4Gimme Shelter (1970)
Gimme Shelteris a documentary film that follows The Rolling Stones’ 1969 US tour, which eventually led up to theshocking death of Meredith Hunter Jr,a concert-goer who was stabbed to death. There were two more deaths caused by hit-and-run accidents, and another death caused by drug overdose. The film’s directors, Albert and David Maysles, along with Charlotte Zwerin, managed to scourge footage from the festival grounds and culminate it into a documentary, switching between the narratives of the various bands that witnessed the gruesome incident at the festival.
Related:These Are Some of the Best Music Documentaries of All Time
3Walk The Line (2005)
Based on the life of legendary singer Johny Cash,Walk the Lineis a feature film directed by James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. The film is based on two autobiographies written by Johnny Cash himself,Man in BlackandCash: The Autobiography.Walk the Linepremiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2005, followed by a theatrical release in the USA,winning Reese Witherspoon an Academy Awardand earning Phoenix a nomination.
2Sid and Nancy (1986)
If there’s one film that perfectly embodies the spirit of punk rock, it’sSid and Nancy. An autobiographical homage to the real-life Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols,Sid and Nancyleaves no stone unturned in revealing the highly dysfunctional, borderline toxic relationship between a modern-day Demigod and his muse/girlfriend. A raw, bold film that yells for attention at the top of its voice and does everything to hold it.
1The Doors (1991)
Many would argue there would be no modern rock without The Doors and there would be Doors without the legendary lizard king, Jim Morrison.The Doorsis Oliver Stone’s masterpiece based on the rise and fall of the Electric Poet, Jim Morrison, and his band, The Doors. Though the film was critically well received with Val Kilmer, in particular, garnering praise for his portrayal of Jim Morrison, the band and other industry figures weren’t too happy with the historical accuracy of the film. But that aside,The Doors,is a must-watch for every Rock and Roll fan, especially if you love Jim Morrison.
