Over the past few years, many rock movies have come to the surface and made people appreciate the art that is Rock and Roll. If you’re beginning to like Rock, you may want to check out our list of the top 14 best rock movies to watch.
This list is filled with various movie genres related to Rock, from inspirational films to biographies or life stories of rock legends. Let’s move on to our first movie on the list without further ado.
1. I’m Not There (2007)
English 2h 15m IMDb
Todd Haynes
Stars: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger
To kick off our list, we have the 2007 Todd Haynes film called “I’m Not There.” This entertaining movie is a unique way of storytelling about the life of Bob Dylan, although some of it may not entirely be true. It is a star-studded film that talks about the life of six completely different people who are all reincarnated versions of Bob Dylan. Casting includes Christian Bale, Marcus Carl Franklin, Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger, Richard Gere, and Ben Whishaw.
We chose to add this film to our list because of how it shows what music, specifically rock and country, meant to Bob Dylan.
2. School of Rock (2003)
English 1h 49m IMDb
Richard Linklater
Stars: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack
Another entertaining film that you should watch, if you’ve never seen it before, is School of Rock. Starring Jack Black, this 2003 Comedy Musical film talks about the story of Dewey Finn. He was kicked out of his band and became a substitute teacher to solve his financial crisis. While doing so, he discovers a group of talented kids and puts them in a band, intending to win a $10 000 prize.
If you’re up for some good laughs while learning to appreciate the art of Rock music, this film is the one for you.
3. The Doors (1991)
English 2h 20m IMDb
Oliver Stone
Stars: Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan
The Doors is the next movie on our list, which will keep you absorbed. It’s an interesting biographical film about the famous 1960s rock band of the same name, led by Jim Morrison. It gives fans an insight into the band members’ private roller-coaster lives. The storyline alone will get rock ‘n roll fans hooked. Not to mention the incredible acting of the cast. Val Kilmer, who plays the role of Jim Morisson, displayed top-notch acting, which even confused the remaining living members of the band with the similarities in appearance and voice. This movie is something you wouldn’t want to miss.
4. Elvis (2022)
English 2h 39m IMDb
Baz Luhrmann
Stars: Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge
If you’re up to date with the current trends, you must have heard about the new movie Elvis which came out this year. It’s a movie starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, which tells the story of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley, as told by his manager. Accompanied by a spectacular direction by Baz Luhrmann, this movie is a sure hit from the start.
This movie will give fans an insight into the struggles and problems that he experienced throughout his career. It will undoubtedly be a real treat for all Rock ‘n Roll fans.
5. Anvil (2008)
English 1h 20m IMDb
Sacha Gervasi
Stars: Robb Reiner, Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni
Next up on our list is Anvil, a 2008 Drama Biography and Music Documentary about the heavy metal band with the same name. It follows the story of two friends who swore to rock together forever from fourteen. The band, led by best friends Robb Reiner and Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow, influenced a massive era of rock/ metal groups such as Anthrax and Metallica.
Watching their story unfold will make you want to appreciate their dedication and love for rock music. You may even become a fan and learn to enjoy their music.
6. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
English 1h 36m IMDb
Jake Kasdan
Stars: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, David Krumholtz
Do you enjoy comedy movies with a hint of music and rock? Let me tell you that this next movie will hit the spot. “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” is a brilliant film by Jake Kasdan and Jude Apatow which depicts the story of how Dewey Cox became a national icon for music. This movie successfully shows people how hard it is to live a celebrity life with people looking at your every move.
In terms of music, there’s no denying that this film gave us some great tunes to enjoy and melodies that would stick with us for a long time.
7. Almost Famous (2000)
English, French 2h 2m IMDb
Cameron Crowe
Stars: Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson
How did you fall in love with rock ‘n roll? Is your story similar to William Miller, the lead character in the story of the 2000 film ‘Almost Famous’? If you are slowly trying to learn how to love Rock in general, we suggest that you watch this film filled with drama, comedy, adventure, and music.
Follow the story of a young fellow who dreamed of being a Rock journalist. It all starts when he gets a job at Rolling Stone, where he has to go on tour with a band called Stillwater and experience all of the highs and lows with them.
8. 24 Hour Party People (2002)
English 1h 57m IMDb
Michael Winterbottom
Stars: Steve Coogan, Lennie James, John Thomson
Based on a true story, 24 Hour Party People is a movie that shows what Manchester music was like from the mid-1970 to the early 1990. Tony Wilson, portrayed by Steve Coogan, is a well-known TV presenter who became a prominent figure in Manchester Music from 1976 onwards. Some notable things he has done are establishing Factory Records label and The Hacienda. Watch a piece of Manchester’s history and follow its story as they go through the ups and downs of the entertainment world.
Enjoy the music, entertainment, comedy, and drama this movie brings.
9. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
English, British Sign Language 2h 14m IMDb
Bryan Singer
Stars: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee
Who hasn’t heard about the legendary band ‘Queen’? Dive into this movie and follow their story of how their mark in history was permanently etched in the people’s hearts.
The movie’s storyline and narrative, mixed with the brilliant acting of stars such as Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwylim Lee, Ben Hardy, and Joseph Mazzelo, were why this film became a massive hit for the masses.
Watch history unfold, how their music started, and all of the ups and downs of being in a band with this incredible film by Bryan Singer, Anthony McCarten, and Peter Morgan.
10. Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006)
English 1h 34m IMDb
Liam Lynch
Stars: Jack Black, Kyle Gass, JR Reed
Another spectacular rock movie starring Jack Black is the 2006 film ‘Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.’
It involves an extraordinary friendship mixed with a lot of rock music which produces a one-of-a-kind movie that will make you laugh, cry, and bang your head to the solid rock music. With a hint of fiction and adventure, each scene will keep you hooked to your screens and make you want to know more.
This Liam Lynch film has a simple storyline and a complex series of events that blend well with each other to create a movie that anyone will love, rock fan or not.
11. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
English 1h 22m IMDb
Rob Reiner
Stars: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest
Are you looking for a rock movie that can make you laugh? We suggest you consider watching the 1984 film ‘This is Spinal Tap.’ The story revolves around the story of the fictional band Spinal Tap who tries to attempt a comeback tour in America while having their journey documented by a filmmaker patron.
Enjoy a few laughs and get immersed in the beauty of rock ‘n roll through this spectacular film directed by Rob Reiner.
With a cast filled with brilliant actors like Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, and Michael McKean, this film will keep you entertained throughout its duration.
12. Rock Star (2001)
English 1h 45m IMDb
Stephen Herek
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Aniston, Dominic West
Do you have a rock n’ roll band that you idolize much? Now, have you ever considered being a part of that specific band? It’s a dream come true for every rock music fan. That’s how we’ll summarize the storyline for this next movie.
Starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, ‘Rock Star’ focuses on the story of a young man who had that once-in-a-lifetime chance to become the lead vocals of his favorite rock band. Join him on his journey of touring with his favorite band across the states to perform and have a good time.
13. The Runaways (2010)
English 1h 46m IMDb
Floria Sigismondi
Stars: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon
Let’s cap off our list with the 2010 film starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. ‘The Runaways’ is a biographical film about an all-girl punk rock band in the 1970s with the same name.
It also gives us an insight into the life of these teenage girls who are suddenly thrust into a completely new environment with no parental supervision. Different problems arise as they face the difficulties of the limelight and experience all sorts of things.
What we love about these biographical movies is they explain very well how the music is created through the shaping of their experience.
Summary
Well, that’s the last movie on our list so let’s wrap up this article, shall we? We hope you liked the film we included on our list of the Top 14 best rock movies to watch. You can now add them to movie night and let others appreciate Rock.