As music majors, I bet you already know how many minutes you spent on Spotify last year, according to your Spotify Wrapped. But do you know how long you’ve spent studying? What about watching movies? What if watching movies counted as studying?
The following movies offer an important perspective on how music affects people’s lives. From upcoming musicians to avid listeners to obsessed drummers, these characters depend on the power of music. You can learn a lot from them, and you’ll probably relate, too.
1. Baby Driver (2017)
After a tragic car crash in his childhood leaves him orphaned and with tinnitus, Baby becomes a getaway driver. During each heist, he pulls off incredible maneuvers, evading the law and his enemies, by listening to his perfect playlist. He is able to block out the ringing in his ears and the violent danger that threatens his life. When he meets a beautiful waitress named Deborah, he tries to turn his life around and run away with her, but his “coworkers” aren’t so fond of the notion.
Music affects all sorts of people in different ways. It empowers them to do things they never thought they would be able to or cope with their grueling lives. For Baby, it allows him to be an accomplice to robbery and murder. And yet, it also helps him meet the love of his life. Music is not just one thing. The same song can convey a thousand different meanings to a million different people. It holds memories, gives strength, comforts, and connects. Music is the soundtrack of our lives.
Run time: 1 hr 55 min
Where to Watch: Philo, Sling TV, DIRECTV, The Roku Channel
IMDb: 7.5/10
2. Begin Again (2013)
Down-on-his-luck record executive Dan (Mark Ruffalo) is fired from his own company for refusing to sign industry plants with no soul. That same night, he stumbles across Gretta (Keira Knightley), a singer/songwriter grieving her failed relationship with a fellow musician, in a bar. After much convincing, she agrees to work with him to create her first album: recorded outside in New York City’s most iconic places.
As musicians, you will likely be tempted to undermine your unique voice for a better chance at “success.” Gretta’s ex-boyfriend was more than willling to throw away his identity for a taste of stardom, yet she refused to sell out. Instead, she innovated. She found a sound that was authentic to her and a city she loved. As you watch this movie, consider who you think was more successful, and what success might look like for you.
Run time: 1 hr 44 min
Where to Watch: Peacock, PLEX, CW, Prime Video, freevee, tubi, hoopla
IMDb: 7.4/10
3. A Complete Unknown (2024)
In the 1960s, a young Bob Dylan rises to fame in New York City. He is mentored by folk singer and activist Pete Seeger. As the United States faces political unrest from the Cold War and the Civil Rights movement, Dylan channels his frustration into lyrics that transform folk music forever. His newfound popularity with folk fans causes trouble when he transitions to rock music, forcing him to choose between his many fans and his authenticity.
Bob Dylan is known as the greatest songwriter of all time for his impact and advocacy through lyricism. He wrote and performed what mattered to him, not caring about people’s reactions to his words. Every aspiring songwriter should look up to Dylan for inspiration. How will you make a difference with your music?
Run time: 2 hr 20 min
IMDb: 7.4/10
4. Lemonade Mouth (2011)
When stuck in detention, five students from different worlds discover their musicality. As they start a band called Lemonade Mouth, they forge an unlikely friendship. Unfortunately, Principal Brenigan’s blatant favoritism towards the popular kids entices him to create obstacles for their band. Simultaneously, they must deal with personal drama. However, their hardships provide writing material, and their popularity with the student body grows.
While the sentiment is somewhat watered down to be kid-appropriate, the message in Lemonade Mouth is clear: music represents personal beliefs and values. It can be used to protest against an oppressive and unjust system. If you use your voice in a refreshing way, you’ll reach more people who relate to your struggles. Together, you can make a positive change.
Run time: 1 hr 46 min
Where to Watch: Disney+
IMDb: 6.9/10
5. Mamma Mia! (2008)
“Dancing Queen,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” “Mamma Mia“… It’s impossible to overstate ABBA’s influence on our culture and music today. This movie musical’s soundtrack is comprised entirely of legendary ABBA songs to tell the story of a young woman who invites three men who could be her father to her home, so he can walk her down the aisle. The only problem? Her mother has no idea.
Music tells a story. When Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were writing the band’s iconic songs, they probably didn’t know that Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried would sing them as the soundtrack for a cult classic. And yet, they perfectly blend together to take the listener on a journey. Even as they stand alone, each song tells a story that the listener can relate to and enjoy. Music has to tell a story for it to have substance. Whether through the beat, instrumentals, or lyrics, communicate with your listener.
Run time: 1 hr 48 min
Where to Watch: Max, Cinemax, Sling TV
IMDb: 6.5/10
6. Pitch Perfect (2012)
In this hilarious film, college freshman and DJ Beca (Anna Kendrick) decides to join the Barden Bellas, an a cappella singing group. Together, the Barden Bellas must compromise between tradition and modernity to stand a chance against their rivals, The Treblemakers.
Art and music are always growing and evolving to serve an ever-changing society. If you want to be successful, you have to change with it. There’s nothing wrong with respecting or preferring traditional art, but don’t be afraid of the modern. Embrace it. Use it to communicate your message so it’s heard by all.
Run time: 1 hr 52 min
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, ROW8
IMDb: 7.1/10
7. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023)
Pop icon Taylor Swift goes on a world tour that encompasses her many “eras,” or albums. The concerts at SoFi Stadium were compiled to create a cohesive film for fans who did not get the pleasure of seeing her live or wanted to relive the magical experience. At almost three hours, the documentary is remarkably shorter than her live concerts, cutting a couple of songs from the setlist. However, it makes up for the lost songs with its camerawork of never-before-seen angles of the pop star.
Swift is undeniably one of the most popular and most influential singer/songwriters of all time. The Eras Tour revolutionized the tour industry, raising the bar for all performers. She capitalized on nostalgia, literary devices, emotional scenes and choreography, and beautiful costumes to keep fans engaged for every second. If you are considering becoming a musician, study this documentary to gauge what you should aim for if you ever make it. Even if you’re not, this tour will still entertain you and make you appreciate the hard work of everyone involved.
Run time: 2 hr 49 min
Where to Watch: Disney+
IMDb: 8/10
8. Whiplash (2014)
Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a determined freshman at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory, is recruited by an intense conductor (J. K. Simmons) to join the school’s top jazz ensemble as drummer. When the conductor’s harsh teaching methods get to Andrew, he pushes himself to the limits of his human capability to be the best. Blood, sweat, tears, sabotage, and failed relationships won’t stop him from being one of the greats.
How far are you willing to go to be great? If it’s as far as Andrew, that might not be a good thing. What happens when the sound of your art overpowers your voice? There’s a difference between dedication and obsession—failing to recognize that difference may cost you your life.
Run time: 1 hr 47 min
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, ROW8
IMDb: 8.5/10
And On That Note
As you watch these movies, I hope you find a new appreciation for music and are inspired to make your own!
