Top 10 Musician Biography Movies

Punks, Addicts and Bob Dylan

Good movies need drama, conflict, and interesting characters. Musicians make excellent movie fodder, because the tortured artist effect makes for good viewing. And so, in no particular order:

10. Amadeus

Not particularly historically accurate account of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but nevertheless beautifully shot and moving. Plus, you get to hear hours of some of the most exquisite classical music ever made. That's a good thing, you heathens.

9. The Rose

This thinly-veiled biopic about Janis Joplin is Bette Midler's finest role. Good songs, too.

8. Walk the Line

A little too slick and commercial, but masterful performances (both acting and singing) by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon make this a must-see.

7. Control

This biopic about doomed Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis is one of the finest biographical music films ever made, even if you don't care for Joy Division.

6 . What's Love Got to Do With It?

High-energy biography of the indomitable Tina Turner and her abusive relationship with husband and band partner Ike Turner. Parts of it are difficult to watch, but the ending is transcendent.

5. Bird

Arty, sensitive portrayal of the life of jazz musician Charlie Parker. Forest Whitaker is his usual revelatory self. One of the earlier films directed by Clint Eastwood.

4. The Buddy Holly Story

Gary Busey has become such a Hollywood joke that's it's easy to forget that at one time, he burned. Great biographical movie about the rise and death of the highly influential singer-songwriter Buddy Holly and his band, the Crickets.

3. I'm Not There

A kind of anti-biopic, Todd Haynes turns the legend of Bob Dylan on its head by having the man played by different people and in different ways, including by a child and a woman (Cate Blanchett, who won an Oscar for the role).

2. La Vie En Rose

Marion Cotillard channels tragic French singer Edith Piaf and won an Oscar in this 2007 production. Whatever storytelling flaws the film itself has are washed away in the wake of the intense and amazing performance of Cotillard - and the oodles of Piaf songs.

1. Sid and Nancy