- Movie Name: Velvet Goldmine
- Release Date: November 6, 1998
- Gross Sales: $4.3 million
Velvet Goldmine is a film that captures the essence of the glam rock era, drawing inspiration from legendary rock icons. The movie showcases the dynamic performances and striking glam rock style of its characters. The central figures in the film are Brian Slade, portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Curt Wild, played by Ewan McGregor, both of whom deliver powerful vocal and guitar performances. Originally, the filmmakers intended to use David Bowie's music to enhance the authenticity of the glam rock atmosphere. However, due to legal complications stemming from the script's basis on unauthorized biographies, Bowie refused to grant the licensing rights. Consequently, the film features original music.
- Movie Name: Popstar—Never Stop Never Stopping
- Release Date: June 3, 2016
- Gross Sales: $9.7 million
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a mockumentary that chronicles the meteoric rise and subsequent decline of a fictional pop sensation named Conner4Real, a character inspired by Justin Bieber. The film features Andy Samberg as Conner4Real, with Jorma Taccone playing DJ Owen Bouchard and Akiva Schaffer portraying Lawrence Dunn, who handles vocals and the keytar. This satirical take on contemporary pop music is memorable and hilarious, lampooning the excesses and absurdities of modern pop stardom.
- Movie Name: Almost Famous
- Release Date: September 22, 2000
- Gross Sales: $47.4 million
Almost Famous vividly encapsulates the essence of 1970s rock and the trials of life on tour, rendering them both relatable and genuine. The film follows the band Stillwater, featuring Russell Hammond on guitar and vocals, Jeff Bebe as the lead singer, Ed Vallencourt on drums, and Larry Fellows on bass. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the movie draws inspiration from his own teenage years as a journalist for Rolling Stone magazine during the 1970s. The film went on to win Best Original Screenplay at the 73rd Academy Awards.
- Movie Name: Sing Street
- Release Date: January 24, 2016
- Gross Sales: $13.6 million
Sing Street is a film set in Dublin in 1982, capturing the essence of the new wave music scene of that time. The movie follows the journey of a band whose heartfelt and nostalgic 1980s sound strikes a chord with audiences. The story is a coming-of-age tale that resonates deeply, as it intertwines the personal growth of its characters with the vibrant musical landscape of the era. The band, Sing Street, is led by Conor "Cosmo" Lalor on lead vocals and guitar, with Eamon as the multi-instrumentalist, Ngig on drums, Larry on bass, and Garry on guitar. Darren takes on the role of the band's manager.
- Movie Name: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
- Release Date: July 20, 2001
- Gross Sales: $3.6 million
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is celebrated for its glam rock sound, emotionally charged lyrics, and the mesmerizing portrayal of its lead character. The band features Hedwig on lead vocals and guitar, Yitzhak on vocals and keyboards, Krzysztof on guitar, Schlatko on drums, and Jacek on bass. This groundbreaking act is recognized as one of the first drag performance shows to integrate a full narrative, original music, and a live band. John Cameron Mitchell, who embodies Hedwig, initially developed the character by performing in drag and narrating Hedwig's story between songs he co-wrote with Stephen Trask.
- Movie Name: The Commitments
- Release Date: August 14, 1991
- Gross Sales: $14.9 million
The Commitments is celebrated for its soulful renditions of classic hits and its gritty, realistic depiction of the band's rise and struggles. The film band features Deco Cuffe on lead vocals, Jimmy Rabbitte as the manager, Joey "The Lips" Fagan on trumpet, Outspan Foster on guitar, Derek Scully on bass, Billy Mooney on drums, and both James Clifford and Dean Fay on saxophone. Interestingly, the actors who portrayed the members of the Commitments actually learned to play their respective instruments for the film.
- Movie Name: A Might Wind
- Release Date: March 16, 2003
- Gross Sales: $18.7 million
A Mighty Wind is a mockumentary that humorously explores the folk music revival, featuring a fictional reunion concert of folk groups that disbanded many years prior. The film draws inspiration from iconic folk acts like The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary. It showcases a blend of musical talent and witty lyrics, capturing the essence of the genre while adding a comedic improvisational twist.
- Movie Name: Rock Star
- Release Date: September 7, 2001
- Gross Sales: $19.3 million
Rock Star is a film that captures the essence of larger-than-life performances and the incredible journey of a fan who ascends to the role of lead singer. The story revolves around Chris "Izzy" Cole, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, who takes on the role of lead vocalist. The plot is loosely inspired by the real-life story of Vince Neil, the frontman of Mötley Crüe. The movie was a box office bomb. However, studios blame the lack of success on the fact that the movie entered theaters the Friday before September 11, 2001. Understandably, movie grosses and theatre attendance dropped notably in the immediate time frame around the national tragedy.
- Movie Name: Walk Hard—The Dewey Cox Story
- Release Date: December 21, 2007
- Gross Sales: $20.6 million
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is a comedic take on the life of a fictional music legend, Dewey Cox, played by John C. Reilly. The film humorously exaggerates the typical rise-and-fall narrative seen in musical biopics, featuring original songs that span a variety of genres. The movie is a parody that draws inspiration from the lives of several iconic musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. John C. Reilly actually performed all the singing on the movie's soundtrack, and he even played the guitar on most of the songs.
- Movie Name: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
- Release Date: August 13, 2010
- Gross Sales: $49.3 million
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a film that draws its unique visual flair from the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley. These novels are known for their heavy use of video game references and aesthetics, which the movie successfully translates to the screen. The story revolves around Scott Pilgrim, who plays bass and provides vocals for his garage rock band. Scott Pilgrim, along with his bandmates Stephen Stills, Kim Pine, and Young Neil, navigates through a series of extraordinary confrontations, blending music and action in a way that captivates the audience. Their punny band name isn't exactly advertiser friendly...
- Movie Name: Josie and the Pussycats
- Release Date: April 6, 2001
- Gross Sales: $14.9 million
Josie and the Pussycats are notable for their infectious pop-punk tunes, fashionable attire, and a powerful all-female ensemble. The band consists of Josie McCoy on lead vocals and guitar, Valerie Brown on bass, and Melody Valentine on drums. Their unique combination of musical talent and style sets them apart in the industry. The film, which shares the band's name, offers a satirical perspective on teen pop culture and the music business. The characters from the Archie Comics comic book seres
- Movie Name: That Thing You Do
- Release Date: October 4, 1996
- Gross Sales: $34.6 million
The fictional band The Wonders, known for their infectious 1960s pop sound, rose to fame with their hit song "That Thing You Do!" The group, consisting of Guy Patterson on drums, Jimmy Mattingly on lead vocals and guitar, Lenny Haise on lead guitar, and T.B. Player on bass. Their journey to stardom is a central theme of the film That Thing You Do! Inspired by The Monkees, a band created for a television show of the same name, The Wonders capture the essence of the era with their catchy tunes and dynamic performances.
- Movie Name: Purple Rain
- Release Date: July 27, 1984
- Gross Sales: $70.3 million
Purple Rain is celebrated for its innovative sound, dynamic performances, and the extraordinary talent of Prince. The Revolution band, led by Prince as "The Kid" on vocals and guitar, included Wendy Melvoin on guitar, Lisa Coleman on keyboards, Dr. Fink on keyboards, Brown Mark on bass, and Bobby Z. on drums. The Revolution was the real life backing band for Prince on two albums. But Prince and the Revolution were playing fictionalized versions of themselves for Purple Rain. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
- Movie Name: This Is Spinal Tap
- Release Date: March 2, 1984
- Gross Sales: $4.7 million
This Is Spinal Tap is celebrated for its comedic and exaggerated depiction of a rock band. It showcases the band's over-the-top stage antics and frequent mishaps. The band members include Nigel Tufnel on guitar and vocals, David St. Hubbins also on guitar and vocals, Derek Smalls on bass, Viv Savage on keyboards, and Mick Shrimpton on drums. Initially, the film was set to be called "Metal Gods," but the title was changed when the filmmakers discovered that a heavy metal band with that name already existed.
- Movie Name: A Star Is Born
- Release Date: October 5, 2018
- Gross Sales: $436.2 million
A Star is Born is a film that has captivated audiences through its powerful performances and the emotional depth of its characters, highlighting the peaks and valleys of their personal and professional journeys. The story revolves around Jackson Maine, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, who excels in guitar and vocals, and Ally, played by Lady Gaga, who showcases her talents in vocals and piano. Their on-screen chemistry and the raw portrayal of their struggles and triumphs make the film a compelling watch. This iconic movie has seen multiple iterations, having been remade four times since its original release in 1937. The version won an Oscar for Best Song for the single, "Shallow."
- Movie Name: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
- Release Date: February 17, 1989
- Gross Sales: $40.5 million
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure follows the spirited journey of two high school friends, Ted "Theodore" Logan (played by Keanu Reeves) and Bill S. Preston, Esq. (portrayed by Alex Winter). They embark on a time-traveling quest to become rock legends. Both characters play the guitar, and their enthusiastic pursuit of their dreams is a central theme of the film. Originally, the movie was conceived as a science fiction script titled "Bill & Ted Go to the Future." However, studio executives felt that the title was too similar to "Back to the Future," leading to its renaming.
- Movie Name: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
- Release Date: December 22, 2000
- Gross Sales: $71.9 million
The melodious bluegrass stylings of the Soggy Bottom Boys may evoke a sense of bluegrass authenticity. However, these musicians exist solely within cinema. Crafted for the Coen brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the group's on-screen performances had vocals that were provided by separate, talented artists. Despite their fictional nature, the musicians collaborated as the Soggy Bottom Boys at some music festivals and award shows. While the band may be fictional, the song they perform ("I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow") is a cover of a real song.
- Movie Name: The Blues Brothers
- Release Date: June 20, 1980
- Gross Sales: $115.2 million
The Blues Brothers are celebrated for their high-energy shows, timeless blues sound, and the dynamic interplay between their two main characters. The band features Jake Blues on vocals, Elwood Blues on harmonica and vocals, Matt "Guitar" Murphy on guitar, Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass, Steve Cropper on guitar, Willie "Too Big" Hall on drums, and Murphy Dunne on keyboards. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd initially created the characters of The Blues Brothers as a clever ploy to bypass the lines at Chicago nightclubs. This inventive origin story eventually blossomed into a full-fledged musical act, renowned for its spirited performances and authentic blues vibe.
- Movie Name: School of Rock
- Release Date: October 3, 2003
- Gross Sales: $131.3 million
School of Rock tells the inspiring story of a group of novice students who transform into rock stars under the guidance of their passionate teacher. The band, led by Dewey Finn on guitar and lead vocals, includes Zack Mooneyham on lead guitar, Freddy Jones on drums, Katie on bass, Lawrence on keyboards, and Tomika on vocals. Interestingly, Jack Black, who ultimately brought the character of Dewey Finn to life, wasn't the initial choice for the role. Before he was cast, other notable actors such as Tom Hanks, Will Ferrell, and Chris Rock were considered.
- Movie Name: Wayne's World
- Release Date: February 14, 1992
- Gross Sales: $183.1 million
The character of Cassandra in Wayne's World is the lead of a band called Crucial Taunt int he film. In the film, Wayne falls in love with her the first time that he sees her. It's in Wayne's basement that Crucial Taunt plays to try and win back their recording contract. Interestingly, the basement set of Wayne's house in the film was inspired by the actual basement of director Penelope Spheeris' son.
- Movie Name: Tenacious D in the PIck of Destiny
- Release Date: November 22, 2006
- Gross Sales: $13.9 million
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is a film that showcases the unique blend of comedy and rock and roll that has made Tenacious D iconic. The duo, consisting of Jack Black on lead vocals and guitar and Kyle Gass on guitar and vocals, is known for their impressive musical talent and hilarious lyrics. Their ability to combine humor with rock music has earned them a dedicated fan base and a distinctive place in the entertainment world. The movie also features a memorable guest appearance by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, who plays the role of Satan.
