Aux's 10 Must Watch Music Films

Music and film have always gone hand in hand throughout history, and the combination of the two is an art-form in itself. A good music film tells the story that the music alone is unable to, allowing audiences to better understand their favourite artists or genres. Whether you’re looking for a good artist documentary/biopic, a live performance, or a fictional drama to enjoy; here are ten recommendations!

Whiplash

Whiplash is a raw insight into the brutality of perfectionism, in which J.K Simmons gives a career defining performance as a cut throat jazz tutor at a New York Music Conservatoire. He pushes his students, namely the Buddy Rich idolising jazz drummer Andrew, to their very limits using fear and borderline abuse. It’s a compelling film which thrives off of its stressful discomfort, making it widely acclaimed by critics and audiences.  

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%

Watch on: Netflix

Bo Burnham: Inside

Inside is a poignant musical special made during lockdown by LA comedian Bo Burnham. Shot in one room over the course of a year, Burnham documents his creative processes and commitment to the special, in which he is completely alone with no outside assistance. His unique brand of social satire is what Bo Burnham is loved for, but while Inside is categorised as a comedy, it also gives a stark insight into mental health deterioration as Burnham struggles with the effects of isolation on screen.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Watch on: Netflix

Sound Of Metal

Sound Of Metal was one of 2020’s most acclaimed films, as it offers a unique dramatisation of metal drummer Ruben (Riz Ahmed) who begins to lose his hearing following years of touring in his RV with band member and girlfriend, Lou (Olivia Cooke). Ruben, a recovering addict, struggles to cope without being able to hear or perform, and seeks help from a shelter as he pursues money for hearing implants while trying to come to terms with his situation.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%

Watch on: Amazon Prime

This Is Spinal Tap

This Is Spinal Tap is widely considered as one of the greatest music mockumentaries ever made, and despite it being released in 1984, you’ll still hear many of its references used to this day. Following the career of the hair-glam-metal band Spinal Tap, the film satirises the ridiculous pedantry of ego fuelled rockstars to a very convincing level. Since the film's success, the initially fictional band went on to perform at concerts including Glastonbury and Wembley - sharing the stage with guests such as David Gilmour and John Mayer.  

A bit of trivia for fans of Better Call Saul: Michael Mckean who plays singer David St Hubbins in Spinal Tap also plays Saul’s brother - Chuck in the series.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/11

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Watch On: Apple TV

Control

Control tells the heartbreaking tale of Joy Division’s inimitable singer Ian Curtis, who committed suicide at just 23 years old following struggles with epilepsy, marriage and the stress of touring in the band as they rose to fame. The film is shot in complete black and white, which sets the tone of impending tragedy throughout. Based on the memoirs of his wife and co-producer of the film, Deborah Curtis - the biopic is the most accurate depiction of Ian’s life and legacy.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

Watch on: Amazon Prime

24 Hour Party People

Another Manchester based biopic set around the same era of Control is 24 Hour Party People, which focuses more on the hedonism of Manchester’s music scene in the 80’s/90’s, and how it was spearheaded by the legacy of Factory Records Founder Tony Wilson - (who is portrayed brilliantly by Steve Coogan). It features depictions and cameos of many names from the time - such as the enigmatic producer Martin Hannet who is responsible for working on Factory's most famous releases, and ex-gangster turned nightclub owner Don Tonay (played by Peter Kay). While the film covers the general tale of Factory Records, including the culturally game changing yet financially disastrous Hacienda Nightclub, it heavily focuses on the story of the band Happy Mondays, with the film’s title named after their song.  

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%

Watch on: Amazon Prime

Sleaford Mods: Bunch Of Kunst

Bunch Of Kunst (‘Kunst’ being the German word for ‘Art’) is a documentary which follows the electro-punk duo Sleaford Mods during their unexpected rise to mainstream success; going from recording in their industrial studio, to amusingly getting on a professional tour bus for the first time, to performing at Glastonbury Festival and then being hailed as one of the greatest bands ever by Iggy Pop. In spite of the angry nature of Sleaford Mods’ music, filmmaker Christine Franz portrays the friendly and humble side to the duo, who’s whole work has been inspired by salt of the earth experiences which they then project outwardly. As aptly put by their manager at the time of filming, Steve Underwood - “They hold a mirror up first to themselves, and then everyone else.”

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

Watch On: Vimeo

Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton follows the rise of the rap group phenomenon N.W.A, consisting of Dr Dre, Eazy E, Ice Cube, MC Ren & DJ Yella. The film has detailed input from N.W.A members and crew, with Ice Cube and Dr Dre featuring as producers, while Ice Cube’s own son plays the part of his father. It depicts N.W.A’s rise to worldwide fame, as well as the groups run ins with gun violence, drug dealing and racial prejudice; with a scene where they perform the track ‘F**k Tha Police’ in front of Detroit law enforcement being particularly memorable.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%

Watch on: Netflix

Stop Making Sense

In 1984, New York art pop pioneers Talking Heads released Stop Making Sense, which is now widely regarded as one of the greatest concert films ever made. It begins with lead singer and creative force David Byrne taking to the stage alone to perform an acoustic version of ‘Psycho Killer’, before being gradually joined by the rest of the band throughout the set. The whole stage show is choreographed by Byrne, who brings his artistic genius to life both musically and visually with performances of hits including ‘Burning Down The House’, ‘This Must Be The Place’ and ‘Girlfriend Is Better’ - the latter introducing his now trademark oversized business suit.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

Watch on: YouTube

The Beatles: Get Back

More a monumental trilogy than a film - The Beatles: Get Back is a collection of footage from the recording sessions of their album Let It Be. The footage was archived until very recently when producer Peter Jackson worked to edit, recolourise and remaster the footage for modern day viewing. It’s some of the most intimate footage of The Beatles ever captured, who during shooting are at the height of their fame. The political strain of the band is clear while they work towards the looming deadline to complete the album, growing increasingly tired of each other's company along the way. They bat around ideas and work to bring the now household classic songs to life, before culminating in the famous final concert on the roof of the Apple Building in London.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%

Watch on: Disney+

That is just a small collection of some of the great music films out there. If you think we've missed any out then let us know which films you would pick by getting in touch with Aux via social media. Hit one of the links below to get in touch!