Directed by the Coen Brothers, Inside Llewyn Davis follows a week in the life of a struggling folk singer in Greenwich Village in 1961. While not strictly about a 'rock band' (it predates the major rock explosion and focuses on the folk scene), it's a poignant and melancholic look at the life of a musician trying to make it. Oscar Isaac gives a superb performance as the titular character, and he performs the film's beautiful, authentic folk songs live. The film captures the cold, often unglamorous reality of pursuing an artistic dream and features a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Bob Dylan folk revival scene.

A spin-off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek is a raucous comedy starring Jonah Hill as a record company intern tasked with escorting an out-of-control British rock star, Aldous Snow (played hilariously by Russell Brand), to a concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The film is a chaotic road trip filled with absurd situations, wild parties, and biting satire of the music industry and celebrity culture. While more of a comedy than a deep dive into band life, Russell Brand is fantastic as the eccentric, troubled rock god, and the film features some genuinely funny musical numbers.

This fourth iteration of A Star Is Born features Bradley Cooper as a seasoned, troubled rock star who discovers and falls in love with a struggling artist, played by Lady Gaga. As his career wanes due to addiction, hers begins to soar. While featuring a rock star protagonist and exploring the music industry, the film's core is the intense, dramatic relationship between the two leads and the themes of fame, addiction, and artistic compromise. Lady Gaga's performance and the original songs, particularly the Oscar-winning 'Shallow', are standout elements of this powerful musical drama.

This biographical drama tells the story of the pioneering all-girl rock band, The Runaways, focusing on the relationship between lead singer Cherie Currie and guitarist Joan Jett. Starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart respectively, the film captures the band's formation in the 1970s, their rapid rise to fame, and the pressures of being young women in the male-dominated rock world. It highlights their raw talent and rebellious spirit, as well as the challenges they faced with fame, exploitation, and internal strife. It's a gritty look at a groundbreaking band that paved the way for future female rockers.

Based on the infamous autobiography, The Dirt chronicles the wild and often shocking story of the iconic Motley Crue. This Netflix film dives headfirst into the band's rise to fame in the 1980s, their excessive lifestyle, internal conflicts, and brushes with death. Told through breaking the fourth wall and jumping between the band members' perspectives (played by Douglas Booth, Colson Baker 'Machine Gun Kelly', Daniel Webber, and Iwan Rheon), the movie is a raw and unfiltered look at the price of fame and excess in the world of hard rock. It's a turbulent ride through one of rock's most notorious sagas.

Set in Dublin in the 1980s, Sing Street is a delightful coming-of-age story about a teenager who starts a band to impress a girl. Directed by John Carney (Once, Begin Again), the film perfectly captures the era's music scene, from the synth-pop of Duran Duran to the rock anthems of The Cure. The band's original songs, written specifically for the film, are incredibly catchy and evolve throughout the movie as the characters find their sound. It's a charming, funny, and genuinely moving film about chasing your dreams, sibling relationships, and the awkward beauty of first love, all set to a fantastic 80s-inspired beat.

Jack Black is in his element in School of Rock, playing a down-on-his-luck rocker who impersonates a substitute teacher and turns his class of straight-A students into a rock band. Directed by Richard Linklater, this comedy is pure joy, fueled by Black's infectious enthusiasm for rock music and the genuinely talented young cast who play their own instruments. The film is not just funny; it's a heartwarming story about finding your passion and the power of music to bring people together. It even features a 'history of rock' lesson that's surprisingly informative! It's a feel-good movie with a killer soundtrack.

Oliver Stone's biographical film chronicles the story of the iconic 1960s rock band The Doors, with a particular focus on their enigmatic and controversial lead singer, Jim Morrison. Val Kilmer delivers a captivating performance as Morrison, embodying his complex persona and stage presence with remarkable accuracy. The film captures the psychedelic era, the band's rise to fame, and the turbulent nature of Morrison's life and relationships. It features powerful recreations of The Doors' live performances and delves into the themes of fame, rebellion, and self-destruction that defined Morrison and the band's brief but impactful career.

Rocketman is a dazzling, fantastical musical biopic about the life and career of Elton John. Unlike a traditional biopic, it's structured as a musical fantasy, with Taron Egerton (who does his own singing!) performing Elton's hits within imaginative cinematic sequences that reflect his emotional state and journey. The film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Elton's life, exploring his struggles with addiction, his relationship with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and his quest for acceptance. Directed by Dexter Fletcher (who also stepped in to finish Bohemian Rhapsody), it's a visually stunning and emotionally rich portrayal of a true music legend.

This biographical drama traces the meteoric rise of the band Queen and their iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury, leading up to their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985. Rami Malek's Oscar-winning performance as Mercury is a central highlight, capturing the performer's charisma, vulnerability, and unparalleled stage presence. The film delves into the band's creative process, their internal dynamics, and Mercury's personal journey. While taking some creative liberties with the timeline, the film is packed with Queen's greatest hits, culminating in a stunning recreation of that historic Live Aid set. It's a powerful celebration of Queen's music and Freddie Mercury's enduring legacy.

Almost Famous is a love letter to the 1970s rock scene, seen through the wide eyes of a teenage journalist tagging along with the fictional band Stillwater. Directed by Cameron Crowe, who drew heavily on his own experiences as a young writer for Rolling Stone, the film captures the feeling of being on the cusp of something huge – both for the band and the protagonist. The cast, including Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Kate Hudson, and Patrick Fugit, brings incredible authenticity to their roles. The soundtrack is, predictably, absolutely stellar, featuring era-defining tracks that perfectly complement the coming-of-age story unfolding on screen. It's a warm, insightful, and often poignant look at the music industry during a pivotal time.

Considered a masterpiece of comedic filmmaking, This Is Spinal Tap isn't just a movie about a rock band; it's the movie. This mockumentary follows the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap on a disastrous American tour. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film is legendary for its improvisational style – much of the dialogue was made up on the spot by the incredibly talented cast, including Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, who also wrote and performed the band's hilariously misguided songs. Its influence is so profound that real rock bands often talk about experiencing 'Spinal Tap moments.' It perfectly captures the absurdity, egos, and sheer chaos of life on the road, often feeling more real than actual rock documentaries. It's required viewing for anyone who loves music or just needs a good laugh.