In the realm of cinema, few genres have left as indelible a mark as rock and roll. It's not just about the music; it's an attitude, a lifestyle, and a cultural force that has shaped generations. When Hollywood sets its sights on rock and roll, it's not just making a movie, it's capturing the essence of a movement. So, let's dive into the 10 best rock and roll movies of all time, ranked, and explore why each one is a testament to the power of this genre. Personally, I think that rock and roll movies are more than just entertainment; they're a window into the soul of a generation, and I'm here to guide you through this musical journey.
10. Gimme Shelter (1970)
This documentary is a time capsule, capturing the Rolling Stones at a pivotal moment in their career and in the history of counterculture. The movie isn't just about the music; it's about the violence and the chaos that surrounded the band's free concert at Altamont. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects the end of an era, a moment when the idealism of the '60s was giving way to the harsh realities of the '70s. The documentary is a clear-eyed look at a band and a cultural scene in the midst of violent upheaval, and it's one of the best music documentaries of all time.
9. The Song Remains the Same (1976)
Led Zeppelin, one of the definitive rock bands of the '70s, is the star of this concert movie. The film captures the band at the height of their powers, performing hits like 'Kashmir' and 'Stairway to Heaven'. What makes this movie interesting is how it balances the band's musical prowess with behind-the-scenes antics. The fantasy sequences and scenes with band manager Peter Grant are self-indulgent, but they add a layer of personality to the band. The best way to enjoy this movie is in its 2007 remastered edition, which offers a fuller look at the band in action.
8. Stop Making Sense (1984)
Talking Heads, one of the quirkiest bands to ever hit the big time, is the star of this concert movie. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film captures the band's energy and eccentricities, with David Byrne leading the way. What makes this movie so captivating is how it captures the band's personality, highlighting their delightfully oddball charms. Byrne's striking dance moves and costume changes are hypnotic, and the band is at the height of their collaborative powers. This is one of the best concert movies ever made, and it's a perfectly balanced performance of Jack Black.
7. Sing Street (2016)
Set in 1985 Dublin, this movie follows a teenager who forms a band to cope with his new school and turbulent home life. The synth and bass-driven rock of the '80s, popularized by bands like The Cure and Duran Duran, informs the soundtrack. What makes this movie interesting is how it serves as a coming-of-age story and a love letter to the '80s music scene. The film is a minor hit in theaters, but it's become a cult classic in the years since, thanks to its earnest young leads and veteran Irish actors. Anyone who ever formed a teenage band will find a lot to love in this movie.
6. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll, stars in this musical comedy. The movie capitalizes on Presley's status as a rock and roll icon, and it's easily among the best Elvis Presley movies. The protagonist, Vince Everett, is a much more nuanced character than Presley's typical clean-cut characters, which helps elevate the movie. The story itself is a clear parallel to Presley's own sudden rise to superstardom, adding a verisimilitude to the proceedings. Freewheeling fun and the perfect showcase for Elvis Presley's enduring appeal, this movie makes full use of its iconic lead.
5. The Last Waltz (1978)
The Band, a touring ensemble that started out as supporting musicians for Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan, plays their farewell concert in this documentary. The performances are top-notch, and the movie is a veritable who's who of folk rock artists who were around in the mid '70s. The talking head interviews serve as punctuation throughout the documentary, though they don't reveal much. The Band's own feelings about the final film were divisive, but it's a movie that deserves to be played loud, as its opening title card announces.
4. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
The Beatles, the rock act whose legacy looms larger than any other, stars as themselves in this musical comedy. The film depicts a faux day in the life of the Fab Four, and it's one of the best movies of the 1960s, regardless of genre. The joy in this movie comes from seeing the Beatles having fun despite the constant pressures of fame. All four have their own distinct comedic sensibilities, and the movie has a full soundtrack set to memorable set pieces. Capturing The Beatles at the onset of global Beatlemania, this movie is a timeless classic.
3. School of Rock (2003)
Filmmaker Richard Linklater and Jack Black proved to be a comedic match made in heaven with this movie. Black plays a rock and roll enthusiast who forms a rock band with his students. The film works just as well as a rock music primer for audiences as it does for the young characters. The movie provides the perfectly balanced performance of Jack Black, capturing his wide-eyed manic energy but filtered through a family-friendly presentation. A clear love letter and gateway to rock music, this movie is an enduring musical blast.
2. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Rob Reiner's feature directorial debut is a mockumentary that sets the foundation for all mockumentaries to follow. The film captures the absurdity of the rock lifestyle, with Reiner playing director Marty Di Bergi. The interplay between the band, the ridiculous songs, and the wide range of quotable lines make the movie an enduring classic. There is just enough truth to the fiction that the mockumentary feels like it's tapping into something real. Documenting the greatest rock band to never fully exist, this movie beautifully captures the absurdity of the rock lifestyle.
1. Almost Famous (2000)
Before he became a filmmaker, Cameron Crowe was a music journalist, and he drew heavily from his experiences to make this semi-autobiographical movie. The film follows a young man who is hired to accompany a fictional rock band on tour and write a profile about them. Crowe's love of the '70s rock scene is abundantly clear, and the movie is still the best Cameron Crowe movie 25 years later. It's a masterpiece that captures the spirit of life on the road with youthful exuberance, vice, and self-discovery. Getting to the heart of what rock and roll is all about, this movie is a timeless classic.
