Greatest "Music" Based Films (Not Musicals)

Cameron Crowe's beautifully done work about his life as a rock journalist definitely is a great reason for music enthusiasts to consider this as an amazing film. Those that are not into music as much still can find a great sense of story and depth in this movie.

Whether Cusack's references are true to his own life as his character in this film is questionable but it is one of those music based films that makes a lot of good sources for new music and is charming to where you instantly start thinking about your own top 5 lists.

This is where it's hard to choose between this film and Ray because it boils down to your own personal taste in music. I always have enjoyed this one. Joaquin Phoenix may not be the only person to play the role of "The Man in Black" Johnny Cash but damn he does a great job with it along with the talented vocal work.

The life of Ray Charles instantly will draw audiences in. I loved this movie from the get go and definitely did usher in the new wave of biopic films about musicians. Like I said, it was hard to choose this or Walk The Line but again, boils down to taste. Jamie Foxx is a huge surprise having the part nailed.

Going back, this is a good music based film due to Dennis Quaid's energetic performance on and off stage as Jerry Lee Louis. It opens your mind to the idea that not all musicians' life is happy go lucky. It shows a dark side at points that keeps you interested for the drama.

Our first real film on this list all about one of the first punk bands in the UK, The Sex Pistols. Like the title says, they were filthy and furious at everything. If you want a good rock history 101 kind of film and watch some surprising elements, The Filth and the Fury will deliver.

Ralph Macchio is best known for his role as Daniel Larusso in The Karate Kid trilogy but during this time he had a movie all about unleashing the Blues. Ralph as far as I know played some in the film but in the final battle, it was Steve Vai (virtuoso guitarist). Still this has a great story and will teach a little bit of history about the blues' beginnings.

Ok, so if you didn't see The Filth and the Fury, I recommend that first to give more of a history of the music. This is more about the relationship between Sid Vicious and Nancy. Not a lot of reference to the music in the band but a good movie nevertheless. I love Gary Oldman and he always puts everything he has into each role, so him playing the brash Vicious is no exception.

I love Jimi Hendrix, being a musician he is a total influence over the guitar world. This movie however doesn't do justice as much as it could have. It is a TV movie and maybe that is why, just didn't feel it reached its potential. However, that does not go without saying the movie is a good watch for those not sure about Hendrix's background.

This documentary deserves a medal, Samuel Dunn is truly knowledgeable about the history and current times of heavy metal. All musicians and avid listeners need to use this to take notes. It goes on every tangent, meeting with rock/metal legends Bruce Dickinson, the late Ronnie James Dio (RIP), Dee Snider, etc.