Movies devoted to music are traditionally great attempts at cinema because they not only blend together two great art forms that are usually treated seperately, but they manage to blend different film genres as well.

These movies aren't just straight tales about music and musicians, but comedies, dramas, romances, and even action films as well.

The following eight movies compiled by Enstars are examples of movies that combine these elements, as well as others.

1. Blues Brothers: 1980, Action/Crime/Comedy starring John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Cab Calloway

After Jake Blues (Belushi) gets out of prison, he gets his band back together. With the help of his brother Elwood (Aykroyd), he conspires to save the Catholic home where they were raised. Musical numbers by James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker -- and a soundtrack that includes a 'Blues Brothers' take on Jailhouse Rock -- helped propelled this film to cult classic status.

2. Almost Famous: 2000; Musical Drama starring Billy Crudup, Franced McDormand, and Kate Hudson

A high-school boy's (Patrick Fugit) life is forever changed when he is given the chance to write about an up-and-coming rock band for Rolling Stone magazine. As he accompanies them on their concert tour, he learns how to confront love and life as he is exposed to the band's lifestyle. He is also introduced to the world of groupies, when he meets the band's lead groupie, Penny Lane (Hudson). It's a coming-of-age story in the world of rock & roll.

3. Walk the Line: 2005; Biography/Drama/Music; Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon and Ginnifer Goodwin

This film is the semi-autobiographical tale of country music legend Johnny Cash. It goes from his days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his meteoric rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. It also chronicles his romance with June Carter Cash.

4. High Fidelity: 2000; Dramatic Musical Comedy starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, and Todd Louiso

Rob is a record store owner and compulsive list-maker. The film recounts his top five breakups, including the one currently-in-progress. What makes it a great music movie is that he frames this through the music in his store. He also gives the other side of music a platform in movies by asking the question: How does music factor into the everyday lives of the people who listen to it?

5. Once: 2006; Musical Romantic Drama Starring Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and Hugh Walsh

This Oscar-winning film is a great musical story because it frames a love story between a busker and an immigrant who write, rehearse and record songs to tell their story. It has since inspired a Broadway show of the same name.

6. This is Spinal Tap: 1984; Musical comedy starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, and Christopher Guest

In the early 1980s, a legendary British heavy metal band attempts to make an American comeback tour. Tagging along on the journey is a fan who also happens to be a filmmaker. The documentary shows a band on the brink of crisis, as well as powerful performances of the group's pivotal music and profound lyrics.

7. School of Rock: 2003; Musical Comedy starring Jack Black, Mike White and Joan Cusack

When a wannabe rock star in desperate need of cash is kicked out of his band, he becomes a substitute teacher at a prep school. While there, he begins to mold his students into the ultimate rock band so he can enter them into a "battle of the bands" contest. If they can win first prize, he will not only solve his financial problems, but put him back in the spotlight as well. What makes this movie work is that is shows kids not only learning music, but using it to empower their lives and discover who they are.

8. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story: 2007; Musical Comedy Starring John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, and David Krumholtz

This movie is a parody of Walk the Line with its story about Dewey Cox, who suffers through several ups-and-downs on his road to stardom. Surprisingly, the musical numbers featured in the film are actually good for a movie that is supposed to be spoofing music completely.

Tags
Music, Movies