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The 2004 film, written and directed by Helen Mirren's husband Taylor Hackford, focused on 30 years in the life of the iconic, pioneering rhythm and blues virtuoso Ray Charles. For his performance as the blind musician, star Jamie Foxx took home the Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild and Critics' Choice awards, becoming only the second actor in history to win all five for the same role.
The Runaways
Written and directed by music video auteur Floria Sigismondi, this 2010 film told the story of the titular band's formation in 1975, focusing on the relationship between lead vocalist Cherie Currie (played by Dakota Fanning) and guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) until the former's departure from the group in 1977. Sigismondi used Currie's book Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway to form the basis of her script.
I'm Not There
Eschewing tradition, this unconventional biopic from director Todd Haynes took on the life of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan by hiring six different actors (Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw) to depict different facets of the musician's public personas. Released in 2007, the film's only mention of Dylan himself comes via caption at the beginning, declaring that the project is "inspired by the music and the many lives of Bob Dylan."
Walk the Line
Based on two autobiographies written by Johnny Cash, this 2005 film starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Man in Black focused on his early life, romance with second wife June Carter (played by Reese Witherspoon), and ascension in the country music scene. A box office success, the movie earned Witherspoon her first Academy Award.
What's Love Got to Do with It
This 1993 film, adapted from Tina Turner's autobiography, told the story of the iconic singer's early career and tumultuous marriage with Ike Turner. Stars Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne both earned Academy Award nominations for their portrayals of the famous couple. Neither won, but Bassett did take home the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Though not an entirely accurate retelling of Freddie Mercury's rise to fame as the flamboyant lead singer of the band Queen, this 2018 film was a box office sensation, grossing over $900 million worldwide. For his work as Mercury, star Rami Malek took home the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award for Best Actor.
Rocketman
This 2019 film went the musical fantasia route to bring Elton John's early life and career, including the formation of his enduring partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, to the big screen. Star Taron Egerton, who did all his own singing as John, was rewarded with a Golden Globe. At the Academy Awards, John and Taupin earned their first shared Best Original Song Oscar for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again," written just for the film.
Selena
Released just two years after Selena Quintanilla's murder at the age of 23, this 1997 film told the story of her groundbreaking career and shocking death. Playing the title role provided Jennifer Lopez with the breakout performance of her career, helping pave the way for her to become a recording artist herself just two years later.
Straight Outta Compton
This 2015 biopic depicting the rise and fall of gangsta rap group N.W.A. proved to be both a commercial and critical success. Earning over $200 million at the box office, the film was also named one of the top 10 films of the year by the Nation Board of Review.