Six award-winning movies based on musicians like Bradley Cooper’s Maestro and where to stream them on OTT

Musicians hold a special place in our hearts, mainly because of the pivotal and soothing role they play. Bradley Cooper’s Maestro is based on the life of the cultural icon Leonard Bernstein and his complex relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. Shot on a 35mm Kodak film in order to remain true to its time period, the film is among the master contenders at the Oscars 2024, competing with the towering likes of Barbie and Oppenheimer.

Though nominations have not been declared yet, it is expected that the film will rake in multiple nominations and awards in the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. After a limited theatrical release, the film will stream on Netflix December 20, 2023, onward.

Being a period piece, that is helmed by a highly talented actor cum director as well as an award-winning team, the film is almost guaranteed multiple victories. If award-winning films on the music and lives of famous musicians intrigue you, then these six films are a sure shot binge list for you.

Bohemian Rhapsody

This 2018 biographical music drama is based on the life of the lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury. Essayed by the impeccable Rami Malek, the film follows the ups and downs of the mercurial singer with his band Queen, with their eponymous magnum opus at its core. The film became one of the highest grossing films of the year and enjoyed multiple nominations and wins at various Awards. Ranging from scoring nominations at the Oscars, BAFTA, and Golden Globe, to winning four of the five Oscar nominations. 

The film is available for rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.

Elvis

This 2022 musical biopic is based on the best-selling solo artist of all time, Elvis Presley. Portrayed by the talented Austin Butler, the film traces the life of Elvis, his relationship, his struggle, his drug addiction, as well as his insecurities. The film also features Tom Hanks as his helpful but exploitative Colonel Parker. Named by American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of 2022, Elvis raked in eight nominations at the 2023 Oscars, nine at BAFTA, and three at the Golden Globes.

The film is available for rent on Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV.

Green Book

This 2018 heartwarming biographical dramedy is based on the true story of a 1962 musical tour by African American pianist Don Shirley and his Italian American bouncer-turned driver Frank Vallelonga, who later became an actor. The title of the film comes from Victor Hugo Green’s The Negro Motorist Green Book that is a racial guide for travelers who seek motels, restaurants, and filling stations. This tale of racial discrimination, friendship, and a musical road trip won multiple awards at the Oscars, Producers Guild of America, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and National Board of Review.

The film is available on Sony Liv.

Rocketman

Based on the epic adventure that was the life of Elton John, the film’s title Rocketman is inspired by his titular song. Dropping in 2019, the film follows the story of Elton John’s unhappy childhood, his rise to fame, as well as his downward spiral. Whether he is able to recover his wits and get back on track is what the film about. The film had multiple nominations at BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Oscars, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice Awards, and won most of them.

The film is available on Netflix, as well as Google Play and Apple TV.

Ray

Starring Jamie Foxx as the protagonist, the 2004 film is based on the life of blues musician Ray Charles. As most musicians lead a life based on their feelings and emotions, their lives are bound to be tumultuous and chaotic. An inspiring story that follows the rise and fall of the Blues legend, it also ends with him getting a rather positive ending in life, albeit an unexpected one. The film was showered with 108 nominations from BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, Oscar, and Screen Actors Guild, and won 53 of them.

The film is streaming on Jio Cinema, and can be rented on Apple TV, and Google Play.

Walk the Line

This 2005 musical biography is inspired by the two autobiographies of American musician Johnny Cash. The film stars Joquain Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon in the leading roles, and follows Cash’s life from his early childhood, tracing early influences and fixations. Johnny Cash struggles in his adult life initially to make ends meet for his family but does not give up on his passion, till he actually makes it big. Walk the Line won Best Actress for Witherspoon at the Oscars 2006 and was also nominated in four other categories.

The film is available for rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.