Elvis (2022)

Although movies have previously been made on Elvis Presley, this recent biographical drama is remarkably ambitious in its portrayal of the American heartthrob. Released in 2022, Elvis is directed by Baz Luhrmann, known for his masterful 2013 on-screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby. With the legendary singer being played by Austin Butler, one can never shun his terrific manifestation of Presley as illusory or rehearsed, be it in looks, habitual life or performance styles, and it is as if we see the legend himself living through his life as chronicled on the screen. An important role in this film is also that of Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by none other than Tom Hanks.

Rheingold (2022)

Rheingold is a 2022 German biopic movie directed by Fatih Akin and based on the Iranian-Kurdish hip-hop artiste and entrepreneur Giwar Hajabi, popularly known as Xatar. Adapted from the rapper’s autobiography, Alles oder Nix, this movie takes one through his eventful life, right from childhood, as it progresses from hardships, imprisonments, drug trafficking to his ascension in rap music. With Emilio Sakraya playing the adult Xatar, Akin efficiently portrays the multi-ethnic war refugee rapper’s life in parts shot in multiple locations and in different aspect ratios and filmmaking styles. Thrilling, fast-paced and entertaining, Rheingold is certain to keep audiences glued to their seats throughout its runtime of 140 minutes.

Billie (2019)

Billie Holiday, a name draped in tragedy, particularly due to her haunting and mournful songs, is given an authentic tribute in this 2019 documentary film, Billie, directed by British filmmaker James Erskine. This film is partly also about another woman, Linda Lipnack Kuehl, an American journalist who obsessively dedicated herself in the 1970s to the cause of documenting Holiday’s life by interviewing friends, family members and contemporary performers, but passed away before her work could see light. Building upon Kuehl’s manuscripts and tapes, Billie narrates the complex facets of the jazz singer’s life, including her addiction habits and untamed fantasies, besides her sensuous music.

Straight Outta Compton (2015)

Straight Outta Compton is a biographical drama film as chaotic as both the album it is named after and the rap group that composed it. While the West Coast group N.W.A. rose to considerable significance in the late 1980s, their journey has been nothing short of a violent and unstable roller-coaster ride, part massively glamorous and part unendurably tragic. This film chronicles the group’s rise and downfall, while also delving into the personal struggles and transformations of its members along the way. Directed by F. Gary Gray and produced by the group’s former members, Dr Dre and Ice Cube, this film also has the latter’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr, playing his father.

Respect (2021)

This 2021 Aretha Franklin biopic, directed by Liesl Tommy and written by Tracey Scott Wilson and Callie Khouri, is a craftful attempt at assembling the singer’s tumultuous life. Unfolding through an abundance of musical moments, this drama film portrays Franklin’s life, right from her troubled childhood and as a singer in the church choir to her rise to stardom. Respect is largely indebted to the commendable performance of Jennifer Hudson, who not only embodies Franklin but also frequently lends to this film her musical voice. She is eclectic in her portrayal of the singer, careful to touch on even the tiniest of nuances.

Rocketman (2019)

Beginning with his later times of flux and entry into a rehabilitation centre, Rocketman goes on to backtrack events from Elton John’s flamboyant life. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, this 2019 biographical jukebox musical drama has Taron Egerton playing the British musician. Moving from the life of a young piano prodigy to that of a gay rockstar who lived in excess, Rocketman comes a full circle in its depiction of Elton John, and benefits from the performance of Egerton, who does justice to the icon’s portrayal through his energetically charged delivery. Interestingly, Elton John himself is the executive producer of this movie and has assisted in its making.

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is a 2022 film that pays tribute to the American comedy singer Weird Al Yankovic, renowned for his parodies of pop and rock numbers. Although a biographical musical film, Weird progresses with exaggerated parody and through hilarious situations.

Directed by Eric Appel, it is a satire of biopics, much like Yankovic’s works are a parody of songs, and often takes a detour from the exactness that drives biopics. With Yankovic himself involved in its writing, Weird has Daniel Radcliffe playing the singer by donning his motley guise, accompanied by an accordion.

Miles Ahead (2016)

There’s a thin line between biopics and hagiographies and Don Cheadle, who co-wrote, directed and played Miles Davis in Miles Ahead, just happens to know that. Miles Ahead is a film that depicts the jazz musician through troubled and inactive times in his life during the late 1970s, however, it does not hold itself back from narrating the troubles he has inflicted on others, like his wife and muse, the dancer Frances Taylor. In addition to the biographical fragments that shape his life, this film has a fictional plot where Miles teams up with a music journalist to retrieve a stolen tape.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Bohemian Rhapsody is a larger-than-life tribute to Freddie Mercury, the singer and frontman of the British rock band, Queen. With assistance from the band’s members themselves, this biographical musical drama film was directed partly by Bryan Singer and partly by Dexter Fletcher. One can witness here the multi-award-winning performance of Rami Malek as Mercury, as the film follows the singer through his groundbreaking successes, failed marriage, queer sexuality and atrocious friendships. Queen’s Live Aid concert is the focal point here, and the film both kickstarts and reaches a crescendo with this legendary performance.