Particularly over the past few years, musical biopics have grown increasingly popular thanks to their ability to tell a quick, sensationalized story full of bold storytelling and catchy music in two short hours. The latest example of this trend is Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which chronicles the troubled rise of the so-called King of Rock and Roll.
At the heart of every musical biopic is a flashy, transformative performance that can often propel an actor towards critical acclaim – and often, awards. Movie buffs on Reddit have given their opinion on some of cinema’s finest musical biopic performances – including those that gathered widespread attention and some that flew under the radar.
Taron Egerton As Elton John – Rocketman (2019)
Dexter Fletcher’s Rocketman tells the sensational and unforgettable story of Elton John’s whirlwind rise to stardom in the 1970s, with the central figure being played by Taron Egerton in an undeniably career-defining performance. Even those for whom the film didn’t work can admit that Egerton was fantastic in the role, expertly capturing the spirit of Elton’s music.
Reddit user hurricanetrash argues that Egerton’s performance was “criminally underrated,” making note of his omission from the Academy Award lineup that year. This was particularly surprising given his acquisition of the Golden Globe in the same year.
Andrew Garfield As Jonathan Larson – Tick…Tick…Boom! (2021)
2021 was unequivocably Andrew Garfield’s year; not only did he reprise his role as Spider-Man in No Way Home and star opposite Jessica Chastain in Michael Showalter’s The Eyes of Tammy Faye, but he also received an Oscar nomination for his starring role as Jonathan Larson in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tick…Tick…Boom!
Reddit user dgenerationmc gives Garfield a “shoutout” for his work in the movie, echoing a sentiment that many movie fans and critics share. He perfectly captured the electricity and resilient energy that made Larson such an interesting figure, truly doing the theatre legend justice.
Joaquin Phoenix As Johnny Cash – Walk The Line (2005)
Redditor jeditigger argues that Joaquin Phoenix was “robbed of an Oscar for Walk The Line,” in which he plays an aspiring Johnny Cash in the early years of his career. The actor has given several standout performances in his career, but many will agree that this is among his best.
Walk The Line is widely considered one of the best musical biopics of recent years, so it’s no surprise that Phoenix’s performance has maintained this acclaim since the film’s release. He completely transforms into Johnny Cash, adopting his mannerisms with uncanny authenticity.
Cate Blanchett As Bob Dylan – I’m Not There (2007)
Although it’s a slightly unconventional pick, one Reddit user labels Cate Blanchett the “standout” of I’m Not There, a visionary biopic about the rollercoaster life of music legend Bob Dylan. The film portrays several different versions of the musician, all played by different actors and actresses.
With a cast including Richard Gere, Christian Bale, and Heath Ledger, the film explores many different aspects and eras of Dylan’s life through separate performances and narratives. Blanchett is completely unrecognizable as Dylan, and definitely provides the most transformative portrayal.
Gary Busey As Buddy Holly – The Buddy Holly Story (1978)
Steve Rash’s The Buddy Holly Story is often cited as one of the first musical biopics ever made, or at least one of the most formative for the genre. It details Buddy Holly’s rise to stardom in the 1950s, focusing on the difficulties and tragedies that often go overlooked in his story.
Redditor summermummer cites “Gary Busey in The Buddy Holly Story“ as one of the greatest musical performances of all time, which is particularly impressive given the fact that Busey performed his own vocal covers of Holly’s songs in the film.
Val Kilmer As Jim Morrison – The Doors (1991)
The Doors is not only one of Val Kilmer’s best movies to date, but also boasts one of his most impressive and transformative performances. The film, directed by Oliver Stone, follows the story of Jim Morrison and The Doors as they navigate the rocky road to success.
Redditor mcigglytuffmuffin describes Kilmer’s performance as “absolutely delightful,” despite some of the film’s narrative decisions not being “100% accurate.” Morrison was an incredibly unique individual and an even more unique musician, which the film doesn’t hesitate to portray.
Rami Malek As Freddie Mercury – Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
It might not be the most critically acclaimed film on this list, but if there’s one thing that Bohemian Rhapsody deserves to be praised for, it’s the powerhouse lead performance from Rami Malek. He plays Freddie Mercury with all the style and personality that the one-of-a-kind frontman deserves.
Reddit user jvortex888 agrees that, whilst they don’t love the film as a whole, “all of [the good parts] involve Rami Malek/Freddie Mercury”. He brings the film to life in an unprecedented way, introducing a whole new generation of movie fans to the masterclass music of Queen.
Chadwick Boseman As James Brown – Get On Up (2014)
Reddit user njgreenwood claims that “[Chadwick] Boseman basically becomes James Brown” in Get On Up, which doesn’t shy away from displaying the trials and tribulations that Brown faced on his quest to become one of the greatest musicians of his era.
Alongside veteran actors like Viola Davis and Dan Aykroyd, Chadwick Boseman completely steals the show in his best role to date. He might be best known as the Marvel Comics hero Black Panther, but it’s roles like this that truly display the heights of Boseman’s acting capabilities.
Sam Riley As Ian Curtis – Control (2007)
The story of Ian Curtis from Joy Division is a difficult one to watch, but Control perfectly captures the dark and macabre spirit that made his music so uniquely touching. Sam Riley plays the band’s frontman in the film, and he manages to perfectly embody everything about the individual that makes him a perfect subject for a study like this.
Reddit user tetoffens remarks that “Sam Riley is really singing” in the film, which is a huge accomplishment given the sharp emotivity of his vocals. Riley also captures Curtis’ traits and mannerisms to an uncanny degree of accuracy, which makes Control feel more like a documentary than a drama.
Michael Douglas As Liberace – Behind The Candelabra (2013)
Behind The Candelabra chronicles the final few years of Liberace’s successful life, though it sidelines his musical accomplishments for a more critical examination of his relationship with his much younger lover. Douglas completely disappears into the role, which allows the film to really analyze the character in a complex way.
Redditor moviemike007 argues that Michael Douglas “made for a great Liberace,” with Damon also shining as his controversial co-star. Behind The Candelabra is widely considered to be one of Steven Soderberg’s best dramas, and much of this comes down to Douglas and Damon’s contagious chemistry.
