Our Favorite Films About Bands

Back when Houmans was still going to be found footage Spinal Tap was instantly the first thing that came to mind. Even though we abandoned the found footage aspect of Houmans, the film stayed on my mind.

Spinal Tap was always going to be an influence when making a comedy. It was the first time I became aware of the comedy giants Rob Reiner and Harry Shearer. It also established how silly you can be and still have a movie based in “reality.” It’s a lesson I brought to the table while we were writing Houmans.

Jesus:
There’s so many great band films to choose from that it’s difficult to pick one. And I have to admit, there are some I’ve yet to see — like This Is Spinal Tap. Which since my co-creator named it his favorite band movie, it has now moved to the top of my to-watch list.

It’s also hard to narrow it down to one favorite because aside from movies, there’s also shows and documentaries about bands. We’ll save that for later.

Without further ado, here are my top 5 band films — in no particular order.

• Almost Famous

  • While Cameron Crowe’s classic wasn’t a comedy, it had comedy spread around, mostly moments with the band. But it also showed the drama of being in a band, which there’s always some of. 

• The Rocker

  • A band in high school, with Emma Stone before she was Academy Award winner Emma Stone, needs a drummer and 40-something Rainn Wilson joins them. Hilarity ensues, and both on and offstage. 

• Whiplash

  • While not technically a band film, this non-stop ride had one of the best endings of any film. But I may be biased cause I’m a drummer and Whiplash is a drummer’s wet dream.

• Bohemian Rhapsody

  • A Freddy Mercury biopic told through the songs of Queen. Need I say more. 

• Hearts Beat Loud

  • A father/daughter duo inadvertently start a band called We’re Not A Band. The movie is filled with heart and humor and includes a killer soundtrack.