"This Is Spinal Tap" is a unique and hilarious film that delves into the world of the fictional rock band Spinal Tap, exploring the disparity between what the band thinks is happening and the reality of their dwindling fame and diminishing success.

Despite their flaws and questionable music, Spinal Tap's members are portrayed with affection and understanding. They may be misguided and demanding, but they are also lovable and deserving of empathy. The film's enduring appeal lies in its ability to make us laugh at the band's misadventures while recognizing the universal desire to live out our dreams.

Directed by Rob Reiner, "This Is Spinal Tap" masterfully combines mockumentary style with comedic genius. The characters, including David St. Hubbins, Derek Smalls, and Nigel Tufnel, are endearing in their innocence and optimism, even as they face the harsh realities of a declining career. The band's interactions with music industry figures, such as their weary manager and record company publicist, add further humor and satirical commentary.

Release: 1984

Stars: Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

"School of Rock" is a 2003 film about Dewey Finn, a rock musician who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school. He forms a band with his talented students and enters them into a Battle of the Bands competition. Along the way, they discover their musical talents, build confidence, and challenge the rigid expectations of the school system.

As one of the best movies about bands, "School of Rock" surprises audiences by taking a sincere approach to its comedic subject matter, treating its characters and viewers with respect and avoiding any condescension. The kids in the film retain their individuality and childlike qualities instead of becoming clichéd replicas. Dewey Finn, played by Jack Black, remains consistently true to his irritable character, making Dewey's personality an integral part of his life rather than a mere plot device.

Music takes center stage in the film as Dewey forms a rock band with his talented students, assigning instruments and roles to each member. The movie treats music with reverence and showcases the various strengths and insecurities of the young musicians.

And in contrast to the dumbed-down and uninspiring family films, "School of Rock" proves that a family movie can be intelligent, well-acted, perceptive, and funny, while still rocking. The film's PG-13 rating is unjustified, as it would undoubtedly delight children of all ages. It deserves a place on the MPAA's List of Shame, alongside other PG-13 films like "Whale Rider" and "Bend It Like Beckham," which are also perfect for family viewing.

Release: 2003

Stars: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

"Love and Mercy" is a biographical drama that explores the complex life of musician and band leader Brian Wilson. The film depicts two pivotal periods in Wilson's life: the 1960s, where he experiences creative brilliance and battles with mental health issues, and the 1980s, when he finds solace with his second wife after a tumultuous period under the care of an unscrupulous therapist.

Similar to Brian Wilson, the innovative force behind the Beach Boys, this film embraces experimentation. Rather than relying on a single actor to depict Wilson's tumultuous journey through drug abuse and mental illness, director Bill Pohlad introduces two remarkable performances to "Love and Mercy" to depict the famous band leader in two most important periods of his life.

As the film alternates between these two periods, it paints a portrait of a brilliant artist struggling with mental illness and the destructive forces that threaten to engulf him. From there, the movie poignantly explores Brian Wilson's personal journey, his artistic vision, and the redemptive power of love and compassion.

Release: 2014

Stars: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

"Almost Famous," one of the best movies about bands, is a delightful blend of humor and poignancy that revolves around the story of William Miller, a remarkably intelligent and earnest 15-year-old who, through a combination of luck and determination, lands a coveted assignment with Rolling Stone magazine to write a profile on the rising rock band, Stillwater.

Unbeknownst to the magazine, William is just a mere 15-year-old, but armed with his trusty pencil and notebook, he embarks on an adventure that will shape his life forever. It's as if Huckleberry Finn himself were transported to the vibrant 1970s, swapping the Mississippi River raft for a wild ride on a band's tour bus.

What resonates beneath the surface of "Almost Famous" is Cameron Crowe's profound sense of gratitude. William Miller is not portrayed as a disaffected and detached individual but rather as a young boy blessed with a remarkable mother, a wonderful sister, an encounter with the right rock star in Russell (as there could have been wrong ones), and an ardent love for Penny Lane that arms him for the future and grants him a deeper comprehension of the enigmatic nature of women.

When we observe William, determinedly clutching his tape recorder, struggling to secure an interview, frantically seeking guidance from Lester Bangs, or anxiously contemplating Ben Fong-Torres' deadlines, we instinctively recognize that we are witnessing a young individual who possesses the necessary qualities to thrive. It is very easy for the audience to sympathize with William and follow him every step of the way throughout the story.

Release: 2000

Stars: Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

"Straight Outta Compton" defies expectations and embraces contrasting goals. Unapologetically angry and amoral, it leaves viewers to pass their own judgment and calibrate their own outrage.

The film introduces us to the original members of the real-life band N.W.A., the Guardians of the West Coast Rap Galaxy: MC Ren, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, and Ice Cube. In the film, we witness their journey from humble beginnings to the height of fame, encountering expected milestones and musical cues along the way.

While "Straight Outta Compton" adheres to familiar biopic beats, it surprises by injecting new elements into the mix. The storytelling carries a greater complexity, and the film occasionally shifts its tone. It alternates between resembling a rap video, filled with provocative imagery, and evoking a meta recreation of '90s dramas like "Boyz N The Hood," shot in the same city with a shared character.

Paul Giamatti, known for his role in "Love and Mercy," delivers a performance as Jerry Heller that doesn't prioritize his clients' best interests. While his angry scenes may be occasionally overdone, they are balanced by moments of warmth between Heller and Eazy-E. And Jason Mitchell, in the role of Eazy-E, displays tremendous talent and delivers the film's standout performance. His portrayal of the character's reactions to betrayal and declining health is truly gut-wrenching.

Director F. Gary Gray approaches "Straight Outta Compton" as an epic take on the pursuit of the American Dream from a unique perspective, stemming from the heart of Compton and delving into the realm of capitalism. Accompanied by the skilled cinematography of Matthew Libatique, the visuals remain captivating throughout. Although a few scenes of groupie indulgence may feel unnecessary, they don't overshadow the overall mastery of the film.

Overall, it is a funny, angry, sad, and inspiring cinematic experience. Even for those who are not fans of N.W.A., "Straight Outta Compton" offers plenty to appreciate. And for existing fans, the movie is a genuine love letter, creating a profound connection that resonates deeply.

Release: 2015

Stars: O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

The focal point of Control is the narrative of Ian Curtis (portrayed by Sam Riley), the troubled frontman and songwriter of the late-'70s music group Joy Division. Curtis, along with his bandmates Peter Hook (Joe Anderson), Bernard Sumner (James Anthony Pearson), and Stephen Morris (Harry Treadway), formed Joy Division (initially known as Warsaw) in late 1977. The band's brief existence came to an end in 1980 when Curtis, only 23 years old at the time, tragically took his own life in the kitchen of his estranged wife, Deborah (Samantha Morton).

Based on Deborah Curtis' book, "Touching from a Distance," which chronicles her life with Curtis, Control delves into their relationship. They met and married as teenagers, endured a tumultuous marriage marked by Curtis's ongoing battle with epilepsy and his affair with a Belgian writer, Annik (Alexandra Maria Lara). In the end, Curtis's mounting struggles overwhelmed him, and he chose a hasty escape. However, as often seen with musicians who meet such a tragic end, the work of Joy Division has outlived its creator.

Director Corbijn's objective with Control is to infuse Curtis's growing panic into the fabric of the film. He aims to drive the story as much through style as through narrative. The use of black-and-white visuals is immensely effective, and the frequent incorporation of Joy Division's music, combined with long, uninterrupted shots featuring minimal dialogue, adds to the overall impact. Watching conversations where people speak to Curtis but are ignored as he stares off into space is disconcerting.

The acting in Control is unparalleled. Sam Riley eerily embodies Curtis, meticulously capturing his demeanor and mannerisms; wearing special contact lenses to replicate the singer's eyes brings Curtis to life thirty years after his untimely death. Riley even provides Curtis's vocals in all the on-screen Joy Division performances, delivering a voice that, while not an exact replica, bears a striking resemblance.

Meanwhile, Samantha Morton, a versatile actress who adapts herself to fit each role, is nearly unrecognizable in her early scenes. She portrays the film's most sympathetic character – the woman whose life is most visibly affected by the collateral damage resulting from her somber and uncommunicative husband's emotional implosion.

Release: 2007

Stars: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Craig Parkinson

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

If you're seeking an explosion of youthful exuberance, then The Blues Brothers is a summertime extravaganza that hits all the right notes. It bursts with vibrant music, exhilarating chase sequences, and an endless barrage of slapstick comedy. Every element of the film is pushed to the extreme, ensuring a thrill ride for anyone who revels in unbridled enthusiasm and boundless energy.

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, renowned for their Saturday Night Live fame, embody the roles of Jake and Elwood Blues, a pair of small-time criminals in Chicago who thrive on the rhythms of blues music. The movie kicks off with Jake's release from Joilet Prison, thanks to his good behavior. A visit to their childhood Catholic orphanage ignites a newfound purpose in the brothers — the orphanage is in dire need of $5000 to settle its taxes and prevent closure. Subsequently, a transformative encounter at the Triple Rock Baptists Church compels Jake and Elwood to embark on a "mission from God" to reunite their band.

Aykroyd and director John Landis craft a screenplay that delves into the myriad of troubles that beset our black-suited heroes. Their adversaries include a duo of state troopers, a leader of a Nazi party and his loyal followers, a country band conductor, and a vengeful lady whom Jake once scorned. The ensuing misadventures fuel the comedic essence of The Blues Brothers.

This film boasts some of the most awe-inspiring chase scenes ever captured on celluloid, and that's no small feat given the multitude of movies that pride themselves on thrilling stunts. Notable highlights include a demolition derby within an indoor shopping mall, a heart-pounding police car collision with a massive truck, and the iconic "Bluesmobile" soaring over a raised drawbridge. The stunt crew led by Gary McLarty deserves an emphatic round of applause for their breathtaking work.

On another note, fans of The Blues Brothers' 1978 album, A Briefcase Full of Blues, will find great satisfaction in the musical performances showcased in the movie. Legendary artists such as James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, and Aretha Franklin deliver exceptional numbers that leave a lasting impact. Calloway's reprisal of "Minnie the Moocher" and Franklin's powerful rendition of "Think" stand out as truly inspired moments - and, best of all, the comical and clever dance routines performed by Jake and Elwood during their own musical interludes add an extra layer of amusement.

Release: 1980

Stars: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Cab Calloway

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

The focal point of "The Runaways" revolves around Jett (portrayed by Kristen Stewart), Currie (played by Dakota Fanning), and the enigmatic Fowley (brought to life by Michael Shannon).

Jett, an ardent fan of Bowie, harbored dreams of forging her own band. Fowley, renowned in the Sunset Strip music scene for seeking young, inexpensive talent, encouraged her to pursue her aspirations and introduced her to Currie, whose essential quality seemed to be her youthfulness at a mere fifteen years of age. This aligned perfectly with Fowley's vision of a band that exuded both youthful innocence and unyielding toughness.

Apart from Currie's familial struggles, including a runaway mother (Tatum O'Neal), a loyal yet resentful sister (Riley Keough), and a dying alcoholic father (Brett Cullen), little is revealed about anyone's home life. Although the father's health is a crucial plot point, we are denied a clear view of his face or seeing him stand up.

Therefore, "The Runaways" is not a comprehensive biopic, despite being based on Currie's autobiography from 1989. Instead, it offers a brief overview of the band's creation, rise, and eventual downfall. Character development takes a backseat, extended dialogue scenes are scarce, and rock 'n' roll takes center stage. The film shines with Shannon's fierce and sadistic training sequences as Fowley, as well as the remarkable performances delivered by Stewart and Fanning, who inject more depth into their characters than the script provides.

Release: 2010

Stars: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon

Rotten Tomatoes: 69%

The Beatles were an omnipresent presence, absorbed through osmosis. Danny Boyle's "Yesterday," which envisions a world without the worldwide-famous band Beatles, made us ponder what it would be like to hear the song "Yesterday" for the first time and how life would unfold without the band's existence.

The plot of the movie "Yesterday" (2019) revolves around a struggling musician named Jack Malik, played by Himesh Patel. After a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to find himself in a world where the Beatles never existed. Realizing that he is the only person who remembers their songs, he decides to reintroduce their music to the world and pass it off as his own.

Jack becomes a worldwide sensation almost instantaneously, but the absence of the Beatles would have had a ripple effect. It's inaccurate to assume that if it hadn't been the Beatles, someone else would have filled their shoes. Culture doesn't work that way. So much of it is about lightning not striking twice, the perfect alignment of time, place, and people. It had to be Ringo, George, Paul, and John.

It's thought-provoking when Jack performs Beatles songs at coffee shop gigs, and nobody even pays attention. The music has no impact on these individuals. What if the absence of the Beatles had shaped the world so differently that people would be oblivious to what they were missing and simply not care because they never had it? These ideas are tantalizingly present, which "Yesterday" delves into perfectly.

Release: 2019

Stars: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sophia Di Martino

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63%

Is there anyone out there who doesn't appreciate the greatness of Queen, one of the greatest bands of all time? Even if you're not a die-hard fan, you've surely rocked out to their unforgettable hits. "Don't Stop Me Now," "You're My Best Friend," "Under Pressure," and , of course, the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody."

As for the band aspect of the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" - a biopic movie about Queen - it's akin to watching a filmed version of a greatest hits album. The formula repeats itself several times throughout the film: the band faces a creative block, someone in the group has a stroke of genius, and we're treated to scenes of recording mixed with an ecstatic live audience. It's presented with a playful, "wink nudge" attitude: a case in point was the Mike Myers cameo, where he specifically mentions that "Bohemian Rhapsody" will never be a song kids headbang to in their cars.

The performances across the board are virtually flawless, and the actors bear a striking resemblance to their real-life counterparts - which makes the audience wholeheartedly believe them in their roles. Initially, the lip-synced performances of the songs felt distracting, but that soon became a non-issue. And of course, the soundtrack is fantastic!

Release: 2018

Stars: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%