Best Music Movies of 1984

1.

Amadeus

6.7

8.3/10

The incredible story of genius musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, told in flashback by his peer and secret rival, Antonio Salieri—now confined to an insane asylum.

2.

Stop Making Sense

5.4

8.6/10

A concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, on tour for their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning and cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals.

3.

The Cotton Club

4.9

6.5/10

The story of the people that frequented Harlem's famous nightclubs, 'The Cotton Club', and those that ran it.

4.

Purple Rain

4.8

6.6/10

A young man with a talent for music meets an aspiring singer, Apollonia, and finds that talent alone isn't all that he needs.

5.

Beat Street

3.6

6.5/10

An aspiring DJ, from the South Bronx, and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business by exposing people to hip-hop music and culture.

7.

Electric Dreams

3.4

6.4/10

Miles buys himself a state-of-the-art computer that starts expressing thoughts and emotions after a having champagne spilled down on him. Things start getting out of hand when both Miles and Edgar, how the computer calls himself, fall in love with Madeline, an attractive neighbour.

8.

Dire Straits: Alchemy Live

3.3

9.0/10

Taken from the band's Love Over Gold tour, this video captures Dire Straits just months before international superstardom was thrust on them through the success of Brothers in Arms. The set featured the cream of the four previous albums, as well as the B-side to "Twisting By the Pool," "Two Younger Lovers." Strangely, all the tracks are played in a profoundly Love Over Gold style; that is, long and drawn-out songs, incomprehensibly extended guitar solos, obligatory fast and slow sections, and an extremely serious, yet mysterious mood. Mark Knopfler and new recruit Terry Williams steal the show through their highly impressive guitar and drum playing, respectively. The classic "Sultans of Swing" guitar solo, was never better performed than on Alchemy, while Williams proves himself capable by his amazingly fast and always interesting drumming. The fine track list and musically impressive band make for what is one of the best live releases from the decade. (Ben Davies, All Music Guide)

9.

Breakin'

3.3

5.8/10

A struggling young dancer joins forces with two breakdancers and together they become a street sensation.

11.

Just The Way You Are

2.8

6.0/10

Susan is a professional flautist who has been handicapped since childhood and is forced to wear a leg brace to get around. After breaking up with her boyfriend, she accepts the offer to travel to Europe on a concert tour. While in Paris, she comes up with an idea to disguise her leg by putting it in a cast and travel on her own to the French Alps to be treated without pity. Not looking to find romance, Susan however has become the interest of Peter, a news photographer. They soon fall in love and Susan is forced to decide if she should tell Peter the truth about herself.

13.

Give My Regards to Broad Street

2.7

5.3/10

Having written the music and screenplay for this film, Paul McCartney also plays himself in the leading role. When the mastertape of McCartney's latest album is misplaced, he must discover its whereabouts in less than 24 hours or else risk losing his recording company to the lowlife Mr. Rath (John Bennett). McCartney performs three new songs, along with classic Beatles' tunes. Co-starring are former Beatles mate Ringo Starr as the drummer in Paul's band, Ringo's real-life wife Barbara Bach, McCartney's then wife Linda and Tracy Ullman.