Best Music Movies of 2014

1.

Whiplash

6.9

8.5/10

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.

2.

Rudderless

5.4

7.5/10

A grieving father in a downward spiral stumbles across a box of his recently deceased son's demo tapes and lyrics. Shocked by the discovery of this unknown talent, he forms a band in the hope of finding some catharsis.

3.

20.000 Days on Earth

5.3

7.5/10

A semi-fictionalized documentary about a day in the life of Australian musician Nick Cave's persona.

5.

Roger Waters: The Wall

4.4

8.6/10

A concert film that the former Pink Floyd singer-songwriter made on various tour dates between 2010 and 2013, when he was playing his former group's 1980 double-album in its entirety.

6.

Billy Elliot: The Musical

4.3

8.5/10

Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay. In June 2014, it was announced that the musical would be screened and broadcast live to cinemas around the UK and the world. On 28 September, the matinee of the musical was broadcast as it was being filmed at the Victoria Palace Theatre to cinemas around the UK and other countries with further encore screenings of that same performance on other dates. Billy was played by Elliott Hanna. Liam Mower, one of the three actors who originated the title role, returned to play the role of Older Billy. In addition, 25 past and present actors to have played the title role on the West End performed a specially-choreographed dance number at the finale. The live broadcast topped the UK and Ireland box office the weekend it was broadcast, a first for an event cinema release, beating The Equalizer with £1.9m.

7.

Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me

4.3

8.0/10

A documentary film detailing Glen Campbell's final tour and his struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

8.

Boychoir

4.2

6.7/10

A troubled and angry 11-year-old orphan from a small Texas town, ends up at a Boy Choir school after the death of his single mother. Completely out of his element, he finds himself in a battle of wills with a demanding Choir Master who recognises a unique talent in this young boy as he pushes him to discover his creative heart and soul in music.

9.

God Help the Girl

4.1

6.4/10

Eve is a catastrophe—low on self-esteem but high on fantasy, especially when it comes to music. Over the course of one Glasgow summer, she meets two similarly rootless souls: posh Cass and fastidious James, and together they form a group.

10.

Leave the World Behind

4.0

7.8/10

A music documentary following the breakup of Swedish House Mafia and their subsequent One Last Tour. The largest electronic tour in history, selling over 1 million tickets in one week. Director Christian Larson captures the band in a unique fly on the wall manner as they call it quits and seek closure by going on the tour they had always dreamed of. With breathtaking live moments, huge laughs and dark lows, the band start to unravel why they came to the decision to end the biggest achievement of their lives to date to save their friendship. The film maps out three of the biggest stars in a scene which has gripped youth the world over and the psychology of the band. A film not to be missed.

11.

Like Sunday, Like Rain

3.9

6.9/10

A struggling musician becomes a 12-year-old musical prodigy's guardian for a summer.

12.

Nas: Time Is Illmatic

3.8

7.1/10

Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation.

13.

Pulp: a Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets

3.7

7.2/10

Pulp found fame on the world stage in the 1990s with anthems including ‘Common People’ and ‘Disco 2000’. 25 years (and 10 million album sales) later, they return to Sheffield for their last UK concert. Giving a career-best performance exclusive to the film, the band members share their thoughts on fame, love, mortality — & car maintenance. Director Florian Habicht (Love Story) weaves together the band’s personal offerings with dream-like specially-staged tableaux featuring ordinary people recruited on the streets of Sheffield. Pulp is a music film like no other — by turns funny, moving, life-affirming & (occasionally) bewildering.

16.

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Rainbow Rocks

3.7

6.9/10

Music rules and rainbows rock as Twilight Sparkle and pals compete for the top spot in the Canterlot High "Mane Event" talent show. The girls must rock their way to the top, and outshine rival Adagio Dazzle and her band The Dazzlings, to restore harmony back to Canterlot High.

17.

The Last Five Years

3.7

5.9/10

In New York, a struggling actress and a successful writer sing about their failed marriage from two perspectives.