The Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown has made a remarkable impact at the box office, amassing an impressive $33.6 million globally since its release on Christmas Day, as reported by boxofficemojo.com. This tremendous financial success positions it prominently on our list of the top music biopics with the highest worldwide earnings, showcasing the ongoing fascination with musical legends and their life stories.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance as Bob Dylan, tracing the iconic musician’s journey from January 1961, when he relocated from Minnesota to New York City, to July 1965, a pivotal moment when he sparked controversy by utilizing electric instruments during his performance at the Newport Folk Festival. The film is helmed by James Mangold, renowned for directing the acclaimed Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, ensuring that audiences receive a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth.
James Mangold has a proven track record of guiding actors to Academy Award nominations, having previously directed Angelina Jolie in her Oscar-winning role in Girl, Interrupted, Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, and Reese Witherspoon, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the same film. With Chalamet and Edward Norton, who takes on the role of Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown, both potentially in the running for Oscar nominations when they are announced on January 17, the film is generating significant buzz in the awards circuit.
Below, we present a comprehensive list of the highest-grossing biopics centered on musicians, detailing their respective worldwide box office earnings. We have omitted certain high-grossing films about real-life music personalities that do not fit the traditional biopic mold, such as The Sound of Music, which chronicles the story of Maria von Trapp and her family, Green Book, which follows a road trip with pianist Don Shirley, and films like Florence Foster Jenkins and Music of the Heart, both starring Meryl Streep and focusing on unique aspects of music and performance rather than standard biographical storytelling.
Here is a curated list of the top 25 biopics featuring music stars, ranked by their impressive worldwide box office earnings.
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Get on Up: Biographical Journey of James Brown (2014)
Worldwide gross: $33.4 million
Director: Tate Taylor
Music: Thomas Newman
Notes: The late and legendary Chadwick Boseman delivers a powerful performance as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in this vibrant biopic directed by Tate Taylor. Produced by Taylor alongside industry heavyweights Brian Grazer, Mick Jagger, and Victoria Pearman, this film features remarkable supporting performances from Viola Davis, Craig Robinson, and Octavia Spencer. The film’s soundtrack achieved notable success, reaching No. 61 on the Billboard 200, further solidifying Brown?s musical legacy.
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A Complete Unknown: The Bob Dylan Story (2024)
Worldwide gross: $33.6 million
Director: James Mangold
Music: Nick Baxter, executive music producer
Notes: Timothée Chalamet captivates audiences as Bob Dylan in this compelling biopic that chronicles the transformative period of Dylan’s life from January 1961, when he made the significant move from Minnesota to New York City, to his groundbreaking 1965 performance at the Newport Folk Festival, which ignited controversy due to his use of electric instruments. James Mangold, acclaimed for directing the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, skillfully brings this narrative to life. The film features a stellar cast, including Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie, and Stephen Carter Carlsen as Paul Stookey. The film’s title is inspired by a pivotal line from Dylan?s 1965 classic ?Like a Rolling Stone,? underscoring its thematic significance.
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The Doors: Exploring the Legacy of Jim Morrison (1991)
Worldwide gross: $34.5 million
Director: Oliver Stone
Music: The Doors
Notes: Val Kilmer delivers an unforgettable portrayal of Jim Morrison, the enigmatic lead singer of The Doors, in this film directed by Oliver Stone, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film chronicles Morrison’s journey from his time as a UCLA film student to his tragic death in Paris at the young age of 27 in 1971. It features notable performances from Kyle MacLachlan, Frank Whaley, and Kevin Dillon, capturing the essence of the era and the band’s impact on music history. The soundtrack reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200, highlighting the significance of The Doors’ music during this period.
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Selena: The Heartfelt Story of a Tejano Star (1997)
Worldwide gross: $35.8 million
Director: Gregory Nava
Music: Dave Grusin
Notes: Rising star Jennifer Lopez takes center stage as Tejano music sensation Selena, whose meteoric rise culminated in a historic performance at the Houston Astrodome. This biopic also encompasses the shocking events surrounding her tragic murder at the age of 23, executed by her former fan club president Yolanda Saldívar. The film?s soundtrack achieved significant popularity, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200, further cementing Selena’s enduring legacy in the music world.
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Shine: The Inspiring Journey of David Helfgott (1996)
Worldwide gross: $36 million
Director: Scott Hicks
Music: David Hirschfelder
Notes: Geoffrey Rush’s remarkable performance as pianist David Helfgott earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. The film portrays Helfgott’s struggles with mental health and his journey back to music after enduring years in institutions. With seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Shine stands out as a poignant exploration of artistry and resilience. The soundtrack reached No. 59 on the Billboard 200, contributing to the film’s emotional resonance.
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Funny Lady: The Unforgettable Sequel to Funny Girl (1975)
Worldwide gross: $39 million
Director: Herbert Ross
Music: John Kander, Fred Ebb, Peter Matz
Notes: This sequel to the beloved Funny Girl features Barbra Streisand reprising her acclaimed role as Fanny Brice alongside James Caan as showman Billy Rose. The film includes the Oscar-nominated song ?How Lucky Can You Get,? showcasing the musical talents of its cast. The soundtrack reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, further contributing to its popularity among audiences.
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What?s Love Got to Do With It: The Tina Turner Story (1993)
Image Credit: D. Stevens / ?Buena Vista Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Worldwide gross: $39.1 million
Director: Brian Gibson
Music: Stanley Clarke
Notes: Angela Bassett’s portrayal of the indomitable Tina Turner earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, while Laurence Fishburne received a nomination for his role as her abusive husband, Ike Turner. This biopic, named after Turner’s iconic hit that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in 1984, delves into the tumultuous and inspiring life of the music legend. The film’s soundtrack reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and includes the powerful single ?I Don?t Wanna Fight,? which also became a top 10 hit.
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Notorious: The Rise and Fall of The Notorious B.I.G. (2009)
Worldwide gross: $44.4 million
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Music: Danny Elfman
Notes: Jamal Woolard stars as Christopher Wallace, famously known as The Notorious B.I.G., in this gripping biopic chronicling his rapid ascent in the rap scene before his tragic murder at 24 in 1997. Featuring performances from Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, and Anthony Mackie, the film captures the essence of Biggie?s life and the impact he had on hip-hop culture. The soundtrack reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, reflecting the continued legacy of his music.
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Judy: The Last Year of Judy Garland (2019)
Worldwide gross: $46 million
Director: Rupert Goold
Music: Gabriel Yared
Notes: Renée Zellweger’s stunning portrayal of Judy Garland earned her an Oscar for Best Actress, highlighting the tragic beauty of Garland’s final year as she arrived in London in 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts. Notably, Garland never won a competitive Oscar despite two nominations. This film, while not a conventional biopic, deeply explores her struggles and resilience. Zellweger was nominated for a Grammy for the soundtrack, further showcasing the film?s musical significance.
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Amadeus: The Life and Times of Mozart (1984)
Worldwide gross: $52 million
Director: Miloš Forman
Notes: Tom Hulce’s captivating portrayal of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a film that showcases the intense rivalry between Mozart and Antonio Salieri, portrayed by F. Murray Abraham, who took home the Oscar for Best Actor. With a total of 11 Oscar nominations and eight wins, including Best Picture, Amadeus remains a cinematic masterpiece. The soundtrack, credited to conductor/arranger Neville Marriner, achieved No. 56 on the Billboard 200 and won a Grammy for Best Classical Album.
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Funny Girl: The Original Story of Fanny Brice (1968)
Worldwide gross: $52.2 million
Director: William Wyler
Music: Jule Styne, Bob Merrill
Notes: Barbra Streisand’s motion picture debut in Funny Girl earned her an Oscar for her portrayal of vaudeville star Fanny Brice. The film features memorable songs like ?My Man? and ?I?d Rather Be Blue,? which were iconic hits for Brice during the 1920s. Streisand notably won Best Actress in a tie with Katharine Hepburn, making history as the only tie in this category. The film received eight nominations, including Best Picture, and its soundtrack spent over two years on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 12.
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La Bamba: The Life of Ritchie Valens (1987)
Image Credit: ? Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection Worldwide gross: $54.2 million
Director: Luis Valdez
Music: Carlos Santana, Miles Goodman
Notes: Lou Diamond Phillips shines as Chicano music legend Ritchie Valens in this poignant biopic, which covers his life up to his tragic death in a plane crash at age 17 alongside music icons Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. The film is named after the traditional Mexican folk song “La Bamba,” which Valens famously transformed into a rock hit in
