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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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