Numerous pop stars are currently in line for biopics, with notable projects underway including a four-part series on The Beatles directed by Sam Mendes and a film about Michael Jackson, now delayed until next year due to legal complications. Madonna’s biopic has been in protracted development since 2020, while Ozzy Osbourne’s “raw” narrative is set for release in 2027. Additionally, later this year, Jeremy Allen White will portray Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me from Nowhere, reports BritPanorama.
The rising trend follows the success of 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which grossed £700 million at the box office. The popularity of subsequent biopics such as Rocketman (Elton John) and Elvis (featuring Timothée Chalamet) — both surpassing £100 million in earnings — underscores a growing fascination with celebrity culture.
For musicians, these films offer a lucrative chance to enhance their legacies, while actors are drawn to roles that often lead to prestigious accolades. Despite a history marked by varying quality, notable biopics continue to demand attention. Here are some of the finest currently available for streaming in the UK.
Ray (2004)
Ray has become the prototype for contemporary music biopics, depicting the life of R’n’B pioneer Ray Charles in a heartfelt narrative marked by Jamie Foxx’s Oscar-winning performance. Foxx presents a nuanced portrayal of Charles, focusing on his traumatic childhood and profound musical talent, while showcasing the intricate struggles of his personal life amidst joys and hardships.
Charles, who lost his vision at nine, is brought to life through Foxx’s meticulous attention to detail, reflecting both the elation and pain that defined his career. The film captures the vibrancy of Charles’s music and legacy, interweaving themes of womanising and substance abuse with the undeniable brilliance of his artistry.
Available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and Sky Store
Walk the Line (2005)
Walk the Line chronicles the tumultuous yet redemptive life of country music icon Johnny Cash. The film explores his impoverished beginnings, his brother’s tragic death, and the ensuing struggles with addiction, ultimately redeemed through both his music and the love of June Carter, portrayed by Reese Witherspoon.
With powerful performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Witherspoon, the film captures Cash’s complexity, combining emotional depth with a resonant music score that brings authenticity to the portrayals. Phoenix embodies both the strength and vulnerability of Cash, while Witherspoon’s Oscar-winning performance adds heartfelt presence to Carter’s character.
What’s Love Got to Do with It? (1993)
