Best movies like The Idolmaker
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Based on the life of rock promoter/producer Bob Marucci, who discovered, among others, Frankie Avalon and Fabian.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: humorous, captivating, realistic, semi serious, biting, light, sexy, clever, feel good, unusual plot structure
Best tv shows and movies like The Idolmaker (1980):
Similar in 87%
One-Trick Pony (1980)
Plot Summary:
Jonah (Paul Simon) is an aging rock star trying to put together a new album in the face of an indifferent record label and a talentless producer. At the same time, he's struggling to save his failing marriage.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 750
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, serious, emotional, realistic, contemplative, gloomy, reflective, eighties
Similar in 89%
Protecting the King (2007)
Plot Summary:
Sex, drugs and violence--they're all part of the job when you're protecting The King of Rock & Roll. And when you're only 16, the on-the-job training comes in ways that can't be taught in school. The story of David Stanley, stepbrother and bodyguard of The King. Through the dizzying highs and lows of life on the road with unlimited excess, he experienced it all...and barely survived.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 350
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic
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Similar in 75%
Elvis (2005)
Plot Summary:
A chronicle of the life of Elvis Presley (Rhys Meyers), from his humble beginnings to his rise to international stardom.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA, Germany
Duration: 173 min
Plot tags: realistic, sentimental, touching, captivating, serious, gloomy, rockumentary
Similar in 84%
John and Yoko: A Love Story (1985)
Plot Summary:
Details the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, from before their first meeting to their rise to stardom.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 233
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, realistic, avant garde, rockumentary
Similar in 82%
Daydream Believers: The Monkees' Story (2000)
Plot Summary:
In 2000, VH-1 produced the television biopic Daydream Believers: The Monkees' Story. In 2002, the movie was released on DVD, and featured both commentaries and interviews with Dolenz, Jones and Tork. The aired version did differ from the DVD release as the TV version had an extended scene with all four Monkees but with a shortened Cleveland concert segment. It was also available on VHS.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 982
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: sentimental, realistic, semi serious, captivating
Similar in 77%
Halim (2006)
Plot Summary:
A biopic of Egyptian singer Abdel-Halim Hafez.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 853
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: Egypt
Duration: 155 min
Plot tags: realistic, sentimental, captivating, emotional, serious
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Similar in 79%
Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! (1989)
Plot Summary:
In the sixties, Eddie and the cruisers was the hottest band around. But the tragic death of its lead singer broke the band up. Only Eddie is not dead. He works as a carpenter in Montreal. His love of music forces him to create a new band which will have to struggle with its anonymity.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: independent film, sentimental, serious, emotional, realistic, romantic, road movie, sexy, thought provoking, feel good
Similar in 88%
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2010)
Plot Summary:
A biography of Ian Dury, who was stricken with polio at a young age and defied expectations by becoming one of the founders of the punk-rock scene in Britain in the 1970s.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: UK
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: touching, realistic, semi serious, cult classic, teen, offbeat, biting, uplifting, suspense
Similar in 87%
In His Life: The John Lennon Story (2000)
Plot Summary:
A film about the early life of the rock musician and his burgeoning career as a member of the Beatles.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 695
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, captivating, realistic, rockumentary
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Similar in 76%
The Jazz Singer (1980)
Plot Summary:
Neil Diamond stars as Yussel in this tale of a young Jewish cantor who strives to make a career in music.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: touching, intense, sentimental, serious, emotional, realistic, independent film, inspirational, road movie, feel good
Similar in 78%
Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)
Plot Summary:
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.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: UK
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: humorous, captivating, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 82%
Stardust (1974)
Plot Summary:
Sequel to 1973's That'll Be The Day. Jim McLain is now enjoying the nomadic 'gigs and groupies' life on tour with his band. When he achieves all his wildest dreams of international stardom, the sweet taste of success begins to turn sour.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Music
Country: UK
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: independent film, serious, realistic, stylized, cult film
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Similar in 86%
Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)
Plot Summary:
Michael Paré stars as Eddie Wilson of the rock band Eddie and Cruisers. The band is at the height of their career in the 1960s when front man Eddie drives his car off a bridge in an apparent suicide -- but the body was never found.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Drama, Music, Mystery
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: cult classic, sentimental, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, gloomy, independent film, light, inspirational
Similar in 77%
A Star Is Born (1976)
Plot Summary:
A Star Is Born is a 1976 rock music film telling the story of a young woman, played by Barbra Streisand who enters show business, and meets and falls in love with an established male star, played by Kris Kristofferson, only to find her career ascending while his goes into decline.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 139 min
Plot tags: grindhouse, independent film, sentimental, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, corny
Similar in 79%
Elvis and Me (1988)
Plot Summary:
The story of Priscilla's life with rock and roll star Elvis Presley.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 980
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 240 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 81%
Walk the Line (2005)
Plot Summary:
A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 262000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: Germany, USA
Duration: 136 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, emotional, road movie, captivating, inspirational, feel good, dramatic, romantic, period piece
Similar in 89%
Backbeat (1994)
Plot Summary:
Chronicles the early days of The Beatles in Hamburg, Germany. The film focuses primarily on the relationship between Stuart Sutcliffe (played by Stephen Dorff) and John Lennon (played by Ian Hart), and also with Sutcliffe's German girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr (played by Sheryl Lee).
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: UK, Germany
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: independent film, sentimental, sincere, rough, serious, realistic, inspirational, clever, enigmatic, melancholic
Similar in 84%
What We Do Is Secret (2007)
Plot Summary:
A biopic of punk legend Darby Crash and his band, the Germs.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, tense, suspense, informative, interesting, rockumentary, queer cinema
Similar in 90%
Jersey Boys (2014)
Plot Summary:
From director Clint Eastwood comes the big-screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys. The film tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and many more.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 36000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: stylized, intense, sentimental, realistic, serious, captivating, historical drama, neo noir, road movie, clever
Similar in 82%
Your Cheatin' Heart (1964)
Plot Summary:
The story of the country and western singer Hank Williams.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 857
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: retro, sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 80%
La Bamba (1987)
Plot Summary:
Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 36000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: inspirational, touching, hispanic, intense, suspense, sentimental, serious, sincere, captivating, emotional
Similar in 76%
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Plot Summary:
Biography of Loretta Lynn, a country and western singer that came from poverty to fame.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 20000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, emotional, realistic, inspirational, factual, sweet, uplifting, sincere, feel good
Similar in 78%
The Buddy Holly Story (1978)
Plot Summary:
A film about the life and career of the early rock and roll star.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, serious, captivating, realistic, entertaining, light, clever
Similar in 86%
Elvis (1979)
Plot Summary:
Biographical movie about the famous rock singer Elvis Presley.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 168 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, realistic, sentimental, serious, retro, captivating, psychotronic
Similar in 83%
Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2004)
Plot Summary:
Chronicles the rise and fall of pop king Michael Jackson.
IMDB Rating: 3.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: semi serious, touching, humorous, realistic
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Similar in 76%
The Rose (1979)
Plot Summary:
Midler is the rock-and-roll singer Mary Rose Foster (known as the Rose to her legions of fans), whose romantic relationships and mental health are continuously imperiled by the demands of life on the road.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: retro, sincere, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, gloomy, sentimental, light
Similar in 89%
King of Salsa (2006)
Plot Summary:
The rise and fall of salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993), as told from the perspective of his wife Puchi, who looks back from 2002.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, disturbing, informative, sentimental, vintage
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Similar in 76%
Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013)
Plot Summary:
A drama based on Jimi Hendrix's life as he left New York City for London, where his career took off.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA, Ireland, UK
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: realistic, sincere, atmospheric, captivating, retro, cult classic, serious, black cinema
Similar in 79%
Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998)
Plot Summary:
In the mid-80s, three women (each with an attorney) arrive at the office of New York entertainment manager, Morris Levy. One is an L.A. singer, formerly of the Platters; one is a petty thief from Philly; one teaches school in a small Georgia town. Each claims to be the widow of long-dead doo-wop singer-songwriter Frankie Lyman, and each wants years of royalties due to his estate, money Levy has never shared. During an ensuing civil trial, flashbacks tell the story of each one's life with Lyman, a boyish, high-pitched, dynamic performer, lost to heroin. Slowly, the three wives establish their own bond.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: emotional, inspirational, melancholic, touching, sentimental, serious, realistic, cult classic, independent film, entertaining
Similar in 75%
Cadillac Records (2008)
Plot Summary:
The story of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, and the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Chuck Berry.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: realistic, inspirational, talky, stylized, intense, sincere, sentimental, serious, captivating, social