Best tv shows like Wagner
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
A huge panorama of Wagner's life and work, from before the 1848 Revolution, through his exile in Switzerland, his rescue by the besotted King Ludwig II of Bavaria to the final triumph at Bayreuth.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 605
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Music
Country: UK, Austria, Hungary
Duration: 300 min
Plot tags: historical drama, sentimental, epic, serious, emotional, realistic, period drama
Best tv shows and movies like Wagner (1983):
Similar in 84%
Paganini (1989)
Plot Summary:
Kinski believed that he lived through the same experiences as the legendary "devil violinist" Niccolo Paganini, who set whole Europe of the 19th century into frenzy and through whose personality Kinski offers us an incredibly profound and honest insight into his own life; a life of extremities.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Italy, France
Duration: 81 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, sincere, touching, melancholic
Similar in 87%
Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows (2001)
Plot Summary:
The film, which chronicles Garland's life from her first public performance in 1924 until her death in 1969, is divided into two parts: the first part depicts her rise to fame in the 1930s, her descent into drugs, and her fall from grace in the 1950s. The second part of the drama begins with her marriage to Sid Luft, and proceeds to chronicle her successful return to movies with A Star is Born, her personal issues and her death at the age of 47.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Musical
Country: Canada, Germany, USA
Duration: 170 min
Plot tags: realistic, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, gloomy, period drama, iconic
Similar in 87%
Verdi (1982)
Plot Summary:
Giuseppe Verdi was born in 1813 and lived until 1901, his life spanning nearly a century of political turmoil and considerable personal turmoil. This 1982 biographical television miniseries, as seen on PBS's Great Performances, dramatizes the life of this classic Italian composer known for operas including La Traviata, Rigoletto, and Aida and his Requiem.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 308
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance
Country: Italy, France, West Germany, UK, Sweden
Duration: 70 min
Plot tags: historical drama
Similar in 88%
Spring Symphony (1983)
Plot Summary:
"Spring Symphony" is the story of Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck. Both were music entities. Robert Schumann turns out to have been a second tier composer, if that, never rising to the heights of a Beethoven or Mozart. In contrast, Clara Wieck was a master technician in the playing of the piano, a composer (probably not at Schumann's level), and was a child prodigy.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 358
Genere: Biography, Music
Country: West Germany
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized
Similar in 86%
The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach (1968)
Plot Summary:
Using letters Anna Magdalena Bach wrote to her husband, seminal composer Johann Sebastian, filmmakers Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet created one of the most precise, rewarding biopics ever put to screen. CHRONICLE OF ANNA MAGDALENA BACH's intense emotional pull can be understood by its status as a musical film in the most thorough sense: its performances – staged as extended sequences set within the very spaces once occupied by Bach himself, with trained performers both donning and playing items accurate to the period – are immense, bringing us closer to the sound than was ever thought possible. Immaculately restored on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, CHRONICLE OF ANNA MAGDALENA BACH invites viewers to experience a bygone age.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Music
Country: West Germany, Italy
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: contemplative, spiritual, atmospheric, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, gloomy, baroque, concert film
Similar in 76%
The King Is Dancing (2000)
Plot Summary:
Louis XIV, the French sun-king has two passions, establishing absolute rule over the realm -after decades of religious/civil wars- by divine right and artistic brilliancy as a dancer.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History, Music
Country: France, Germany, Belgium
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, stylized, serious, realistic, captivating, dramatic, visual, historical drama, mesmerizing, contemplative
Similar in 78%
Cilla (2014)
Plot Summary:
Three-part biopic of the Liverpudlian songbird who would later find fame and fortune. It tells of her rocky road to fame and captures the essence of 1960s Liverpool.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: UK
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, captivating, realistic, entertaining, period drama
Similar in 80%
Song of Norway (1970)
Plot Summary:
Like the play from which it derived, the film tells of the early struggles of composer Edvard Grieg and his attempts to develop an authentic Norwegian national music. It stars Toralv Maurstad as Grieg and features an international cast including Florence Henderson, Christina Schollin, Robert Morley, Harry Secombe, Oskar Homolka, Edward G. Robinson and Frank Porretta (as Rikard Nordraak). Filmed in Super Panavision 70 by Davis Boulton and presented in single-camera Cinerama in some countries, it was an attempt to capitalise on the success of The Sound of Music.
IMDB Rating: 4.2
IMDB Votes: 506
Genere: Biography, Drama, Musical, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: independent film, sentimental, serious, captivating, realistic, 70mm film
Similar in 82%
Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993)
Plot Summary:
A collection of vignettes highlighting different aspects of the life, work, and character of the acclaimed Canadian classical pianist.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Canada, Netherlands, Portugal, Finland
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: existential, independent film, spiritual, anthology, serious, realistic, contemplative, philosophical, atmospheric, thought provoking
Similar in 83%
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 80%
The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)
Plot Summary:
The Jacksons are your average working-class family in Gary, Indiana; but when their father discovers the kids have an extraordinary musical talent they form a band. Winning talent show after talent show they soon hit it big when Motown calls. From there they become the now famous Jackson 5. But along the way their success brings trouble and turmoil.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 240 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, suspenseful, controversial
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
Similar in 88%
Selena: The Series (2020)
Plot Summary:
As Mexican-American Tejano singer Selena comes of age and realizes her dreams, she and her family make tough choices to hold on to love and music.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Mexico, USA
Duration: 40 min
Plot tags: sincere, uplifting, touching, factual, historical drama
Similar in 85%
Sister Smile (2009)
Plot Summary:
A biography of the Belgian nun Jeannine Deckers, who became a popular singer in the early 1960s and struggled with the contradiction between the church and her true self.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 896
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Belgium, France
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, emotional, realistic, captivating, entertaining, gloomy
Similar in 79%
Hilary and Jackie (1998)
Plot Summary:
The tragic story of world-renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pré, as told from the point of view of her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: UK
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: emotional, philosophical, independent film, depressing, steamy, tense, sentimental, clever, serious, captivating
Similar in 89%
Vertinsky (2021)
Plot Summary:
Biography of the most famous Russian chansonnier of the 20th century. The story of the artist who left Russia in 1919 and returned to the USSR in 1943, in the midst of World War II. Vertinsky lived, sang, and was popular in Constantinople, Paris, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Harbin, Shanghai, and Moscow. He was loved by beautiful women, applauded by royalty and thieves. He was a bohemian man, light and cheerful. However, this painting, first of all, is about his kindness. On the ability not to judge, but to pity, to sympathize with anyone. And for this fate has gifted him with great success and late family happiness. This is a story of how a songbird, an artist, a frivolous creature can live a life of both envy and respect.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 136
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Russia
Duration: 62 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, thought provoking, captivating, period drama
Similar in 84%
Copying Beethoven (2006)
Plot Summary:
A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it has been years since his last success and he is plagued by deafness, loneliness and personal trauma. A copyist is urgently needed to help the composer. A fictional character is introduced in the form of a young conservatory student and aspiring composer named Anna Holtz. The mercurial Beethoven is skeptical that a woman might become involved in his masterpiece but slowly comes to trust in Anna's assistance and in the end becomes quite fond of her. By the time the piece is performed, her presence in his life is an absolute necessity. Her deep understanding of his work is such that she even corrects mistakes he has made, while her passionate personality opens a door into his private world.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: Germany, UK, Hungary
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: touching, captivating, realistic, serious, stylized, period piece, psychological, inspirational, sincere, spiritual
Similar in 79%
Charles II: The Power and The Passion (2003)
Plot Summary:
The chronicle of Charles II's time on the throne, his 10 year exile from Oliver Cromwell's England, and his triumphant return.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 235 min
Plot tags: historical drama, epic, serious, realistic, costume drama, political, period piece, period drama, baroque, weird
Similar in 90%
The Crown Prince (2006)
Plot Summary:
A great Empire, once famous for its enlightened traditions, is taken over by a ruthless political establishment. Religious fundamentalists and national separatists are tearing at the fabric of its liberal society. Under the influence of his conservative advisors, the Emperor fails to initiate the reforms that could save the Empire from annihilation. One man alone can avert the cataclysm to come. The year is 1888 and the 600-year-old Empire of Austria-Hungary is at a cross-road of history. Crown-Prince Rudolf, son of fabled Empress Sisi, the most beautiful woman of her time, is the man with the vision and the ability to lead his Empire into the 20th century. Yet his enemies, the all-powerful Prime Minister first and foremost, scheme to isolate Rudolf from his father and from access to power. Against the backdrop of one of the most dangerous, exciting and colorful periods in history, at the dawn of the modern age.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 453
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: Austria, France, Germany, Italy
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: serious, atmospheric, realistic, exciting, suspenseful, sad, period piece, costume drama, epic, period drama
Similar in 79%
Sinatra (1992)
Plot Summary:
An extensive biopic of one of the most famous entertainers of the 20th century - Frank Sinatra. The only thing that could engage the public more than his songs and films was his sometimes controversial private life.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 431
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 250 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, serious, captivating, realistic, iconic, nostalgic
Similar in 88%
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 87%
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 77%
For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story (2000)
Plot Summary:
In the early 1970s, Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval (Andy Garcia) is torn between his own musical dreams and the dreams of his wife, Marianela (Mía Maestro), a fervent supporter of the ideals of the Castro revolution. Also starring Charles S. Dutton as Dizzy Gillespie and José Zúñiga as Paquito D'Rivera, this gripping jazz biopic is at once a detailed portrait of a musician and a stinging critique.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, realistic, sincere, serious, independent film
Similar in 86%
The Temptations (1998)
Plot Summary:
The true story of The Temptations, the Soul vocal group of the 1960s, as seen from the viewpoint of the last surviving member, Otis Williams. Beginning from their humble origins in the late 50s and continuing through the 90s and the deaths of the other 4 members.
IMDB Rating: 8.4
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 175 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, black cinema, rockumentary, period drama
Similar in 86%
Edward the King (1975)
Plot Summary:
Edward the Seventh is a 1975 television drama series, made by ATV in 13 episodes. Based on the biography of Edward VII by Philip Magnus, it starred Timothy West as the elder Edward VII and Simon Gipps-Kent and Charles Sturridge as Edward in his youth, Annette Crosbie as Queen Victoria, Deborah Grant and Helen Ryan as Queen Alexandra, Robert Hardy as the Prince Consort, Alison Leggatt as the Duchess of Kent, and Felicity Kendal as Princess Vicky. It was directed by John Gorrie, who wrote episodes 7-10 with David Butler writing the remainder of the series. The series also featured John Gielgud as Benjamin Disraeli, Michael Hordern as William Ewart Gladstone, Harry Andrews as young Edward's tutor Colonel Bruce, Jane Lapotaire as Empress Marie of Russia, Christopher Neame as Kaiser Wilhelm II and, in one of his earliest roles, Charles Dance as Edward's eldest son Eddy, who died at the age of 28. Gielgud previously played Disraeli in the 1941 film The Prime Minister. The actresses playing Edward's mistresses include Moira Redmond as Alice Keppel and Carolyn Seymour as Daisy Greville. Francesca Annis was featured in two episodes as Lillie Langtry which led to Butler writing a full series about Mrs Langtry's life for Annis to star in, Lillie.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
IMDB Votes: 539
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: UK
Duration: 50 min
Plot tags: costume drama, historical drama, epic, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, saga, gloomy, period drama
Similar in 88%
Young Catherine (1991)
Plot Summary:
A German princess is chosen to marry the heir to the Russian Throne, but faces plots and intrigues against her.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK, USA, Canada, Soviet Union, Germany, Italy
Duration: 150 min
Plot tags: serious, historical drama, costume drama, sentimental, touching, realistic, stylized, period drama, baroque
Similar in 77%
The Overture (2004)
Plot Summary:
Based on the life of Luang Pradit Pairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng) the most revered traditional Thai music master who lived during the reigns of Kings Rama V to VIII, the movie traces the life of Sorn, who picked up the ra-nad ek (Thai xylophone) mallets as a small child and played all his life. The backdrop to Sorn's life tale is the story of Thailand's classical music from its golden age during the reign of King Rama V to near extinction after the end of the absolute monarchy when the government banned it as uncivilised in the 1930s -- a time when Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsongkram tried to push the Kingdom into the modern era.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Music
Country: Thailand
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, captivating, emotional, serious, realistic, stylized
Similar in 76%
Forever Enthralled (2008)
Plot Summary:
A biographical account of Mei Lanfang, China's greatest opera star.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 150 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, epic
Similar in 77%
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
Similar in 84%
Victoria & Albert (2001)
Plot Summary:
The passionate love story that was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's lengthy marriage. Beginning in 1837, the year of King William IV's death and 18-year-old Victoria's ascension to the throne, the series charts the tumultuous period in 19th Century England where Victoria comes to terms with the enormous duties that lay ahead of her, while also falling deeply in love with her beloved Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. The marriage and birth of their nine children are featured, as is Albert's frustration by the inactivity he experienced in the early years of his role as Prince Consort.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 200 min
Plot tags: captivating, costume drama, sentimental, serious, realistic, factual, period piece, historical drama, epic, stylized