The Best Movies About Blues Music

The best movies about blues music offer a wide range of stories and styles that highlight the different aspects of the genre. From documentaries to biopics, these films showcase the music, the culture, and the people who created it.

The Best Movies About Blues Music

There are a number of great movies about the blues and its musicians. Some of these movies are documentaries, while others are feature films. Here is a list of some of the best movies about blues music.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a 1986 American musical drama road film directed by Walter Hill and starring Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, Jami Gertz, James Handy, and Ry Cooder. The film presents a fictionalized account of the legends surrounding blues musician Robert Johnson. It features an early leading performance from then little-known actor Steve Vai.

The film was advertised as inspired by the seldom-heard legend of bluesman Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil at a Mississippi crossroads in exchange for mastery of the guitar. However, Johnson’s name is never mentioned in the film nor are any of his songs featured prominently (though an instrumental version of “Sweet Home Chicago” is heard during the credits).

Ray

Ray is a 2004 American musical biographical drama film focusing on 30 years in the life of rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles. The independently produced film was written, directed, and produced by Taylor Hackford, and starred Jamie Foxx in the title role. Charles died of liver disease on June 10, 2004, at the age of 73; Foxx’s performance ultimately won him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Cadillac Records

Directed by Darnell Martin and starring Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, and Beyoncé Knowles, Cadillac Records is a 2008 drama film about the rise and fall of Chess Records. The film follows the story of the legendary record label through the eyes of its founder, Leonard Chess (Brody), and its most successful artist, Muddy Waters (Wright).

Cadillac Records chronicles the birth of rock & roll during the 1950s and profiles some of the most iconic figures in blues history, including Howlin’ Wolf (Eamonn Walker), Little Walter (Columbus Short), Chuck Berry (Mos Def), and Ike Turner (Cedric the Entertainer). The film was widely praised upon its release, with critics lauding its performances, direction, and production design.

The Best Movies About the Blues

Anyone who loves the blues knows that the best way to experience the music is to see it live. There’s nothing quite like being in a room full of people who are all feeling the music. But if you can’t make it to a live show, the next best thing is to watch a movie about the blues. Here are some of the best movies about the blues.

The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers is a classic 1980 comedy about two former musicians who reunite to save an orphanage. Along the way, they must deal with corrupt cops, gangsters, and the forces of nature. The movie features some great blues performances, and it is considered one of the best movies about the genre.

Blues Brothers 2000

Blues Brothers 2000 is a 1998 American musical comedy film that was directed by John Landis. It is the sequel to the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, which was both a commercial and critical success. Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd) is once again orphaned when his adoptive brother, Jake (John Belushi), dies from gunshots sustained during a food store holdup. To fulfill his brother’s last request, Elwood sets out to find the “Band”, reassembling them at the Louisiana Gator Boys club in New Orleans. Some new members recruited include honking saxophonist Murph (Brief cameo by Steve Cropper), lead guitarist and vocalist Billy Preston, slide guitarist Matt “Guitar” Murphy, cabaret singerchain-smoking French Canadian Louise Cratchit (played by Eriq La Salle), bassist Bobbie Hopkins (played by Joe Morton) and drummer Willie Hall. The final stage of recruitment includes “Mississippi” Mudcat Wardrobe (played by Donald “Duck” Dunn).

The Color Purple

The Color Purple is a mid-1980s American period drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Menno Meyjes, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker. It was Spielberg’s eighth film as a director, and was a change from the summer blockbusters for which he had become famous. The film was also notable for its depiction of African Americans in the rural South during the early 20th century, and for its earnest treatment of race relations, sexual violence, and religious faith. The film stars Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery, and Adolph Caesar.