16 Best Music Movies on Starz 2026
Discover 16 music movies on Starz, from Mamma Mia! and Michael to Bandslam, Quartet, and Nas: Time Is Illmatic, with picks for every mood.
If you’re searching for the best music movies on Starz, this lineup gives you a little of everything: jukebox fun, backstage ambition, family drama, and stories built around songs that shape people’s lives. You’ll find big crowd-pleasers like Mamma Mia!, character-driven picks such as Quartet and Bravetown, and music-centered dramas including Michael, I Can Only Imagine 2, and Nas: Time Is Illmatic. There’s also variety in tone, from the comedy of Power Ballad and Bandslam to the period energy of Idlewild and ATL. However you like your music stories, these titles make it easy to pick a movie that matches your mood.
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01
Michael
drama · history · music & musical
The early life of musician Michael Jackson, from the discovery of his talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the artist whose creative ambition fueled a pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
Why watch: If you want a music drama rooted in a famous performer’s early rise, Michael is the clearest fit. Its history and music-and-musical mix will appeal if you like biographical stories about talent, ambition, and fame.
Directed by Antoine FuquaCast Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Colman Domingo, Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon HunterStarzMore details on IMDb → -
02
Power Ballad
comedy · drama · music · musical
When Rick, a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it means risking everything he cares about.
Why watch: If you enjoy comedy-drama stories about performers chasing recognition, Power Ballad should fit well. The premise centers on a wedding singer, a fading boy-band star, and the tension that comes when one song changes everything.
Directed by John CarneyCast Paul Rudd, Peter McDonald, Rory Keenan, Paul Reid, Keith McErleanStarzMore details on IMDb → -
03
Mamma Mia!
3 Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film nominations
comedy · musical · romance
A spirited young bride-to-be living with her single mother on a small Greek island secretly invites three of her mother's ex-boyfriends in hope of finding her biological father to walk her down the aisle.
Why watch: If you like upbeat musical comedies with romance in the mix, Mamma Mia! is an easy pick. Its story combines a wedding setup, a Greek island setting, and a playful search for a biological father.
Directed by Phyllida LloydCast Amanda Seyfried, Stellan Skarsgård, Pierce Brosnan, Nancy Baldwin, Colin FirthStarzMore details on IMDb → -
04
I Can Only Imagine 2
biography · drama · music
Following the breakout success of the song 'I Can Only Imagine', MercyMe's Bart Millard is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fanbase, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart's past threatens the family he's built, especially the fragile bond with his son Sam. When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart's life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife Shannon before fame costs him what matters most.
Why watch: If you enjoy faith-tinged music dramas about success and family pressure, I Can Only Imagine 2 may be a good match. Its focus on a touring band, personal history, and strained relationships gives it a strong emotional angle.
Directed by Andrew Erwin, Brent MccorkleCast John Michael Finley, Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, Sammy DellStarzMore details on IMDb → -
05
Fisherman's Friends: One and All
comedy · drama · music & musical
Following the unexpected success of the band’s debut album “No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues”, we re-join them almost a year later, struggling with the pressures, pitfalls and temptations of their newfound fame, second album syndrome, and performing on the pyramid stage at Glastonbury.
Why watch: If you like stories about bands dealing with sudden success, Fisherman's Friends: One and All is a natural choice. The comedy-drama tone and the focus on fame, second-album pressure, and a big performance make it appealing for music fans.
Directed by Meg Leonard, Nick MoorcroftCast James Purefoy, Sam Swainsbury, Dave Johns, Richard Hainsworth, Peter HicksStarzMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for music on Starz →
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06
Happy Endings
comedy · drama · music & musical · mystery & thriller · romance
Filmmaker Nicky offers to track down the son that Mamie gave up for adoption nearly two decades before. Meanwhile, Mamie's stepbrother (and the father of her child), Charley, along with his boyfriend, Gil, try to find out what became of the sperm Gil donated to a lesbian couple. Finally, singer Jude becomes entangled in a love triangle with androgynous drummer Otis and his conservative father.
Why watch: If you prefer ensemble stories where music is part of a broader web of relationships, Happy Endings is worth a look. Its comedy-drama blend and multiple storylines make it a good fit for viewers who like music movies with a quirky edge.
Directed by Don RoosCast Lisa Kudrow, Steve Coogan, Jesse Bradford, Bobby Cannavale, Maggie GyllenhaalStarzMore details on IMDb → -
07
Quartet
comedy · drama · music · romance
Cissy, Reggie, and Wilf are in a home for retired musicians. Every year, there is a concert to celebrate Composer Giuseppe Verdi's birthday and they take part. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva, but she refuses to sing. Still, the show must go on, and it does.
Why watch: If you enjoy gentle ensemble comedies about older performers, Quartet is a strong pick. Its retired-musician setting and concert-centered story should appeal if you like character-driven music films.
Directed by Dustin HoffmanCast Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Michael GambonStarzMore details on IMDb → -
08
Saturday Church
drama · fantasy · music · musical
Ulysses is a shy and effeminate boy who finds himself coping with new responsibilities as man of the house after the death of his father. Living alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt, Ulysses is also struggling with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music. Ulysses' journey takes a turn for the better when he finds a vibrant transgender community.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to music movies that mix coming-of-age drama with fantasy elements, Saturday Church may be the right fit. Its focus on identity, dance, and a vibrant community gives it a distinctive tone.
Directed by Damon CardasisCast Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Regina Taylor, Margot Bingham, Evander Duck Jr.StarzMore details on IMDb → -
09
Nas: Time Is Illmatic
documentary · history · music & musical
Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation.
Why watch: If you want a documentary that digs into an album’s creation and cultural context, Nas: Time Is Illmatic stands out. It should especially appeal if you like music history and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Directed by One9Cast Nas, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Pete RockStarzMore details on IMDb → -
10
Bravetown
drama · music & musical
After an accidental drug overdose, a talented teenage DJ goes to live with his estranged father in a small Army town, where he gets to the bottom of his own pain and learns empathy for others.
Why watch: If you like drama about a young musician rebuilding after a difficult personal moment, Bravetown is a solid choice. Its music focus and small-town setting suggest a reflective, character-based story.
Directed by Daniel DuranCast Lucas Till, Kherington Payne, Josh Duhamel, Jae Head, Sharlene TauléStarzMore details on IMDb → -
11
Lulu on the Bridge
drama · music · mystery · romance
A famous jazz saxophonist's life is forever changed after he is accidentally shot.
Why watch: If you enjoy music dramas with mystery and romance woven in, Lulu on the Bridge may suit you. The story of a jazz saxophonist whose life changes after an accident suggests a more moody, reflective pick.
Directed by Paul AusterCast Harvey Keitel, Richard Edson, Don Byron, Kevin Corrigan, Mira SorvinoStarzMore details on IMDb → -
12
Bandslam
comedy · drama · family · music · romance
A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band — together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands.
Why watch: If you like teen-friendly music stories with competition at the center, Bandslam is a fun option. Its battle-of-the-bands setup and mix of comedy, drama, and romance make it easy to jump into.
Directed by Todd GraffCast Aly Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell, Scott Porter, Ryan DonowhoStarzPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
13
One More Time
comedy · drama · music
Beautiful aspiring rock star Jude is stuck in a rut - relegated to recording commercial jingles and lost in a series of one night stands. When she is evicted from her Brooklyn apartment, she is forced to move into the Hamptons home of her wealthy - and selfish - father Paul Lombard, an over-the-hill, Sinatra-esque crooner angling for a musical comeback.
Why watch: If you enjoy comedy-drama stories about artists trying to reset their careers, One More Time could be a fit. The mix of a struggling rock star and an older crooner gives it a music-industry family angle.
Directed by Robert EdwardsCast Christopher Walken, Amber Heard, Kelli Garner, Hamish Linklater, Ann MagnusonStarzMore details on IMDb → -
14
Riders of Destiny
music · romance · western
James Kincaid controls the local water supply and plans to do away with the other ranchers. Government agent Sandy Saunders arrives undercover to investigate Kincaid's land swindle scheme, and win the heart of one of his victims, Fay Denton.
Why watch: If you like classic westerns that also include music and romance, Riders of Destiny may interest you. Its older style and undercover-investigation premise make it a different kind of music pick.
Directed by Robert N. BradburyCast John Wayne, Cecilia Parker, Forrest Taylor, George 'Gabby' Hayes, Al St. JohnStarzMore details on IMDb → -
15
Idlewild
crime · drama · musical · romance
A reticent piano player Percival, along with Rooster, his flamboyant lead performer and manager, struggle to keep their speakeasy, in the Prohibition-era South, out of the hands of gangsters who want to take it over.
Why watch: If you enjoy period stories about performance spaces under pressure, Idlewild is a strong match. Its crime-drama-musical blend and Prohibition-era setting give it a distinctive music-centered feel.
Directed by Bryan BarberCast André 3000, Big Boi, Paula Patton, Terrence Howard, Faizon LoveStarzMore details on IMDb → -
16
ATL
comedy · crime · drama · music · romance
As four friends prepare for life after high school, different challenges bring about turning points in each of their lives. The dramas unfold and resolve at their local rollerskating rink, Cascade.
Why watch: If you like music movies about friendship, growing up, and local culture, ATL is a good fit. The comedy-crime-drama mix and rollerskating rink setting give it a grounded, youthful energy.
Directed by Chris RobinsonCast Greg Andrews, Monica, Brandon Bernard Benton, Adam Boyer, April ClarkStarzMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This list brings together music films with different styles, settings, and emotional lanes, so you can choose based on whether you want comedy, drama, romance, or a more documentary-like angle. From Michael and I Can Only Imagine 2 to Happy Endings, Saturday Church, and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, there’s plenty here to explore. Save this page for your next movie night and come back when you want a fresh recommendation. We update this page regularly, so the lineup can change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Starz subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Starz. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these music movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the music titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.