Not many genres have offered wisdom of stardom. Since the 1990’s, stories of celebrities achieving fame have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s psychotic actors, shallow singers or famous film producers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about stardom which deserve to be celebrated.
1. A Star is Born
Alcohol addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a kid in school that suffered from severe alcohol addiction that caused sorrow. He always had a dream of becoming a famous musician. However, his dreams of stardom were forever shattered by his grim alcoholism. Our friendship ended when I decided that I could no longer bear to witness him getting totally wasted. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how grim alcohol addiction can prevent stars from being born as powerfully as “A Star is Born”. Ever since its release in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about stardom. With the greatest film of his career, Cooper used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic musician facing despair. Cooper has always had an aptitude for making great movies about stardom putting people in danger, and “A Star is Born” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jackson Maine invites Ally on stage to perform “Shallow” for the first time attracting media attention is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Lady Gaga, who embodied an actress seeking stardom with charisma. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” my favourite film about stardom of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about stars, it tackles strong themes that resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade after the release of a great musical about stars suffering from alcoholism that’s far from shallow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made great movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.
2. Birdman
Broadway actors have figures that fascinate my father today. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father admiring actors performing on stage. Fascinated with Broadway, he would marvel at the meticulous way in which theatre actors created a stage play. As someone treasuring a father that adored Broadway performers with a plan, I admired “Birdman”. Released in 2015, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu’s Oscar-winning movie captured mentally unstable theatre performers. Inarritu effectively uses unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mentally disturbed theatre actor facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Riggan faces a breakdown arguing with his alter-ego in his apartment causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied an actor facing self-destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Birdman” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of mental health struggles faced by actors seeking success on stage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage by manufacturing great movies with a meaningful message.
3. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. However, immigration became a big barrier bringing our bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated, I was forced to end relationships with a girl I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured sacrifices of achieving stardom dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical captured actors seeking stardom in Los Angeles. Chazelle used musical numbers to capture lovers whose romance is threatened by stardom in their respective careers. For instance, the scene in which Mia sings about her dreams to become an actress in an audition is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of phenomenal performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who portray a pair of artists in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a musical masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about the sacrifices involved in achieving stardom which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies which are worth celebrating tremendously today.
4. Rocketman
Elton John is a great musician that always earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember forming strong bonds with a mother that often adored the famous singer. She would always praise iconic melodies composed by a tiny dancer singer that had shaped her identity. Drawn to the yellow brick road, she adored a great singer that had inspired her to follow her dreams years ago. In 2019, Dexter Fletcher honoured the iconic musician in his movie “Rocketman”. Fletcher uses captivating musical montages to honour a legendary singer that struggled to come to terms with his grim sexual identity. For instance, the scene in which Elton John discloses the grim truth about his sexual identity telling his mother that he is queer causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Taron Edgerton, who embodied the bold nature of an iconic musician. Ultimately, what makes “Rocketman” a great musical biopic is its honesty. Unlike most musical biopics, it doesn’t shy away from addressing the personal issues that Elton John faced in his career. Nearly 60 years after Elton John overcame the barrier of sexual identity to be a famous singer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that audiences treasure.
5. The Substance
Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl that was deeply concerned about her body image. Called drop-dead gorgeous, she was a girl that my classmates would consider precious. However, she never believed she was a pretty woman with a bright future. She often had a strong desire to use a substance that could transform her into a younger version of herself people admire. As someone haunted by a girl that yearned for drugs to change her appearance, I adored “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie captured the impact of body image on aging celebrities. Fargeat used the strong symbolism of a drug to showcase actresses concerned about body image. For instance, the scene in which Elisabeth discovers using the substance changes her appearance causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Demi Moore, who embodies an actress addicted to a substance. Ultimately, what makes “The Substance” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about body image which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about body image targeted towards women, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A bold portrait of actresses that lack confidence using a substance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies earning a huge worldwide audience.
6. Walk the Line
When it comes to the greatest musicians that suffered from rash alcoholism, it’s worth discussing Johnny Cash. Earning fame in the 1950’s, Cash composed timeless melodies. Despite his severe alcoholism, Cash achieved great stardom. In 2005, James Mangold honoured the divine musician in his movie “Walk the Line”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Walk the Line” stand out is its depiction of musicians. Mangold uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing alcoholic hardships that Johnny Cash was facing. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is outstanding in the lead role, Mangold honoured a legendary musician. As strong as Johnny Cash’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made iconic movies about tragic alcoholism which have captivated the movie-going public.
7. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that has often made great movies about stardom. With their compelling characters, sharp dialogue and strong acting, Tarantino’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2019, Tarantino made a memorable movie about stars seeking success in Hollywood in his movie “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” stand out is its depiction of the 1960’s. Tarantino uses gorgeous production-design to recreate the era of the 1960’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Tarantino honoured actors that achieved fame years ago. A touching tribute towards an era once upon a time in in Hollywood, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has stood the test of time making movies that are commonly good.
8. Elvis
Elvis Presley is a celebrated musician my grandfather always appreciated. I remember my grandfather was obsessed with the iconic singer. He would always speak fondly about a singer that he grew up watching in Germany. My grandfather loved to tell fond stories of a singer in a heartbreak hotel. In 2022, Baz Luhrmann honoured the legendary musician in his movie “Elvis”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Elvis” stand out is its energy. Luhrmann uses energetic non-linear storytelling capturing Elvis’ complex relationship with his manager. Assisted by Austin Butler who is extraordinary in the lead role, Luhrmann honoured Elvis Presley’s legacy. An extraordinary tribute towards Elvis Presley, it’s an exhilarating reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences love commonly dearly.
9. Babylon
Substance abuse is a serious addiction in Hollywood. Since the 1920’s, drugs have enhanced celebrities. During this old-fashioned era, drugs allowed celebrities to cope with pressures posed by stardom. Drugs have become a pivotal part of achieving stardom in Hollywood. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted drug addiction of celebrities in his movie “Babylon”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Babylon” stand out is its strong depiction of drug addiction. Chazelle used montages to capture celebrities using drugs in the 1920’s. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is amazing in the lead role, Chazelle captured drug use in old Hollywood. A dazzling depiction of drug use, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies offering larger-than-life views of stardom that have earned rave worldwide reviews.
10. Bohemian Rhapsody
Freddie Mercury is a legendary musician that built a lasting legacy. During the 1980’s, Mercury composed timeless melodies that achieved stardom. In 2018, Bryan Singer honoured the iconic singer’s legacy in his movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Singer uses captivating montages capturing a singer’s rise to stardom in the 1980’s. Assisted by Rami Malek who is superb in the lead role, Singer honoured Mercury’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s ignorance of Mercury’s homosexuality has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Freddie Mercury’s desire to become a musician, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies about stars under pressure facing tension which I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 