10 Great Music Film Biopics You Have To See

The most critically successful biopic on the list, Walk the Line (2005) sees Joaquin Phoenix take on the role of country/rock 'n' roll legend Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon step into the shoes of his future wife, June Carter. The film details only a small portion of the Man in Black's story - primarily the beginnings of his career's boom, as he goes on tour with Carter and finds himself abusing alcohol and drugs.

Walk the Line is a measured and detailed account of Cash's descent into fame and how his lifestyle ended up ruining his first marriage and how June Carter pulled him up from the depths of his growing addictions. Both Phoenix and Witherspoon (who would win an Oscar for her performance) sing their own songs in the style of their real-life characters, and the results are a revelation.

The film is as cliched as any biopic, but is bursting with more energy and charisma than the best of them and features some staggering recreations of Cash and Carter's most famous musical moments. Outside of its undeniable charm and honesty, it's also a respectful portrait of the late songwriters and serves as a frank reminder that celebrities are people before they're famous, and go through the motions just like everyone else.