From English to Tamil and inspirational to heart-warming, we have got a list of 10 such movies for you that might just be exactly what you are looking to watch on at-home Saturday nights. These movies are inspired by performing arts and the stories revolve around the different journeys of artists from all walks of life. They cover all the right emotions along with realities which might just give you the push you needed to pursue what you’ve been dreaming about.
Whether you want to watch something with family, friends or sit in solitude with a bucket of ice-cream, we have got you covered! Go ahead and pick something to watch tonight!
- The Artist (2011)
Black & White, Romantic comedy, Silent, Drama
‘The Artist’ is a touching and semi-silent movie with a musical soundtrack about an aging film idol and the coming of new talents into the industry. The movie is celebrated for its authentic depiction of the life of an artist and treasured for being one of the last old silent Black & White movies. Through its intense musical experience and emotional journey, it will leave you in awe of reality.
- Whiplash (2014)
Music, Indie film, Drama
Whiplash is a 2014 American psychological drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. It depicts the relationship between an ambitious jazz drummer and an abusive, perfectionist bandleader. This unconventional story will not fail to inspire.
- Birdman (2014)
Drama, Satire, Dark comedy, Romance
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a 2014 American black comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The film stars Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, a washed-up movie star who tries to find a second life as a serious stage actor. He’s best known for playing the superhero “Birdman” which inturn becomes the superego that does not let him succeed in re-constructing his fame. The film appears as if filmed in a single shot, an idea Iñárritu had from the film’s conception. This film is a masterpiece of direction, cinematography and story put together with a unique creative vision. So if you’re looking for a change, this is definitely the right pick!
- A Star Is Born (2018)
Romance, Drama, Music
Starring the charismatic Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born is the story of the birth, journey and decline of incredible talent, put together in the most heart-touching ways. After falling in love with struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga), Jackson (Bradley Cooper), a musician, coaxes her to follow her dreams, while he battles with alcoholism and his personal demons. This perfect combo of drama and romance will give you all the Saturday night warmth you need along with a hint of realities of life.
- Soul (2020)
Animated, Musical, Comedy-drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Soul is a 2020 American computer-animated fantasy comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The story follows a middle school music teacher named Joe Gardner, who seeks to reunite his soul and his body after they are accidentally separated, just before his big break as a jazz musician. Soul is the first Pixar film to feature an African-American protagonist. This movie might fool you into thinking it’s a children’s film but tell us if that feeling is constant while you’re clenching your fist trying to control your tears of joy and happiness by the end. Its beautiful variety of jazz music and intense but simple script will undoubtedly make you fall in love with life (and music) all over again.
- La La Land (2016)
Musical, Romance, Melodrama
While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an actress (Emma Stone) fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future. With noteworthy performances and music that hits all the right notes, the movie is a rollercoaster of emotions with the truths of reality. This movie is perfect for anyone who loves jazz music and learning about the struggles of an artist. It will definitely warm up a part of you that you didn’t think you had while you fall in love with the simplicity of art and complexity of life.
- Dirty Dancing (1987)
Romance, Music, Dance film, Teen
A classic, ‘Dirty Dancing’ has a nostalgic and summery mood with realistic stories of the characters, a relatable honest message coupled with incredible music and dancing along with the renowned and one of the most iconic dance sequences seen in cinema. Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. The story revolves around their eventful journey and will surely leave a touch of its essence with you.
- Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
Music, Romance, Comedy-drama
If you’re looking for something lighthearted but with substance, Florence Foster Jenkins is perfect for you. This biopic starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant is funny and touching all at once. It follows the journey of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress known for her bad singing and generosity, whose dream is to perform at the renowned Carnegie Hall.
- Yeh Ballet (2020)
Drama
This Netflix original takes place in Mumbai and is a touching story about two gifted but underprivileged dancers whose lives are transformed after being discovered by an eccentric ballet master. The story follows the difficulties they face in their journey, whether it is money or disapproval for following an unusual career path. What makes the movie interesting is that one of the main characters is played by the dancer whose life the character is based on.
- Sarvam Thaala Mayam (2018)
Romance, Musical drama, Drama
Also titled Madras Beats, this movie is a 2019 Tamil musical drama. The movie follows the story of Vembu Iyer, a famous mridangam player and his student Peter Johnson, son of expert mridangam maker Johnson, who is a huge fan of south Indian actor Vijay. The movie looks at the discrimination faced by Peter, who aspires to play at the prestigious Carnatic music festival, due to his caste.
