Creativity comes in many forms; one such form it takes is in music. For kids who appear to have an affinity for the musical arts, it is best to help them harness this talent. For those who wish to inspire their kids to participate more in music, there are several movies that they can watch to make that melodic fire brighter. Have your kids watch these excellent movies to motivate them to follow a musically inclined heart.
Movies that Will Inspired Kids to Become Musicians
For Kids:
1. Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)
Alvin and the Chipmunks is a CGI musical comedy movie based on the classic virtual novelty song band from the 50s of the same name. The film follows three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, who are inadvertently transferred from their forest home to the heart of Los Angeles City. They meet a struggling songwriter, Dave Seville (Jason Lee), who they impress with their singing.
Dave teams up with the three talented chipmunks to create music that quickly became worldwide hits. This is a perfect movie for younger audiences as the chipmunks perform classic songs with their signature squeaky songs. Plus, the CGI chipmunks show some nice dance moves that will entertain kids. The movie stars Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Jesse McCartney as the chipmunks.
Duration: 1 h 32 min
Rating: PG
2. Coco (2017)
Disney Pixar once again hits a home run with their CGI fantasy musical film, Coco. The movie follows the adventure of Miguel, a 12-year-old boy who has a penchant for singing and playing the guitar. Unfortunately, his whole family is against music for some unknown reason. One night, Miguel gets transported to the Land of the Dead, where he meets a deceased trickster, Hector, who Miguel asks for help to send him back to the land of the living.
Miguel will learn more about his family’s heritage during his journey to the neon-colored underworld. The movie also holds some of the most beautiful recent soundtracks that tug on those familiar heartstrings.
Duration: 1 h 45 min
Rating: PG
3. Sing (2016)
This CGI musical comedy children’s movie is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals. It follows a koala named Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who owns a theater and has dreams of operating his music show. Looking to make his dream into a reality, Buster opens a singing competition with a prize of $1,000.
However, a typo increases the prize money to $100,000, and the flyers get blown out into the city streets by accident. Will Buster be able to find his muse and conduct his very own musical show? The movie features up to 60 songs and should be an excellent movie to inspire young singers to follow their dreams.
Duration: 1 h 48 min
Rating: PG
4. School of Rock (2003)
In this musical comedy film, Jack Black plays struggling musician Dewey Finn who then manages to fake his way into becoming a substitute teacher for a highly prestigious prep school. Once there, Finn learns that the class he is teaching is full of superbly talented students. This revelation gives Finn the idea of bringing his students to win an upcoming Battle of the Bands competition and win the prize money to pay off his rent.
School of Rock is not only a great flick for young budding musicians to watch, but the music in the movie is also filled with some classic rock tune covers. As the lead, Jack Black also has a band in real life (Tenacious D); all of his scenes rocking the guitar are legit. The movie also shows the importance of letting young musicians spread their wings in their art without unjustified restrictions.
Duration: 1 h 49 min
Rating: PG-13
5. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
This 2001 film is based on the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon of the same name about a spunky girl band comprised of Josie (Rachael Leigh Cook), Melody (Tara Reid), and Valerie (Rosario Dawson). The film is entirely shot in Vancouver, Canada, and co-stars Alan Cummings, Parker Posey, and Carson Daly.
If you are not aware of the comic book and cartoon series, Josie and The Pussycats is pretty much Scooby-Doo but a musical. The movie has the popular girl band Josie and The Pussycats uncover a vast conspiracy when they learn that record industries utilize subliminal messages in the music to control the masses, which they unwittingly assisted.
The movie’s plot is over-the-top, but it sticks closely to the source material. Also, the film has one of the most underrated soundtracks, as the tunes in the flick are pretty cool. Josie and the Pussycats will undoubtedly inspire younger girls who wish to tap into the musical fireworks in their hearts.
Duration: 1 h 38 min
Rating: PG-13
6. Jem and the Holograms (2015)
Jem and the Holograms is another movie adaptation of a beloved 80s cartoon. This musical drama film stars Aubrey Peeples as Jem, Juliette Lewis, and 80s teen movie icon Molly Ringwald. The film is loosely adapted from the source material, but it does hold its own overall.
The film tells the story of Jerrica, who dreams of making it into the music industry. Her life is pretty standard and uneventful, but she does have an alter-ego that propels her musical career. When performing, she becomes Jem, a stunning and fearless singer, and along with her three sisters, they form a band to achieve their goals of superstardom.
Story-wise, the movie is pretty straightforward but does have an excellent lesson to teach regarding embracing your talent and passion. In addition, the songs in the film are all quite lovely and fit with its theme of the young finding their place in the world.
Duration: 1 h 58 min
Rating: PG
7. The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman is a biographical musical drama film based on P.T. Barnum’s life, played here by Hugh Jackman. P.T. Barnum is a famous entertainer and showman who created the Barnum and Bailey Circus.
We see the journey of Barnum from a penniless orphan with grand ambition and a mind filled with imagination to being the Greatest Showman on the planet. Then, Barnum starts looking for individuals with unique and peculiar talents to form his circus.
This musical film is packed with dance and song numbers with a highly imaginative presentation. In addition, the movie is filled with positive messages such as the importance of family; this movie is suited for kids and adults alike.
Duration: 1 h 45 min
Rating: PG
For Teens:
8. Scott Pilgrim VS The World (2010)
While not exactly a musical movie, this off-the-wall fantasy comedy film makes good use of its outstanding soundtrack. Edgar Wright directs the film, and Scott Pilgrim VS The World benefits from Wright’s frenetic filming style. The movie stars Michael Cera as the titular character as he battles through the League of Evil Exes to be with his new girlfriend, the mysterious Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
Yes, the film is as crazy as it sounds, and it also has one of the most memorable rocking soundtracks in recent memory. Scott is also the bassist of a struggling band called Sex Bob-Omb and his friends Stephen Stills (Mark Webber) and Kim Pines (Alison Pill).
One of the most memorable moments in the film is when Sex Bob-Omb battles the Katyanagi Twins in a literal Battle of the Band, with both sides conjuring up monsters using their music in an epic Kaiju face-off.
Duration: 1 h 52 min
Rating: PG-13
9. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Featuring a catchy Capella soundtrack, Pitch Perfect became a smash hit in 2012, and it spawned two sequels. The movie features an ensemble cast with Anna Kendrick in the lead as Beca alongside Rebel Wilson and Adam Devine.
The movie follows Beca as she joins The Barden Bellas, a collegiate all-girl in a cappella group who recently hit a snag after failing in the previous competition. Trying to regroup, the Bellas are looking for new members, which is where Beca comes in. While initially dismissive of the group’s goals, she finds a new purpose as she tries to help the Bellas by adding a different flair to their performance in a bid to win the championship.
The movie is filled with catchy songs, and audiences will love the various covers that the film has of other popular songs. Pitch Perfect pretty much ushered in Cappella as one of today’s most popular musical genres.
Duration: 1 h 52 min
Rating: PG-13
10. Whiplash (2014)
Whiplash is a musical drama that follows the journey of a young jazz drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), and his dreams of success in the music industry. Unfortunately, his path will pit him against ruthless music instructor Terrence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Fletcher tries to break Neiman at every turn, but Neiman’s passion for music helps him push past his limits.
This movie is an intense look into the difficulties of building a career in the music business. However, it also shows the rewarding experience musicians get from their performances.
This movie will either inspire or scare off aspirants, but more often than not, they will be motivated by Andrew’s perseverance.
The film benefits greatly from the perfect antagonistic chemistry between Teller and Simmons. This makes the film’s final performance one of the most exhilarating movie climaxes.
The rating and intensity of the scenes make it a better choice for teens and young adults.
Duration: 1 h 46 min
Rating: R