6 Best Record Label and Music Industry Movies

By Vlad Zakh · April 18, 2026

Behind every hit song lies a record label boardroom, and cinema has found real drama in the ruthless business side of the music industry. In Sing Street (2016): A teenager in 1980s Dublin forms a band to win the attention of an aspiring model. Equally memorable is Straight Outta Compton (2015): A group of rappers forms N.W.A and revolutionizes hip-hop while battling industry and police pressure.

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

IMDb ★ 7.4 RT 99% Metacritic 83

A documentary spotlights the unsung backup singers behind some of music's biggest stars.

Directed by Morgan Neville · 1h 29m · Rated NR

Won 1 Oscar22 wins & 27 nominations

Where to watch

Stream: Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel · Rent or buy: Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

That Thing You Do! (1996)

TMDB ★ 7.2

A small-town band's catchy single unexpectedly becomes a national hit, testing their friendship and dreams.

Directed by Tom Hanks · 1h 48m · Rated PG

Where to watch

Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Sing Street (2016)

IMDb ★ 7.9 RT 95% Metacritic 79

A teenager in 1980s Dublin forms a band to win the attention of an aspiring model.

Directed by John Carney · 1h 45m · Rated PG-13

16 wins & 45 nominations

Where to watch

Stream: HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Starz Apple TV channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Straight Outta Compton (2015)

IMDb ★ 7.8 RT 89% Metacritic 72

A group of rappers forms N.W.A and revolutionizes hip-hop while battling industry and police pressure.

Directed by F. Gary Gray · 2h 27m · Rated R

Nominated for 1 Oscar28 wins & 40 nominations

Where to watch

Stream: Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Starz Apple TV channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Sound City (2013)

TMDB ★ 7.6

A documentary traces the legendary recording studio behind some of rock music's greatest albums.

Directed by Dave Grohl · 1h 46m · Rated NR

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

The Wrecking Crew (2008)

TMDB ★ 7.6

A documentary spotlights the unsung session musicians behind countless 1960s pop hits.

Directed by Denny Tedesco · 1h 41m · Rated PG

Where to watch

Stream: Netflix, Philo, Netflix Standard with Ads, Dox Amazon Channel, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Streaming availability data from JustWatch, via TMDB. Availability changes often, so check the service before you plan a movie night.

Vlad Zakh

Founder, Movieix

Founder of Movieix, built to fix a specific annoyance: most recommendation sites are just algorithm-driven noise. Our lists are researched and organized by who's in a film, where it's from, and the mood you're actually in tonight.

6 Best Record Label and Music Industry Movies

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

That Thing You Do! (1996)

Sing Street (2016)

Straight Outta Compton (2015)

Sound City (2013)

The Wrecking Crew (2008)

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