By Alex Low
Music biopics are everywhere. From Bohemian Rhapsody to Rocketman, Elvis to the upcoming Michael, the genre has captured audiences’ attention, delivering both commercial success and critical acclaim. Yet, despite their popularity, not all music biopics are created equal.
The genre is often driven by a formula aimed at satisfying fan expectations, appeasing estates, and maximising box office returns. Films like Bohemian Rhapsody narrow their focus, often exaggerating or shifting events for dramatic effect.
Bohemian Rhapsody @ 20th Century Studios.
The result? A portrayal of rock stars that leans into myth-making, rather than offering an honest reflection of their lives. Freddie Mercury’s famous words, “Do what you want with my music, just don’t make me boring,” seem to prophesy the commercial success of Bohemian Rhapsody, which made the flamboyant Mercury the centrepiece, eclipsing the full story of Queen.
Truth Of The Matter
Elvis @ Warner Bros. Pictures.
While such approaches are crowd-pleasing, music biopics often oversimplify the lives of their subjects. Bohemian Rhapsody suffered from comically rapid pacing, rushing through Mercury’s life, while Elvis occasionally glossed over darker aspects of the King’s life in favour of spectacle. Audiences often forget that behind the glitz and glamour, music biopics are heavily influenced by commercial forces — estate interests, brand image, and familial ties.
At their best, however, music biopics transcend their formulaic tendencies. Rocketman is a prime example, exploring not just Elton John’s fame but his personal liberation from an abusive relationship. Similarly, 1984’s Amadeus used its fictional rivalry between Salieri and Mozart to tell a timeless story about jealousy, divinity, and excellence, while diving deep into Mozart’s tragic life, making the composer’s genius more relatable and human.
Rocketman @Paramount Pictures.
With the upcoming Michael biopic, the King of Pop’s story faces its own challenges. Restrictions on depicting certain events, like the 1993 allegations, introduce uncertainty, yet it’s promising to see filmmakers willing to explore aspects of Jackson’s life that would normally be avoided in the typical formulaic biopic.
Michael @ Lionsgate.
The music biopic genre, while often predictable, still has room to evolve. Films like Rocketman and Amadeus show that the genre can offer more than just hit songs — it can delve into the complexity of its subjects, revealing both their triumphs and their flaws.
With Michael on the way in April 2026, there’s hope that the genre will continue to push boundaries, finding a balance between star power and authenticity, ensuring that the legacy of musical icons is told with depth and honesty.
