10 Movies Like Maestro That Deserve Your Attention

In the mesmerizing ‘Maestro,’ Bradley Cooper takes the helm as both director and co-screenwriter (with Josh Singer), weaving a compelling narrative around the intricate relationship between American composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. The film’s production boasts a stellar lineup of talent, including Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Fred Berner, and Amy Durning. Carey Mulligan delivers a captivating performance as Montealegre, sharing the screen with Cooper as Bernstein, while Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, and Sarah Silverman provide strong support in their respective roles. ‘Maestro’ promises to be a poignant exploration of art, love, and the complexities that intertwine them. Here are several movies like ‘Maestro’ you should check out.

10. Hilary and Jackie (1998)

‘Hilary and Jackie’ is a biographical drama directed by Anand Tucker, chronicling the lives of world-renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pré (Emily Watson) and her sister Hilary du Pré (Rachel Griffiths). The film explores the intense bond between the siblings, delving into Jacqueline’s extraordinary musical talent and her battle with multiple sclerosis. Just as ‘Maestro’ dives into the intricacies of Leonard Bernstein’s life, ‘Hilary and Jackie’ offers a poignant glimpse into the world of classical music, highlighting the impact of fame, family dynamics, and personal challenges on the life of a gifted musician. Both films share a common thread in their exploration of the complexities inherent in the lives of musical maestros.

9. Shine (1996)

In the evocative film ‘Shine,’ directed by Scott Hicks, the audience is immersed in the compelling journey of pianist David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush). The movie delves into Helfgott’s tumultuous life, from his prodigious early talent to the challenges he faces, both mentally and emotionally. Much like ‘Maestro,’ which explores the intricate relationship of Leonard Bernstein, ‘Shine’ captivates viewers with its portrayal of a musician’s struggles and triumphs. The film strikes a harmonious chord between the pursuit of artistic excellence and the personal hurdles that accompany it, making it a resonant companion to the exploration of Bernstein’s life in ‘Maestro.’

8. Bird (1988)

‘Bird,’ directed by Clint Eastwood, is a biographical film that parallels ‘Maestro’ in its exploration of a legendary musician’s life. Starring Forest Whitaker as jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, the movie delves into Parker’s revolutionary impact on the world of jazz and his personal struggles. Like ‘Maestro,’ which focuses on Leonard Bernstein, ‘Bird’ captures the complex interplay between artistic genius and personal demons. Whitaker’s portrayal, akin to Bradley Cooper’s in ‘Maestro,’ brings depth to the character, revealing the highs and lows of Parker’s musical journey. Both films offer poignant insights into the sacrifices and challenges faced by iconic musicians in their pursuit of artistic excellence.

7. Amadeus (1984)

Directed by Milos Forman, ‘Amadeus’ is a cinematic masterpiece that beckons fans of ‘Maestro’ into the enthralling world of classical music. Chronicling the intense rivalry between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) and Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), the film, based on the works of Peter Shaffer and Alexander Pushkin, explores the complexities of genius, passion, and envy. Just as ‘Maestro’ delves into the life of Leonard Bernstein, ‘Amadeus’ unravels the brilliance and tumultuous life of Mozart. The superb performances, particularly Abraham’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Salieri, and the evocative depiction of the creative process make ‘Amadeus’ a captivating experience for those enamored with the intricate narratives of musical geniuses. Both films share a deep reverence for the artistry and the human drama that permeate the lives of these iconic composers.

6. Born to be Blue (2015)

‘Born to Be Blue’ is a biographical drama directed by Robert Budreau, starring Ethan Hawke as legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. The film explores Baker’s tumultuous life, focusing on his attempts at a comeback after a severe beating jeopardizes his career. The narrative delves into Baker’s struggles with addiction, love, and the passion for his craft. Drawing parallels to ‘Maestro,’ both films offer an intimate portrayal of iconic musicians, shedding light on their personal battles and the complex relationships that shaped their artistic journeys. While ‘Maestro’ focuses on Leonard Bernstein’s life, ‘Born to Be Blue’ captures the jazz world’s nuances through Chet Baker’s lens.

5. Ray (2004)

Directed by Taylor Hackford, ‘Ray’ vividly portrays the life of legendary musician Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx). The film, reminiscent of ‘Maestro’ in its biographical exploration, delves into Charles’ groundbreaking contributions to soul and R&B music and his personal struggles. Foxx’s transformative performance earned him an Academy Award. Much like ‘Maestro,’ which taps into Leonard Bernstein’s complexities, ‘Ray’ unveils the multifaceted facets of Charles’ character, from his musical genius to the challenges he faced. Both films provide intimate glimpses into the lives of musical icons, celebrating their artistry while navigating the intricate tapestry of their personal journeys.

4. Love & Mercy (2014)

Step into the world of ‘Love & Mercy,’ a cinematic journey that resonates with the soul of ‘Maestro’ enthusiasts. Directed by Bill Pohlad, this biographical masterpiece unveils the extraordinary life of Brian Wilson, the genius behind the Beach Boys. Dynamic performances by Paul Dano and John Cusack portray different chapters of Wilson’s life, capturing the raw essence of his creative brilliance and the shadows of mental health struggles. As ‘Maestro’ paints the vivid tapestry of Leonard Bernstein’s complexities, ‘Love & Mercy’ crafts a symphony of emotion around Wilson’s battles and triumphs. With a narrative as harmonious as the melodies that defined an era, this film is a resonant encore for those enchanted by the intricate collab of music and life.

3. Sid & Nancy (1986)

Directed by Alex Cox, ‘Sid & Nancy’ offers a gritty counterpart for those who found resonance in ‘Maestro.’ This biopic delves into the tumultuous relationship between Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb). Much like ‘Maestro,’ which explores Leonard Bernstein’s personal dynamics with his wife Felicia Montealegre, ‘Sid & Nancy’ unfolds the chaotic love and self-destructive paths of its protagonists. The film captures the intensity and despair of punk rock’s notorious couple, providing a visceral portrayal of their intertwined lives. As ‘Maestro’ shows the intricacies of Bernstein’s relationships, ‘Sid & Nancy’ offers a raw, visceral exploration of the impact love and chaos can have on artistic brilliance.

2. Walk the Line (2005)

In the soul-stirring narrative of ‘Walk the Line,’ directed by James Mangold, parallels with ‘Maestro’ emerge through the exploration of profound relationships. The film, based on Cash’s own autobiography, chronicles the life of legendary musician Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and his tumultuous love story with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). Similarly, ‘Maestro’ jumps into the intricate relationship of Leonard Bernstein with his wife Felicia Montealegre.

Both films meticulously knit the complexities of personal connections into the fabric of their protagonists’ artistic journeys. While ‘Maestro’ unveils Bernstein’s romantic intricacies, ‘Walk the Line’ mirrors this sentiment in Cash’s passionate and often turbulent romance with Carter. The resonant melodies and heartstrings pulled by both films make them a harmonious experience for those captivated by the symphony of love within the context of musical brilliance.

1. Control (2007)

Directed by Anton Corbijn, ‘Control’ dives into the life of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis (Sam Riley) and his complex relationship with wife Deborah Curtis (Samantha Morton). Parallel to ‘Maestro,’ where Leonard Bernstein’s life unfolds, both films intimately explore the impact of fame and personal struggles on musical legends. Curtis and Bernstein share a dichotomy between artistic brilliance and the challenges of maintaining relationships. ‘Control’ captures the raw intensity of Curtis’s emotional turmoil, drawing parallels with Bernstein’s conundrums. The films, based on the book ‘Touching from a Distance,’ resonate in their portrayal of the intricate dance between passion, fame, and personal connections, making ‘Control’ a must-watch for aficionados of ‘Maestro.’