Film Performance and Box Office Success
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
The film “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” has encountered mixed reviews from critics and initially experienced a slower start at the box office. However, as of December 7, it has grossed $44.6 million globally, moving up to No. 19 on Billboard’s list of top-grossing music biopics, surpassing the Notorious B.I.G. biopic “Notorious.”
Film Focus
Unlike typical biopics, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” centers on a pivotal period in Bruce Springsteen’s life post his 1980 success with “The River.” The film explores his desire to create the acoustic album “Nebraska,” despite its limited commercial potential compared to “The River,” which spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Top Grossing Music Biopics
The following list highlights the 25 highest-grossing music biopics worldwide. It excludes films about music personalities who are not widely recognized as music stars.
The Doors (1991)
- Gross: $34.5 million
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Notes: Starring Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison, the film traces Morrison’s life from his UCLA days to his death at 27. The soundtrack peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200.
Selena (1997)
- Gross: $35.8 million
- Director: Gregory Nava
- Notes: Jennifer Lopez stars as Selena, chronicling her rise and untimely death. The soundtrack reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200.
Shine (1996)
- Gross: $36 million
- Director: Scott Hicks
- Notes: Geoffrey Rush won an Oscar for his portrayal of pianist David Helfgott. The film was nominated for seven Oscars.
Funny Lady (1975)
- Gross: $39 million
- Director: Herbert Ross
- Notes: The sequel to “Funny Girl,” with Barbra Streisand reprising her role. The soundtrack reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993)
- Gross: $39.1 million
- Director: Brian Gibson
- Notes: Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne received Oscar nominations for their roles as Tina and Ike Turner. The soundtrack peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200.
Notorious (2009)
- Gross: $44.4 million
- Director: George Tillman Jr.
- Notes: Jamal Woolard stars as The Notorious B.I.G. The soundtrack reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Judy (2019)
- Gross: $46 million
- Director: Rupert Goold
- Notes: Renée Zellweger won an Oscar for her role as Judy Garland. The soundtrack earned a Grammy nomination.
Funny Girl (1968)
- Gross: $52.2 million
- Director: William Wyler
- Notes: Barbra Streisand won an Oscar for her debut role as Fanny Brice. The soundtrack spent over two years on the Billboard 200.
Amadeus (1984)
- Gross: $52.3 million
- Director: Miloš Forman
- Notes: The film won eight Oscars, including best picture. The soundtrack reached No. 56 on the Billboard 200.
La Bamba (1987)
- Gross: $54.2 million
- Director: Luis Valdez
- Notes: Lou Diamond Phillips stars as Ritchie Valens. The soundtrack topped the Billboard 200.
All Eyez on Me (2017)
- Gross: $55.7 million
- Director: Benny Boom
- Notes: Demetrius Shipp Jr. portrays Tupac Shakur. The film’s title is from Shakur’s album.
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
- Gross: $59.8 million
- Director: Kasi Lemmons
- Notes: Naomi Ackie stars as Whitney Houston. The film highlights her rise and tragic fall.
Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
- Gross: $67.2 million
- Director: Michael Apted
- Notes: Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for her role as Loretta Lynn. The soundtrack reached No. 40 on the Billboard 200.
Jersey Boys (2014)
- Gross: $67.6 million
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Notes: The film adaptation of the musical about The Four Seasons. The soundtrack reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200.
I Can Only Imagine (2018)
- Gross: $86.1 million
- Directors: Andrew & Jon Erwin
- Notes: The film tells the story behind the song by MercyMe. It won the Dove Award for inspirational film of the year.
La Vie En Rose (2019)
- Gross: $87.5 million
- Director: Olivier Dahan
- Notes: Marion Cotillard won an Oscar for her role as Edith Piaf.
Ray (2004)
- Gross: $124 million
- Director: Taylor Hackford
- Notes: Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for portraying Ray Charles. The soundtrack won a Grammy.
A Complete Unknown (2024)
- Gross: $140.5 million
- Director: James Mangold
- Notes: Timothée Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan. The film covers Dylan’s early career.
Bob Marley: One Love (2024)
- Gross: $181 million
- Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
- Notes: Chronicles Bob Marley’s life and impact on music and culture.
Walk the Line (2005)
- Gross: $186.8 million
- Director: James Mangold
- Notes: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star as Johnny Cash and June Carter. Witherspoon won an Oscar.
Rocketman (2019)
- Gross: $195.3 million
- Director: Dexter Fletcher
- Notes: Taron Egerton stars as Elton John. The soundtrack reached No. 50 on the Billboard 200.
Straight Outta Compton (2015)
- Gross: $201.6 million
- Director: F. Gary Gray
- Notes: The N.W.A biopic features Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. The soundtrack peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Elvis (2022)
- Gross: $288.7 million
- Director: Baz Luhrmann
- Notes: The film explores Elvis Presley’s rise and relationship with his manager. The soundtrack reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
- Gross: $910.8 million
- Director: Brian Singer
- Notes: Rami Malek won an Oscar for his role as Freddie Mercury. The soundtrack reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
