Whether it’s a background soundtrack or a featured song, music is an important part of movies, setting the tone and adding extra detail. Some movies have music as their core, like musical adaptations or music biopics, and tell the stories of both fictional and real musicians. While biopics focus on a real musician or a band, others base their story around a fictional band created for the movie. Though these bands might be fictional, they deliver great songs and performances that make you wish they actually were real. Here are the best fictional bands from movies, ranked.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
11 The Wonders – That Thing You Do! (1996)
20th Century Fox
In Tom Hanks’ directorial debut, That Thing You Do!, The Wonders are a 1960s pop band who win a local talent show and erupt into major stardom. Led by Johnathon Schaech as lead singer Jimmy, they grow from their talent show roots into beloved, talented musicians in the movie. They only had one hit, but it was a great one that appeared on real music charts, and the group is a perfect tribute to the 1960s era of pop.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
10 Josie and the Pussycats – Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Universal Pictures
Josie and the Pussycats, directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan, sees the title band (played by Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, and Rosario Dawson), become a famous girl group performing original songs. The movie is a fun music industry satire, but the Pussycats are a truly talented group, mixing music styles of the late 1990s and early 2000s into great girl group hits.
9 Sex Bob-Omb – Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
In Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Scott (Michael Cera) must fight all of his girlfriend’s exes while trying to get his band, Sex Bob-Omb, a record deal. Sex Bob-Omb is a fun, so-bad-they’re-actually-good garage band. Their songs, which were written for the movie by Beck, are quick and energetic, a perfect fit for the movie, and they even have cartoon graphics appear around them as they play.
8 Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem – The Muppets Franchise (1975-Present)
Associated Film Distribution
Starting on The Muppet Show and first appearing on film in James Frawley’s The Muppet Movie, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem – featuring Dr. Teeth, Animal, Janice, Floyd Pepper, Zoot, and Lips – have been a huge part of the Muppets franchise, performing covers and original songs. With a strong rock sound, the Electric Mayhem not only add to the Muppets’ stories, but are a great band in their own right. They’re talented enough to make you forget they’re puppets.
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7 The Venus in Furs – Velvet Goldmine (1998)
Miramax Films
Velvet Goldmine is director Todd Haynes’ tribute to 1970s glam rock, with a band that completely delivers this vibe. Musician Brian (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) takes on a Ziggy Stardust-esque alter ego and performs as Maxwell Demon with the Venus in Furs, a supergroup featuring Thom Yorke and Bernard Butler. They make magic on the film’s soundtrack, fusing the glam rock era with their own unique sound.
6 School of Rock – School of Rock (2003)
Paramount Pictures
Directed by Richard Linklater, School of Rock stars Jack Black as Dewey, a musician who cons his way into teaching fourth grade students who he turns into a band, the School of Rock. He educates them on music and encourages their talents, becoming a loving mentor as the kids grow more enthusiastic about music. It seems like an odd pairing, but with Dewey as their leader, the band comes together to capture hearts with their performances, with talent far beyond their years.
5 The Blues Brothers – The Blues Brothers (1980)
Premiering on Saturday Night Live and then starring in John Landis’ movie, Elwood (Dan Akyroyd) and Jake (John Belushi) are The Blues Brothers. On a mission to save their orphanage, they reform their band of famous blues performers, and energetically mix jazz and soul. The brothers also performed with legends like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, proving that they have true musical talent along with their humor.
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4 Stillwater – Almost Famous (2000)
DreamWorks Pictures
Inspired by director Cameron Crowe’s experiences, Almost Famous follows teen William (Patrick Fugit), who writes about the 1970s band Stillwater. Strong characters and great talent make Stillwater feel like a real band that truly means a lot to fans. Stillwater perfectly captures the 1970s by paying tribute to that era in music, fashion, and attitude. The film has remained popular, and Variety reports that a stage musical adaptation will hit Broadway this fall.
3 Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
New Line Cinema
John Cameron Mitchell adapted the film version of the stage musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He stars as Hedwig, an East German rock star who performs with her band, The Angry Inch. The band performs both rock songs and ballads with equal talent, character, and style. Creative and unique, they’re the perfect accompaniment to Hedwig, bringing her songs and story to life.
2 Sing Street – Sing Street (2016)
The Weinstein Company
Directed by John Carney, Sing Street is about teenage Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who starts a band called Sing Street to impress a girl in 1980s Ireland. They start singing covers and then write their own songs, often influenced by their favorite bands – and there’s great fun in watching their outfits change when they discover a new band. The catchy, relatable songs cover various styles, which shows their range and amazing talent.
1 Spinal Tap – This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Embassy Pictures
Rob Reiner’s directorial debut, This is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary of heavy metal band Spinal Tap (consisting of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer). With mostly improvised dialogue, the movie spoofs the music field in the band’s actions and songs. But aside from being a hilarious look at rock bands, the band is truly great, with humor and talent in every song. Spinal Tap has proven so great and beloved that, according to Billboard, the actors have actually played concerts as the band.
