30 Best Musicals and Movies about Music from the 2000s You Simply Cannot Skip

The 2000s brought a wave of vibrant musicals and music-driven movies that captured hearts worldwide. From stage-to-screen adaptations to original stories, these films used music to tell powerful stories, blending catchy songs with emotional depth.

Whether you love high-energy performances or quiet, soulful moments, this decade delivered unforgettable soundtracks and visuals. Here’s a list of 30 must-watch musicals and movies about music from the 2000s that you can’t afford to miss.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

This dazzling musical follows a poet who falls for a courtesan in Paris. The story weaves love, betrayal, and art with a bold mix of modern and classic songs.

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, ‘Moulin Rouge!’ is a visual feast with vibrant sets and costumes. Its jukebox soundtrack, featuring hits like ‘Your Song,’ makes it a timeless gem.

8 Mile (2002)

This gritty drama follows a young rapper, B-Rabbit, chasing his dreams in Detroit. His journey through rap battles and personal struggles feels raw and real.

‘8 Mile’ shines with Eminem’s powerful performance and the iconic song ‘Lose Yourself.’ It captures the intensity of hip-hop culture and the fight for a better life.

Chicago (2002)

Set in the 1920s, this jazzy musical follows two women fighting for fame after committing crimes. Their rivalry unfolds with sharp wit and catchy tunes.

‘Chicago’ dazzles with its dance numbers and stars like Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film’s blend of glamour and grit won it six Oscars, including Best Picture.

School of Rock (2003)

A washed-up musician poses as a substitute teacher and turns students into a rock band. His passion for music transforms their lives and his own.

Jack Black’s energy drives ‘School of Rock’ with humor and heart. The film’s rock anthems and young talent make it a fun, uplifting watch.

Ray (2004)

This biopic traces the life of music legend Ray Charles. It shows his rise to fame, struggles with blindness, and battles with addiction.

Jamie Foxx’s Oscar-winning performance captures Charles’ spirit and talent. The film’s soulful soundtrack and honest storytelling make it a standout.

Walk the Line (2005)

This film follows Johnny Cash’s rise in country music and his love story with June Carter. It dives into his personal highs and lows with raw emotion.

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon shine as Cash and Carter, performing their songs live. ‘Walk the Line’ blends romance, music, and grit seamlessly.

Dreamgirls (2006)

This musical tracks a girl group’s rise to fame in the 1960s. It explores ambition, love, and betrayal behind the glitz of showbiz.

‘Dreamgirls’ boasts powerhouse performances, especially from Jennifer Hudson. Its Motown-inspired songs and dramatic story make it a captivating watch.

Hairspray (2007)

Set in 1960s Baltimore, this musical follows a teen chasing her dance-show dreams. She fights for integration and self-acceptance through song and dance.

‘Hairspray’ is a colorful, upbeat film with a diverse cast and catchy tunes. Its message of inclusion and lively energy make it a crowd-pleaser.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

This dark musical tells the story of a barber seeking revenge in London. His gruesome quest pairs with haunting melodies and gothic visuals.

Directed by Tim Burton, ‘Sweeney Todd’ stars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Its chilling story and Stephen Sondheim’s score create a unique experience.

Once (2007)

This quiet film follows a Dublin street musician and an immigrant who bond over music. Their collaboration sparks a tender, heartfelt connection.

‘Once’ feels raw with its low-budget charm and authentic performances. The Oscar-winning song ‘Falling Slowly’ anchors its emotional core.

Across the Universe (2007)

This musical uses Beatles songs to tell a love story during the 1960s. It blends romance, war, and social change with creative visuals.

‘Across the Universe’ reimagines classic tracks in a bold, colorful way. Its mix of history and music makes it a unique, immersive journey.

High School Musical (2006)

A teen basketball star and a shy scholar fall in love through a school musical. Their story sparks friendships and dreams through song.

‘High School Musical’ became a cultural hit with its catchy pop tunes. Its youthful energy and relatable themes resonate with all ages.

The Producers (2005)

This musical comedy follows two schemers trying to stage a Broadway flop. Their plan backfires with hilarious results and over-the-top performances.

‘The Producers’ brings Mel Brooks’ humor to life with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. Its big musical numbers and satire shine brightly.

Rent (2005)

This musical follows struggling artists in New York facing love, loss, and AIDS. Their bonds and dreams unfold through powerful songs.

‘Rent’ captures the raw emotion of the 1990s stage hit. Its diverse cast and anthems like ‘Seasons of Love’ make it deeply moving.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

This quirky film follows three escaped convicts in the 1930s South. Their journey is filled with bluegrass music and absurd adventures.

The Coen Brothers’ ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ blends humor and heart. Its Grammy-winning soundtrack, led by ‘Man of Constant Sorrow,’ is unforgettable.

Almost Famous (2000)

A young journalist tours with a rock band in the 1970s. He navigates love, fame, and the wild music scene with wide-eyed wonder.

‘Almost Famous’ captures the spirit of rock with a stellar cast. Its soundtrack and coming-of-age story make it a timeless classic.

Drumline (2002)

A talented drummer joins a college marching band and faces tough challenges. His journey blends music, rivalry, and personal growth.

‘Drumline’ pulses with high-energy performances and a strong lead in Nick Cannon. Its focus on discipline and rhythm keeps you hooked.

Step Up (2006)

A street dancer and a ballerina team up for a big performance. Their chemistry and moves bridge their different worlds.

‘Step Up’ thrives on Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan’s dance scenes. Its hip-hop and ballet blend makes it a fun, romantic watch.

Idlewild (2006)

Set in the 1930s, this film follows two friends in a Southern juke joint. Music and crime shape their lives and dreams.

‘Idlewild’ stars OutKast’s André 3000 and Big Boi with a jazzy, hip-hop soundtrack. Its bold style and music make it stand out.

Music and Lyrics (2007)

A washed-up pop star writes a song with a quirky lyricist. Their collaboration sparks romance and a catchy hit.

‘Music and Lyrics’ charms with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore’s chemistry. Its lighthearted story and pop tunes make it a feel-good gem.

The Fighting Temptations (2003)

A man returns to his hometown to lead a gospel choir. He rebuilds his life and community through music and faith.

‘The Fighting Temptations’ shines with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé. Its gospel soundtrack and heartfelt story lift your spirits.

Love & Basketball (2000)

Two childhood friends chase basketball dreams and fall in love. Music underscores their emotional journey through the years.

‘Love & Basketball’ blends romance and sports with a soulful soundtrack. Its realistic characters and story make it deeply relatable.

Coyote Ugly (2000)

A small-town girl moves to New York to chase her songwriting dreams. She finds confidence working at a lively bar.

‘Coyote Ugly’ is fun and flashy with a pop-heavy soundtrack. Its dance scenes and underdog story keep you cheering.

Save the Last Dance (2001)

A teen ballerina moves to a new city and learns hip-hop dance. She finds love and strength through music and movement.

‘Save the Last Dance’ mixes ballet and street dance with Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas. Its romance and rhythm make it a fan favorite.

Glitter (2001)

A young singer rises from poverty to music stardom. Her journey is filled with challenges and heartbreak.

‘Glitter’ stars Mariah Carey and features her signature pop sound. Despite mixed reviews, its music and story have a loyal following.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

A rebellious teen falls for a kind-hearted girl with a secret. Music shapes their tender, emotional love story.

‘A Walk to Remember’ tugs at heartstrings with Mandy Moore’s songs and acting. Its simple, moving story resonates deeply.

Hustle & Flow (2005)

A Memphis pimp dreams of becoming a rapper. His gritty pursuit of music changes his life and those around him.

‘Hustle & Flow’ delivers raw energy with Terrence Howard’s standout role. The Oscar-winning song ‘It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp’ drives its intensity.

Raise Your Voice (2004)

A teen attends a music school after a tragedy. She finds her voice through singing and new friendships.

‘Raise Your Voice’ stars Hilary Duff in a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Its pop soundtrack and uplifting message make it a light, inspiring watch.

Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005)

A drug dealer turns to rap to escape his dangerous life. His story mirrors the real struggles of 50 Cent.

‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ is gritty and intense with a strong hip-hop soundtrack. It offers a raw look at redemption through music.

La Vie en Rose (2007)

This biopic follows the life of French singer Édith Piaf. It explores her rise to fame and personal tragedies.

Marion Cotillard’s Oscar-winning performance anchors ‘La Vie en Rose.’ The film’s emotional depth and Piaf’s iconic songs make it unforgettable.

What’s your favorite musical or music movie from the 2000s? Share your pick in the comments and let’s talk about these iconic films!