With Baz Lurhman's star-studded Elvis set to hit theaters on June 24 and Eric Appel's Weird Al Biopic coming to Roku this fall, it's clear that filmmakers and moviegoers alike continue to be enthralled by the mystique of the star. Whether they be a singer, songwriter, or performer, the titles people attribute to these figures signify them as otherworldly, something which is accentuated when their life story is told on film.

Though biopics differ in their approach to filmmaking and the portrayal of their protagonist, one thing that is almost universally clear is that they attempt to reveal something audiences don't know about the film's subject. In many cases, it allows for viewers to connect with an icon and see them as a human though sometimes the opposite can be true. Regardless of whichever purpose drives the creative team, the following are considered by Ranker to be the greatest music biopics of all time.

Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes. As a result, some rankings may have changed since the publication of this piece.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Freddie Mercury sings in Bohemian Rhapsody

Despite the cookie-cutter plot that sands down the eccentricities of Queen and the questionable creative license taken in portraying Freddie Mercury's life, Bohemian Rhapsody is liked by audiences for two main reasons. First, it's a movie about Queen, one of the most popular bands of all time. Second, Rami Malek gives the performance of a lifetime as the late Freddie Mercury.

Related: 10 Best Movies Based On True Stories, According to Ranker

How Malek both recreates the mannerisms of Mercury and acts around them is astounding. It's one thing to simply take on the guise of a celebrity via impersonation, but what Malek does is bring depth to a man who, despite having a commanding stage presence, was closed off to all but a select few people. He sells the vulnerability of Mercury so well, and it's because of this understanding of the character that the film did so well at the box office.

The Sound Of Music (1965)

Maria and the Von Trapp children having a picnic in The Sound of Music

Telling the story of the Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music distinguishes itself from most biopics in that it is a musical rather than a character drama. While this does make it more fictionalized than most of the movies on this list, it does not diminish the film's quality.

At the heart of the story is Maria's desire to do good and bring joy to the lives of the Von Trapp children. This nobility is contrasted against the backdrop of Nazi Germany's ascension, a choice that conveys the hope that music can offer in times of trouble, a message which is sold by The Sound of Music's astounding songs, songs which are still remembered to this day.

What's Love Got To Do With It (1993)

Angela Bassett as Tina Turner singing in What's Love Got To Do With It

Taking its title from Tina Turner's hit song, What's Love Got to Do With It adapts the story of Turner's life with Angela Basset in the lead role and Laurence Fishburne playing Ike Turner. At the heart of the story is Ike and Tina's turbulent relationship, something which the film refuses to sanitize.

Because of the film's focus on Ike's physical abuse toward Tina, it makes What's Love Got to Do With It a challenging watch. The scenes between Fishburne and Basset are intense, nail-biting affairs, yet the darkness that dominates the film never overwhelms the triumph of Tina's arc where she finally learns to defend herself. It's that choice to escape the relationship that makes the film so powerful and has contributed to its staying power.

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)

Sissy Spacek leans on Tommy Lee Jones' shoulder in Coal Miner's Daughter

Based on the life of Loretta Lynn, Coal Miner's Daughter follows Sissy Spacek as the famed country singer on her journey from poverty to fame. Along the way, audiences witness the trials and tribulations a career in music has on Lynn's marriage to her dedicated husband, played by Tommy Lee Jones.

Despite the star stunning appeal of Jones and his ability to steal the screen, he never overshadows Sissy Spacek who perfectly manifests the spirit of Lynn in her performance, even going so far as to sing the country singer's songs herself. So captivating is Spacek's turn as Lynn that the actress won an Oscar for her role, thus cementing Coals Miner's Daughter as one of Spacek's best movies.

The Doors (1991)

Directed by Oliver Stone, The Doors follows Val Kilmer as singer Jim Morrison at the height of his band's success all while struggling with fame and addiction. Rounding out the cast are Kevin Dillon, Frank Whaley, and Kyle MacLachlan as the other members of The Doors along with Meg Ryan as Pamela Courson.

Related: Val Kilmer's 10 Best Movies, According to Letterboxd

Despite the film's noted historical inaccuracies, The Doors is fondly remembered for its cinematography and gripping portrayal of Jim Morrison. Kilmer gives off eerie energy in the role, as though the ghost of Morrison were possessing him, and expertly sells the discomfort and subsequent self-destruction of someone overwhelmed with fame.

Amadeus (1984)

Centered on the supposed rivalry between famed composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Amadeus is unique among biopics in that the title character is not the protagonist. The story is told from Salieri's point of view, one which posits Mozart as a juvenile delinquent whose mere talent torments Salieri.

Though the conflict between the two leads is largely fictionalized, that doesn't stop the film from delivering a jaw-dropping meditation on jealousy. Salieri's plots work to bring Mozart to death's door, but the cost comes with Mozart being heralded as an incomparable genius while Salieri must suffer in mediocrity, haunted by his actions.

La Bamba (1987)

Focused on the short life of Chicano rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens, La Bamba stars Lou Diamond Phillips in the lead role with Esai Morales as his half-brother, Bob. Unlike many music biopics, Valens doesn't face the typical demons of drugs or alcohol, a refreshing choice for many viewers.

The focus on a star who isn't haunted by demons but still has relatable problems like a sibling rivalry and fear of flying is what makes La Bamba's gifted prodigy so endearing. The result is a film that inspires hope while at the same time highlighting the tragedy of Valens' short life, a life taken by an uncontrollable accident.

Rocketman (2019)

Starring Taron Edgerton as Elton John, Rocketman covers the singer's rise to fame and his struggles with abuse and addiction amidst the height of his career. Through it all, the film forces John to confront his demons and the way his relationship with his parents shaped his outlook.

Related: 10 Best Movie Musicals Of The 2010s, According to IMDb

Though Rocketman follows many of the basic beats that plague most biopics, the film distinguishes itself in its unabashed embrace of musical storytelling. The songs aren't just thrown into the film haphazardly. Instead, they help inform John's arc and drive the narrative, a choice that separates Rocketman from other musically driven biopics and elevates it in the eyes of critics.

Ray (2004)

Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in Ray

One of Jamie Foxx's career-defining movies, Ray tells the story of Ray Charles during the first 30 years of his music career. With this focus comes Charles' troubles with women, drugs, and discrimination.

Like many biopics, the film is centered on Foxx's performance as the title character, and he unquestionably delivers. It's not just that Foxx's impression of Charles that makes the film so good. The secret to Foxx's performance is that he brings out the pain of someone who audiences only know as having a cool, collected demeanor, and it's this feat that proves it to be one of Jamie Foxx's best movies.

Walk The Line (2005)

From director James Mangold, Walk the Line tells the story of Johnny Cash's relationship with June Carter Cash and his struggles with pills. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash.

The thing which makes Walk the Line such a classic in many people's eyes is the performances. Anchored not just by Phoenix but also Witherspoon, it's the dynamic between these two leads that resulted in the film's box office success and critical accolades. The two stars give it their all without trying to outdo the other, and it's this balance of star power along with their charisma that makes the film so rewatchable.

Next: 10 Best Movies Based On Non-Fiction Books, According To Ranker