Have you ever finished an album and wished there was a movie that could feel the same way? Across all kinds of media, artists and storytellers have shaped moods, created themes and told stories that stick with us long after the music fades or the credits roll. Music and film regularly influence one another, creating shared emotional and visual languages. As a result of this relationship, your music taste and movie taste are probably more similar than you might think.
So, if you can’t get enough of your favorite artists, here are some films that match their energy.
“Waves,” the visually striking 2019 A24 drama follows a family in southern Florida navigating love, forgiveness and the aftermath of a devastating tragedy and features several songs by popular musician Frank Ocean. In a 2019 interview with Dazed, director Trey Edward Shults said Ocean’s albums “Endless” and “Blonde” were essential to the film’s creative process, and Ocean’s songs “Godspeed” and “Seigfried” appear in the final cut.
Other than the soundtrack, the film’s structure is especially compelling. The story is split into two stylistically distinct halves, shifting perspectives between siblings; first a brother and then his sister. This choice shows how the same trauma can be experienced differently within one family, a shift highlighted by the music as it moves from anger to acceptance.
It’s hard to watch “Almost Famous” (2000) without thinking of Fleetwood Mac. The film follows a teenage journalist on tour with a fictional rock band in the early 1970s and is loosely based on director Cameron Crowe’s own experiences as a young journalist. The movie captures the excitement and chaos of life on the road while also highlighting the highs and lows of that lifestyle.
Much like Fleetwood Mac, the film is full of passion, drama and unforgettable moments centered around the power of music and group dynamics. Although there are differences between Fleetwood Mac and the film’s band “Stillwater,” both capture the essence of 1970s rock life and the way music can shape identity and connection.
“Lost in Translation” (2003) is one of those films you have to watch multiple times to fully understand the depth of it, much like many Beach House songs. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film follows two strangers; an actor going through a midlife crisis, Bob Harris (Bill Murray), and a recently graduated, newly married woman, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson). The two form an unexpected connection while navigating loneliness and cultural disorientation while visiting Tokyo.
Dream pop band Beach House has a dreamy, moody aesthetic that pairs perfectly with the film’s atmosphere. They produce songs with ethereal soundscapes and layered vocals that add emotional depth. The film is slow paced and focuses on the little fleeting moments, and Beach House’s music makes the perfect soundtrack to add intensity and emotional depth to moments like a glance, a small interaction or a drink at a bar with a stranger.
This pairing was an easy choice for me. “The Edge of Seventeen” is a 2016 coming-of-age story that follows a teenage girl, Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), navigating the awkward, messy and often painful experiences that come with growing up, as well as dealing with the death of her father. The film balances humor with deeply emotional moments, capturing the struggles many young adults face as they figure out who they are.
Olivia Rodrigo’s pop-rock musical style, which focuses on raw emotion, fits seamlessly into this story of teenage angst. Her music often mirrors the struggles of young adulthood, like heartbreak, anger and feeling out of place in the world, making the film feel emotionally in sync with her songs.
“Someone Great,” a 2019 Netflix original, follows a young woman living in New York City and her journey to rediscover herself after a devastating breakup. The film balances raw emotional honesty with moments of fun, humor and personal growth. It captures the messy, complicated side of love and friendship, showing that heartbreak can coexist with self-discovery.
Similarly, Halsey’s conversional pop music aligns with themes of tumultuous love and personal growth. Her songs pair upbeat pop production with lyrically charged verses allowing for many emotions like hurt and freedom to coexist in her art. The same mix of emotions runs through “Someone Great” when moments of joy intertwine with moments of pain.
