Need something to watch that will feed your country-loving soul? Check out some of C&I’s favorite movies and series that dive into the world of country music.
Known for its big personalities, wild adventures, and nitty-grittiness, the country music industry has become a constant source of inspiration for the film industry. Whether you’re looking for an upbeat watch full of hits or a biopic that excavates the life and secrets of a country icon, C&I’s got you covered with our favorite movies and series about country music.
Blaze (2018)
A biographical drama directed by Ethan Hawke, Blaze uses scenes from Blaze Foley’s life and career interspersed with interview and performance audio to remember and reintroduce the “Clay Pigeons” singer to a new generation of fans.
Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
This biographical film tells the life story of Loretta Lynn, who went from her teen years living in poverty in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, to becoming one of the most influential country musicians of all-time.
Crazy (2007)
This 2007 movie starring real-life country musician Waylon Payne as Nashville guitarist Hank Garland highlights the South Carolinian’s ascent to becoming one of country music’s most sought after session players prior to a car crash in 1961 derailed it all.
Crazy Heart (2009)
A fictional story set around Jeff Bridges’ character Otis “Bad” Blake, Crazy Heart follows the country star’s journey from being a washed up former star playing dive bars and battling an alcohol addiction to making it big one more time with his song “The Weary Kind.”
Falling From Grace (1992)
Directed by and starring John Mellencamp, Falling From Grace follows country superstar Bud Parks’ return to his fictional hometown of Doak City, Indiana. However, the small town ends up being full of big city drama, love, drama, and reconciliation.
George & Tammy (2022)
The roller coaster relationship of country music icons George Jones and Tammy Wynette is explored in-depth on George & Tammy, a series that premiered on Showtime, CMT, and Paramount Network in late 2022.
Grand Theft Parsons (2003)
Based on a pact between Gram Parsons and his longtime road manager, Phil Kaufman, that whomever died first would spread the cremated remains of the other at the Joshua Tree National Monument, Grand Theft Parsons is a comedic drama following Kaufman as he fulfills his best friend’s wish following Parsons’ 1973 death by overdose.
Honeysuckle Rose (1980)
Willie Nelson plays the lead role of Buck Bonham in this film following the successful country singer’s career, leading up to its demise when the daughter of his former guitarist joins his band on the road.
Honkytonk Man (1982)
This Clint Eastwood-directed film follows singer Red Stovall’s journey to Nashville to audition for the Grand Ole Opry as he’s losing the fight against tuberculosis. As heartbreaking as it is funny, Honkytonk Man also marks country musician Marty Robbins’ last appearance on the big screen prior to his death later in the year.
JUNE (2024)
A matriarch of country music that was so much more than a husband to Johnny, June Carter Cash’s life and legacy is chronicled in JUNE, a groundbreaking documentary that began streaming in January 2024 on Paramount+.
Loving You (1957)
Elvis Presley stars in this 1957 film as a delivery man who gets discovered by a publicist and country musician who want to promote him. It also includes “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” and “Loving You,” two songs written by Presley for the movie that both went on to be certified platinum.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
A movie more about running from the law than music, O Brother, Where Art Thou? went on to inspire a generation of country, bluegrass, and roots musicians thanks to its inclusion of fictional band The Soggy Bottom Boys, which sees real-life musician Dan Tyminski sing vocals in place of actor George Clooney on songs like “Man Of Constant Sorrow.”
Pure Country (1992)
George Strait makes his acting debut as Wyatt “Dusty” Wyatt, a country music star who opts to return to his hometown for a simpler life to work as a ranch hand, only to fall for the property owner’s daughter before the bright lights come calling again.
Songwriter (1984)
Starring Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, Songwriter follows composer Doc Jenkins as he works to weasel himself out of a recording contract with someone who keeps hoarding all the profit from his music.
Sweet Dreams (1985)
Sweet Dreams tells the story of Patsy Cline, who went from performing in small bars near her Virginia home to becoming one of country music’s rising stars before being tragically killed in a plane crash at the peak of her popularity in 1963.
Tender Mercies (1983)
Robert Duvall won an Oscar for his portrayal of Mac Sledge, a former country musician who’s musical career and family life were wrecked by alcohol addiction.
The Last Ride (2011)
The Last Ride details the final days of Hank Williams, who died in the back seat of a car on the way to New Years Eve shows in West Virginia and Ohio.
Urban Cowboy (1980)
Bud Davis, played by John Travolta, falls head over heels for a woman before hitting a bump in the road in their relationship. Davis becomes determined to win her back through a mechanical bull-riding competition.
Walk the Line (2005)
This award-winning biography, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, follows The Man In Black from his early life to romance with June Carter Cash to his drug addiction and more.
Yellow Rose (2019)
Rose, an undocumented Filipina immigrant living in small-town Texas, has dreams of a career in country music, but her dream is sidetracked when her mother is taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leading her to escape to nearby Austin.
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