The 20 Best Drumming Movies of All Time (2023)

 Nick Cesarz Follow on TwitterMarch 6, 2023Last Updated: March 6, 2023

From Drumming Review

taWhat makes an excellent drumming movie? Is it the ability to showcase the drummer’s skills and abilities? Is it the storyline and ability to engage the audience? Or is it a combination of both?

In this blog post, we look at some of the best drumming movies. Whether you’re a drummer, these films will entertain and engage you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Table of Contents

1) The Rocker (2008)

The Rocker is a 2008 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Cattaneo and written by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky.

The film stars Rainn Wilson as Robert “Fish” Fishman, a failed drummer who gets a second chance at fame when his former band, A. Dd., reunites for a reunion tour two decades after their break-up.

The film also stars Christina Applegate, Josh Gad, Teddy Geiger, Jason Sudeikis, and Emma Stone. The Rocker was released on August 20, 2008, by 20th Century Fox.

The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office bomb, grossing only $8 million against its $15 million budget.

2) Step Brothers (2008)

Step Brothers is a comedy movie that came out in 2008. It stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two middle-aged men forced to live together as stepbrothers.

Will Ferrel and Adam Mckay wrote the movie, and it received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $100 million worldwide. The film has become a cult classic.

Step Brothers is notable for its quotable dialogue, silly humor, and lovable characters. It also features an iconic scene in which Will Ferrel’s character destroys John C. Reilly’s drum set after being told, “Don’t touch my drum set!” Step Brothers is a hilarious movie that will have you laughing from beginning to end.

3) Whiplash (2014)

Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film that tells the story of a jazz drummer who strives to achieve perfection under the tutelage of an abusive music teacher. It’s by far the most well-known jazz drum movie.

The film starred Miles Teller as Andrew Neiman and J. K. Simmons as Fletcher and was written and directed by Damien Chazelle. It was inspired by Chazelle’s own experience as a jazz drummer in high school.

Whiplash met with critical acclaim upon its release and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film has also been hailed as one of the best jazz drumming movies of all time. If you’re a fan of jazz or enjoy watching characters strive for greatness, Whiplash is worth watching.

4) Count Me In (2021)

Count Me In is a drumming documentary that follows the journey of musician Mark Lo as he travels around the world to meet other drummers. He meets Taylor Hawkins, Chad Smith, and other famous drummers and learns about their techniques and experiences.

Count Me In also highlights the importance of music education and how drums can be used to connect people from all walks of life. The film is an inspiring look at the power of music and how it can bring people together. You can stream Count Me In now on Netflix.

5) Drumline (2002)

Drumline is a 2002 movie about a talented but egoistical percussionist who enrolls in college and learns the importance of working as part of a team.

The movie stars Nick Cannon and Zoe Saldana, and it features an electrifying Drumline battle between the college’s marching bands.

Drumline is an entertaining movie that captures the excitement of marching band competition, and it also provides a glimpse into the culture of historically black colleges. So if you’re looking for a fun, feel-good movie, Drumline is worth checking out.

6) Studio 666 (2022)

Studio 666 is a comedy horror movie directed by Dave Grohl and starring the Foo Fighters. The film centers on a group of friends trying to make a movie about the Devil. However, things quickly go wrong when they accidentally summon him to the set.

Studio 666 is a fast-paced and humorous movie that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. The cast includes Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, and other members of the Foo Fighters. If you’re a fan of the band, you’ll want to check out this movie.

7) Wayne’s World (1992)

Wayne’s World is a classic movie from the 90s that is still quoted and loved today. The film stars Mike Myers as Wayne Campbell and Dana Carvey as Garth Algar, two friends who host a public-access television show from Wayne’s basement.

The movie follows Wayne and Garth as they try to save their show from being taken over by a sleazy network executive while also dealing with the personal struggles of Wayne’s newfound relationship with rock star Cassandra Wong.

Wayne’s World is hilarious, heartwarming, and wholly unique—it’s no wonder that the movie has remained so popular all these years later. You’re in for a treat if you’ve never seen Wayne’s World.

8) A Drummer’s Dream (2010)

A Drummer’s Dream is a 2010 documentary directed by John Walker. The film follows a group of students as they attend the Nasyrium Drum Camp, where they have the prospect of learning from some of the world’s greatest drummers, including Dennis Chambers, Horacio Hernandez, and Kenwood Dennard.

The film provides an inside look at the world of professional drumming, and it is sure to inspire any aspiring musicians out there. A Drummer’s Dream is a must-see for any music lover.

9) The Gene Krupa Story (1959)

The Gene Krupa Story is a 1959 American biographical film directed by Don Murray and starring Sal Mineo, Susan Kohner, and George Hamilton. The film is based on the life of famed drummer Gene Krupa.

As a young man, Gene falls in love with drumming and quickly becomes one of the most talented jazz drummers in the world. However, his career is derailed when he is arrested for marijuana possession. After serving time in prison, Gene returns to the jazz scene and quickly regains his place as one of America’s most remarkable drummers.

The Gene Krupa Story is a fascinating look at the life of a pioneering musician and an important figure in jazz history.

10) That Thing You Do (1996)

That Thing You Do! is a 1996 American musical comedy-drama film written and directed by Tom Hanks, in his directorial debut. The film stars Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Charlie Sheen, and Bill Paxton.

The plot follows the rise to fame of a small-town Pennsylvania rock band known as The Wonders, who have a hit with their song “That Thing You Do!”

The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and earning Hanks a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

That Thing You Do! was released in theaters on October 4, 1996, and grossed $56 million worldwide.

11) The Sound Of Metal (2020)

The Sound of Metal is a new movie starring Riz Ahmed as a metal drummer who begins to experience hearing loss. The film follows his character as he navigates his new reality and tries to find a way to keep playing the music he loves.

The Sound of Metal is a moving and powerful film that explores the challenges of living with hearing loss. Riz Ahmed gives an incredible performance, and the film is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever faced a challenge in their life. The Sound of Metal is a must-see movie for all fans of Riz Ahmed and anyone who loves a good story.

12) Fred Armisen: Standup for Drummers (2018)

Fred Armisen may be best known for his work on sketch comedy shows like Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, but he’s also a talented drummer.

In 2010, he released a standup comedy album called Standup for Drummers, full of jokes about the joys and frustrations of drumming. Armisen is a self-taught drummer, and his passion for the instrument shines through in his act.

He covers everything from the challenges of playing in a band to the perils of buying drums online. Whether you’re a musician or just a fan of comedy, Standup for Drummers is sure to entertain.

13) Sound of Noise (2010)

The Sound of Noise is a 2010 Swedish film directed by Ola Simonsson and Johannes Stjärne Nilsson. The film tells the story of a group of musicians who use everyday objects to create music and has been described as “a love letter to the power of noise.”

The film’s soundtrack was composed by Mulla Kassamali and features a range of percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and gongs. The Sound of Noise was released to critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Best Sound Design award at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2011 Academy Awards.

14) Adventures of Power (2009)

Have you ever wanted to be a drummer in a rock band? Adventures of Power will make that dream a reality…sort of. This hilarious mockumentary follows the story of wannabe rockstar Power (played by real-life drummer Ari Gold) as he attempts to make it big in competitive air-drumming.

He meets some colorful characters along the way, including his mentor Xerxes (played by Michael McKean) and his arch-nemesis Mina (played by Jane Lynch).

And in a special cameo appearance, the late Neil Peart of Rush makes an appearance as himself. If you love drumming, comedy, or both, then Adventures of Power is a must-see movie.

15) Ain’t in It for My Health: A Film About Levon Helm

Ain’t in It for My Health: A Film About Levon Helm is a 2010 documentary film directed by Jacob Hatley. The film chronicles the life and career of Levon Helm, best known as the drummer and vocalist for the rock group The Band.

Helm was born and raised in Arkansas, and he first rose to prominence as a member of The Band, one of the most famous rock groups of the 1960s and 1970s. The Band’s music was steeped in country, folk, and blues, and Helm’s drumming style was integral to their sound.

After The Band broke up in 1976, Helm pursued a solo career, releasing a series of highly acclaimed albums. Ain’t in It for My Health chronicles Helm’s struggle with cancer, which forced him to curtail his musical activities in the late 2000s.

Despite his illness, Helm continued to record and perform, and he won multiple Grammy Awards for his work. Ain’t in It for My Health is an intimate portrait of a musical legend, exploring the life and career of a man who has left an indelible mark on American music.

16) Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)

Mr. Baker is a documentary that tells the story of Ginger Baker, the legendary drummer for the band Cream. The film chronicles his life and career, from his early days as a member of the British band Cream to his later work with Fela Kuti.

Along the way, the film provides an intimate look at Baker’s personal life, including his struggles with addiction and mental illness. Despite its title, Mr. Baker is not a cautionary tale; instead, it is a tribute to a truly unique and gifted artist. Recommended for fans of Cream, Eric Clapton, and Fela Kuti.

17) Airheads (1994)

Airheads is a 1994 American comedy film directed by Michael Lehmann and starring Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler. The plot follows a struggling rock band who take a radio station hostage to get their song played on the air.

Although the film was not a box office success, it has since become something of a cult classic. Airheads is notable for featuring an early appearance by Sandler and cameos from several famous musicians, including Slash and members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. If you’re looking for a fun, irreverent movie with great music, Airheads is worth checking out.

18) The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)

The Man With The Golden Arm is a 1955 movie starring Frank Sinatra as a musician struggling with drug addiction. The movie was groundbreaking, featuring jazz drums and creative camera work.

Kim Novak plays the love interest in the movie, and her character’s troubled past helps to add depth to the story. The Man With The Golden Arm was a critical and commercial success, and it remains an acclaimed movie today.

Critics praised the movie for its frank portrayal of addiction, and Sinatra’s performance was singled out as a highlight. The Man With The Golden Arm helped cement Sinatra’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading men, and it remains one of his most memorable roles.

19) This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 American mockumentary film directed by Rob Reiner. The film portrays the fictional British heavy metal band Spinal Tap and its members, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer).

This Is Spinal Tap is presented as a serious rockumentary, but it satirizes the subgenre by exaggerating the cliches of rockumentaries, such as exaggerated personalities of the band members, pompous concert footage, and subpar musicianship.

The film is also notable for being one of the first mockumentaries. This Is Spinal Tap was a critical and commercial success, and it has since developed a cult following.

20) Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage is a 2010 documentary film about the Canadian rock band Rush. Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen directed the film, and it features interviews with all three Rush members: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart.

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage offers an in-depth look at Rush’s 40-year career, focusing on their creative process and the personal dynamics between the band members. The film also includes live performances of Rush’s best-known songs, including “Tom Sawyer” and “YYZ.”

For Rush fans, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage is a must-see. But even if you’re not familiar with Rush’s music, this documentary is an insightful and entertaining look at one of rock’s most enduring bands.

From Music Radar:

More Bad News (1988)

For The Comic Strip’s rockumentaries Bad News and More Bad News, Peter Richardson gets the rock drummer stereotype spot-on.

‘Spider’ Webb is typically hyperactive, yet strangely zen when it comes to the rest of the band’s dysfunctionality. He dresses like Simon Kirke, plays like Keith Moon, drinks like a fish and has some of the best lines, while the band’s in-studio joke about how long it takes to set up the drums falls flat when Spider admits he’s actually forgotten to bring them at all.

Vice Versa (1988)

Cheesy film based around the old kid-and-parent-swap-bodies staple of 1980s movies.

A man with the body of Judge Reinhold (another staple of ’80s movies) and the mind of a child gets on the kit in a music store and trades licks in a mall music store with a guy on a weird guitar/computer/synth hybrid that was probably obsolete technology even by the time the film went to VHS. Reinhold’s genuine schoolboy enthusiasm for the drum kit is actually quite endearing, though.

Subway (1985)

In Luc Besson’s French language film, Jean Reno (Leon) plays a drummer mooching about the Paris Metro saying nothing but tapping out a rhythmic beat with his sticks wherever he can.

While hiding out in the Metro, tuxedo-clad blackmailer Christophe Lambert finds the time to assemble a band to play a gig in the subway. Reno’s drummer is simply the coolest character, and at the end of the film, he lets loose with a great drum solo while inexplicably dressed as a big game hunter.

Hop (2011)

Live action and CGI-combined story about the Easter Bunny’s son and heir who decides that rather than distribute chocolate eggs round the world, he’d rather be a drummer.

Wabbit goes to the human world and gets to audition for a talent show in front of judge David Hasselhoff. One for the kids, obviously, but it does contain the best drumming by a rabbit since the Duracell adverts – to Taio Cruz’s ‘Dynamite’ and Good Charlotte’s ‘The Anthem’. He also poops jelly beans. And who wouldn’t want that in their band?

The Muppets (2010)

Aside from the total awesomeness of Animal (see also his drum battle with Buddy Rich back in the ’70s), The Muppets film is also epic for the cameo by Dave Grohl as Animool, in counterfeit Muppets band The Moopets.

Other great scenes for drummers to enjoy include Animal’s lengthy drum solo that sends everyone to sleep, and the moment he finally is allowed his sticks back at the end of the movie. “Drum? No drum! Drum? No drum!” Drum, Animal, definitely drum!

Airheads (1994)

Adam Sandler puts in his best film role ever as the idiot drummer of a band that breaks into a radio station and forces the station by gunpointto play its record.

Sandler doesn’t do much for the drummer stereotype though as his character, Pip – drummer with the stupidly named Lone Rangers (there's three of them for a start) – delivers some of the film’s funniest/dumbest lines, including: “I ain’t farting on no snare drum!” Sandler also wears a cape while playing the drums, something we feel there’s definitely not enough of in modern drumming.

The Mambo Kings (1992)

Antonio Banderas’s English language debut about a pair of Cuban brothers arriving in the US in the 1950s, hell-bent on becoming stars of the Latin music scene.

Percussionist brother Armand Assante gets up on stage with legend Tito Puente and does a furious percussive battle – it’s fantastic to watch Puente in action, obviously, and the duet gets so heated it results in a knife versus gun fight in the club. So caught up in the heat of his own playing is Assante, that he hasn’t noticed the ensuing panic and emptying of the club around him.

From: ZerotoDrum

The Drummer Movie (2007)

The drummer is a movie about the life of a drummer. An arrogant and rebellious young man adjusts to discipline and transformation. Kenneth Bi is the writer and director of the film. It’s based on an actual story that happened in Hong Kong. The U-Theatre (Chinese Zen drumming group) is a young band in a Zen community practising martial arts and tai chi.

Sid (Kwan’s son) is caught having an affair with the girlfriend of his father’s boss Stephen Ma (Kenneth Tsang). Kwan sends Sid to Chiu, his uncle in Taiwan, who watches over him. While in Taiwan, Sid joins a Zen Buddhist Band to practice playing the drums.

 The Strip (1951)

The Strip is a 1951 American film noir directed by John Farrow and starring Mickey Rooney, William Demarest, and Sally Forrest. Allen Rivkin was the writer of the screenplay. It tells the story of Stanley Maxton, who returns to Las Vegas as a drummer in a nightclub band.

Stanley Maxton falls in love with Jane Tafford (cigarette girl). However, Jane Tafford is more interested in the hoodlum alleged to influence the film industry.

Tenacious D – The Pick Of Destiny Ending

Tenacious D – The Pick Of Destiny is a 2006 musical comedy cast directed by musician and puppeteer Liam Lynch. After leaving his religious family and oppressive Midwestern town for Hollywood, Jack Black, a promising drummer, encounters an acoustic guitarist, Kyle Gass.

After learning the deepest secrets of rock ‘n’ roll, the two give rise to the greatest rock duo band of all time – Tenacious D. In the film’s showdown, Jack Black and Kyle Gass try to explain to Lee what happened to his car. Later, after moving in with Lee, they sing the rock song they played the night before.

Iconic is the scene when they fight against the Devil, greatly impersonated by Dave Grohl. We love that scene!

The Strip film captures the pragmatic glee and mood from the club scene. The film storyline could be classified as a film noir because of Mickey Rooney’s pain as a perennial love victim. However, when Rooney is lost in the music, he finds his soul.

Birdman (2014)

Birdman is an American black comedy film written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It shows the story of Michael Keaton (Birdman), a popular iconic superhero who struggles to revive his Broadway production play. The film criticizes the modern world where everyone is observed with the ideas of higher versus lower.

The modern world has twisted art into commercialism. Everybody focuses on what other people think of them and remaining irrelevant. Michael Keaton liked playing Birdman, but he chose to leave that part of life because of how others viewed it. He gives everything for the play, yet it isn’t working out. At the end of his performance, Keaton tries to kill himself. People misinterpret his suicidal attempt as a reality of him to blend reality into fantasy.