10 Classical Music Dramas Like Maestro to Watch Next

The seamless integration of music into a film’s fabric is something generations of composers, directors, and producers have mastered. However, utilizing music as the central focal point of your film is an entirely different skill. There is nothing quite like the emotional experience of listening to classical music. With the history of classical music and its connection to drama, there is no doubt that a drama film surrounding classical music will be a hit. In the last year, Bradley Cooper’s Maestro has captivated movie lovers.

Maestro is a biographical drama following the relationship between American conductor Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre. The Academy Award-nominated film is a cinematic experience for the ages as it mixes the most guttural and emotional realities of romance and heartbreak. From extreme dramatics to a score that will knock your socks off, trying to get that “Maestro” feeling back isn’t going to be easy. We’ve got you covered! Here are our picks for the classical music dramas that you should watch next if you like Maestro. Stream Maestro on Netflix.

10 The Pianist (2002)

When Maestro first came out, all of our minds went straight to the whispers that remain of 2002’s The Pianist. This masterpiece of a film is a drama thriller that follows the life of Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a pianist on a Jewish radio station when World War II begins. As Władysław finds himself trying to make it through the war, hiding in the street of the Warsaw Ghetto, things become more and more strenuous for the man looking for refuge. The film is based on the autobiography “The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man’s Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945.”

A Stunning Masterpiece

The Pianist is one of those deeply moving and heart-wrenching dramas that sticks with you for years. Roman Polanski’s film is timeless. Having 3 Academy Awards under its belt, The Pianist has continued to be one of the most stunning war dramas of all time. The inclusion of classical music adds an extra level of artistry that is not always done right in film. However, if Maestro is your cup of tea, The Pianist is not one to miss. Rent on YouTube.

Related: 10 Director-Composer Duos That Have Made Movie Magic

9 Amadeus (1984)

1984 gave us the period drama-musical, Amadeus. Tom Hulce puts on the performance of a lifetime as the acclaimed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, played by Tom Hulce. In a truly entertaining tale of legendary rivalry, this film explores the festering jealousy of Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) has developed towards Mozart, his skills, and his style. As envy and resentment spiral out of control, both men are forced to face the consequences.

An Oscar Win for F. Murray Abraham

We have another Oscar winner in the house! This biographical drama is such a compelling and engaging watch. Classical is not a genre that gets enough recognition as it is, but Amadeus does almost everything right. Both Hulce and Abraham put on mesmerizing performances that have audiences invested in both learning about Mozart’s life and diving fully into this world full of music, art, drama, and competition. Rent on YouTube.

8 The Piano (1993)

Love and passion truly drive drama and music through the roof. The Piano is a romance thriller that came out in 1993. Actress Holly Hunter plays a traveling pianist named Ada McGrath. With her daughter, the two end up with a piano and all of their belongings in New Zealand, and Ada is set to fulfill an arranged marriage to Alisdair Stewart, played by Sam Neill. However, she soon discovers her eyes being drawn to a man named George Baines (Harvey Keitel).

Incredible Chemistry and Performances

The Piano is set apart by the level of stunning cinematography alone. From glorious shots of piano playing on the beach to stunning set designs that transport audiences to new worlds, The Piano will have your eyes glued to the screen. The storytelling in this film is top-notch and with the chemistry between the film’s ensemble of actors paired with their incredible performances, The Piano is the kind of film that Maestro-lovers cannot skip. Stream on Pluto TV.

7 Tár (2022)

2022’s Tár follows the ever-growing career and personal life of legendary musician and composer Lydia Tár, played by Cate Blanchett. In her journey towards finally recording a career-defining symphony, Lydia gets hit by roadblock after roadblock. Only with the support of her adopted daughter Petre (Mila Bogojevic), can she come out on top.

One of Cate Blanchett’s Best Roles

Cate Blanchett is absolutely jaw-dropping in this film. Like what we all saw in Maestro, the heart and soul of this drama is music. Music is the driving force of every ounce of passion and emotion in this film. Tár is a spectacular display of director Todd Field’s genius and should be recognized for it. Stream on Prime Video.

6 The Devil’s Violinist (2013)

Don’t let the abysmal critics’ reviews sway you from falling in love with this one. The Devil’s Violinist is a musical drama that depicts the life of Italian violinist Niccolò Paganini, played by David Garrett. With the reputation of being a great musician as well as a womanizer, Paganini is about to have his debut performance in London when he seemingly falls for his host’s daughter.

A Treat for Classical Music Fans

The Devil’s Violinist is artistic, visually breathtaking, and a classical music drama that you cannot pry your eyes and ears away from. The Italian Maestro feeds into this idea of superstardom and fame during a time when reputation and prestige are almost like childs play for a performer/musician as gifted as Paganini. For anyone who can appreciate classical music and drama films, The Devil’s Violinist is for you. Stream for free on Tubi.

Related: 20 Movies About Music That Aren’t Biopics or Musicals

5 Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

Florence Foster Jenkins is a 2016 comedy musical that stars Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Nina Arianda, and Rebecca Ferguson. The film takes place in 1940s New York. We follow the life of aspiring opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins. However, there is a little bit of a problem. Her actual talent does not hold a candle to her ambition. Florence’s ears hear exactly what she wants to hear while everyone else is forced to endure the noise that comes out of her mouth. Her husband St. Clair is determined to keep her from finding out the truth.

A Great Blend of Drama and Music

Sometimes the realities of the world of classical music can be very intense. However, the film world’s integration of comedy into the mix makes for some of the best musical dramas out there. Florence Foster Jenkins showcases the legendary Meryl Streep as a true performer and mesmerizing actress. The film is clever, the characters are charismatic, and the dialogue is hilarious. Stream on Hulu.

4 Shine (1996)

The 1996 Australian biographical psychological drama Shine follows the life of David Helfgott (Geoffrey Rush), a child piano prodigy. Growing up, Helfgott is at odds with his father. However, once a music scholarship sends him to London for school, he finds his music career blossoming like nothing he ever thought. With fame becoming a quick reality, Helfgott is forced to deal with the resurfacing of his schizophrenia​​​​​​.

An Inspiring Tale

Shine is the kind of film that is designed to inspire you, move you, and inspire you. This incredible story balances both heartbreak and joy in such a refreshing way. The film portrays a complicated relationship between a father and his son and how, even after years, that tumultuous relationship can have adverse effects on a child. The cast is phenomenal and there is no doubt that the classical music drama genre needs this film on every list. Shine is not currently streaming.

3 Hilary and Jackie (1998)

The drama thriller Hilary and Jackie is right up Maestro-lovers’s alleys. In the film Iris Du Pré, played by Celia Imrie, has two musically gifted children: Hilary the flutist, and Jackie the cellist. The two develop a sort of rivalry as they move towards different paths. Jackie finds her facing fame across the world while Hilary builds herself a family. When Jackie sees her world come crashing down, she turns to her sister for help.

A Thrilling Musical Drama

Hilary and Jackie is based on a 1997 memoir called A Genius in the Family by Piers and Hilary du Pré. Hilary and Jackie is met with mixed reviews. However, there is a sense of intense drama and a wonderful showing of classical music as an integral part of the film. There are professional ups and downs and testy familial relationships that keep audiences interested and invested in what happens to these characters. Rent on Prime Video.

2 Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)

Mr. Holland’s Opus is a film that follows a composer named Glenn Holland, played by Richard Dreyfuss. Glenn is prepping to write reality-altering music but is forced to take on a teaching job in a high school. In this “temporary” position, Glenn realizes that his love for music can now extend to the love he has for his students and teaching.

A Focus on Pure Love for Music

The entertainment industry is almost nothing without music. In movies and TV, music is used as a device to enhance visual art. This film takes an entire umbrella surrounding a man’s pure love for music and turns it into a heartfelt story that audiences can cling onto. This film is nowhere near as intense and thrilling as Maestro. However, appreciation for music should be universal in the world of film and that is the feeling that Mr. Holland’s Opus achieves. Stream on Disney+.

1 Quartet (2012)

2012’s Quartet is a film that needs to be on your radar. Based on a play by Ronald Harwood, this British comedy-drama follows the arrival of legendary opera singer Jean Horton (Maggie Smith) to the Beecham House, a place for retired performers. However, Jean now has to face a bitter ex-husband and the looming pressure to perform once again, even though she is reluctant to sing out of her prime. When the annual concert comes along, the other residents are excited to have Jena as part of their production. However, Jean is not keen on participating.

A Delightful Film and Great Maggie Smith Performance

Maggie Smith fits the bill of this funny and emotional watch. This delightful film is designed perfectly to appeal to audiences of all ages. From the perfectly-crafted humor to the great performances by the cast including Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, and Michael Gambon, Quartet is uplifting, hilarious, and charming. Rent on Prime Video.