Musicians and Rock Stars in the Movies

Rock stars and musicians have a long history of making the jump from the concert venue to the big screen. From Beyoncé to Adam Levine, here’s our list of modern-day musicians who’ve had star turns on film.

When Beyoncé sang, we couldn’t help but "listen." Critics were wowed by her performance as well as her voice – she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Deena Jones, a character inspired by the real-life Diana Ross.

Maroon 5’s leading man, Adam Levine, showed off his singing and acting chops in this drama starring Keira Knightley. The ballad "Lost Stars," which he performed in the film, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Having a hugely successful rap career starting with N.W.A. wasn’t the be-all and end-all for this singer-songwriter, who went on to more screen success with 'Boyz n the Hood,' ‘Friday,’ ’21 Jump Street’ and ‘Ride Along.’

On the opposite side of the musical coin, Smith won a Grammy for his funny, radio-friendly rap tunes before breaking off to start his acting career first on TV (‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’) and becoming a huge movie star in the 1990s.

His Royal Highness reigned over the box office with this smash film and soundtrack, winning an Academy Award for the now-defunct category Best Original Song Score. Made for only $7 million, it raked in $80 million worldwide.

Eminem gave a powerful performance as a white rapper trying to break out in Detroit’s predominantly African-American hip-hop scene. His song "Lose Yourself" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Whitney Houston was already a pop phenomenon when she starred in ‘The Bodyguard’ opposite Kevin Costner.  She was luminous in her big-screen debut.  Without a doubt, a star was born. 

This Grammy winner hasn’t had a smash hit since her Academy Award-winning turn in this musical, but has worked steadily in film and now TV, in shows like the hit ‘Empire.’ She’ll next be seen in 2016 in Spike Lee’s ‘Chiraq’ with Samuel L. Jackson.

This art house indie by the Coen brothers featured Justin Timberlake as a folk musician married to his singing partner, played by Carey Mulligan.  

The phenomenally successful pop star is known for her vocal range, chart-topping hits and multiple awards. But her acting? Though 2001’s ‘Glitter’ earned her a Razzie, she redeemed herself as a caring social worker in ‘Precious.’