Movies like Sparkle (1976)
The best movies like Sparkle (1976) are Valley of the Dolls (1967), The Rose (1979) and Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge (1995). If Sparkle hooked you with its drama and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCoal Miner's Daughter (1980)7.2/10 from 295 votes
- NewestWhitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)Released 2022
Valley of the Dolls (1967)
Lured by their dreams of fame and fortune, three ambitious young women enter the world of show business and discover how easy it is to sink into a celebrity nightmare of ego, alcohol and pills — the beloved "dolls."
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Rose (1979)
Rock-and-roll singer Mary Rose Foster's romantic relationships and mental health are continuously imperilled by the demands of life on the road.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNaomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge (1995)
This is a true story about the relationship between a mother and her daughter, and their struggle to make it to the top in the music world. It is about hopes and dreams... about relationships and about growing up.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & drama
Grace of My Heart (1996)
Philadelphia teenager Edna Buxton wins a talent contest during the early rock 'n' roll era, changes her name to Denise Waverly and moves to New York City to make it big. Though she flops as a recording artist, fast-talking record producer Joel Millner recognizes her songwriting talent and teams her with struggling songsmith Howard Caszatt.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBreaking Glass (1980)
Breaking Glass is the story of punk singer Kate and her meteoric rise to stardom. Starting out in the rock pubs of London, Kate, assisted by her manager Danny, becomes a huge star overnight. Once at the top the pressure is immense as Kate's band are squeezed out and she is left to cope alone in the spotlight.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & drama
What's Love Got to Do with It (1993)
Singer Tina Turner rises to stardom while mustering the courage to break free from her abusive husband Ike.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)
The joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Prairie Home Companion (2006)
A look at what goes on backstage during the last broadcast of America's most celebrated radio show, where singing cowboys Dusty and Lefty, a country music siren, and a host of others hold court.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDreamgirls (2006)
A trio of female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960s, facing their own personal struggles along the way.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLady Sings the Blues (1972)
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLackawanna Blues (2005)
In a story fueled by rhythm and blues, a young boy's life is shaped by love and the stories of a cast of characters in the boarding house where he lives in 1960s Lackawanna, New York.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B (2014)
The story of R&B singer and actress Aaliyah; namely, the highs and lows of her career, her romantic pursuits, and the events leading up to her death in 2001 at the age of 22.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLittle Richard (2000)
The story of Little Richard Penniman, from his poor Southern upbringing to dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a Black singer in the 1950s, to his born-again phase and brief "retirement" from rock and roll.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Sparkle (2012)
Musical prodigy, Sparkle struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother, she tries to balance a new romance with music manager Stix while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMa Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Tensions rise when the trailblazing Mother of the Blues and her band gather at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Adapted from August Wilson's play.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGet On Up (2014)
A chronicle of James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFunny Lady (1975)
Famous singer Fanny Brice has divorced her first husband Nicky Arnstein. During the Great Depression she has trouble finding work as an artist, but meets Billy Rose, a newcomer who writes lyrics and owns a nightclub.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisCrazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story (2013)
TLC's humble beginnings in Atlanta quickly led to an unprecedented rise to fame in the 1990's as one of the world's most talented, celebrated and highest-selling female groups of all time. Through very public and high profile success, turmoil and tragedy, TLC left an indelible stamp of female empowerment that changed the face of the music industry forever.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Judy (2019)
Thirty years after starring in 'The Wizard of Oz', beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSister Act (1992)
When lively lounge singer Deloris sees her mobster beau commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, she proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNashville Girl (1976)
A Kentucky-born maiden realizes her dream of becoming a country music star. However, she discovers that her single-minded determination has caused her to lose things far more precious than fame or money when she gets involved with a group of corrupt music executives.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Biography of Loretta Lynn, a country and western singer that came from poverty to fame.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both music & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTake Me Home: The John Denver Story (2000)
John Denver achieved fame, fortune, and acclaim for his iconic country-pop music, but his sunny personality masked private pain and dark secrets that his celebrity could never heal.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1998)
In the mid-80s, three women (each with an attorney) arrive at the office of New York entertainment manager, Morris Levy. One is an L.A. singer, formerly of the Platters; one is a petty thief from Philly; one teaches school in a small Georgia town. Each claims to be the widow of long-dead doo-wop singer-songwriter Frankie Lyman, and each wants years of royalties due to his estate, money Levy has never shared. During an ensuing civil trial, flashbacks tell the story of each one's life with Lyman, a boyish, high-pitched, dynamic performer, lost to heroin. Slowly, the three wives establish their own bond.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRespect (2021)
The rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Banger Sisters (2002)
In the late '60s, the self-proclaimed belles of the rock 'n' roll ball, rocked the worlds of every music legend whose pants they could take off -- and they have the pictures to prove it. But it's been more than two decades since the Banger Sisters earned their nickname -- or even laid eyes on each other. Their reunion is the collision of two women's worlds; one who's living in the past, and one who's hiding from it. Together they learn to live in the moment.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisMo' Better Blues (1990)
Talented but self-centered trumpeter Bleek Gilliam is obsessed with his music and indecisiveness about his girlfriends Indigo and Clarke. But when he is forced to come to the aid of his manager and childhood friend, Bleek finds his world more fragile than he ever imagined.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNina (2016)
The story of the late jazz musician and classical pianist Nina Simone including her rise to fame and relationship with her manager Clifton Henderson.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
SnoozefestMovies like thisGraffiti Bridge (1990)
It's got that Purple Rain feeling through and though. And it's got The Kid, too! For the first time since Purple Rain, Prince is back as The Kid. And where he goes, there's music! With Thieves in the Temple, New Power Generation, Elephants and Flowers and more red-hot Prince tunes from the Platinum-selling Graffiti Bridge soundtrack. What time is it? Party time! Morris Day and the Time play Release It, Shake! and more. And you'll also see and hear George Clinton, Tevin Campbell, Robin Power, Mavis Staples and other hot performers, too. Graffiti Bridge is where the movie meets the music. Cross over on it now.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & music
SnoozefestMovies like thisSteel Magnolias (2012)
In an updated contemporary version of the beloved stage play and 1989 film, "Steel Magnolias" chronicles the lives and friendship of six women in Louisiana. Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children - and hair and nails - all the important topics that truly unite and celebrate women.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Sparkle?
The closest matches to Sparkle are Valley of the Dolls (1967), The Rose (1979) and Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge (1995). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Sparkle?
People who watched Sparkle most often go on to Valley of the Dolls (1967), The Rose (1979) and Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge (1995).
What is the highest-rated movie like Sparkle?
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), rated 7.2/10 by 295 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Sparkle?
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Sparkle?
Yes: Valley of the Dolls (1967), The Rose (1979) and Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge (1995).
How are movies similar to Sparkle chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Sparkle, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.