Overview
There are a few select bands and artists that were popular enough to earn the credit of having their own feature film(s). The Beatles managed to capture the world’s attention in the 60s and managed to have several movies (not just documentaries) where they were the actors/main characters.
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Best Beatles Feature Films
The Beatles appear in five motion pictures, with their first movie credit in 1964 and their last in 1970. With the exception of Magical Mystery Tour, their films were considered successful from a critic’s and popular culture perspective. Four of the Five films were scripted, with Let It Be being filmed as a documentary-style film.
A Hard Day's Night (1964)
Over two “typical” days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney’s mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.
During the height of Beatlemania, The Beatles tackled their first feature film – receiving success at the box office and with the critics. The film lands on many top “movie” lists and was nominated for two academy awards in 1964.
Video Metadata
- Release: 07/07/1964
- Length: 97 minutes
- Director: Richard Lester
- Rating: 7.6 (IMDb)
Trailer
Help! (1965)
Sir Ringo Starr finds himself the human sacrifice target of a cult, and his fellow members of The Beatles must try to protect him from it.
Help! was the second feature film featuring The Beatles. This comedy plays like a parody to a James Bond film – but of course, mixed with plenty of “music videos” by The Beatles.
Video Metadata
- Release: 08/25/1965
- Length: 93 minutes
- Director: Richard Lester
- Rating: 7.1 (IMDb)
Trailer
Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
The Beatles jumped in a tour bus and created a made-for-television film that added a bit of a stain to their reputation. Magical Mystery Tour debuted on Boxing Day in 1967 to nearly 20 million viewers.
The film was originally shown in black and white, but later released in color. Although the soundtrack received praise, there are very few that went on record giving any positive response for the film.
Video Metadata
- Release: 12/26/1967
- Length: 55 minutes
- Director: The Beatles
- Rating: 6.1 (IMDb)
Trailer
Yellow Submarine (1968)
The Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his yellow submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.
Rehashing the Revolver tune of the same name, The Beatles became cartoons for the first time in 1968. Unlike other films, The Beatles did not participate as actors – only supplying the songs.
The film was well-received, especially during the psychedelic era in the 60s.
Video Metadata
- Release: 11/13/1968
- Length: 85 minutes
- Director: George Dunning
- Rating: 7.4 (IMDb)
Trailer
Let It Be (1970)
The filmed account of The Beatles’ attempt to recapture their old group spirit by making a back-to-basics album, which instead drove them further apart.
Let It Be, although a feature film, was not anything like the fantasy and fictional movies The Beatles took part in years prior. The film closes with the famous Rooftop Concert – but many would suggest watching Get Back, which becomes super meta and is a documentary about the documentary.
Video Metadata
- Release: 05/20/1970
- Length: 81 minutes
- Director: Michael Llindsay-Hogg
- Rating: 7.7 (IMDb)
Trailer
Movies Inspired by The Beatles
The Beatles were featured in several films, but there were even several movies inspired by the band. Several biopics were released over the years, featuring John, Paul, George, and Ringo – many unauthorized stories about the band during different times in their career. There are even fictional movies with the plots completely derived from the Beatles.
Across the Universe
Though the film does not star The Beatles, this musical follows the exact timeframe of the band – while reimagining some of their most popular songs.
Yesterday
Another film filled with Beatle songs, Yesterday follows a struggling songwriter who wakes up one day being the only person who remembers The Beatles.
Nowhere Boy
John Lennon’s early years are explored in this biopic. The film reflects on his interesting relationships with his aunt and his mother Julia.
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Podcasts Discussing Beatles Movies
There are thousands of podcasts that review films and movies. Of course, we have several shows and episodes featuring reviews and breakdowns of The Beatles’ featured films. Whether they talk about the plot or review how the movie was made, these podcasts make for interesting listens for any cinema or Beatles fan.
The Beatles Films Podcast
If you’re looking for an entire podcast dedicated to talking about The Beatles and their films – well, we found your podcast. Ed Williamson and Matt Looker, film writers, discuss films and TV about, starring, and inspired by The Beatles.
Compleatly Beatles
"The Beatles Movies"
From the podcast that covered every album, they now will cover every Beatles film. Ian Boothby and David Dedrick review how the films came to be and public reactions.
Nothing Is Real
"The Unmade Third Movies"
Nothing Is Real hosts Jason Carty & Steven Cockcroft review the unmade Beatles films, as well as discuss the Help!, A Hard Days Night, and Disney’s The Jungle Book.
Books About Beatles Movies
The Beatles are one of the few bands popular enough to have entire movies made around their celebrity. It’s amazing how popular and iconic they have become to have niche books regarding their experiences and impact on cinema and at the movies.
The Beatles and Film: From Youth Culture to Counterculture
This concise yet comprehensive study explores the emblematic journey by four young men from Liverpool from the epicentre of teen-led youth culture to the experimentation of the counterculture and beyond.
The Beatles on Film: Analysis of Movies, Documentaries, Spoofs and Cartoons
This book provides the production history and a contextual interpretation of “The Beatles'” movies (“A Hard Day’s Night”, “Help!”, “Yellow Submarine”, and “Let It Be”) and describes their ability to project the group’s image at different stages in their career.
Beatles at the Movies: Stories and Photographs From Behind the Scenes at All Five Films
This book describes each movie location, the antics of the Fab Four in front of — and behind — the camera, the day-to-day events and the sometimes unusual problems the crew encountered.
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