Released in 2014, Whiplash is a psychological drama starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, and Melissa Benoist. The movie focuses on an ambitious music student and aspiring jazz drummer who is pushed to his limits by his abusive instructor at the fictional Shaffer Conservatory in New York City.
It’s a powerful and emotional watch, but if you want more movies like Whiplash, then we have recommendations for you. Following the same themes of outside pressures while pursuing passions and the love for music, here are the best movies like Whiplash to scratch that itch.
Watch Whiplash on Netflix now.
6. La La Land, Hulu (2016)
Before we dive into the intense and thrilling movies, let’s dive into one of the best movies Whiplash simply because it follows the same themes of passion. La La Land is a 2016 musical comedy-drama starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.
The two play as an aspiring actress and a jazz pianist, respectively, who meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. But while they’re navigating their dreams, they have to pick between each other and their aspirations.
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5. Uncut Gems, Prime Video (2019)
This crime thriller film from 2019 might not be the first title that comes to mind when you think about the best movies like Whiplash, but it’s actually quite good. While it doesn’t focus on music, or really any form of media, Uncut Gems follows that same high-tense situation like Whiplash.
Starring Adam Sandler, the movie follows Howard Ratner, a Jewish-American jeweler and gambling addict in New York City’s Diamond District, who must retrieve an expensive gem he purchased in order to pay off his debts. You’ll follow him as he makes deal after deal trying to keep his head afloat.
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4. Misery, Prime Video (1990)
There’s no getting around that Whiplash is a stressful film. But what about pure horror surrounding the arts? Misery is a 1990 psychological horror thriller based on Stephen King’s 1897 novel.
The plot centers around an author who is rescued after a car crash by an obsessive fan. But instead of helping him, she holds him captive is held captive and forces him to rewrite the finale of his novel series.
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3. Grand Piano, Prime Video (2013)
Enjoy the stress that comes with watching Whiplash? Do you want much more of it all of the time? Then you’ll enjoy this next one. From the same writer, this is one of the best movies like Whiplash. Grand Piano is a 2013 thriller film starring Elijah Wood and John Cusack.
The film is about a once-promising pianist returning for a comeback performance, only to be the target of a sniper who will kill him if he plays one wrong note. Think of Whiplash but with a lot more on the line.
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2. Black Swan, Max (2010)
Black Swan is a 2010 psychological horror film starring Natalie Portman and is often considered one of the best performances of the 21st century. The movie revolves around a production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake by the company of New York City Ballet.
The production requires a ballerina to play the innocent and fragile White Swan as well as a dark and sensual Black Swan. While Nina fits the White Swan role, she is competing against rival Lily for the Black Swan role and is feeling immense pressure that soon dips into madness.
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1. Tár, Starz (2022)
Another amazing watch if you want more movies like Whiplash is Tár, the 2022 psychological drama set in the international world of Western classic music. The movie focuses on Lydia Tár, played by Cate Blanchett, who is a world-renowned conductor, and the very first female director of a major German orchestra.
However, her life seems to unravel when she is accused of misconduct. It’s another powerful piece that focuses on a passion and love for music, with terrible pressures and obstacles that one must overcome.