What If?: Famous Movies Were Famous Rock Bands

We like to play the “What If” game here at FlickSided. So far we’ve imagined if Tim Burton and Johnny Depp never met, an Apocalypse Now remake and six other actors who could’ve been Iron Man. For the latest installment, we are turning our attention to rock and roll music.

Movies and music go hand-in-hand. Both exist to entertain, move to emotion and provoke thought. Take either away and the world suddenly becomes a lot more boring place to live. Since the two art forms share so much in common, we thought it might be interesting to match some of our favorite flicks to some of our favorite rock bands.

Movies and bands both tell stories. With this in mind, let’s see which stories are simpatico.

Casablanca and The Beatles

Arguably the greatest film ever made alongside arguably the greatest band to ever hit the stage. Casablanca’s story, characters and plot have been copied and borrowed for six decades. The Beatles remain the most influential and lauded band in the history of rock/pop music.

The Road Warrior and AC/DC

When we think of in your face balls-to-the-wall action, we think The Road Warrior. It still features some of the most intense action sequences ever filmed and more than holds up by today’s standards. When we think of in your face balls-to-the-wall rock, we think AC/DC. They’ve been shreddin’ for over thirty-five years and remain one of the hardest and most popular bands in the game.

The Matrix and Radiohead

Seeing The Matrix for the first time was a kick ass, eye-opening experience. The plot, characters and special effects were cutting edge and genre busting. Listening to Radiohead for the first time is like dissolving into another plane of existence. The band’s unique sound is unlike anything heard in alternative rock.

Star Wars and The Who

The movie is an epic space opera considered by many to be the best sci-fi/fantasy story ever told. The band is an epic rock opera considered by many to be the best band ever formed.

Die Hard and Metallica

Back in 1988, Die Hard smashed the big screen like a Mike Tyson uppercut. Its stylized, adrenaline fueled action is often copied, but rarely duplicated. Back in 1983, Metallica released the album Kill ‘Em All and introduced a fist-pumping, head-banging sound that gave new meaning to the term “heavy metal.”

Titanic and U2

For over a decade, Titanic held the title of highest-grossing movie. It appeals to both males and females and helped launch the career of one of this generation’s greatest actors — Leonardo DiCaprio. For the decade of the 2000s, U2 held the title of world’s most popular band. Their music appeals to both males and females and helped launch one of the most inspiring and influential voices in rock — Bono.

A Clockwork Orange and The Sex Pistols

The “Droogs” were a gang of thugs who thrived on ultra-violent behavior and despised authority figures. The Sex Pistols were a punk band vehemently opposed to social conformity known for wreaking havoc wherever they went.

Pulp Fiction and Guns N’ Roses

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is the epitome of cool. It walks the walk and talks the talk. Love it or hate it, it’s still one of a kind. Guns N’ Roses meteoric rise to the mountain top in the late ’80s was a giant middle finger to the glam rock bands that dominated the era. G N’ R didn’t give a shit what anyone thought about them. They lived by their own set of rules.

2001: A Space Odyssey and Pink Floyd

2001 is science fiction in its purest form. It delves into the depths of the human mind and explores the outskirts of infinite space. Pink Floyd cannot be lumped into any one category. Their psychedelic sound is experimental, innovative, ostentatious and utterly bizarre.

Raging Bull and Led Zeppelin

Scorsese’s Raging Bull is a masterpiece of cinematography and editing. On a technical level, few other films can compete. Led Zeppelin’s heavy, blues influenced rock is inventive and precise. On a pure talent level, few other bands can compete.

The Godfather and The Rolling Stones

Great art stands the test of time. Both The Godfather and The Rolling Stones have been immortalized for their noteworthy contributions. Like fine wine or aged cheese, the older they get, the more respect they gain. Each has earned the right to be called icons.