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8 Movies Like ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ You’d Definitely Love

The tale of singer Whitney Houston in “Whitney Houston: I Want Dance With Somebody” portrays the extraordinary voice that produced unparalleled effect in the industry. Whitney Houston is credited with crafting reverent symphonies that went on to define music. The 2022 biographical musical drama is on the life of a 19-year-old Houston and her transition from the church choir to the world of professional singing. The emotional and joyful celebration of one of the greatest R&B pop vocalists of all time is the main theme of the Kasi Lemmons-directed film.

Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams, and Clark Peters are among the cast members. Whitney Houston became a cultural icon thanks to her passion, pain, desire, and effort, all of which are captured in the film. Here is a list of films that are comparable to “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody” in case the film’s seamless perfection and insight into the life and accomplishments of the great artist attracted to you as much as they did to us. Many of these films, including “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

The life of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, is depicted in the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,” demonstrating how, even when you’re labelled eccentric, your talent and special skills can redefine the status quo. Mercury not only defied established conventions but also rose to become one of the most well-known performers and musicians in history. The film honours the great man’s spirit by following his life from his time in his band to his solo career and the problems that followed.

The next movie you should watch is “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher and stars Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello, and Aidan Gillen. The film doesn’t shy away from the internal conflicts and struggles that are also seen in “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

Elvis (2022)

Elvis Presley, the personification of rock ‘n’ roll, continues to be the focus of this biographical drama. The film explores how his unmatched stardom influenced his life as well as his growing notoriety. The film also explores his marriage to Priscilla, who remained one of his most important influences.

Colonel Tom Parker, the phenomenal superstar’s 20-year manager, serves as the focal point through which director Baz Luhrmann examines the life of the superstar. The film, which stars Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Dacre Montgomery, and Luke Bracey, exudes the same mystifying allure and frantic vitality that made Elvis so distinctive. Hence, “Elvis” is the perfect movie to see after you’ve seen “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” which is the classic account of a superstar’s struggles and successes.

Jersey Boys (2014)

The path of four unremarkable young men—Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi, and Tommy DeVito—is followed throughout the film. Yet something happens that brings them together and into the spotlight. The film highlights the quartet’s unmatched success after they were transformed into the famous 1960s rock group “The Four Seasons.”

Clint Eastwood, a director beset by personal and professional issues, does not shrink from focusing on the crucial adjustments that have an impact on any group’s excellence. Like “Whitney Houston: I Want Dance With Somebody,” the film, starring John Lloyd Young, Vincent Piazza, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda, and Christopher Walken, will captivate you with its ups and downs.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Blues singer Ma Rainey served as the model for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” because of her ability to weave the most intensely rooted emotions into her lyrics. The film centres on the unrest in Chicago in the 1920s and Ma Rainey’s ensuing groundbreaking success, which cemented her reputation as an artist.

George C. Wolfe, who has directed Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman, and Michael Potts, expertly captures the froth of the Roaring Twenties. The next movie you should see is “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” if you enjoyed “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody” for its portrayal of a woman’s ascent despite challenges and turbulences.

Ray (2004)

The song “Ray” is an example of the great singer Ray Charles’ intricately woven lyrics and beautiful melody. The biopic is centred on the legend and the turbulent upheavals in his early life that influenced his creative output. The film focuses on Ray Charles’ ascent through the Seattle jazz scene by overcoming various challenges, from losing his brother at the age of seven to losing his sight at nine.

Jamie Foxx, Sharon Warren, Kerry Washington, and Regina King all appear in the film. If you enjoyed witnessing Whitney Houston: I Want Dance With Somebody’s artistic journey despite numerous obstacles, you will undoubtedly find filmmaker Taylor Hackford’s “Ray” interesting.

Respect (2021)

The film follows Aretha Franklin’s development from a young girl singing in her father’s church choir to a well-known performer in the 1950s. In the film, which stars Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald, Hailey Kilgore, Heather Headley, and Gilbert Glenn Brown, a lady discovers her voice and forges ahead despite obstacles.

Filmmaker Liesl Tommy focuses on the internal struggles that are equally important to an artist’s success. As a result, “Respect” will tell the tale of a lady who is just as strong as Whitney Houston, if you liked the heartfelt performances in “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Someone.”

Rocketman (2019)

The film, whose name is taken from one of Elton John’s most well-known songs, tells the tale of young Reginald Dwight and the musical partnership he formed with Bernie Taupin to become Elton John, one of the most admired artists of the 1970s and beyond. Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jamie Bell, and Steven Mackintosh are the film’s stars. The evolution of the piano prodigy into a superstar is effortlessly captured by director Dexter Fletcher. Thus, if you like the story of Whitney Houston’s lowly beginnings in “I Want Dance With Someone,” you’ll enjoy watching Elton John’s journey in “Rocketman” just as much.

Walk the Line (2005)

The film chronicles the life of Johnny Cash, a great country music performer, from his early years on the family farm to his unmatched success. The plot also includes the romance between June Cater and Johnny Cash, which developed into one of the most enduring and intricate love stories in the music business.

The film, which stars Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dallas Roberts, and Robert Patrick, chronicles the fervour and conflict that made Cash one of the 20th century’s most iconic performers. If the turbulence in “Whitney Houston: I Want Dance With Somebody” piqued your curiosity, you’ll find “Walk the Line,” directed by James Mangold, to be just as compelling.