Detroit’s Story: 10 Biographical Films You Can’t Miss

Description: While focusing on Tina Turner, the film also touches on her early career with Ike Turner, who had connections to Detroit's music scene, providing insight into the city's influence on her music.

Fact: Angela Bassett's portrayal of Tina Turner earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Description: Eminem stars in this semi-autobiographical film about a white rapper from Detroit trying to make it in the predominantly African-American hip hop scene. It's a gritty portrayal of the city's underground rap battles and the struggle for recognition.

Fact: The film's title refers to 8 Mile Road, which separates Detroit from its northern suburbs, symbolizing the cultural divide.

Description: Another documentary, this film explores the lives of various soul music legends, many of whom have connections to Detroit, showcasing the city's impact on soul music.

Fact: The film includes interviews with icons like Isaac Hayes and Wilson Pickett, offering firsthand accounts of the music scene.

Description: This film, inspired by the rise of Motown Records, captures the essence of Detroit's music scene in the 1960s. It follows the journey of a girl group from obscurity to fame, reflecting the city's significant contribution to soul and R&B music.

Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two for Best Supporting Actress and Best Sound Mixing.

Description: This film chronicles the rise of Chess Records, which, while based in Chicago, had significant ties to Detroit's music scene, including artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, who influenced Detroit's blues and rock scene.

Fact: Beyoncé plays Etta James in the film, delivering a powerful performance of "At Last."

Description: While not exclusively about Detroit, this film discusses the 2008 financial crisis, which had a profound impact on Detroit's economy, offering context to the city's recent history.

Fact: The film uses innovative techniques to explain complex financial concepts, making it both informative and entertaining.

Description: Set partly in Detroit, this film, although fictional, captures the spirit of the city's economic and political climate during the 1970s, reflecting on the era's corruption and ambition.

Fact: The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: While not exclusively about Detroit, this film captures the spirit of the Motown era, showcasing the rise and fall of a fictional R&B group, mirroring the experiences of many Detroit-based artists.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Townsend, who also stars in it, and it features original music that was later released as a soundtrack.

Description: This miniseries tells the story of one of Motown's most famous groups, The Temptations, detailing their rise to fame, internal struggles, and the impact of Detroit on their music.

Fact: The series was critically acclaimed and won an Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries.

Description: This documentary highlights the Funk Brothers, the house band for Motown Records, whose music defined the Detroit sound. It's a tribute to the unsung heroes behind the hits.

Fact: The film features performances by contemporary artists like Joan Osborne and Bootsy Collins, paying homage to the original musicians.