Some music legends are simply too big for the stage—they need the big screen as well. From dazzling depictions of rockstar excess to behind-the-scenes heartbreak, musician biopics let us relive the highs and lows of our favorite artists’ careers. Whether it’s Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning turn as Freddie Mercury or Austin Butler’s hip-shaking portrayal of Elvis, these films transport us into the world of music’s most iconic figures.
But which musician biopic is America’s favorite? And in the case of upcoming films, which highly anticipated biopic is drumming up the most buzz?
To find out, we analyzed Google Trends data from the past two decades to uncover the most popular musician biopic in every U.S. state. We also looked ahead, pinpointing the most anticipated upcoming biopic based on search trends over the past year. So, which music movies are fans watching and waiting for? Let’s dive in.
The Most Popular Biopic in Every State
Biopics bring legendary careers to life, offering fans a glimpse into the triumphs, struggles, and unforgettable music that defined these artists. Using Google Trends data from the past 20 years, we uncovered the most searched musician biopic in every U.S. state—revealing strong regional ties, surprising favorites, and the films that continue to captivate audiences.
Across the country, these biopics stood out as the most searched:
- Rocketman (Elton John) – 8 states
- The Doors (The Doors) – 7 states
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) – 4 states
- Tie: Bob Marley: One Love (Bob Marley), Ray (Ray Charles), and Walk the Line (Johnny Cash) – 3 states each
A closer look at the data reveals some fascinating regional trends. Many states favor biopics that highlight artists with strong local connections.
In California, it’s no surprise that The Doors is the most searched biopic, as Jim Morrison and the band were pioneers of the state’s ‘60s counterculture music scene. Similarly, Michigan’s top pick is 8 Mile, a clear nod to Eminem’s roots in Detroit, while Tennessee favors Walk the Line, given Johnny Cash’s deep ties to Nashville and the country music scene.
In the South, Ray is the most searched in Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina, where Ray Charles’ influence on soul and R&B music remains strong. Meanwhile, the Bob Marley: One Love biopic leads in Florida and Hawaii, two states with a deep appreciation for reggae and island culture.
Rocketman dominates in eight states, making it the most popular overall. The Elton John biopic topped searches in Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin, showing the broad appeal of his larger-than-life persona.
Some films stand out due to their deep regional ties. Selena ranks as the most searched biopic in Texas and New Mexico, where Selena Quintanilla’s legacy continues to resonate in the Latino and Tejano music communities. Coal Miner’s Daughter is the favorite in Kentucky and West Virginia, a fitting result given that the film follows Loretta Lynn, who grew up in a Kentucky coal-mining town.
The Most Anticipated Upcoming Biopic in Every State
With the success of past musician biopics, Hollywood isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Several highly anticipated films about music legends are in the works, generating buzz long before their release. To determine which upcoming biopics fans are most excited about, we analyzed Google Trends data from the past year to determine the most searched film in each U.S. state.
Based on search interest by count of states, here are the upcoming biopics that are generating the most excitement:
Michael – Most Searched in 19 States
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, leads as the most anticipated film in 19 states, making it the clear frontrunner. Interest is particularly strong in California, where he became a global icon. States across the South and Midwest, including Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio, are also highly interested in the film, showing that Jackson’s influence spans across generations and regions. Given his status as one of the most successful entertainers of all time, it’s no surprise that fans are eager to see his life story unfold on screen.
Who’s That Girl – Most Searched in 10 States
Madonna’s biopic, Who’s That Girl, which will star Julia Garner, is the second most anticipated, ranking as the top-searched in 10 states. Interest is especially high in California, one of the biggest hubs for pop music and entertainment. The upcoming biopic also leads searches in Massachusetts, Washington, and Hawaii, regions where Madonna has had strong fan followings over the years. With her decades-long career of reinvention and cultural influence, it’s clear that audiences are eager to see how her story is brought to life.
Untitled Beatles Biopic – Most Searched in 7 States
The upcoming Beatles biopic, which will star Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan, and Harris Dickinson is the most searched in seven states, including New York, Texas, and Utah. As one of the most influential bands of all time, The Beatles’ story continues to captivate fans across generations. Interest is also strong in Idaho, Oklahoma, and Maine, showing that anticipation for the film extends beyond just major music hubs. Given the enduring popularity of the Fab Four, this biopic is sure to be a major event when it hits theaters.
Untitled Frank Sinatra Biopic – Most Searched in 4 States
Frank Sinatra’s biopic, which will be directed by Martin Scorsese, leads searches in four states: Indiana, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. Notably, New Jersey, Sinatra’s home state, is not among them, though his influence remains strong in the Northeast. As a pioneer in both music and film, Sinatra’s life story offers plenty of drama, glamour, and intrigue, making this one of the more exciting biopics in development.
Deliver Me from Nowhere – Most Searched in 3 States
Bruce Springsteen’s biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere, which will star Jeremy Allen White, is the most anticipated in three states: New Jersey, Arkansas, and Wisconsin. Given Springsteen’s deep ties to New Jersey, it’s no surprise that his home state leads searches for the upcoming film. With a career defined by working-class storytelling and heartland rock, Springsteen’s journey from Asbury Park to global fame is a natural fit for the big screen.
Untitled Fred Astaire Biopic – Most Searched in 3 States
Fred Astaire’s upcoming biopic is the top-searched in Missouri, Connecticut, and Nebraska. As one of Hollywood’s most legendary dancers and entertainers, Astaire’s influence on both music and film remains undeniable. While modern audiences may associate him more with classic films than with pop music, interest in his biopic suggests that his legacy still resonates.
Beautiful (Working Title) – Most Searched in 2 States
The Carole King biopic ranks as the most searched in Illinois and Minnesota. As one of the most successful female singer-songwriters of all time, King’s story of perseverance and musical genius has long been celebrated, particularly in the Broadway hit Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. The upcoming film adaptation is expected to bring her inspiring journey to a wider audience.
Other Notable Mentions
While not ranking as the most searched in multiple states, a few other biopics have captured local interest:
- The Grateful Dead biopic is the most anticipated in Rhode Island, reflecting the band’s lasting counterculture appeal.
- The Nat King Cole biopic leads in Maryland, a state where jazz and soul music have deep roots.
- The Bee Gees biopic is the most searched in North Dakota, showing that the legendary disco group still has devoted fans in unexpected places.
From pop superstars to rock icons and jazz legends, these upcoming biopics are already generating major buzz across the U.S.
Closing Thoughts
Musician biopics continue to captivate audiences, offering a front-row seat to the triumphs and struggles of iconic artists. Our study revealed the most popular past biopics across the U.S. and highlighted the upcoming films that have music fans buzzing. Whether revisiting the magic of Rocketman or eagerly anticipating Michael, these films prove that music and storytelling go hand in hand.
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Methodology
To determine the most popular musician biopic in every U.S. state, we compiled a list of notable past and upcoming biopics based on rankings from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Variety. Using Google Trends search data from February 2004 to February 2025 for past biopics and from February 2024 to February 2025 for upcoming biopics, we analyzed regional search interest to identify the most searched biopic in each state. For past biopics, we compared search interest among films that have already been released, while for upcoming biopics, we analyzed search trends for films currently in development or pre-release promotion. Search interest was used as an indicator of popularity and anticipation of musician biopics.
