When the British Invasion began in the mid-1960s, one of the groups that took the world by storm was The Who. The classic rock outfit quickly became famous for songs like “My Generation” and “I Can See for Miles,” among others.
More than their big-time singles, the Who began to get deeper and deeper into the idea of the concept album, including their acclaimed rock opera, Tommy. That album lent itself to the silver screen and, thus, The Who became movie pioneers.
Videos by American Songwriter
[RELATED: The Dark Meaning Behind “Masters of War” by Bob Dylan]
Today, there are many movies that the band is involved with that are excellent, but below we wanted to dive into three specific films from the 1970s, starting with their debut, Tommy. So, without further ado, let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Tommy (1975)
Based on the 1969 album of the same name, which is about a young “deaf, dumb, and blind” boy named Tommy who is also the best pinball player around. The movie features cameos from artists like Tina Turner, Elton John, and even Jack Nicholson. Throughout the story, we see the difficult, even gruesome events of Tommy’s life and how he presses on through his love of pinball. And, of course, the soundtrack is phenomenal. The movie earned distinction, including two Oscar nominations.
2. The Kids Are Alright (1979)
The 1979 film, The Kids Are Alright, is a documentary—or, rockumentary—about The Who, which includes footage from concerts and interviews of the band members conducted from 1964 to 1978. It also bears the distinction of featuring the band’s final concert with drummer Keith Moon, which was filmed in May of 1978, just three months before Moon died from issues with drugs and alcohol.
3. Quadrophenia (1979)
If you didn’t get enough rock opera from the band in 1975, then this movie is for you. Based, at least loosely, on The Who’s album of the same name, Quadrophenia, which isn’t a musical and doesn’t feature the group, is about a culture clash. It’s the classic mundane work versus the explosive sense of self-expression.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
More Features
-
30th January 1969: British rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, England. Drummer Ringo Starr sits behind his kit. Singer/songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 – 2001) stands behind them. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Express/Express/Getty Images) -
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Keith Urban performs during "The Songs Of John Farnham, The Celebration Concert" at Rod Laver Arena on September 20, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images) -
3rd September 1968: American psychedelic rock band, The Doors during a press conference at Heathrow Airport, London (left to right); drummer John Densmore, keyboard player Ray Mansarek, vocalist Jim Morrison (1943 – 1971) and guitarist Robby Krieger. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) -
Australian-American singer, songwriter, author, actress, and activist Helen Reddy (1941 – 2020), 1975. (Photo by Tony Russell/Redferns) -
Original Caption) : 1980-Pop singer Linda Ronstadt is shown singing on stage, holding the microphone stand. She wears a gingham shirt with a tie front and askirt with flowers on it in this waist-up portrait. (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images) -
Tears for Fears – Koninklijk Circus – Brussel – Belgium – 21/04/1985 Roland Orzabal, Curt Smith Photo gie Knaeps -
The Rolling Stones at Desert Trip -
Pauk Simon 1965.© Chris Walter.