Why Watching Choir Films Might Be Your First Step to Joining One

There's something magical about singing with others. Whether it's the thrill of nailing a harmony, the warmth of belonging to something bigger than yourself, or simply the joy of making music with friends - choir singing enriches lives in countless ways.

If you've ever thought about joining a choir but haven't taken the plunge yet, you might be wondering: where do I even start?

Get Inspired: Watch Choirs in Action

The best way to catch the choir bug? Go and watch a live choir performance. There's nothing quite like experiencing the power of voices coming together in real time. The energy, the emotion, the sense of community - it's all right there in front of you. Check out local concerts, church services, or community performances. You'll quickly see, hear and learn why so many people are joining choirs.  

But if you can't get to a live performance right away, the next best thing to build some motivation to take that first step might be to watch a movie about choirs. Choir films come in all shapes and sizes, they can capture the humour, heart, and humanity of singing together. They show the transformative power of music, the bonds formed in rehearsal rooms, and those spine-tingling moments when everything clicks into place. They might just be the inspiration you need to finally take that first step.

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On at cinemas now: The Choral

Last Friday I went to see a brand-new choir film: The Choral. Directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Alan Bennett, this moving story is set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Ramsden during the First World War. It follows an ambitious local choral society as they face an uncertain future and rediscover the joy of singing, joined by a group of newly recruited teenagers. Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes stars as the demanding German choirmaster determined to lead them to success.

This particular film focuses on a choral society, and whilst there are now many different kinds of choirs across the UK, the film included all the elements we love about choir stories: the need to find community,  the moments of connection, and the power of music and the need for everyone to pull together to deliver something magical. Well worth watching at cinemas.

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Five More Brilliant Choir Films to Watch‍

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While you're in the mood for musical inspiration, here are five other outstanding choir films that celebrate everything we love about singing together:

Sister Act (1992)

Perhaps the most famous of all choir films, Sister Act follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, played by the incomparable Whoopi Goldberg, as she goes into hiding in a convent. There she transforms a struggling group of nuns into a joyful gospel choir that takes the world by storm. The mix of pop, soul, and sacred harmonies makes this one of the most iconic choir movies of all time.

What makes it inspiring: It shows how the right energy and enthusiasm can transform any group—and how singing together creates instant community, even among the most unlikely people.

Fun fact: The film's choir scenes were so popular they inspired a real-life musical, Sister Act: The Musical, now performed around the world.

Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV

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Les Choristes (The Chorus) (2004)

Set in post-war France, this beautiful film tells the story of a failed musician who becomes a supervisor at a boys' boarding school and discovers the healing power of music. He forms a choir with the students, changing their lives and his own. It's beautifully filmed and filled with emotional, angelic choir music—the main theme "Vois sur ton chemin" became a global hit.

What makes it inspiring: It demonstrates how music can reach people when nothing else can, and how patient guidance helps voices flourish. Many singers say this film is what made them want to join a choir.

Fun fact: The boys' choir in the film, Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc, toured internationally after the movie's release.

Where to watch: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or on DVD with subtitles

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As It Is in Heaven (2004)

This Oscar-nominated Swedish gem follows world-famous conductor Daniel Daréus, who retreats to his childhood village to recover from burnout. In his home village, which seems frozen in time, he ends up leading the local church choir. Through bonding over new music, the villagers find confidence, love, and fresh energy that takes them on an unexpected journey.

What makes it inspiring: It beautifully captures the vulnerability of sharing your voice and the deep bonds that form in rehearsal rooms. It reminds us that choir isn't just about singing—it's about personal growth and connection.

Fun fact: The closing song, "Gabriella's Song," became a choir favourite and is still sung by ensembles across Europe.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play

Boychoir (2015)

Starring Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, and Eddie Izzard, Boychoir tells the story of a troubled young boy with a remarkable voice who joins an elite American boys' choir. Under the direction of a demanding conductor, he learns discipline, teamwork, and the transformative power of music.

What makes it inspiring: It's a compelling look at how choir membership can provide structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging—especially for those who need it most. The dedication and artistry on display might inspire you to take your own singing more seriously.

Fun fact: The film's choir recordings were made with the real-life American Boychoir School before it closed in 2017.

Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube Movies

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Military Wives (2020)

Based on a true story, Military Wives follows a group of women on a British army base who come together to form a choir while their partners are serving overseas. The film stars Kristin Scott Thomas as the perfectionist choir leader Kate and Sharon Horgan as the more laid-back, pop-loving Lisa. Their very different approaches lead to clashes, laughter, and eventually, a beautiful sense of unity.

What makes it inspiring: It shows how singing together can lift people out of isolation and create powerful support networks. The film celebrates the community spirit at the heart of every choir, demonstrating how music strengthens resilience and connects hearts across distance and uncertainty.

Fun fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Military Wives Choirs, which started in 2010 and have now grown to over 70 choirs worldwide, uniting hundreds of women through song.

Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV

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Have Choir Movies Inspired you to Find Your Choir?

Watching these films is wonderful, but nothing compares to the real experience. If you're feeling inspired - and we hope you are - it's time for you to take that next step.  Our recommendation is to catch your next local choir performance, and talk to members after about their experiences of being in a choir.  This will help you start thinking about what kind of choir might be right for you.

With Choirslist we’re working to make it incredibly easy to find a choir that's perfect for you. Whether you're looking for a choral society as featured in The Choral, a casual community choir, a gospel group, a small classical ensemble, or something completely different, we've helped over thousand singers connect directly with choir organisations in 2025, and many have found their perfect musical home through this free service.

You don't need to be a professional singer. You don't need to read music. You just need to love singing and want to be part of a community, and together make something special.

After all, the best choir film is the one you're starring in yourself.

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