There are few things in life better than the two M's: music and movies. Well, no, that's not entirely true. I'm sure there are at least some things that can rival the brilliance of a great song and a good flick — chocolate chip cookie dough, a bouquet of tulips and Urban Outfitters’ every-so-often "50 percent off clearance items" sale come to mind. For the most part, though, plopping down for an hour and a half of cinematic glory centered on the brilliance of the music world is hard to top. Movies with a music theme — and I'm not talking musicals, though those are great, too — have been around for years, proving the continuing importance of music, specifically rock, in the cinematic world.

So, maybe it was the massive "Best Chick Flicks" countdown on the Style network that inspired my own sort of film countdown or the rocking show Jupiter Sunrise put on at Union South's Club 770 last Saturday, but I've been on a music-themed movie kick lately and have decided to take this opportunity to share some of what I consider to be the cream of the crop when it comes to great rock movies.

As I see it, there are three categories in which to place the many rock movies available for one's viewing pleasure. There are mainstream films, ones that were produced within a relatively contemporary timeframe. There are also totally unknown made-for-TV movies that are really only available on VHS or aired by VH1 or MTV at strange hours of the night on random Tuesdays. Regardless, they are rock-focused and worthy of attention. Finally, there are classic hits — music movies so good that people still watch and talk about them long after their original releases. We'll start with the best of the best in mainstream rock films:

"Almost Famous" (2000)

This film is hands-down my favorite, not just of rock films, but also of movies in general. William Miller (Patrick Fugit, "Saved") is a young teenager who lives out a stint with what might just be the most amazing job EVER. Posing as an older journalist, William spends a substantial amount of time following a rock band (Stillwater) as they tour across the country and is responsible for reporting the music and the mayhem for none other than Rolling Stone — and, as can be expected when dealing with oodles of rock stars, ends up learning lessons about love and life through sex, drugs, and, of course, rock and roll. "Almost Famous" boasts an amazing soundtrack featuring the likes of the Who, Cat Stevens and David Bowie, as well as one of the best scenes in rock film. When the whole entourage is shown on the tour bus singing Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" after a particularly heinous falling out, how can one not fall madly in love with the film and the experiences it portrays? The movie showcases an amazing cast and even better music, making Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" at the top of the Best Rock Films list.

"High Fidelity" (2000)

Based on Nick Hornby's book of the same title, "High Fidelity" follows Rob, a quirky record storeowner — so seamlessly played by John Cusack you'd think the role was made for him — through a mid-life crisis in which he realizes the complicated details of some of his most sordid breakups. While the film is more of a relationship comedy than solely rock movie, it deserves recognition for the following two reasons: first, the film's soundtrack features the Beta Band's "Dry the Rain," an incredibly infectious song that sticks with you long after hearing it for the first time. Secondly, in the film, Rob asks the following thought-demanding question, spurring much debate and conversation by music aficionados all over: "What came first, the music or the misery? … Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?" Food for thought, friends, food for thought.

Other great mainstream music movies are Tom Hanks’ "That Thing You Do" and the 1995 film "Empire Records," both of which feature actors Ethan Embry and Liv Tyler. The former follows a small-town band as it achieves national success in the 1964 American pop scene. The latter, something of a cult classic, tells the tale of a beloved independent music store facing its demise in the face of a big, bad corporate chain store. "Empire Records" masterfully blends a rock theme with several coming of age stories, making it relatable and fun to watch. Even more recently, "School of Rock" has presented itself as a humorous music-centered movie that brings young children into the mix of rock and roll.

While mainstream music films are easy to find, it is sometimes the elusive made-for-TV-movie that provides the best rock story. They often boast some sort of beyond-their-prime celebrity cameos and end up turning viewers on to new or unknown bands. Cases in point:

"Sweetwater: A True Rock Story" (1999)

I have to admit, I love Sweetwater — both the film and the actual band. The proud owner of the VHS and the "Best of Sweetwater" CD — both of which required extensive Internet searches and orders placed in California — I've been enthralled by the story told from the very beginning. Telling the tumultuous early history of the band that served as one of the openers to the original Woodstock, the film is masterfully woven, combining a fictional present-day story with facts from the past. The songs featured, all actual Sweetwater songs of course, are superb, and Amy Jo Johnson brilliantly coveys the vocal talent of the real Sweetwater lead, Nansi Nevins. In addition, the Mamas and the Papas member Michelle Phillips makes an appearance, making "Sweetwater: A True Rock Story" worth the effort to get your hands on.

"Mr. Music" (1998)

Chances are, you've never heard of this film. A TV film about Rob (Jonathan Tucker, "The Virgin Suicides"), a wiser-than-his-years kid, who is in an unbelievable order of events, is hired as the "talent director" of a floundering recording studio looking for press coverage. Turns out, Rob is much better at his job than expected. He "discovers" the real-life Canadian band Treble Charger (who, by the way, are extremely good and extremely, and unfortunately, unknown). "Mr. Music" is definitely on the cheesy side, but with Mick Fleetwood playing the head honcho of a failing studio and the infectious music of Treble Charger, any cliché qualities can be overlooked.

The aforementioned films would, in all likelihood, not be possible without the existence of some of the original, classic rock films. While there are many, I'd like to highlight two that feature a rock staple — the Beatles.

"Yellow Submarine" (1968)

I'm of the school of thought that, for the most part, the Beatles can do no wrong. This is why the animated "Yellow Submarine" deserves recognition as one of the best classic rock movies out there. In it, the Fab Four take on evil Blue Meanies and try to reinstate music, and the joy that comes with it, to the world. The cartoon versions of the actual musicians are surprisingly accurate in terms of mannerisms and personalities, which only adds to the film's impressiveness. And really, who doesn't like watching John, Paul, George and Ringo save the world with their rock-and-roll prowess?

"A Hard Day's Night" (1964)

Again, the Beatles put out damn-good films. "A Hard Day's Night" follows the foursome with an embellished "day in the life" sort of story that capitalizes on the Beatlemania madness of the 1960s. Serving as a backdrop for some of the group's early classics, "A Hard Day's Night" is a classic and continues to be one of the best rock films available to viewers.

Now, I know there are handfuls of other movies — mainstream, relatively unknown and classic — that are not discussed here. But I have a word limit and have, sadly, not seen every rock-based film ever created. The movies mentioned here are merely springboards from which you can jump to discover other great music films. So jump to it … "American Dreamz" hits theaters this Friday, and while it doesn't look as rock-heavy as I might like, any movie that spoofs “American Idol” can't be all bad.

Laura Stanelle is a sophomore planning to major in journalism. Tell her your favorite rock films at [email protected].