🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Carney
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 46min
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10 (216K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Boy starts a band to impress a girl, inadvertently creates a banger 80s soundtrack, and sails off into the rainy Irish Sea, hoping for a record deal and minimal seasickness.
🍿 Sing Street: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Conor’s World
In 1985 Dublin, 15-year-old Conor faces a turbulent home life due to his parents’ financial struggles and strained relationship. He’s forced to transfer to Synge Street CBS, a rough, inner-city public school. His older brother, Brendan, a college dropout, provides some solace with his encyclopedic knowledge of music.

The Inspiration: Raphina
Conor spots the enigmatic Raphina, an aspiring model, outside the school. To impress her, he impulsively claims to be in a band and invites her to star in their music video. Raphina agrees, setting Conor on a quest to actually form a band. He enlists the help of Darren and other school outcasts.

Forming Sing Street
Conor, now calling himself ‘Cosmo,’ gathers a group of musically inclined friends to form Sing Street. They start by covering Duran Duran but are encouraged by Brendan to write original songs. Cosmo and Eamon begin writing songs inspired by Raphina and their lives, blending influences from various 80s new wave bands.

Navigating Relationships and Dreams
Cosmo and Raphina develop a close bond as they shoot music videos and share their personal struggles. Raphina dreams of escaping to London to pursue modeling, while Cosmo uses the band as an outlet for his frustrations and a means to express himself creatively. They encourage each other to embrace a “happy-sad” outlook on life.

Facing Reality
As Sing Street gains popularity, Cosmo’s home life crumbles further. His parents announce their separation, shattering Brendan’s already fragile aspirations. Meanwhile, Raphina reveals her own troubled past, including a difficult relationship with an older boyfriend and a strained family situation.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo): A 15-year-old Dublin boy who starts a band to impress a girl and escape his troubled home life.
- Raphina (Lucy Boynton): An enigmatic aspiring model who inspires Conor to form his band and pursue his artistic ambitions.
- Brendan (Jack Reynor): Conor’s older brother, a college dropout and music enthusiast, who mentors and encourages him in his musical pursuits.
- Eamon (Mark McKenna): A multi-talented musician and Conor’s closest friend, who helps him write songs and form the band.
- Brother Baxter (Don Wycherley): The strict and authoritarian headmaster of Synge Street CBS, who clashes with Conor’s rebellious spirit.
- Robert (Aidan Gillen): Conor’s father, struggling with financial difficulties and marital problems, impacting the family’s stability.
- Barry (Ian Kenny): A school bully who initially torments Conor but later becomes the band’s roadie, showcasing character development.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Brendan: “Rock ‘n’ Roll is a risk. You risk being ridiculed.” – Brendan advises Conor about the courage required to express oneself through music and to be different.
- Brendan: “No woman can truly love a man who listens to Phil Collins.” – Brendan shares his strong (and humorous) opinion on music taste and its impact on romantic relationships.
- Raphina: “You have to go halfway to meet it, do you know what I mean? When it comes to art, you can’t go halfway.” – Raphina encourages Conor to fully commit to his art and not hold back, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication.
- Conor: “It’s like, when you don’t know someone, they’re more interesting. They can be anything you want them to be. But when you know them, there’s limits to them.” – Conor reflects on the allure of the unknown and the inevitable limitations that come with familiarity in relationships.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4 million
- Domestic Gross: $3.2 million
- Worldwide Gross: $13.6 million
💥 Sing Street Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely adored Sing Street! As someone who grew up in the 80s, the music and fashion immediately took me back. I loved Conor’s journey of self-discovery and how he used music to express himself. The scene where they’re filming the ‘Riddle of the Model’ video is pure joy, and the ending, though a bit ambiguous, left me feeling hopeful. I was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. Definitely a feel-good movie I’ll watch again and again. It also made me want to start a band.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Lovers of 1980s music and culture”
- “Viewers who appreciate heartwarming and optimistic films”
- “Those interested in Irish cinema”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Teen drinking”
- “Brief depiction of domestic abuse”
- “Some suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Sing Street expertly blends coming-of-age awkwardness with the vibrant energy of 80s music, crafting a film that’s both heartwarming and hilarious. The soundtrack is infectious, and the young cast delivers surprisingly strong performances, making it a must-see for music lovers.
- Rolling Stone: “John Carney delivers another musical gem, this time set against the backdrop of 1980s Dublin. Sing Street is a sweet, funny, and surprisingly poignant story about finding your voice and chasing your dreams, with a killer soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seat.
- The Guardian: “Sing Street is an absolute joy. The film perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s while exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo is captivating as Conor, and the original songs are fantastic. A triumph.
Audience Reactions
The music is incredible, especially the original songs.: Viewers praised the nostalgic 80s soundtrack and the original songs’ catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics.
The movie is relatable and heartwarming.: Audiences appreciated the film’s honest portrayal of teenage struggles and the characters’ genuine connection.
Overall Consensus: Sing Street is a heartwarming and nostalgic coming-of-age story with a fantastic soundtrack and charming performances, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Awards
- Irish Film & Television Award (Best Actor in a Supporting Role)- 2016
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director John Carney drew heavily from his own experiences growing up in Dublin in the 1980s, including attending a strict Christian Brothers school and starting a band to impress a girl.”
- “Ferdia Walsh-Peelo’s father and uncles attended the real Synge Street Christian Brothers School, adding a personal connection to the film.”
- “The original songs in the film were co-written by Gary Clark, a veteran composer from the 1980s, lending authenticity to the film’s musical landscape.”
🖥️ How to Watch Sing Street?
Sing Street is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, and for purchase or rental on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Sing Street, you might like these similar films:
- The Commitments (1991): A fellow Irish film about forming a band amidst economic hardship, focusing on soul music instead of new wave.
- Once (2007): Also directed by John Carney, it shares the theme of music as a means of connection and escape, with a raw, intimate feel.
- Almost Famous (2000): A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1970s rock music, exploring similar themes of self-discovery and artistic passion.
- School of Rock (2003): Features a protagonist using rock music as a transformative tool, though with a comedic, lighthearted approach.
🛒 Sing Street Related Products
- Sing Street (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the magic of Sing Street with the complete original motion picture soundtrack. Featuring iconic 80s hits and original songs by the band, this album is a must-have for any fan.
- Sing Street Movie Poster Print: This high-quality poster print captures the essence of Sing Street, with its vibrant colors and iconic imagery. Perfect for decorating your room and showing off your love for the movie.
- 80s Retro Sunglasses: Channel the look of Sing Street with these retro 80s sunglasses. Inspired by the film’s iconic fashion, these shades will add a touch of cool to any outfit.
- Sing Street Limited Edition Blu-Ray: Own a piece of Sing Street history with this limited edition Blu-Ray. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and deleted scenes, this is the ultimate collector’s item for true fans.
🎧 Soundtrack
Sing Street features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “To Find You” – performed by Sing Street
- “Up” – performed by Sing Street
- “Drive It Like You Stole It” – performed by Sing Street
- “Rio” – performed by Duran Duran
- “Take on Me” – performed by a-ha
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Sing Street is a coming-of-age story set in 1980s Dublin, following a teenager who starts a band to impress a girl and escape his troubled home life.
Sing Street was filmed in Dublin, Ireland, capturing the essence of 1980s Dublin.
Sing Street was directed by John Carney, known for other music-themed films like ‘Once’ and ‘Begin Again’.
The soundtrack features a blend of 1980s new wave hits from bands like Duran Duran, The Cure, and original songs written in the style of that era.
While not strictly autobiographical, Sing Street is inspired by director John Carney’s own experiences growing up in Dublin in the 1980s.
🔥 Bonus Content
Bùllies Don’t Realize That Making This Geeky Guy Angry is a Big Mistake l Movie Recap
If you’re curious about the heartwarming story and compelling characters of Sing Street, this recap will give you the essential details you need to know without spoiling the movie’s surprises.
Everything GREAT About Sing!
Prepare to appreciate Sing even more after watching this video that points out its best qualities. CinemaWins has a knack for finding the hidden gems that make movies special, and Sing is no exception.
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