2007 Hit Drama Film, Starring '90s Rocker, Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time'
In 2007, a film made history for its beautiful soundtrack and rock-star lead.
Rotten Tomatoes ranked the 300 best films ever made, compiling a list of the greatest works in cinema history. Ranked among classic films such as Christopher Nolan's 2008 film The Dark Night at No. 155 and Wolfgang Petersen's 1981 film, Das Boot at No. 153, John Carney's 2007 film Once secured the No. 154 spot.
Released on January 20, 2007, at the Sundance Film Festival, Once became a culturally impactful film. In May 2007, the movie had its U.S. theatrical release, which introduced the project to a wider audience and significantly increased its exposure.
Once was considered a "sleeper" hit, with its popularity taking off after positive word-of-mouth reviews and critical acclaim. In total, the film grossed over $20 million worldwide-an impressive feat for a project with a budget of only $150,000.
Aside from its commercial success, the film's stunning musical score was recognized at the 80th annual Academy Awards, taking home the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly." The film also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album.
The film starred Glen Hansard, the '90s Irish rock star and frontman of the band The Frames, as the lead character, Guy. Director John Carney, a former bassist for The Frames, cast Hansard after Cillian Murphy dropped out of the project. Following the release of six albums with his band, Hansard was able to add actor, Academy Award winner and Grammy nominee to his credentials.
Once is a musical romance that follows the story of a struggling street performer and a Czech immigrant pianist as they push one another to pursue their passions. The film is an intimate take on romance and musical connection. Combined with its tender soundtrack, Once has gone down in history as one of the most impactful musical films ever made.
Today, Once continues to make waves in popular culture. After closing on Broadway in 2015, the film's Tony-winning musical adaptation is expected to return with a reimagining at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre later this year.
Related: 2008 Modern Silent Film, Which Was a Box Office Hit, Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time'
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 3:10 PM.