Film: The Cult Classic "Almost Famous" Turns 25

Released between 13 and 22 September 2000, "Almost Famous" was a comedy drama film written and directed by Cameron Crowe, starring Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It tells the story of a teenage journalist, played by Fugit, writing for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 1970s, touring with the fictitious rock band Stillwater, and writing his first cover story on the band. The film was semi-autobiographical, as Crowe himself was a teenage writer for Rolling Stone.

At the time, the film performed poorly in theaters, grossing $47.4 million against a $60 million budget. It was widely acclaimed by critics and earned four Academy Award nominations, including a win for Best Original Screenplay. It also won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.  

Some critics such as Roger Ebert hailed it as the best film of the year and the ninth-best film of the 2000s. The film also won two Golden Globe Awards, one for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and another for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for Hudson.

The film has been widely regarded by some as a cult classic and in a 2016 international poll conducted by the BBC, Almost Famous was ranked the 79th greatest film since 2000, while it was ranked as the 47th best film of the 21st century in a 2025 poll by The New York Times. 

Crowe, based the screenplay on his own teenage years as a writer for Rolling Stone, crafted a story that felt both personal and universal. Started with William Miller, a wide-eyed teen who landed the gig of a lifetime: writing a cover story on an up-and-coming band, Stillwater, while navigating the highs and lows of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. The movie's warmth, humor, and keen observations about fame, family, and authenticity struck a chord with audiences and critics alike 25 years ago.

Crowe's work earned him the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s great chroniclers of human connection. The film also launched the careers of its young stars, particularly Patrick Fugit as William and Kate Hudson as the enigmatic Penny Lane. Hudson’s portrayal of the not-a-groupie-but-definitely-a-groupie character remains iconic, earning her an Oscar nomination and solidifying her as a star.

Almost Famous  was also notable for its smaller, yet equally memorable roles. Eric Stonestreet, who had a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo as Sheldon, a dryly humorous hotel clerk. Though the part consisted of just five lines, it marked a pivotal moment in Stonestreet’s career. At the time, he was an unknown actor, auditioning for roles that rarely led to anything significant.

Interestingly, Stonestreet initially read for the role of Lester Bangs, the eccentric music critic who serves as William’s mentor. That role eventually went to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose performance is considered one of the film’s highlights. Yet, Crowe and his casting team saw something in Stonestreet that they couldn’t ignore. "We're gonna find something for you," the casting director reportedly told him. And they did.

Another great aspects of Almost Famous  was of course its music. Crowe, a lifelong music enthusiast, infused the film with an authentic rock 'n' roll spirit. The fictional band Stillwater, whose journey forms the backbone of the story, felt so real that some viewers believed they were an actual 1970s group. Their hit song, "Fever Dog," was a masterful pastiche, blending the raw power of Led Zeppelin with the swagger of Ted Nugent.

The film's soundtrack was also a treasure trove of classic rock gems, featuring tracks from Simon & Garfunkel, Elton John, and The Who. But the original music, crafted by Crowe's then-wife Nancy Wilson (of Heart), added an extra layer of authenticity. Musicians like Peter Frampton and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready contributed to the project, lending it a level of credibility that few fictional bands achieve, that even two decades later, the music of Almost Famous continues to resonate. 

Even thought Almost Famous wasn't a box-office hit, its cultural impact has everlasted its initial run. It remains a touchstone for anyone who has ever felt the pull of music, the ache of growing up, or the thrill of chasing a dream. Crowe’s ability to weave humor, pathos, and a deep love of music into a cohesive narrative ensures that the film continues to resonate.

On its 25th anniversary, fans and critics alike are revisiting the film with fresh eyes. For some, it’s a reminder of their own youthful idealism, an introduction to a world they never knew existed. And for Crowe, it was a testament to the power of storytelling.