Has this ever happened to you? You’re watching a TV show or a movie and find yourself grooving along to the soundtrack. Before you know it, it’s taken over your daily life; sometimes you’re humming at work or on your commute. So you go online to add them to your playlist, and what do you find? They’re fictional! Now you’re left wishing you could buy concert tickets to see a band that doesn’t even exist.
That’s how most people felt after watching the brand new Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters (2025). The members of the fictional girl group HUNTR/X are glamorous pop stars by day and supernatural fighters by night. Think if Buffy the Vampire Slayer were to meet K-pop legends Twice. We were all drawn in by HUNTR/X’s engaging music videos, incredible choreography, and fierce chic aesthetic. Our hearts sank when we realized that while HUNTR/X had original music, they weren’t a real band—even though they left a real mark on us.
Here are 10 fictional bands (and a few solo acts) we’d love to see cross over from the reel world to real life, and where you can watch them in action!
The Archies
The Archies (2023)
For those who grew up in the ‘90s, The Archies were a staple. The gang has been through countless adventures together, both in and out of Riverdale. In Archie’s Weird Mysteriess (1999), they solved supernatural mysteries, but that’s not all. They’ve time traveled, gone to space, and even witnessed alternate futures. Amidst this, one of the most iconic things the group is known for is their band, fittingly named The Archies. In fact, their fictional song “Sugar, Sugar” hit #1 on the Billboard charts in real life!
So it’s no surprise that Bollywood decided to give these beloved characters a new life in 2023. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, The Archies, launched a group of next-gen actors in their debut film. The movie also includes a version of the band, though this time Archie Andrews is the frontman, while the other members of the original gang cheer him on.
Julie and the Phantoms
Julie and the Phantoms (2021)
In this underrated Netflix gem produced by Kenny Ortega (of High School Musical and Descendants fame), our main girl Julie teams up with the ghosts of three former band members to form their own group named Julie and the Phantoms. Normally, no one can see or hear the ghosts, but when they play music, they suddenly become visible. The audience thinks it’s just a trick, but the reality is far cooler.
Before their deaths, the trio were in a band called Sunset Curve. Julie and the Phantoms bring pop-rock anthems, as well as emotional ballads, giving them a well-rounded discography. Songs like “Unsaid Emily” and “Edge of Great” all have chart-topping potential. With their music and stage presence, they’d absolutely work as a real band.
Charmz
The Barbie Diaries (2006)
Does it even surprise anyone that Barbie is the frontwoman of a pop-rock band? In The Barbie Diaries, Charmz starts off as a garage band, casually procrastinating on practice but ends up with some hits by the time their school dance comes around. Songs like “This Is Me” and “Note to Self” are foot-tapping, charming tracks with lyrics about finding your voice.
Beyond the music, the movie also highlights the importance of staying true to yourself and the power of friendship (in true Barbie fashion!)
Magik
Rock On!! (2008)
Rock on!! gave us a group of friends who came together to form the fictional rock band Magik. Formed in 1998, Magik allowed the four friends to chase their musical dreams. On their journey, they face conflicts and tensions which forces them to break up and go their separate ways. Ten years later, fate reunites them, and they rediscover their passion for music aided by their dying friend’s last wish.
Magik’s music crafts the perfect balance between raw and upbeat sound. If they were a real band, there is no doubt that they’d be headlining every indie rock festival in India and abroad.
Lemonade Mouth
Lemonade Mouth (2011)
A classic Disney Channel movie, Lemonade Mouth brings five high school misfits together in detention, where they start a band to spark a musical rebellion. Think, The Breakfast Club meets The Black Eyed Peas. With 10 original songs on the soundtrack, Lemonade Mouth was one of the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies to air. Tracks like “Determinate” and “Breakthrough” were released as singles and charted on the Billboard Hot 100 list.
Lemonade Mouth would stand out effortlessly in today’s alt-pop landscape, with music that not only gets people dancing, but also songs with deeper messages about equality, standing up for one’s beliefs, and fighting for what’s right.
Josie and the Pussycats
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Also a part of the Archie Comics Universe, the titular band in Josie and the Pussycats are a three-member group who rocked leopard prints, cat ears, and electric guitars. The 2001 film has emerged as a cult classic thanks to its catchy songs, campy aesthetic, MTV-style music videos, and a storyline that’s part satire and part social commentary.
Josie, Melody, and Valerie are launched into sudden stardom and have to navigate the shady music industry while trying to keep their friendship intact. Songs like “3 Small Words,” “Pretend to Be Nice,” and “Spin Around” were extremely well received, selling 500,000 copies. The world needs more fierce and glamorous girl groups like Josie and the Pussycats who can do it all while staying unapologetically true to themselves.
Daisy Jones & The Six
Daisy Jones & The Six (2023)
Set in the 1970s, Daisy Jones & The Six follows the rise and fall of the fictional band of the same name. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, their raw lyrics, authentic music, and on-stage chemistry would allow Daisy Jones & The Six to thrive as a real band today.
Their full-length fictional album, Aurora, features 11 original songs specially written for the Amazon Prime series. The lines between fiction and reality were blurred when Aurora was nominated for a Grammy! The band would definitely sell out stadiums and amass a global following if they were to tour today.
August Moon
The Idea of You (2024)
A British boy band that’s a global pop sensation. Sound familiar? I never thought we’d see another boy band of One Direction’s calibre, but that’s exactly what August Moon from The Idea of You is. They’re the kind of boy band the real world would devour—they’re charismatic, talented, and have the kind of charm that would make them go instantly viral on social media.
The film features 11 original songs, performed by the fictional band and released as an album. August Moon goes one step further by setting up a real Instagram profile, making it harder and harder to separate reel from real.
Jesse and the Rippers
Full House (1987-1995)
Everyone’s favourite uncle, Uncle Jesse, had star quality the moment he appeared on our screens to help raise his brother-in-law’s three daughters, along with their best friend Joey on Full House. When he wasn’t obsessing over his hair or wooing his love interest Becky, Jesse was the frontman of the band, Jesse and the Rippers. The Rippers even made it big in Japan, making an appearance in Fuller House (2016-2020) as well. Their cover of “Forever” remains a fan favourite years later and is worthy of being on a wedding playlist.
Jesse and the Rippers’ sweet, sincere, nostalgic charm (and great hair!) gives them all the ingredients to succeed as a real band—and they would probably be opening for The Beach Boys.
Best Of The Rest: Solo Performers That Need A Record Deal IRL
Though these musicians aren’t a part of traditional bands, they’ve made a strong impression on the audience.
- Christopher Wilde is the classic teen heartthrob from the Disney Channel movie Starstruck (2010). Though he is a pop sensation with thousands of crazed fans, he is also just a teenager who wants to create music that shows his vulnerability. If he were a real artist, he'd be headlining world tours and hosting stripped-down unplugged sessions from his home.
- Though Aashiqui 2 (2013) had a tragic ending, the main characters, Rahul and Aarohi were singing sensations. With versatile music, they’d dominate the charts either with their own studio albums or by singing playback for Bollywood movies. Rahul and Aarohi mirror Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, a duo that delivers music that tugs on heartstrings.
- Then there’s Jordan from Rockstar (2011) and Ayan from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)—both tortured artists played by Ranbir Kapoor—who use their emotional turmoil and heartbreak as creative fuel. If they were real musicians, they’d be famous for their raw intensity and hauntingly beautiful music; the kind that becomes the go-to soundtrack to cry to after a breakup (we’ve all done it!)
Where To Watch These Fictional Bands Movies And TV Shows Online
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in India, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
