Few genres can match the sheer energy and spectacle of a great movie musical. When done right, they’re the ones that externalize our emotions as we follow the characters that feel so openly and honestly. Wowing us with the artistry of stellar visuals and heartfelt writing, the best musicals don’t just entertain, they transport viewers into their magically abstract world where every moment is larger than life.
Of course, what makes or breaks a movie musical are its songs. Whether they’re electrifying dance numbers or emotional ballads, they are the conduits of our storytelling experience. Without good songs, it’s just a regular old movie. And luckily, there are some musical movies that never drop the ball. Indeed, from start to finish, every single song is a smash hit. No skips whatsoever. It’s a rare phenomenon, but not impossible. Let’s hope more can follow in their footsteps.
10’West Side Story' (2021)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Set in the 1950s, the New York City streets are divided by two rival gangs, the White Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, both of which are determined to gain control of their crumbling neighborhood. But among all the chaos, a forbidden love story grows. Though who’s to say that Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria’s (Rachel Zegler) relationship can mend the wounds of the city?
Asa remake of an already beloved musical,West Side Storywas already blessed with some legendary songs. Between “Jet Song”, “Tonight”, “America”, and “I Feel Pretty” — this soundtrack had you dancing and crying all within five minutes of each other. What made this version such a stellar reinvention, however, was the phenomenal cinematography and how it elevated the scale and vibrance of every musical sequence. Of course, it also helps when you’ve got powerhouse performers such as Rachel Zegler,Ariana DeBose, andMike Faistleading the ship.
West Side Story
9’Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' (1953)
Directed by Howard Hawks
Traveling to Paris to marry her wealthy fiancé, Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) goes on a transatlantic cruise with her fellow showgirl friend, Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell). On board, the two have the time of their lives, enjoying the company of numerous doting admirers, as well as a rich, enamored old man. Little do they know, Lorelei’s soon-to-be-father-in-law has sent a private detective to keep a sharp eye on her.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondesmay not have as many songs as the rest of the movie musicals on this list, but let’s not deny the film its flowers. If anything, it makes it even more impressive, since each song is a true hit. Laced with classic 1950s orchestral charm, both Monroe and Russell entice audiences (on and off-screen) with exciting numbers like “A Little Girl From Little Rock”, “Bye Bye Baby” and “Ain’t There Anyone Here for Love”. And let’s not forgetMonroe’s iconic performanceof “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. That alone has become a quintessential moment in pop-culture history.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
8’Moulin Rouge!' (2001)
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
In France, 1899, a young poet named Christian (Ewan McGregor) leaves London to experience the bustling Bohemian world in Paris. There, he stumbles upon the city’s biggest nightclub, the Moulin Rouge, and quickly falls in love with its star courtesan, Satine (Nicole Kidman).
Juke-box musicals can be pretty polarizing for the average audience. And yet, no one can help but obsess over the epicness ofMoulin Rouge’s soundtrack. With its bold remixes of iconic musical and pop hits, every number is a showstopper, whether you’re listening to “Roxanne”, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” or emotional ballads like “Come What May”. Indeed, what sets this movie apart —other than beingthe quintessential Baz Luhrmann film—is its sheer commitment to bombastic storytelling as it shifts from an electrifying spectacle to a heartbreaking tragedy. Plus, this is the film that gave us “Lady Marmalade”, which is a major achievement in itself.
Moulin Rouge!
7’Sound of Music' (1965)
Directed by Robert Wise
Set in 1930 Austria, young Maria (DameJulie Andrews) is determined to fulfill her childhood dreams of becoming a nun, even as her chipper temperament gets her in occasional trouble. Wanting to ensure she chooses the life that is right for her, the Reverend Mother sends Maria to become the governess of seven motherless children. There, she meets the VonTrapp family and their stern Navy father, Captain Georg VonTrapp (Christopher Plummer).
As one ofthe most beloved golden-age musicalsof all time,The Sound of Musichas become a timeless classic that’s often played in homes across generations. As a result, there’s no denying how recognizable their musical numbers are. Between “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, “My Favorite Things” and “Edelweiss”, this film forges a roller coaster of emotions, filled with joy, love, and drama. And of course, it’s steered masterfully by the legendary Andrews who talents know no bounds. Better still, it is through these iconic songs that audiences witness the beauty of blooming love, both familial and romantic. A true comfort film, no matter the time of year.
The Sound of Music
6’Mamma Mia' (2008)
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd
Independent hotelier, Donna (Meryl Streep), is determined to give her daughter the wedding of her dreams, even if her Greek paradise slowly crumbles before her. Little does she know, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has a plan of her own: to find out who her biological father truly is, even if it means inviting three of her mother’s former beaus to the wedding — all behind her back.
Few musicals radiate pure joy, and yet, there’sMamma Miawhojust so happens to be one of them. Powered by ABBA’s timeless hits, this sun-soaked spectacle is all about celebrating love, friendship, and self-discovery. One minute you’ll be spinning in your living room to “Dancing Queen” and the next, you’ll be sobbing your heart out to “Slipping Through My Fingers”. Either way,this is a comfort movie for the ages. Not only will you be up on your feet, but you’ll also be gawking at the stars that shine across the screen. Let’s hopethere really is a third oneto end this trilogy with a bang.
5’The Rocky Horror Picture Show' (1975)
Directed by Jim Sharman
Newly engaged couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), find themselves stranded on a stormy night, thanks to a flat tire. Lucky for them, a nearby mansion owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) —a transvestite scientist—soon becomes their bizarre place of refuge.
Asa true cult classic,The Rocky Horror PictureShowis a musical that refuses to play by the rules. It’s camp, it’s electrifying, it’s a genre-defying spectacle. Just listen to iconic hits that line their soundtrack, from “Time Warp”, “Sweet Transvestite” and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me”. Everything is just as playful as it is provocative, and that’s exactly what we love to hear. There’s truly no musical movie as fearless, nor boundary-pushing than this.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
4’Aladdin' (1992)
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
Dreaming of the day he’ll make enough money to escape his current lifestyle on the streets, Aladdin’s (Scott Weinger) life is brightened when he meets and falls in love with Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin). Unfortunately for him, his lowly status forbids their union. Luckily, after a strange turn of events, Aladdin discovers a magical lamp that holds the all-powerful Genie (Robin Williams) who can grant three special wishes.
Where any Disney animation could’ve found itself on this list,Aladdinstands out among the rest with its effortless entertaining prowess. Indeed, with dazzling animation and powerhouse performances, it almost seems selfish for it to deliver banger after banger. And yet, they do. From the glorious energy of “One Jump”, to Williams' scene-stealing “Friend Like Me”, to the heartwarming love ballad “A Whole New World”,Aladdinpacks a punch. It’s no wonder why it remains to be one ofDisney’s most celebrated (and almost perfect) filmsof all time.
3’The Greatest Showman' (2017)
Directed by Michael Gracey
Filled with ambition and a great amount of imagination, PT Barnum (Hugh Jackman) rises from rags to riches as he creates a world-famous spectacle on the circus stage. But no matter how high he climbs, it doesn’t appear to be enough, even if his choices risk all that he’s achieved — including the well-being of his own family.
While the film takes plenty of creative liberties with the life story ofits controversial protagonist, there’s no denying howThe Greatest Showmantruly shines in its songs and showmanship. Indeed, every number is staged as a mass spectacle, with its wondrous blend of pop and theatricality enticing audiences to keep the film on repeat. “This is Me”, “Rewrite the Stars”, “Never Enough”, “Come Alive” — one after the other is all hit after hit, especially when it’s coupled with energetic choreography and charismatic performers. So whether you buy into its glossy take on history, you must at least give credit where it’s due. The film did in fact produce a feel-good, endlessly fun extravaganza.
The Greatest Showman
2’Hairspray' (2007)
Directed by Adam Shankman
Set in 1960s Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) catapults to unexpected stardom after she achieves her dreams of becoming a dancer on her favorite program, The Corny Collins Show. But not everyone is overjoyed with her sudden casting, a phenomenon that seemingly grows more apparent as she begins to use her new voice to fight back against the racial discrimination faced by her new friends.
From the moment the film kicked off with the infectious “Good Morning Baltimore”, it was clear thatHairspraywas going to be a musical that was ready to deliver non-stop energy, color, and joy. And boy, were we right. Between “Nicest Kids in Town”, “Run and Tell That”, “Without Love”, and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”, this is one of the few musicals where it’s hard to pinpoint the best song on the list. Indeed, everything is laced with a vibrant, larger-than-life quality that only makes the movie more entertaining, comforting, and insightful. It’s rare for a musical to achieve such a good balance, but alas, here we are with this iconic flick that’sarguably better than its stage show.
1’Chicago' (2002)
Directed by Rob Marshall
Roxie Hart’s (Renée Zellweger) dreams of becoming a Vaudville star quickly turn for the worst after she murders her lover. Placed on death row, she soon finds herself in a rivalry with famed singer and fellow prison-mate, Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), as they both vie for the attention of the press, hoping it’ll save them from the gallows ahead.
Bringing audiences into the sultry world of Bob Fosse and razzle-dazzle,Chicagoshines in its depiction of the roaring twenties with a slick and stylish blend of crime, fame, and corruption. With a stellar cast bringing its story to life, this film oozes charisma and theatricality. Between “All That Jazz”, “We Both Reached for the Gun”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “When You’re Good to Mama”, each number expertly blurs the conventions of stage and screen, forging a new cinematic world that’s just as dynamic as it is intriguing. Taking us on a thrilling ride from start to finish,Chicagogives us a dark story of greed and betrayal that never sounded so good. No wonderit has the accolades to prove it.
