The 10 Greatest Musical Movies Worth Watching Over and Over, Ranked
While movie musicals like Wicked are still being made these days, they’ve certainly garnered a not-so-positive reputation. In fact, some recent movie musicals like Wonka and Mean Girls hid their musical side altogether in the trailers just to get viewers’ butts into theaters. But while today’s audience might not admire movie musicals as they once did, these films can be a delight; a treasure trove of music, dance, joy, and, of course, storytelling.
Over the years, countless movie musicals have managed to move viewers, both emotionally and physically, making them get up and dance. Of course, everyone has their favorite. From 2008’s Mamma Mia! to Grease from 1978, these are films that all make a case: movie musicals have their place in cinema.
10
‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd
With endlessly catchy songs from Swedish pop band ABBA, 2008’s Mamma Mia! is a hard one to get out of your head. Starting in London’s West End before making its way to the big screen, the feel-good movie musical tells the story of a young bride-to-be named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), as she invites her mom Donna’s (Meryl Streep) three exes to her wedding in Greece to find out who her biological dad is. With comedic gold performances from Donna’s best friends Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters), the musical is almost like a front row seat to what happens when Hollywood’s best actors come together and let loose.
Plus, the movie’s filled with heartwarming moments too. The “Slipping Through My Fingers” number, where Donna helps Sophie get ready for the wedding, went down in history as one of the most tear-jerking mother-daughter scenes in history. Then, not five scenes later, Streep made viewers cry with her rendition of “The Winner Takes It All” alongside the one and only Pierce Brosnan. It’s one of the catchiest movie musicals out there, and it’s as emotional (and star-studded!) as it gets.
9
‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
If viewers thought having three potential baby daddies on a Greek island was chaotic enough, then they’ve never seen Bax Luhrmann‘s Moulin Rouge! The 2001 musical, with Nicole Kidman as the delicate and yet irresistible Satine and Ewan McGregor as the sweet and naive Christian, is an explosion of colors, music and emotion. Plus, it’s John Leguizamo‘s best and funniest role as the hilarious Toulouse-Lautrec.
Featuring a jukebox soundtrack covering Madonna, Nirvana, and Elton John, turn-of-the-century Parisians have never felt so fun and alive. In each song, the sheer production value elevates each number from a performance to a true showstopper. From its most extravagant moments, like when viewers (and Christian) meet Satine for the first time in “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” to its most heartfelt moments, including “Your Song” and “Come What May,” this movie delivers on production, performance and downright maximalism. A musical for true musical lovers!
8
8
‘Grease’ (1978)
Directed by Randal Kleiser
There’s great chemistry onscreen, and then there’s the power that was John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton John in 1978’s Grease. As Sandy, John lit up the screen as she transformed before our eyes from a sweet and naive young girl to the red-hot bombshell who’s inspiring Halloween outfits to this day. After all, her line “Tell me about it, stud” has become a part of Hollywood history.
But it’s not just Travolta and John who make Grease worthwhile; the whole production comes together in a celebration of friendship, teenage love and being so young the world’s still your oyster. Some iconic moments from the movie include Stockard Channing‘s emotional rendition of “There Are Worst Things I Could Do,” Frankie Avalon‘s guest performance of “Beauty School Drop Out,” and, of course, John and Travolta’s sizzling finale duet, “You’re the One That I Want.”
7
7
‘West Side Story’ (1961)
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
When West Side Story was released in 1961, it made history. Not only did the modern Romeo and Juliet retelling win a whopping ten Academy Awards from its 11 nominations, including Best Picture to director Robert Wise, Best Actor to George Chakiris and Best Supporting Actress to Rita Moreno, but the movie musical featured topics like racism, immigration, and mixed relationships right at the center. If you ask us, there’s no further proof than this movie about the true power of music.
Set in 1950s New York, this star-crossed lovers’ tale tells a story by combining Leonard Bernstein’s sweeping score and Stephen Sondheim’s crisp lyrics. Through their music, viewers experience the innocence of first love with songs like “Tonight,” and the vibrant Puerto Rican community in “America.” While Shakespeare certainly inspired the story, West Side Story proved to be a reinterpretation well worth celebrating.
6
6
‘Chicago’ (2002)
Directed by Rob Marshall
While Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande certainly put up a good fight in Wicked, no female duo has quite lit up a musical like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger in Chicago. Taking place in the prohibition era of the 20s, Chicago tells the story of the fame-seeking Roxie Hart (Zellweger) as she lands in jail for the murder of her lover. There, she meets women who’ve all committed horrifying crimes of their own (like Zeta-Jones’ Velma), as well as partnering with the slick and charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) to prove her innocence.
The movie, which was adapted from the acclaimed Broadway musical, is stacked with musical numbers that show what the glitz and glamour of the 20s were all about. With songs like “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” “Roxie Hart,” and “Nowadays,” the musical gives one powerful musical performance after another, moving the story more than dialogue ever could. The stacked cast also includes John C. Reilly, Queen Latifah, Taye Diggs, Dominic West and Christine Baranski.
5
5
‘Cabaret’ (1972)
Directed by Bob Fosse
Cabaret, directed by the one and only Bob Fosse, was trailblazing in its own right. For starters, instead of using song and dance as an escape and distraction for audiences, Cabaret blended the glittering lights of the stage with dark political commentary. Set in Weimar-era Berlin on the brink of the Nazi regime, the musical provides a unique perspective into the decay and divisiveness of German society through the eyes of Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) at the iconic Kit Kat Klub.
In some musical numbers, including “Wilkommen” and “Money, Money,” Fosse uses music as a tool to highlight society’s greed, hedonism and denial of its own political decline. In other moments, like Minnelli’s breathtaking solo “Maybe This Time,” the movie gives an intimate view of a woman’s internal struggles, and her doubts about choosing her career over her relationships. All in all, Cabaret is incredibly successful as both a political movie and a musical one, blending both in a unique and genre-defying way.
4
4
‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)
Directed by Robert Wise
In another movie that expertly blends music with political commentary, Robert Wise‘s The Sound of Music, which is based on a true story, is another incredible movie musical that deserves a spot on this list. Starring the effortlessly elegant Julie Andrews in one of her most iconic roles, the musical tells the story of a young woman who becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain and his seven children. As she wins over the kids, and warms up the cold heart of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) himself, they find themselves having to flee their home country of Austria to escape Nazi occupation.
But while the movie’s political backstory certainly anchors it in reality, Andrews’ Maria becomes a beacon of hope and optimism. In songs like “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things,” she not only wins over the kids she’s looking after, but also the audience. She’s warm, bubbly, creative, and just joy personified. Her character, coupled with an impressive young cast and catchy tunes, make for one of the most heartwarming musicals ever made.
3
3
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986)
Directed by Frank Oz
Steve Martin as an eccentric and sadistic villain is certainly a highlight of 1986’s Little Shop of Horrors, but Martin’s hilarious performance is only the tip of the iceberg for this musical. After all, while Martin shines as the abusive dentist in this rare antagonist role for him, this musical is incredible in every nook and cranny. It follows shy flower shop clerk Seymour (Rick Moranis) as he buys a rare and exotic plant and finds himself in the middle of unprecedented fame, leading him down a path of no return.
As Seymour, Moranis is at his best, making viewers feel for him at every step, even if it means committing a crime or two. Plus, his unrequited love and chemistry for Aubrey (Ellen Greene) leaves fans begging for more. Acting aside, the soundtrack of Little Shop of Horrors has always deserved more attention. From “Skid Row,” and “Somewhere That’s Green,” to, of course, “Suddenly, Seymour,” this twisty musical has viewers singing, laughing and potentially in their feels too by the end.
2
2
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)
Directed by Jim Sharman
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is so camp, you might even think that’s where the term came from. Directed by Jim Sharman, the movie follows sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) as they get stuck with a flat tire during a storm, and find themselves at the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a gender-bending scientist. Once inside, Brad and Janet are in for an experience of a lifetime.
But it’s not just the kookiness of The Rocky Horror Picture Show that stuck with fans. In fact, Curry was absolutely fearless as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a character who went on to revolutionize the way gender, sexuality, and identity were represented in mainstream cinema. Seeing him in latex and fishnet tights might’ve been shocking for the audience back in the 70s, but he’s now become an icon of gender fluidity and sexual liberation, as well as an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, with songs like “Dammit Janet” and “Time Warp,” it’s another movie you won’t be able to get out of your head.
1
1
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)
Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Who would’ve thought that the best movie musical of all time happened to be the oldest? Well, arguably everyone who’s seen the absolute delight that is 1952’s Singin’ in the Rain might’ve had a nudge. After all, not only is the classic filled with memorable and timeless songs, but Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor are a trio that light up the screen. Together, through seemingly effortless singing, dancing, and even goofing around with their rain jackets, they deliver a performance that makes it impossible not to smile and sing-along.
Plus, Singin’ in the Rain sees true Hollywood masters at work. In Kelly’s iconic number “Singin’ in the Rain,” the late actor oozes charisma and talent, from his fingers, and his contagious smile to his tip-tapping toes. The same can be said about O’Connor’s performance in “Make ‘Em Laugh.” In the number, his character Cosmo parades around a movie set, and gives a masterclass of physical comedy all while interacting with fully inanimate set pieces. No matter how many decades have passed since its release, Singin’ in the Rain will always be the musical of all musicals.
- Release Date
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April 9, 1952
- Runtime
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103
- Director
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Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly
- Writers
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Adolph Green, Betty Comden
Cast
