The Best Movie Musicals of All Time
From Hollywood’s golden age to the contemporary era, movie musicals have been a mainstay. Although the number produced has decreased significantly over the years, musicals still capture the hearts of many.
Thinking about the finest musicals ever made illuminates the unique and beautiful qualities that musicals offer audiences. Unlike other genres, musicals always require a suspension of disbelief, but they also allow audiences to escape into a world where we sing our feelings.
The best movie musicals of all time feature some of the industry’s most multi-talented performers and filmmakers. The films themselves remain engaging, entertaining, timeless jewels.
The Sound of Music (1965)
A musical masterpiece in every sense of the word, no other movie musical remains as beloved and successful as The Sound of Music. Indeed, the film still ranks third among the top-grossing films when adjusted for inflation.
Commercial success aside, The Sound of Music resides at the top of the greatest musical list for its impeccable performances, stunning locations, and incredible music by Rogers and Hammerstein. Songs such as “My Favorite Things,”” Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “So Long, Farewell” have become classics, while star Julie Andrews cemented herself as the queen of movie musicals.
The blend of songs that advance story and character development, the drama set during the onset of WWII, and the heartfelt family and love stories create a rich, compelling experience that never ages.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Gene Kelly and MGM’s crowing achievement, viewers consider Singin’ in the Rain the echelon of musical entertainment. This movie works so well thanks to its witty humor, extraordinary dance numbers, and four main stars: Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, and Jean Hagen.
One cannot help but watch in awe at the extraordinary dancing, especially the title song and dance number from Kelly, which appear effortless.
Moreover, its hilarious plot, which revolves around the transition from silent to talking motion pictures, adds to the movie’s fun-loving spirit and intelligent quality. Singin’ in the Rain proves to be one of the funniest, happiest, most colorful, and enjoyable musicals ever made.
West Side Story (1961)
This musical inspired by Romeo and Juliet proves that good stories can be told in different ways to miraculous results. With glorious music by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein and iconic choreography by Jerome Robbins, West Side Story takes that Shakespearean inspiration seriously while enriching the story with distinctive elements.
Filmmakers utilize a bold and symbolic color pallet to reflect the film’s emotions and complement each musical number. The story about Tony, Maria, and two rival gangs in New York City also gives viewers a moving and poignant look at the consequences of hate and intolerance.
With standout numbers such as “Tonight, Tonight,” “America,” and “Somewhere,” West Side Story demonstrates how to tell a compelling story through music and dance. This movie earned its just flowers, winning ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Chicago (2002)
Another acclaimed and lauded musical, Chicago, took the movie musical in dynamic new directions as far as story and style. Set in a 1920s world of jazz, liquor, and murder, Chicago has abundant energy and creativity and a stellar cast that includes Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones (who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar), and Richard Gere.
The inspired direction by Rob Marshall has each musical number play out inside each character’s head. Consequently, this allows for fantastic interpretations of each song, such as the high-energy “Cell Block Tango” and “We Both Reached for the Gun,” with that one including Gere controlling Zellweger’s words as if she’s a puppet.
The Best Picture winner continues to shine and stun diehard musical fans and everyday filmgoers alike.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Disney movies and musicals have gone hand in hand since the company’s inception, and Mary Poppins represents Walt Disney’s finest achievement. Though bringing the books by P.L. Travers to life proved to be difficult (as seen in the film Saving Mr. Banks), the results override any struggles.
Just like the character herself, the practically perfect in every way movie features a flawless blend of heartfelt story, memorable, exceptional songs by the Sherman Brothers, stunning production value, and terrific performances.
The finest musicals seamlessly blend story and song in entertaining and meaningful musical sequences. Mary Poppins has uplifting and delightful tunes such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and poignant songs like “Feed the Birds.” The latter was Walt Disney’s favorite song because of its all-encompassing messages about compassion and the importance of small acts of kindness.
Mary Poppins engages its audience with its musical qualities and touches their hearts.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
If Mary Poppins represents the best Disney musical in the Walt Disney era, Beauty and the Beast sits at the top of the post-Walt era list. Beyond the Disney company, Beauty and the Beast dazzles as one of the greatest overall musicals ever with its poignant narrative, gorgeous animation, and one phenomenal song after another by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
Many overlook animated musicals despite a film like Beauty and the Beast’s success. However, it deserves as much praise as any golden-age musical. It feels like a Broadway show and a beautiful fairy tale, all wrapped in one glorious package.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Masterful, timeless, and iconic, most viewers will consider seeing The Wizard of Oz a childhood rite of passage. Indeed, this MGM classic starring Judy Garland, based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book will frequently be the film people choose for non-musical fans or as an introduction to the genre.
The creative choice of shifting from sepia tone to vibrant Technicolor still astonishes, and the songs will always delight. Indeed, the mix of memorable characters with music that propels each plot point and character introduction creates a magical world.
Few films enter the cultural zeitgeist to the same level as The Wizard of Oz, whose songs, imagery, and quotes are known far and wide. It’s a film, let alone a musical, as seminal as they get.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway juggernaut became an equally mesmerizing movie musical thanks to Joel Schumacher’s stunning directing vision, luminous production design and cinematography, and exceptional performers. While it may have some critics from the absolute purists, The Phantom of the Opera captures the show’s spirit and beauty with appropriate grandeur.
From the moment we hear those first powerful and dramatic notes to each subsequent transcendent song, fans enter this world of love and obsession. Gerard Butler makes a stunning and emotive Phantom whose desire for the beautiful ingenue Christine (glorious Emmy Rossum) consumes him.
A film that seems lit from within, The Phantom of the Opera continues to amaze thanks to its blend of gorgeous aesthetics, timeless music, and superb cast.
The Music Man (1962)
The sweetest slice of turn-of-the-century Americana, Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man features a talented cast (Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Ron Howard), delightful songs, and old-fashioned charm to spare.
The story follows charismatic conman Harold Hill, who convinces an entire town to form a boy’s marching band but unexpectedly falls in love with the local librarian.
Songs such as the tongue-twister “Ya Got Trouble,” show-stoppers “76 Trombones” and “Wells Fargo Wagon,” and the lilting love song “Til There Was You” solidify the film’s strength in variety and pure entertainment. Ultimately, The Music Man has a wholesomeness, authenticity of small-town life, and a stellar blend of story and song.
White Christmas (1954)
Creating a Christmas classic can cement its place in many households. Add a musical element, and that only elevates it in the hearts of movie musical lovers. White Christmas tells the story of two veterans and popular entertainers who team up with a pair of singing sisters to help save their former general’s failing inn.
In 1954, White Christmas captured the era’s essence in tone with its uplifting optimism and desire to help others. The cast also represents the best of the best with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen.
While White Christmas falls more into the “put on a show” musical instead of a plot development one with its music, it does blend both types of songs. Indeed, both are the film’s standouts, including “Snow,” “Sisters,” “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” and “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep).”
All these years later, the heartfelt narrative, fantastic cast, and lineup of songs continue to impress and give viewers warm and cozy Christmas feelings.
Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Image Credit: MGM.
Although The Wizard of Oz will always be the most iconic of Judy Garland’s career, Meet Me in St. Louis comes in a close second. The Turn of the Century set musical follows the Smith family’s trials and tribulations as they find love and eagerly await the arrival of the World’s Fair.
Beautiful costumes and set pieces give Meet Me in St. Louis its visual charm, the sweet story gives the film its wholesome appeal, and the memorably delightful songs give the musical its heartbeat. The two iconic songs, “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, “ showcase what makes this film such a classic gem.
Oklahoma! (1955)
The second greatest Rogers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma, has an abundance of incredible songs, dancing, humor, and poignant moments. The story follows romantic entanglements between cowboys and townsfolk in Claremore, Oklahoma, on the verge of becoming a state.
Laurie (Shirley Jones) and Curly (Gordon MacRae) love each other but stubbornly refuse to admit it, while the ominous farmhand Jud (Rod Steiger) pines for Laurie. Additionally, Aldo Annie can’t decide between the cheerful cowboy Bill and a traveling salesman.
The blend of comedy, drama, and songs helps make Oklahoma one of the most engaging and enduring musicals with deep, lovely, and upbeat songs that viewers still adore, such as “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.”
La La Land (2016)
La La Land makes its mark in the movie musical world because it honors and takes inspiration from the classics while also creating something new and beautiful. Indeed, La La Land proves to be one of the greatest ever thanks to the extraordinary music, the chemistry between stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and director Damian Chazelle’s vision.
What makes it one of the finest musicals ever lies in its blend of an utterly romantic but bittersweet love story, vibrant colors, and songs that stay with viewers. From the enthusiastic “Another Day of Sun” to the melodic and lovely “City of Stars,” La La Land makes Los Angeles look beautiful and a journey of love magical and realistic.
Indeed, the genre known for escapism delivers the tried-and-true elements that make musicals endure while adding its own unique spin that moves audiences to tears.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers gives viewers a rollicking good time and visual feast with its humorous story, bright colors, and uplifting and positive energy. The story has an old-fashioned feel and a sneakily feminist undertone that many viewers miss.
In the film, seven rough-and-tumble backwoods men have a lot to learn about love and courtship. They must learn how to respect and cherish the women they long for. While Millie marries Adam based on instinct, she teaches his younger brothers how to be gentlemen.
While the songs may not be as iconic as those of other musicals, in context, they absolutely delight. However, the “Barn Dance” has become a seminal sequence in movie musical history, with some of the most exceptional acrobatic dancing ever put to screen.
An American in Paris (1951)
Gene Kelly’s crowning achievement may be Singin’ in the Rain, but An American in Paris became his most-awarded film (winning six Oscars) and remains one of the Golden Age’s best. Indeed, La La Land clearly took inspiration from this movie about a GI (Kelly) living in Paris, dreaming of becoming a renowned artist, and falling in love with a lovely French woman (Leslie Caron).
The film’s dreamy atmosphere and Kelly and Caron’s impeccable dancing elevated this musical from a generic love story to one of pure bliss. The film’s climactic 17-minute ballet sequence brings classic paintings to vibrant, three-dimensional life, creating a musical that’s a true work of art.
Top Hat (1935)
The iconic dancing duo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made ten musicals together, but Top Hat shines the brightest. It’s a slight and silly story of mistaken identity that becomes a glittering gem with its songs and dances.
Astaire and Rogers glide and tap dance across the screen and into viewers’ hearts with ease and grace. They make every movement appear effortless while bringing emotion to the scenes. Top Hat’s finest song, “Cheek to Cheek,” became a classic love song. Their dancing adds schmaltz and romance, and one cannot help but love it.
