My Top 10 Favorite Movie Musicals

    As far as different movie genera’s are concerned … movie-musicales weren’t always among my favorite … but that changed after I took a theater class, way back in high-school. 

While I’m all around more of a comedy, Sci-fi and action movie guy at heart, musicals have an appeal that’s all their own. This is when the beauty and thrill of the theater can shine in a different light, and with the added benefits of details like cinematography, editing, and effects ... you can experience the art of the stage in a special way that doesn't even require a stage. It’s all too easy to just sit back and enjoy movies with great musical numbers, terrific sets, swift dancing choreography, and lovable characters. It's also a genera where important qualities like story and character arc's are present, but allowed to take a small step-back in favor of an enjoyable experience. 

It’s all about the escape, and submersing yourself into a world where people can break into song, and tell a story in musical form. Musicals are where you go when you want to enter a world of wonder, theatrics, entertainment, and above all else ... great songs. I’ve been around the block with a number of musicals ... from the old classics like "Guys and Dulls", to timeless classics like “Fiddler on the Roof, to contemporary classics like “Sweeney Todd”. As such, I feel the time has finally come to pay tribute to one of my favorite genera's. Now, I'm not trying to make any kind of official list of the best movie musicals ... these are just my own personal favorites, most of which are pure musicals ... while some are crossovers with other film genera's. With all that said, lets enjoy the music ... the dancing ... and all that jazz ... these are my personal top 10 favorite Movie Musicals.  

   

#10 Singin’ in the Rain (1952) 

When it comes to the classical Hollywood musicals, few have remained as consistently delightful as 1952’s "Singing in the Rain". It’s 1917, and cinema is making it’s first ever transition from silent movies, to movies with sound. During mid-production of a silent film, the plug is pulled, and the cast have to adjust to the new format. Despite being big talents in silent cinema, leads Don and Lina are none too good when acting with words. 

However, Don at least has a talent for singing, and along with his best friend Cosmo, and a new potential talent named Kathy, they decide to turn the film into a musical. As such, they’d all be utilizing their full talents, and naturally a romance blooms between Don and his new partner Kathy … much to the dismay of his former co-star Lina, who isn’t about to let a new girl butt-in on her star-power. The appeal of this film comes from the simplicity of its premise, as well as an infectiously lovable cast of great talents, and its high-spirited song and dance numbers. While some may look back on this film and say it’s dated, oddly staged at times and even a little cringe … there’s still an enduring charm to the film, as it’s so blissfully aware that it’s corny nature, and it just lets itself have fun. The cast is clearly having a blast in this film, it looks great, and it generates this simple magic that just putts a smile on my face.

Contrary to what you may think, the song “Singin’ in the Rain” had been around decades prior to this film, and yet, it’ll never be more iconic then with Gene Kelly’s famous dance in the rain. Other memorable song numbers include the cheerful “Good Morning”, the romantic “You Were Meant For Me”, and also the note-worthy original number “Make ‘Em Laugh”. My favorite song number … of all things … is actually Gene Kelly’s “Broadway Rhythm”. While arguably the most pointless number in the film, mostly serving as filler, obviously is just an excuse for Gene Kelly to stroke his ego … yet, this scene still has the most absorbing set designs, quickest dance choreography, and it’s euphoric dream-like atmosphere makes it the highlight every time I watch this movie. It’s everything funny, incisive and all around joyful to experience in a musical, and it’s well worth preserving as a classic of the genera.        

#9 The Blues Brothers (1980) 

When I think of a genera movie that’s just plain fun to watch … I immediately think of “The Blues Brothers”. Jake and Elwood are … “On a mission from God” … and need to raise $5000 to save their childhood orphanage from being run-down. 

What to do … “They have to get the band back together” … and go on a tour to raise the money they need. Sounds simple enough, yet these two guys cause a ridiculous amount of chaos along the way … to the point where every police officer, state soldier, cowboy, broken hearted girl-friend and Nazi fanatic that resides in Chicago are on their tale. What you get with “The Blues Brothers” is the best of multiple genera’s in one epic package. Not only is it a rousing musical, with soul-stirring song numbers, but it’s also one of the funniest comedies of the 80’s, and features a level of destruction and chases that rival most action movies. Holding all this together are the grace of director John Landis, and a charming ensemble of talented actors. Both Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi are in peak from, and there’s great supporting talent ranging from Carrie Fisher, to John Candy, to Ray Charles, to Frank Oz, and that’s just to name a few. 

Some of the biggest musical highlights include Ray Charles "Shake a Tail Feather", James Browns "The Old Landmark", Cab Calloway’s "Minnie the Moocher", Aretha Franklin’s “Think”, my favorite rendition of the “Raw-Hide” theme song, and this films final performance of “Everybody needs Somebody to Love” never fails to put me in a good mood. If your willing to just go along with the films over-the-top-nature, you’ll find no shortage of joy from the music, to the cast, to the largest recorded number of cars destroyed on film … “The Blues Brothers” has a little bit of everything. “It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses” … “Hit it!”  

#8 Chicago (2002) 

Roxie Hart is a lone girl in Chicago, who’s determined to become a famous celebrity. Fame however comes in the form of going to prison on account of murder. While in prison, she finds herself in competition with her theater idle Velma Kelly, who’s likewise using her situation to put her face on all the papers. In between these two is smooth-talking attorney Billy Flynn, who’s determined to prove the girl’s innocents … they just have to put on a good show.

Sense Roxie is obsessed with both music and the theater, all the proceeding events and dialogue are interpreted from her point of view as lavish musical numbers. This is one case in which the appeal all comes from the execution of its highly original presentation, eye popping set designs, and sheer spectacle on display. Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, and especially Oscar winner Catherine Zeta Jones absolutely light-Up the screen, and compliment the films unique style with their own larger than life performances. The songs were already Broadway staples, and seeing such iconic songs as ... “All that Jazz”, “Roxie”, “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cant Do it Alone”, “Mr. Cellophane”, and one of my favorite villain songs “The Cell Block Tango”, all come to life on the screen is a treat for any musical fan.  

Throw in the Oscar nominated original song “I Move On”, and you get a solid selection of winning music. It’s just a fun experience that rejuvenates my love for the theater, and helped bring back the appeal of Movie Musicals to modern audiences. It Razzled the Oscars by winning six Academy Awards … including Best Picture … and has sense been regarded as a genera classic.         

#7 Mary Poppins (1964) 

It’s Early 20^th century London, and the Banks family is in complete disarray … with the Dad too focused on his career, Mother speaking out for woman’s rights, and the children frequently getting themselves into trouble. Then one magical day, a nanny floats down from the sky, and treats the kids to a number of wondrous treats, and fantastical visits. 

In doing so, she subsequently begins to heel this broken family, to the point where mom and dad once again become part of the children’s lives. When it comes to family musicals, Mary Poppins is a hard one to beat, and a rare one to be nominated for Best Picture. With its thoughtful morals, layered characters, dazzling visuals, rich atmosphere, boundless imagination, and unforgettable songs … no house-hold should be without it. Some may forget just how great the music selection is in this film … including "Step in Time", which is still one of the most highly entertaining song and dance numbers ever put to film. Of course, there’s also the Oscar Winning original song "Chim Chim Cher-ee", which is heard several times throughout the picture. Other memorable titles include "A Spoonful of Sugar", "Jolly Holiday", "I Love to Laugh", "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious", and my personal favorite song of all being "Let's Go Fly a Kite". I should also mention the song "Feed the Birds", which is so moving and humble that Walt Disney always called it his favorite song from any of his movies.

Julie Andrews's has also starred in many successful movies and musicals, but nothing quiet tops her Oscar winning role as Merry Poppins. Even the most cynical film viewer will fall victim to her irresistible warmth. Also, Dick Van Dyke is outstanding and a lot of fun as handy man Bert. This is such a delightful family fairy-tale, with dazzling visuals, upbeat songs, a magical environment, great lessons, and it really puts a smile on my soul every time I watch it.   

#6 West Side Story (1961) 

The time period is mid 1950’s, the place is New York, and the situation revolves around a turf war in the slums of Manhattan. Two rival teams called the Jets and the Sharks are at each-other’s throats, yet both sides are willing to set differences aside for one night, and they attend a party. 

At the event, one of the leaders of the Jets named Tony meets a girl named Maria, who’s the sister of the leader of the Sharks. Without batting an eye, the two fall in love, and are determined to start a new life together. As their relationship grows, conflicts between the two teams get worse, which leads to bloodshed, tragedy, betrayal and two young lovers trying to do all in their power to stop the fighting. All the familiar stamps of “Romeo and Juliet” are very recognizable, from the party, to recreating the balcony scene, to the rumble between the two opposing groups, to the tragic ending, etc. However, director Robert Wise adds his own uniquely dazzling style to the experience, which makes the film feel original … despite a familiar narrative. The songs are unforgettable, and some of the best include, "Maria", "America", "Somewhere", "Something's Coming", "I Feel Pretty", and the always catchy "Tonight". 

The dance choreography and staging moves with the grace and poetic rhythm of a ballet. The cast members are all fantastic in their respected parts, and the experience breathes magical new life into one of Shakespeare’s most iconic stories.  

#5 The Greatest Showman (2017) 

Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, this original Twenty-First century musical celebrates the birth of show business, and tells the story of a con-artist with a vision. As we follow Barnum on his journey, we see him rise from nothing to create a spectacle … one that became a worldwide sensation.

This was a curious case in which the critics were mixed on the film, while the audiences adored it, and as for me … yeah … it’s kicking off my top five favorite movie musicals. While I’ll admit that from a story telling perspective, the film could have dived deeper into both its real-life story and complex subject material … but as an original, modern day movie musical … “The Greatest Showman” is absolutely smashing! Just about every theatrical musical from this century will contain maybe one or two original songs, while the rest are lifted from an already popular stage production. “The Greatest Showman” has nine original songs, each of them excellent, and each hit a landing with me as a new favorite of some category. The casts performance of “The Greatest Show” is one of my new favorite party-house musical numbers, “Re-Write the Stars” is one of my favorite new romantic ballads, and the Oscar nominated song “This is Me” is one of the most uplifting and inspirational numbers I’ve heard in years. Other great songs include "A Million Dreams", “The Other Side”, Loren Allred’s “Never Enough”, and the triumphantly up-beat “From Now On”.

All around, this is one of my favorite song compilations from any musical, and not only did the album receive positive reviews, but sold over 7 million copies worldwide … hard-copies mind you … in our digital age. Aside from a rousing soundtrack, the film has a dazzling presentation on display, with constant energy, non-stop movement, graceful camera work, and edits that match with the beats perfectly.      

  

#4 Evita (1996) 

In this fact-based musical, we see the life of one Eva Peron, who for seven years was the first lady of Argentina, and leading up to her untimely death in 1952, we see how she became one of the most adored and accomplished spokes-woman to ever live. It makes for a potent look at one of the darkest chapters in the history of Argentina, and highlights the economic collapse of the time, along with Eva’s political career.

While the movie admittedly struggles as a narrative peace, it never the less thrives as a rock-solid musical, with high energy song numbers, and it’s through this soundtrack that the film achieves both the epic and emotional grandeur which it aspires to achieve. This musical was one of the very first I ever identified by name, and became a fan of. In fact, I can recall being a six-year-old boy, my parents would frequently have this musicals soundtrack playing throughout the house, and I’ll never forget how much the music excited me at such a young and impressionable age. There was admittedly some controversy revolving around the casting of Madonna as one of Argentina’s most decorative political figures … but the honest truth is … she actually played the part with great respect, as she delivers a rich performance, and even though I’ve never called myself a fan of her music … she can certainly carry a tune. The wickedly talented Antonio Banderas is also utilized brilliantly as an omnipotent story teller, who seems to represent the voice of the Argentina people.

It’s all around a theatrical musical with size, ambition, style, and one hell of an energizing soundtrack. Some of the song highlights include the Academy Award Winning original song “You Must Love Me”, as well as "Rainbow Tour", "A New Argentina", "Waltz for Eva and Che", "Oh What a Circus", “High Flying, Adored", "And the Money Kept Rolling In (and Out)", "Rainbow High", and of course the most iconic song of all … "Don't Cry for Me Argentina". All around, it was a smashing decade musical, and one that’s stuck with me a personal favorite through the years. 

#3 Les Miserables (2012) 

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, redemption, and is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. For Decades, ex-prisoner Jean Valjean has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert, after he broke his parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter Cosette, their lives change forever. 

Soon, the pair find themselves caught in the French Revolution, in which new relations take shape, and new obstacles threaten to drive this family apart. As far back as I can remember, “Les Misérables” was the very first stage musical I fell in love with at a young age, and for years I’ve been waiting for it to receive the theatrical treatment. While there were movies based on the source material throughout the years, the 2012 picture marked the first time it was brought to life in musical form on the silver-screen ... and it didn’t disappoint in the final result. I found the cast mostly spot-on in representing these iconic stage characters, and they each brought the right level of humanity and heavy emotions to their respected roles. Of course, it was just a treat to finally see so many of my favorite song numbers on the big screen … including the always moving "I Dreamed a Dream", the compelling "Who Am I?", the catchy villain song "Master of the House", the ever sweet "Castle on a Cloud", the romantically stirring "A Heart Full of Love", the melancholy "On My Own", and the always triumphant "Do You Hear the People Sing?".

My only nit-pick would be this films variation of my all-time favorite stage villain song … Javert’s “Stars", which doesn’t deliver quiet the same punch as other versions I’ve heard. In the plus Colum, this movie delivers a respectful version of my all-time favorite song number from any musical … "One Day More". This marked the first movie musical to be nominated for Best Picture sense 2002’s “Chicago”, and it helped rejuvenate interest in stage adaptions for the modern era. For me, it was just a satisfying dream come true, to finally see my favorite Broadway musical brought to life in film form … hopefully it won’t be too much longer for “Wicked” to receive the same treatment.  

#2 The Wizard of Oz (1939) 

Everyday farm-girl Dorthey is tired of her boring life, and wants to escape to someplace wondrous. After a freak tornado, her wish is granted, and she’s whisked away to the magical world of Oz. There she meets some colorful characters, new friends, and makes enemies with a Witch. Suddenly, despite having her wish come true, Dorthey wants nothing more than to go back home. 

So, with the help of her friends, she sets off on a journey to find her way back … while singing some iconic tunes along the way. It’s the classic family fairytale that we all grew up with, and is a must see for both young and old. While the song selection isn’t quiet on par with the majority of my other favorite musicals, their still timeless tunes, and they lend to some delightful sequences. “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” for example isn’t really a song I love … but I adore the sequence with all those colorful munchkin characters and cheerful energy on display. Even if this isn’t one of your favorite song selections … I have a feeling you all still remember these titles … “We’re off to see the Wizard”, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”, and heck … even the Witches Guard’s Marching chant is memorable. Of course, need I even mention the Academy Award winning original song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” … because dated or not, that one you got to love on some level. The characters also are just as lovable as ever, and in all honesty, it’s just a spectacle to look at.

The painted backgrounds have so much charm, and the set designs are absolutely beautiful. It’s one of those great nostalgic gems from our past, and personally one of my most favorite movies of all time ... but it’s admittedly not the first film that comes to mind when I think musicals. It’s absolutely part of the genera, and even though I don’t feel right putting it at number one, I’ll absolutely rank it among the best … but for my personal favorite movie musical … it has to be a certain experience that made me fall in love with the genera specifically.  

Before I reveal my number one favorite movie musical, here are some honorable mentions …

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Newsies

Rent

Hairspray

The Sound of Music

#1 Moulin Rouge (2001) 

It’s the dawn of a new century, the 1900's are about to role in, and at this time, an inspired young righter has moved to Paris to take part in the Bohemian life of truth, beauty, freedom and love. While there, the owners of the famed dance hall of the Moulin Rouge are eager to transform their setting into a real theater … and the shows female lead courtesan dreams of being a real actress.

Worlds collide when the young writer proposes to construct a theater production that will honor the Bohemian ideals, and secretly reflect a sudden romance that takes shape behind the curtain. 2001’s Best Picture Nominated "Moulin Rouge!" takes the familiar formula of “love at first sight”, tilts it on its side, and crafts something that’s both wildly original in presentation and structure. In this film, Baz Luhrmann presents his romantic story from three different perspectives … the grim reality of a tragic future … a stage production, in which fantasy is real, thus a happy ending lasts forever … and present-day events that mix the elements of fantasy and reality together. Representing the two elements are our two lovers … one who lives in a fantasy, while the other lives in the real world … yet longs to be set-free in a world of fantasy. As such, the movie cleverly shifts in both tone and style between the perspectives of our two leads. When it’s the perspective of our female lead, the movie is calm, restrained and serious. When it’s the perspective of our boy lead, the movie is hyperactive, rapidly edited and goes for fun.

Needless to say, the movie is one big love letter to theatrical musical productions … it knows it’s over the top … it knows it’s cliched … and it just has a blast going all-out with its presentation. Even the characters are self-aware of their own clichés, and through the stage play try to manipulate their own respected arc-types. Nicole Kidman shines in the lead role, and while the romance is very theatrical, it also compliments the film’s presentation, and is genuinely sweet. In all honesty, I just love looking at this movie, as there’s so much color, so much detail, so much atmosphere, and every time I watch this movie, I notice something new. The movie also makes a brilliant decision to utilize contemporary songs that we all recognize, despite being set in a time period when these songs didn’t exist. As such, all these characters treat these tunes as something new … and subsequently … it makes these songs feel fresh all over again. It’s a decision that echo’s back to how “Singin’ in the Rain” utilized songs that had been around for decades, and gave them a fresh voice. Needless to say, it’s one of my favorite song selections of any musical, and it’s cool to hear so many recognizable tunes get a theatrical makeover. 

The song numbers include re-imagined versions of Elton John’s “Your Song”, Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit”, The Beatles “All you Need is Love”, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”, Randy Crawford’s “One Day I'll Fly Away”, and the film especially makes brilliant use of Arizona Zervas “Roxanne”. There are still some original songs … mostly from our two lovers played by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor … including one of my favorite romantic numbers called “Come What May”. At last, my favorite song number by far is this films rendition of Queens “The Show must Go On” ... like, I’ve loved Queen for years, and this song was already a solid piece of work … but this movie takes a good song and transcends it into something extraordinary. It’s simply a big spectacle, celebrating the art of theatrical musicals, with big song numbers, big cinematography, big emotions, big set designs … it’s completely over the top … features some of my favorite song numbers from any musical … I love it more every time I watch it. It was through watching "Moulin Rouge!" that I first fell in love with musicals, it’s what got the ball rolling, and it’s still hands down my favorite movie musical.

Thanks for reading my countdown ... and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!