All the Wonka Songs: Ranked
#20: “Wonka's Welcome Song”
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)
This marks the moment when the Golden Ticket holders and their guardians enter the factory gates. There’s an unexpected shift in the vibe as the guests are greeted by a short animatronic musical number. Their expressions pretty much say it all. It does a fantastic job of setting the stage for the surreal experience that’s about to unfold—think almost if the “Chucky” creators were behind the “It’s a Small World” ride. That foreboding welcome probably would’ve had us backing back out the factory gates. The chocolatier decides to skip his grand entrance, choosing instead to enjoy the spectacle alongside his guests. Well, at least someone enjoyed the show. Say what you will, Danny Elfman knows how to set a tone!
#19: “Cheer up, Charlie”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
This is the song Charlie's mom sings when he's disappointed about not getting a Golden Ticket. It's a heartfelt tune about a mother's unwavering love for her son and her wish to see him happy no matter what. While parents in the audience likely shed a few tears over the touching lyrics, as kids, this song felt a bit of a drag. Come on, the movie's titled “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”– did they really expect us to believe Charlie’s hopes were truly dashed? If anything, this song was like one of those chocolates you take a bite of, then pull a face when you realize it's not a mouthwatering caramel (or whatever your favorite is).
#18: “Main Titles”
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)
It really speaks to Elfman and Tim Burton’s magic that, without a single word or lyric, they can immerse audiences into this wacky universe with both exhilaration and trepidation. Interestingly, Elfman and Burton didn’t start on the same page for the opening music. Elfman envisioned a more dreamlike welcome, while Burton wanted to play up the film’s vibrancy. So, they tossed ideas around until they struck the chord that captured the essence of the entire story. Indeed, it does a flawless job of bringing Burton’s vision to life. However, once the action starts, it quickly takes a backseat to the unfolding story and other musical numbers.
#17: “Sorry, Noodle”
“Wonka” (2023)
At this point, a despondent Wonka is forced to let go of his chocolatey dreams to save his friends. Then, there's this bittersweet farewell to Noodle—he knows it's the right thing for her, but it stings. Timothée Chalamet pours so much sadness and disappointment into each lyric that we practically feel like we're in his shoes. The music carries this lingering sorrow and hangs in the air, wrapping you up in an emotional atmosphere that really pulls at your heart. Sadly, it's all over too quickly. Even though it hits you hard in the moment, there's just not enough time for the audience to truly soak in that melancholy feeling.
#16: “A Hatful of Dreams”
“Wonka” (2023)
This is almost like an interesting twist on the musical “I Want” song, where the thing the singer desires keeps slipping further away. In the opening scene, Wonka hits town with big dreams and the means to make them happen. But fate throws a curveball and bit by bit, Wonka faces mishaps that lighten his purse. Amidst it all, he keeps his optimism, holding onto his sweet “Hatful of Dreams.” It’s a lively number that brilliantly introduces us to our protagonist, showcasing his almost unshakable good spirits. Seeing him cling to his dreams, even after losing his last silver sovereign, just makes us root for him even more.
#15: “Mike Teavee”
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)
In the 1971 movie, the Oompa Loompas dished out cautionary tales using the same tune with slight lyrical tweaks. In the 2005 film, each troublemaker gets a personalized moral lesson tailored to their personality. The high-energy beats, dynamic rhythm, and pulsating vibes are a blast from the hard rock past, where the hairstyles were as wild as the headbanging melodies. You might even recognize some of the lyrics if you’ve read the book. Still, it’s hard to fully appreciate the number while watching mini Mike bring a whole new and anxiety-inducing meaning to channel hopping. But major props to Deep Roy for rocking it as every single Oompa Loompa.
#14: “The Candy Man”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
Remember those days when your folks slipped you a few bucks for an after-school treat? Well, that's where we find Charlie's classmates getting the scoop on Wonka's latest creations from Bill, their friendly local candy shop owner. Bill sings about what a visionary Willy Wonka is while essentially just handing out candy to these lucky kids (does he send the bill to their parents later? Let's not overthink it). Originally penned by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the movie, this track took on a life of its own, especially after Sammy Davis Jr. covered it. Its popularity has stood the test of time, making appearances in various films, TV shows, and other media.
#13: “The Wondrous Boat Ride”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
Perhaps, like many kids, you fast-forwarded through this scene if you had any hopes of getting a decent night's sleep that night. First, we're lulled into a false sense of comfort with a snippet of “Pure Imagination.” Then bam! Welcome to the tunnel of terror. Those trippy visuals, the eerie music, and Willy Wonka's unnerving demeanor during the boat ride have left an indelible mark on those who've experienced it. We can never shake off those nightmarish images, but it's all thanks to Gene Wilder's brilliantly creepy, deadpan delivery that the whole scene comfortably set up shop in our minds, rent-free. Looks like it's a sleeping-with-the-lights-on kind of night for us tonight.
#12: All the “Oompa Loompa” Songs
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
Remember what we said before about the original “Oompa Loompa” tracks? Same melody, different lyrics? Yep, each of these reckless rulebreakers gets a version of the song tailor-made for their mishap. Is singing a song after a kid, say, gets stuck in a chute or blows up like a blueberry the most appropriate move? Probably not. But the repetitive tune ensures the moral sticks like glue. Indeed, if we ever considered sticking the tiniest toe over the line, the thought of becoming an Oompa Loompa’s cautionary tale snapped us back into order. Even Wonka gets a taste when Hugh Grant’s Lofty reprimands him for swiping cocoa beans in the 2023 prequel.
#11: “You've Never Had Chocolate Like This (Hoverchocs)”
“Wonka” (2023)
Much like indulging in your favorite chocolate, this song irresistibly beckons us back for more (and a chunkier portion the second time around). The first version is a Wonka solo as he takes center stage with a sales pitch for his gravity-defying “hoverchocs.” The second version includes the ensemble, who are blown away by this exceptional confection. The lively and joyous melody echoes the golden age of movie musicals, and it’s a number that would undoubtedly shine in a live performance. It’s as delightful as taking the first bite of your favorite candy bar and about as addictive. Is it any wonder it got people dancing?
#10: “Violet Beauregarde”
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)
Just like Mike Teavee’s sound echoed hard rock, Violet Beauregarde’s Oompa Loompa life lesson took a funkier turn. Wonka’s helpers transport us back to the ’70s, delivering a groove-filled tune about the kid’s gum habits, reminiscent of the “Shaft” theme song or similar media from that era. If watching a child morph into a blueberry wasn’t enough to keep us in check, watching Oompa Loompas dance on her rolling CGI frame surely did the trick. Nevertheless, it’s still a bop! (Well, for those of us not turning into a giant blueberry). Between the amazing visuals, toe-tapping tune, and another scene-stealing performance from Roy, it’s berry easy to momentarily forget why they’re singing at all.
#9: “Scrub Scrub”
“Wonka” (2023)
This song almost feels like Joby Talbot and Neil Hannon’s response to “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and it’s almost as catchy. In it, Wonka, now a bonded laborer under the cruel Mrs. Scrubbit and Bleacher, watches his fellow bondsmen and women toiling away. The melody captures the monotony of the repetitive work, while the rhythm almost provides a steady work pace. If we remove it from its dark context, it’s definitely the kind of tune we’d belt out while tackling our own chores. Interspersed with interjections from the villainous duo, the song perfectly captures the dark whimsy found in Dahl’s books. Also, did we mention it’s such an earworm?
#8: “I Want It Now”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
We may not condone Veruca’s bratty behavior or entitled attitude, but let’s face it—if she made all her demands in such a catchy tune and entertaining performance, who wouldn’t be somewhat tempted to give her what she wants? The song is magnetic, and Julie Dawn Cole puts on one eggs-ellent show as Veruca Salt. In a 2011 interview, she revealed it took 36 takes to get it just right, and it was filmed on her 13th birthday. Charlie actor Peter Ostrum specifically called out the number as one of the film’s most unforgettable moments— and we’d have to agree. Veruca Salt might be a bad egg, but Cole’s performance is Scrumdiddlyumptious.
#7: “Sweet Tooth”
“Wonka” (2023)
The villains always get the sweetest tunes, and this one is downright delectable! The chocolate cartel tries to sweet-talk (literally) the chief of police into helping them take down Wonka. Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, and Mathew Baynton flaunt their villainous charm and comedic prowess, putting on a deliciously evil show. Meanwhile, Keegan-Michael Key adds to the hilarity with his poker-faced delivery and growing bewilderment as he succumbs to their tempting offer. Beyond the clever lyrics and ensemble brilliance, the scene's cabaret-like choreography kicks the humor up a notch, making it a standout spectacle. It's witty, goofy, and just a whole lot of fun. We're more than happy to savor every moment of this delightful number.
#6: “Veruca Salt”
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)
Sure, the Oompa Loompas could’ve tried saving Veruca from being chucked down a garbage chute that may or may not end in incineration. But why would they when they could just sing a groovy, mellow tune about how she landed in this predicament instead? Apparently, now is a perfect time to fill the room with peace, love, and “Let the Sunshine In”— you know, that kind of vibe. If it wasn’t so absurd, it would probably be very unsettling. Still, once again, Roy distracts us from whatever horror some bratty kid just endured with a standing ovation-worthy performance. Sometimes, we have to remind ourselves that this psychedelic showstopper isn’t just a fever dream.
#5: “A World of Your Own”
“Wonka” (2023)
When we first heard “A World of Your Own,” it sounded like they were trying to recapture the magic of “Pure Imagination.” It plays as Wonka opens his store, welcoming customers and looking back on the journey that brought him here. The charm of the original tune seamlessly weaves into this one, bringing back memories of our first glimpse of the Chocolate room and how we envied those Golden Tickets holders (until we realized the factory wasn’t big on health and safety). In hindsight, the song carries a bittersweet undertone as we know that Wonka will ultimately choose to live in a world of his own, away from everyone else.
#4: “Augustus Gloop”
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005)
Apparently, this was the first of the moralistic songs Elfman penned for the movie. Taking influence from Bollywood’s grand musical sequences, Elfman initially planned to thread this theme throughout the movie’s music. However, Burton insisted on giving each character a unique sound. Fair play; we’re not sure how the composer could’ve topped this anyway. Side note: Fans of Dahl’s classic will note the direct nod to the text in the lyrics. Anyway, imagine being Augustus; all he can do is stare as the Oompa Loompas sing savage taunts and vaguely hint that he’ll be “altered quite a bit.” Nevertheless, for those of us whose future looks less fudgy, this song is a banger.
#3: “(I've Got A) Golden Ticket”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
In a memorable scene from the 1971 movie, Charlie rushes home to share the news of his Golden Ticket. Grandpa Joe, who has been bedridden until now, joins him in celebration. His excitement fuels a transformation from barely standing to expressing childlike delight as he sings and dances around the room with his grandson. The song becomes a powerful symbol of hope and happiness, especially evident in Grandpa Joe's sudden burst of life. It captures the universal joy of when luck smiles and makes life feel like it handed us a golden ticket. Whether you’re 8 or 80, who can't relate to the kind of bliss that makes you want to happy dance all over the place?
#2: “For a Moment”
“Wonka” (2023)
One of the most compelling elements of Wonka's origin story is his adorable friendship with Noodle. Life has dealt her a challenging hand, and her friendship with the eternally optimistic Wonka is a silver lining. But based on her past dashed hopes, she's unsure if this brightness will last or if it's just a fleeting moment. Meanwhile, Wonka lightens the mood by rattling off every possible rhyme he can think of for his companion's name. Their harmonies showcase their unique friendship and how well they complement each other's characters. This song will wrap you up in warmth and comfort, just like sipping a cozy mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter day.
#1: “Pure Imagination”
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
Does any tune truly embody the magic of Wonka’s world like “Pure Imagination”? It captures wonder, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of imagination. It invites listeners to envision a place beyond their wildest dreams where their creative minds can soar freely. So it’s quite wild that Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley conjured all this in a song crafted in one day during a phone call. This enchanting melody echoes through the movie’s finale and the start of its 2023 companion. In fact, when Chalamet revisits the tune later in the prequel, it feels like a sweet, full circle moment infused with nostalgia, showing how cherished memories can spark things that must be believed to be seen.
If you had a golden ticket for your all-time favorite song, which would it be? Let us know in the comments.