Top 10 Finale Songs from Musicals That Give Us Chills

If this musical were a puzzle, “Flying Away” would be the final crucial piece that reveals the big picture. You can’t help but be moved when our protagonists unite in breathtaking harmony, piecing together some of the show’s most poignant moments. As each snapshot flashes by and every note hits just right, it’s almost impossible not to feel every emotion that swirls inside of Alison. After all, it taps into something we all crave: acceptance of ourselves and others and peace of mind. It all comes together when Alison finally captures a major core memory, and let us tell you, those goosebumps will want to give her a standing ovation.

Fairytales: Come for the magic and wishes; stay for the moral teachings, are we right? In “Into the Woods,” the theme that threads through the narrative is that often what goes around comes around. As the characters gather for one last song, they reflect on the journey that brought them here, with all its twists and turns. It’s a haunting melody that sticks with you, reminding you to carry those lessons into the real world and to be the light you want to see. The ensemble unites for this bittersweet finale, marking the end of one chapter and the start of a new one, as the Baker shares this tale with his baby.

If “RENT” teaches us anything, it’s to live for today and never take tomorrow for granted. As Mimi pulls through, the gang celebrates another day together. Their harmonies, as they revisit songs heard throughout the show, drive home the importance of living in the moment. As Angel rejoins them on stage, we feel like our hearts might explode. It all hits even harder when you remember that the show’s creator, Jonathan Larson, never got to see his show open Off-Broadway or enjoy the phenomenon it would become. As the story goes, after the first performance, one audience member broke a long silence by calling out, “Thank you, Jonathan Larson.” Thank you, Jonathan Larson, indeed!

Set in the Vietnam War era, “Hair” focuses on a counter-culture “tribe” rallying against violence and advocating freedom and equality. The mood grows heavy as Claude, one of their own, gets drafted, leading to a bittersweet ending. Yet, the creators wanted to leave us audiences with a ray of hope, urging them to “Let the Sun Shine In.” Audience participation during the curtain call has become a tradition, inviting anyone who wants to stand up for unity and activism to raise their voice alongside the cast. Whether you’re dancing in the theater or at home, this rallying cry will inspire you to grow out your hair, grab your placard, and fight for a brighter future.

It’s hard to imagine anything more emotionally gripping than “What Would I Do?” That is until you hear the final number, “Falsettoland (Reprise).” After all, earlier on, Mendel welcomed us to Falsettoland with such joy and optimism that we couldn’t imagine anything going wrong. However, that all changes when Whizzer gets sick and ultimately succumbs to AIDS. Chills ripple through in the show’s final moments as we reflect on all the happy moments that preceded this one and our frustration at society’s tendency to sweep the AIDS epidemic under the carpet. If you’re left with sorrow and anger bubbling up inside you, then the number has truly struck the right chord.

“Show Boat” is a groundbreaking musical that delves into themes of love, race, and societal change in the American South. It follows the lives of those who work aboard the Cotton Blossom showboat. “Ol’ Man River,” particularly in the “Finale Ultimo,” sung by Joe, a black stevedore, shines a harsh light on the challenges faced by African Americans against the unyielding current. However, there’s still a glimmer of hope and healing. Some of our characters come to grips with their pasts and look ahead with cautious optimism. Despite its age, songs like this one make us face up to historical injustices that still matter today.” It'll give you all of the chills.

“Next to Normal” took Broadway by storm with its candid exploration of mental illness. The show treated the subject with the utmost care and consideration and continues to update its plot as more is learned about conditions like bipolar disorder. However, the show ends on perhaps the most important message it can offer its audience: hope. As each member of the family comes to terms with their grief, they’re finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a poignant reminder that pain is real and can’t be ignored but is often temporary. These lyrics, sung by the cast with heartfelt emotion, resonate deeply, leaving us a mess of tingles and tears.

When Rodgers and Hammerstein decided to turn Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play “Liliom” into a musical, they thought it could do with a happier ending. Set during Louise’s graduation, Billy finally finds redemption. As “You’ll Never Walk Alone (Reprise)” fills the air, he ascends to heaven. It’s not a flawless ending; needless to say, it certainly wouldn’t fly had it been written today, but it’s powerful. This song has even transcended its roots to become a global symbol of hope. The harmonious voices alone can stir something deep within us. As it reaches its climax, it effortlessly sends shivers down our spines and taps into something deep inside, reaching straight for our souls.

“Parade” tells the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish man wrongly accused of murder in early 20th-century Georgia. It opens with “The Old Red Hills of Home” as soldiers parade for Confederate Memorial Day. By the time we circle back to it in the finale, we’ve been through a sob fest with songs like “All the Wasted Time” and “Sh’ma.” As the show draws to a close, the ensemble, led by Frankie Epps, sings about yearning for the familiarity of home. Yet, they acknowledge that innocence is lost forever after the tragedy of Frank’s death. This song doesn’t offer closure, just a raw reflection of the lingering pain and injustice.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Reprise),” “The Sound of Music”
The Ethereal Voices of the Ensemble Send the von Trapps to Safety & the Audience Back to Their Worlds

“Anatevka,” “Fiddler on the Roof”
A Devastating Ending As the Community Looks Back on What Was Once Their Sanctuary

“Finale,” “Come from Away”
A Poignant Reflection on the Days That Have Passed

“The Impossible Dream (Reprise),” “Man of la Mancha”
It Might Not Be Happy, but It Will Move You Down to Your Very Bones

“The Song of Purple Summer,” “Spring Awakening”
Sending Audiences Away with the Hope of a Better Tomorrow

Few finales have an easier time sending our chills into overdrive than this striking final curtain. As Jean Valjean’s story comes to a close, he takes stock of his life. He then reunites with Fantine and Eponione, who help him transition to the afterlife with some of the most heavenly harmonies you’ll ever hear. Honestly, you could sprout wings just listening to it. Just as you think your nervous system can’t take anymore, the company joins in for a deeply stirring reprise of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” The anthem’s echoes grow louder as it carries its message beyond the show’s confines to touch the hearts of all who hear it.

Which musical finale gives you the chills? Share your thoughts in the comments.