Top 10 Man Ballads in Movies

Despite their secret love song, Christian can’t help but agonize when Satine spends an evening with the Duke, who’s become suspicious of their relationship. Ewan McGregor’s dulcet tones contrasted with Jacek Koman's powerful operatic voice powerfully relay the complexity of this love triangle and leaves us with chills. As the number builds, Christian sings out his feelings with such fervor that we practically start feeling his pain growing in our hearts too. And after he makes the mistake of looking up, all those intense emotions explode. Every element of this scene comes together so perfectly to depict the turmoil bubbling up in the young star-crossed lover, and it leaves us breathless every time.

You know that feeling when you’re stuck in a rut, and things that you once found exciting now seem kind of dull? Well, that pretty much sums up how Jack Skellington feels here. As Halloween Town’s “Pumpkin King” and master of ceremonies, he's tasked with planning the annual Halloween celebrations. But in this “I want” number, he voices his weariness over the yearly spooky festivities and desires something different. He knows he's a well-respected master of his craft, but it’s no longer enough to fulfill him. If you’ve ever contemplated giving up success for a fun, fresh future, then this hauntingly melancholic ballad will speak straight to your soul.

Hey, even villains fall in love. But did you “Super Mario” super fans out there ever think you’d see the day when Bowser sits at a piano and spills out his love-sick heart? Yeah, us neither. But here we are, listening to the evil turtle-esque leader of the Koopas sing about unrequited love. We might’ve had Bowser pegged as more of a “ Tenacious D” kinda guy. But this softer, sweeter, more in touch with his emotions approach offers a new dimension to the character. It’s also hilarious. Voice actor Jack Black, who co-penned the lyrics, gives such an emphatic performance that he almost has us convinced that this love match could work.

Many of us had a crush on Prince Eric from the 1989 animated movie. But let’s be honest, the guy was all style but no substance. Well, the 2023 live-action remake sought to rectify that by giving him a fish-out-of-water storyline to parallel Ariel’s. He also gets a new song. Like Ariel wanting to be “Part of [his] World,” he dreams about life in “Wild Uncharted Waters.” But his overprotective mother forbids him from leaving the island, especially after the shipwreck. Still, after hearing Ariel’s siren call, he’s driven to make waves and explore a world beyond the one he knows. This insight into Eric’s hopes and aspirations makes him a much more convincing love interest for our protagonist.

If you’ve ever felt like a misfit or struggled to find your place in the world, you might’ve adopted this song as your anthem. Still, Hercules isn’t ready to admit defeat, and with this song in his heart, he decides to take action. “Go the Distance” is all about self-belief and finding your inner-strenth to tackle life’s obstacles. It also reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize no matter how rocky the journey becomes. The song’s hopeful and empowering lyrics and rousing melody make us feel as invincible as Hercules. Heck, we practically have one foot out the door, ready to embark on our own epic adventure.

When we first meet the Beast, it’s clear he’s not the best at expressing his emotions— well, not without growling, at least. But after he frees Belle, we see a whole other side to him. He sings about the gaping hole her absence will leave in his life and how even though she’s physically gone, her memory will stay with him forever. Anyone who’s ever loved and lost will feel that deeply. Through every note and lyric, we also feel the years of anger, hurt, and loneliness he’s harbored while living under the enchantress’ spell. Dan Stevens gives a heartrending performance that highlights the emotional complexities in Alan Menken and Tim Rice’s power ballad.

When we first saw “Frozen II,” were we expecting Kristoff to sing a rock ballad expressing relationship anxieties? No. Are we glad he did? You betcha! Reportedly Anna and Kristoff were initially meant to sing a duet. However, it was replaced by “Lost in the Woods” because songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez wanted a number that introduced Kristoff to his innermost emotions. They also want to pay “homage to a time when men could express their feelings in a big, powerful way.” The result: A hilarious send-up of the 80s power ballad that feels hilariously and delightfully out of place with the rest of the film’s aesthetic. But we love it all the same.

We’ve all faced the exisKENtial crisis of feeling like “Just Ken” in some situation. You know, like when you feel like the supporting player in someone else’s life, and you wonder if that’s enough. Well, this is Barbie’s World, and Ken is, well, just Ken. And honestly, he’s fine with that (well, eventually). Throughout the number, Ken reflects upon his purpose while dismantling social expectations. By the end, he realizes it's who he is rather than what he owns that makes him Ken-enough. Ryan Gosling brought such humor and sincerity to the number that, ironically, it became a scene-stealing movie highlight. It just goes to show the power of finding your Ken-energy.

It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at some point. Okay, maybe not exactly, but we can definitely relate to Gary and Walter’s identity crisis. Gary realizes he’s been neglecting his long-term girlfriend, Mary, and works through his feeling with his muppet counterpart, voiced by Bill Barretta. Meanwhile, Walter’s torn between returning to his old life and his dream of joining the Muppets. He sings his uncertainly to his human reflection, played by Jim Parsons. The foursome meets in a white room where they play matching pianos alongside their respective alter-egos. As the song reaches its climax, both brothers decide to embrace who they are and follow their hearts.

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

“On My Own,” “Teen Beach 2” (2015)
For When the Sun Sets on a Summer Romance

“Unredeemable,” “Spirited” (2022)
Still Losing Sleep over That Mistake from Several Years Ago? This Song Is for You

“Don't Write Me Off,” “Music and Lyrics” (2007)
Alex Sings with His Heart on His Sleeve during This Apology Number

“Edgar's Prayer,” “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” (2021)
Jamie Dornan Sings & Dances Out His Problems While Praying to Seagulls, What’s Not to Love?

“Nobody Like U,” “Turning Red” (2022)
A Taste of When Boy Bands Mastered the Man Ballad. Swoon!

With songs like “Let You Go” from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and “Scream” from “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” it’s fair to say that the franchise has nailed the man ballad. However, none have had quite as much of a cultural impact as “Bet on It” from “High School Musical 2.” Troy’s had enough of everyone trying to control his life and decides he’s taking back the reigns. He frolics around the country club’s grounds while working through his angst and dramatically dancing out his frustrations. Is this our go-to song when we’re trying to work through our own messy, complicated crises? You can “Bet on It.”