Top 10 Most Rewatched Movie Musical Moments

Say what you want about 2012’s “Les Misérables,” but there’s probably one thing we can all agree on – Anne Hathaway. Hathaway plays Fantine in the movie version of the famous musical, and was cast fairly early on. Fans of the actress knew she had singing chops – “Ella Enchanted,” anyone? – but singing Fantine would be a different style of singing for the actress. Luckily for us, she absolutely nailed it. Hathaway delivers on the powerful sadness of “I Dreamed a Dream,” using her voice and her eyes to project Fantine’s desperation and hope in the face of despair. It’s a mesmerizing performance, and more than deserving of the Oscar she won.

One of the most eminently watchable films of all time, “The Wizard of Oz” has more than its fair share of stunning movie moments – as does its star, Judy Garland. The rousing chirpiness of “Off to See the Wizard” makes us want to skip on down the yellow brick road, but there’s no getting around “Over the Rainbow.” In this beautiful moment towards the beginning of the film, Garland may not have some of the polish she had later on in her career, such as in “A Star is Born’s” “The Man That Got Away,” but her childlike wonder paired with the richness of her voice makes us rewind this musical number again and again.

Before 2007, movie fans knew Amy Adams for her roles in movies like “Catch Me If You Can” or her Oscar-nominated turn in “Junebug.” But wider audiences really took notice of the actress for her portrayal of the bubbly, animated-turned-live-action Giselle in “Enchanted.” Throughout the film, Giselle turns New York City into her own magic kingdom, particularly with this rousing dance number in Central Park. Written by Disney veterans Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, the song functions as a sort of parody of older Disney classics like “Be Our Guest,” bringing the pizazz, the romance, and the fun all rolled into one.

From one 2007 movie musical classic to another! “Hairspray” is a remake of John Waters’ classic 1988 film of the same name, following teenage Tracy Turnblad as she tries to win a spot on a local Baltimore dance show. There are an array of colorful, eye-catching musical moments to choose from in “Hairspray,” but we couldn’t help but go with the jaw-dropping finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” Radiating with positivity and perseverance, “You Can’t Stop the Beat” is perfectly emblematic of everything Tracy has been chasing throughout the film – not just self-acceptance, but accepting others for who they are as well. And that theme with those dance moves just can’t be beat.

Tell us about it, stud! When “Grease” came out in 1978, it was lauded for its show-stopping musical numbers and fantastical elements. The playful “Summer Nights” definitely crossed our minds when making this list, but if we’re being honest, WE’VE got chills for “You’re the One That I Want.” After a movie’s worth of back and forth between Sandy and Danny, Sandy decides to take matters into her own hands. The result? A complete, head-to-toe transformation and an exhilarating musical number. “You’re the One That I Want” features electric chemistry from Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, and is one of the most singable songs in musical history.

In 2002, “Chicago” took the movie musical world by storm, racking up six Academy Awards and earning praise from critics everywhere. The film, which follows two murderesses awaiting trial in the 1920s, starts off with a show-stopping opening number in “All That Jazz,” but our number five pick comes a bit later. When Roxie Hart finds herself on murderer’s row after she kills her lover Fred Casely, she spends one night listening to her fellow inmates talk about why they did it. And so is born the “Cell Block Tango.” An incredible feat of choreography, direction, and cinematography, the song also features stellar performances from all the ladies involved. He had it coming, indeed.

Picking a rewatchable moment from “The Sound of Music” is like finding a needle in a haystack – near impossible. There’s the marvelous opening scene where Julie Andrews sings in the gorgeous Austrian hills or the magical “My Favorite Things” sequence with Andrews and the adorable von Trapp children. But, those moments just slightly edged out by the epic scale and historical significance of “Do-Re-Mi.” Watching Andrews and all those kids traverse all over Salzburg in their matching drape-made clothes, while they sing what is perhaps the most famous song of all time, is one of the most enduringly dynamic musical moments ever. Watch it without a smile on your face, we dare you.

Following up Jennifer Holliday’s performance as Effie White in “Dreamgirls’ is no easy task – but Jennifer Hudson was more than up for the challenge. In 2006, Hudson wowed audiences with her powerful and explosive performance as Effie, the talented singer who is unfairly replaced in the film. She’s wonderful throughout, but she brings the house down with “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Arguably the most famous song from “Dreamgirls,” this number requires an almost unparalleled amount of force and emotional heft, making it one of the most difficult numbers to pull off in the musical canon. But Hudson towers in this scene, pulling you in with her feeling and leaving you reeling from her sheer talent.

“West Side Story” is one of the most famous musicals of all time, and the 1961 movie version is one of the most stellar movie adaptations of a musical that has ever existed. Director Robert Wise and director/choreographer Jerome Robbins knew exactly how to get the most out of dance sequences on film – and nowhere is that more evident than “America.” Everything is perfect in this dance sequence, the camera moving seamlessly with the dancers and giving them space to shine when needed. But the clear standout here is Rita Moreno as Anita – she gleams with screen presence in this scene, shimmying and leaping in that iconic purple dress in a way only a superstar can.

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

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Mary Poppins” (1964)
Try Saying That Five Times Fast

“Mein Herr,” “Cabaret” (1972)
We’re Better Off WITH This Number

“Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “Funny Girl” (1968)
We’ve Watched This Parade Over & Over

“Elephant Love Medley,” “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
This Number Lifts Us Up Where We Belong

“Sweet Transvestite,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
Sweet & Rewatchable

Is there a more famous and critically lauded movie musical than “Singin’ In The Rain?” Probably not – and with good reason. The 1952 classic is a marvel of direction, choreography, story, and star power, bringing every single element meticulously together to create a true masterpiece. We’ve definitely spent some time watching “Good Morning” on a loop, but the clear winner here is the magical titular number. Gene Kelly’s performance of “Singin’ In The Rain” shows a master at work. He’s in control and aware of his body in a way not many actors can boast, and his pure charm and whimsy blast out of the screen in a way you can’t help but smile at.