Top 10 Movie Musicals Everyone Needs to See At Least Once

“Hairspray” began its journey as a low-key ‘80s comedy and was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2002. The show was showered with Tony Awards and the big screen treatment soon followed. With its stellar cast, fast and funny screenplay and fantastic song and dance numbers, this movie musical is definitely one for the bucket list. Set against a backdrop of racial segregation in 1960s Baltimore, it’s a coming of age tale about growing up, falling in love and learning to stand up and fight. All of the actors are on their A-game and we can’t even pick a favorite song as there’s not a dud among them. If you’re looking for a proper feel-good film your search stops here.

The 1970s may not have been the golden age of the movie musical, but the good ones from this decade really stand out. “Fiddler on the Roof” was based on a Broadway musical about a Jewish father in 18th century Ukraine, played in the movie by the Israeli actor, Topol. He’s on a mission to marry off his daughters and hold on to his way of life, which is under threat from the changing times and growing political tension. The movie explores themes of family, tradition and prejudice, described by “The New Yorker” as “the most powerful movie musical ever made.” But there’s a healthy dose of romance too and some very catchy songs. The film received eight Oscar nominations and won three.

Movie musicals had fallen out of fashion by the new millennium, but with “Moulin Rouge!” Baz Luhrmann brought the genre bang up to date and ushered in the popularity of the jukebox musical. He cites “La Boheme”, Bollywood movies, classic Hollywood and vaudeville theater as his inspirations. This riot of color and sound is the director at his most ‘Baz Luhrmann-y’ - so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But “Moulin Rouge!” should still be on your watch list, if only for the movie’s iconic musical moments. If you’ve never seen the “Elephant Love Song Medley” or “El tango de Roxanne” all the way through, then you’re definitely missing out.

Musicals have a reputation for being all sunshine and happy endings, but a surprising number are actually very dark. “Chicago” is based on a Broadway musical which was originally criticized for being too cynical and subversive - but that went down a treat with 21st-century audiences. The movie won six Academy Awards and became the first musical to win Best Picture since Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” “Chicago” boasts an all-star cast at the top of their game and is packed with memorable song and dance numbers. It’s a hugely atmospheric movie with style as well as substance, seamlessly adapted from the stage by screenwriter Bill Condon, and directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for?

Set in the ‘50s and released in the ‘70s, “Grease” remains one of the most successful and beloved movie musicals of all time. Critics weren’t bowled over and there’s plenty here that’s problematic for contemporary audiences. But the characters feel true to life, the performances are great and the songs are hard to beat. “Grease” is a potent cocktail of feel-good musical numbers, teen drama and romance. Nostalgia has always played a part in its success but the movie has never lost its appeal and those pink lady jackets will always be iconic. Whether or not you’re a musicals aficionado, this is an established classic that’s too much fun to resist.

Author P.L Travers may not have liked this all-singing all-dancing adaptation of her popular children’s novels - but she was pretty much the only one. With a star turn from Julie Andrews and those infectious Sherman Brothers songs, this whimsical movie musical is practically perfect in every way. What’s that? It’s much too long? But who cares, when it’s this charming? And anyway, what could you possibly cut? Every set piece is a must-watch in its own right - from the dancing chimney sweeps to Uncle Albert and the laughing gas. There are some spectacular dance scenes to excite the senses, but also plenty of tender moments that make this movie a stellar comfort watch.

“West Side Story” began life as a Broadway musical in 1957, created as a contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Set in New York, it follows two rival street gangs and two teenagers from different sides of the divide, whose love affair leads to tragedy. When the musical hit the big screen in 1961 it was a sensation and it’s not difficult to see why. The story tackles issues of racism and gang warfare and hits all the emotional beats, although it’s the music and dancing that really set it apart. Leonard Bernstein’s accompanying music remains one of the most beautiful musical theater scores of all time. The 2021 remake is pretty special too.

From “The King & I” to “Carousel” and “Oklahoma,” the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein have enjoyed great success, but the duo’s most beloved creation has got to be “The Sound of Music.” A love story, a family drama and a wartime thriller by turns, it’s more than just nuns and Nazis. Julie Andrews shines as leading lady Maria, and Christopher Plummer makes a dashing Captain Von Trapp. However, the real stars of the show are those songs and that scenery. The kids put in a solid performance too. The movie has been criticized as sickly-sweet, but it smashed box-office records and bagged five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. At almost three hours long, it’s an afternoon’s commitment, but it’s worth every minute of your time.

Although based on the beloved children’s books by L. Frank Baum, the success of this 1939 film has made “The Wizard of Oz” synonymous with Judy Garland and her ruby slippers. Beginning in sepia tones and bursting into glorious technicolor once Dorothy gets to Oz, the movie is a feast for the eyes and full of memorable characters and songs. Garland’s performance of “Over the Rainbow” is a must-see moment for musical fans. For lovers of the contemporary musical, 2024’s “Wicked” brings all the magic from the stage to the screen effortlessly. It’s ‘popular’ alright!

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

This Juke-Box Abba Musical Has Become an Institution

Don’t Dream It - Watch It!

Audrey Hepburn Is an Enchanting Eliza Doolittle

Liza Minnelli Gives a Star Turn in This Musical Black Comedy

Killer Plants & Killer Songs From Alan Menken & Howard Ashman

If there’s one movie musical that’s guaranteed to cheer you up, it’s “Singin’ in the Rain.” Technically, this ‘50s classic is a jukebox musical, but it still feels like one of a kind. Often recreated but never bettered, Gene Kelly’s routine in the rain is one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time, and the dancing throughout the film is unmatched. If you’re not tempted to sign up for tap lessons after your first viewing, you’ll at least have seen something to make you smile. The brilliant dancing is combined with catchy songs, an engaging storyline and a lot of humor, making “Singin’ in the Rain” a movie musical to watch not just once, but over and over again.

Which movie musical do you think should be required viewing? Let us know in the comments.