Top 10 Movie Musicals That Should NEVER Be Remade

Some say that if there were ever to be a “Cabaret” remake, they’d like it to be closer to the stage version. But it’s actually the differences that have allowed this 1972 film to stand the test of time. With its serious subject matter and political satire, it redefined the movie musical genre. The use of the Kit Kat Klub setting to comment on the outside world was also pure genius. Ultimately, without Bob Fosse at the helm - and Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey in the spotlight - any remake would only live in the original’s shadow.

To try and recreate this film without Gene Kelly would simply be unthinkable. Not only did he star as Jerry Mulligan, but he also choreographed the dance numbers. Kelly was in good company, as this MGM classic boasted an incredible team both in front of and behind the camera. In terms of artistry, there’s still nothing quite like it today. It won six Oscars, including “Best Picture”. Plus, Kelly was awarded the Academy Honorary Award. And in 1993, the movie was enlisted to the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. We’d say it’s all three, which is why it should be left alone.

Given the success of the stage musical, we can see why it might be tempting to re-create this jukebox movie. However, Baz Luhrmann’s direction and unique flair are simply unparalleled. As if that wasn’t enough, the casting is so spot-on that we can’t imagine anyone else in the starring roles. The film is far from perfect, with its cultural appropriation, lack of diversity, and well, pretty much everything about the Duke. But it was a huge commercial success, grossing roughly $179.2 million. It also garnered eight Academy Award nominations. And we’ll always love the 2001 flick’s “Come What May” number. All things considered, there’s simply no need to revisit “Moulin Rouge!”.

When “Chicago” won the Oscar for “Best Picture”, it broke a decades-long drought. The last movie musical to earn the coveted award was “Oliver!”, way back in the late 1960s. While there’s nothing quite like live theater, the film razzle-dazzled fans of the stage show and created a new generation of musical lovers. Our adoration for Kander & Ebb’s music was renewed, and the Bob Fosse-inspired choreography was perfect. The entire cast, led by Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, also gave powerful and energized performances. It was a major commercial hit, earning hundreds of millions worldwide. There’s nothing we would change about this stage-to-screen adaptation. And you know what they say: if it ain’t broke…

When “Mary Poppins Returns” was released in 2018, it was made abundantly clear that it wasn’t a remake. Evidently, they knew that the original shouldn’t be touched. The iconic 1964 movie performed incredibly well on all fronts, getting a warm welcome from fans and critics alike. It was notably the only Disney flick to be considered for “Best Picture” while Walt himself was alive. Plus, its use of animation changed the face of cinema. The enchanting story and extraordinary soundtrack continue to hold a special place in our hearts, and garner new fans with each additional generation. It’s practically perfect in every way, so its legacy should undoubtedly be preserved.

The first iteration of this film was released in 1937, and featured Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. But after Judy Garland famously crooned “The Man That Got Away” in 1954, “A Star Is Born” was embedded in the U.S’s National Film Registry. Yet that didn’t stop others from trying to recreate the project’s success. Notably, there was Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson’s famous 1976 adaptation. And of course, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper got everyone’s attention when they brought the movie back into the spotlight in 2018. In short, we think this story’s been told enough to last a lifetime!

If you’re thinking it’d be odd to revisit a movie about tradition, you’d be right. The 1971 production came from the musical, which was rooted in the short stories of Sholem Aleichem (sheLOHM alEHhhhhim). The film follows Anatevka’s Jewish community as they navigate incredibly difficult times. So any attempt to revive it would require a proper understanding of the plot’s immense cultural and historical significance. Plus, you arguably won’t get a better or more representative cast than the one from this feature. Putting all that aside, who could choreograph anything more iconic than “The Bottle Dance”? Nevertheless, a new adaptation was announced in 2020. But it were up to us, we'd say L'Chaim to the original and let it be.

L. Frank Baum’s novel has had its fair share of adaptations over the years, with the latest said to be currently in the works. But the 1939 picture can’t be rivaled. In fact, it was submitted to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, which is a true testament to its place in cinematic history. The cast and costumes, songs and story, and magical special effects all come together to make this movie one of the best of all time. It would be practically impossible to follow in Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Anyone trying better pull out all the stops, or be gone before someone drops a house on their idea too.

With its stirring story and sensational music, this movie is one of our “Favorite Things”. It takes us to the beautiful landscapes of Austria for a dramatization of the real Maria von Trapp’s memoirs. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that it won “Best Picture” at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Unsurprisingly, those are just some of the numerous accolades it received, which gives you an idea of its box office success. We’d also be remiss not to mention Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer’s stellar performances. It’s pretty easy to understand why many people watch this film at least once a year. How do you solve a problem like… oh wait, there’s no problem to fix here!

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

“Grease” (1978)
This Is the Only One That We Want

“Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944)
You Simply Don’t Mess with a Classic

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954)
Its Problematic Subject Matter Is Better Left in the Past

“Gigi” (1958)
There’s Just No Way to Make This Story Any Less Creepy Today

“Oliver!” (1968)
No Remake Could Possibly Live up to Our Expectations

Chronicling Hollywood’s shift to talkies, this blissfully idealistic musical took the world by storm, making us all sing and dance in the rain. Featuring the incredible talents of Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, audiences were bowled over by the exceptional numbers and electrifying choreography. And lightning this powerful doesn’t normally strike twice! We’re also not sure how well the subject matter would translate today. A movie about the transition into the social media age just doesn’t pack the same punch. There’s a reason audiences keep returning to this movie, and that’s because it’s a timeless classic.