Top 10 Greatest Muppets Musical Numbers

Among their many talents, the Muppets are great at covering popular songs! In this number from “The Muppet Show,” a squadron of viking pigs perform The Village People’s campy hit song. Besides their rendition being a bop, the puppetry and stage design is particularly impressive. Behind the scenes footage for this performance was captured for the TV movie “Of Muppets and Men,” where you can see just how much effort was put into this sequence. But clearly all of their hard work paid off, as they created a show stopping number that never gets old.

Now this is a legendary opening number! This song is performed at the very beginning of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” where we learn about all of the shortcomings of our antagonist. The Muppets add their signature twist to this classic tale, and Michael Caine’s portrayal of Scrooge is one of the very best. The choreography and cinematography of this ensemble performance is of such impressive quality, it sets a high bar for the rest of the film. Hot take – but of all the Christmas Carol adaptations out there, we’d say the Muppets’ takes the cake!

No, we’re not crying… you’re crying. “The Magic Store,” including a reprise of “Rainbow Connection,” is the last number in the Muppets first film, and it’s all about the culmination of their paths to achieving their dreams. In the film, the Muppets have gotten their “standard rich and famous contract,” and are ready to start producing a movie. Whatever your own personal hopes and aspirations are, this is a moving song that underlines the importance of believing in yourself and being surrounded by people who cheer you on. But on a less serious note, Animal’s roaring sound check kind of steals the show.

If only they’d bring “Manhattan Melodies” back to Broadway– it would sell out instantly! This number opens “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” and it has such a familiar, infectious rhythm to it. And as the song itself reminds us, it’s always wonderful to see the Muppets crew all together for a performance. Watching the Muppets is always so comforting, and this number in particular makes you feel like you’re being welcomed back by family. The song gets an update in 2014 in the finale of “Muppets Most Wanted,” as they’re together again, again!

This moment from the first season of “The Muppet Show” encapsulates the incredible humor and comedic timing of the series. Rita Moreno performs the song with Animal on the drums, who becomes increasingly more unpredictable with his solos. Her frustration is so well acted, and brings the joke’s simple premise to the next level. Fun fact: Moreno is one of the few EGOT award recipients, and her Emmy was earned from this performance. If you ask us, we think that Animal should have gone up to accept the honor with her.

Everyone has had to ask themselves this burning question at least once in their life. Written by the musician and comedian Bret McKenzie, this number is equally as sincere and heartwarming as it is absurd. The dramatics of the performance add to the intensity of the song’s meaning, which is all about the process of self discovery and acceptance. And whether you’re a man or a muppet, that’s a message that anyone can relate to. Plus, this number was responsible for bringing home the Muppets’ first ever Oscar award win!

Play this one on your next road trip, it’s a great sing along! Maybe just don’t follow their navigation, unless you want to end up in Saskatchewan. Kermit and Fozzie are heading out west to California to find fame, and they’re appreciating the trip together as they go. This duet is filled with funny one liners as the two realize they’re completely off course. But hey, it’s all about the journey not the destination– right? We also get an unexpected cameo from Big Bird, who’s out looking for stardom as well!

This performance turns horrifying claustrophobia into… a party! When the Muppets’ ship, the Hispaniola, starts slowly drifting, the crew begins to lose their marbles. Not only is this number incessantly catchy, it’s just plain old silly. It captures the humor of the Muppets perfectly– it’s over the top, wacky, and a little bit fourth wall breaking. The song changes genre and style a handful of times, from salsa to country to yodeling and beyond! Overall, the Muppets crew gave “Cabin Fever” everything but the kitchen sink, making it a true treasure.

We apologize in advance for getting this one stuck in your head. Okay, we’re not that sorry – this song slaps. Without even having to utter a single word, this Muppet sketch is one of the most well known and loved! Performed by Bip Bippadotta and the two Snowths, “Mah Na Mah Na” was the opening number on the very first episode of “The Muppet Show” in 1976. It’s been done lots of times since, and was sung as the end credits by all the stars of the 2011 Muppets movie. It’s impossible to hear this song and not bop along!

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

“Turn the World Around,” “The Muppet Show” (1976-81)
This Harry Belafonte Song Was So Beautiful That Statler & Waldorf Had No Complaints

"I Want to Go To Morrow," “The Muppet Show” (1976-81)
A Hilarious Ditty Performed by the Muppet Country Trio

"It Feels Like Christmas," "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992)
An Underrated Hit From the Ghost of Christmas Present

“Crocodile Rock,” “The Muppet Show” (1976-81)
How Do You Make This Song Even Better? Add a Swamp of Crocodiles!

“12 Days of Christmas,” “John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together” (1979)
A Seasonal Classic... If Only Fozzie Could Remember His Lines!

Is there anything more inspiring than this Kermit the Frog ballad? This performance once again shows us what is so special about the Muppets: their ability to deliver both genuinely moving and deeply entertaining media for all ages. This number opens up “The Muppet Movie,” and teaches us more about Kermit’s core desires and inner thoughts. The set is simple, emphasizing the song’s thoughtful lyricism and emotion. While it has been re-recorded by countless artists, including Willie Nelson, the Carpenters, Gwen Stefani, Barbra Streisand, and more, this original rendition remains as its finest performance.

Which Muppet do you most identify with personally? Let us know in the comments!