Top 10 Broadway Musicals with the Catchiest Songs
#10: The Sound of Music
In true Rodgers and Hammerstein fashion, this score is packed with unforgettable music. From its epic opening and Do Re Mi to the now-Christmas standard, My Favorite Things, this musicals score is nothing short of classic. Theres also the soaring Climb Every Mountain, and the heartbreakingly beautiful Edelweiss. The film soundtrack in particular sold over 20 million copies worldwide. It even reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 for 1965. Its catchy score is so well-known, and its film presentation so iconic, that it was preserved by the Library of Congress in 2001. Now thats a legacy.
#9: Rent
This musical by the late Jonathan Larson has had many, many retrospectives throughout the years. But even if its story is problematic, its clear that its songs have made a deep, lasting impression. The defiant La Vie Boheme is an anthem for artists and revolutionaries. And then theres Take Me or Leave Me, a number with lyrical parallels to Giacomo Puccinis famous Quando men vo. Angel and Collins love duet, Ill Cover You, often appears on lists of the best romantic songs, as well as its devastating reprise. But its the ensemble number Seasons of Love that has become a modern classicthe anthem for musical theater fans everywhere. And lets face itits the main reason we know precisely how much time we have in each year.
#8: West Side Story
This is the classic to beat all classics. West Side Story is a tour de force on all four counts: music, lyrics, book, and an inspired modern retelling of Shakespeares legendary play. The infinite variety of Leonard Bernsteins muscular hybrid score is something that never wears us out. Swing and jazz play cheek to jowl with Latin and Spanish rhythms as the Jets and the Sharks go against each other. And then there are the beautiful classical strains of Tony and Marias Tonight and the epic Somewhere, turned into a love duet for the movie. Honestly, itd be easier to list the songs that dont land as hard. The whole score is just that unforgettable.
#7: Hamilton
Its hard to predict which musicals will go on to become modern classics. But when this 2015 musical landed on the Broadway stage, it was clear it would be a game changer. Sure enough, Lin-Manuel Mirandas Hamilton became a supernova of a hit, winning a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and earning Diamond certification in 2023. With witty lyrics and catchy refrains, Hamiltons score consistently impresses, from the opening Alexander Hamilton to the emotional final strains of Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story. Layered ensemble numbers propel the plot, while the solos of secondary characters, like Angelicas Satisfied or King Georges Youll Be Back, add depth and humor. And any of Aaron Burrs spotlight moments inevitably bring down the house.
#6: Wicked
Goodness knows, this musicals score has been rattling inside our noggins since 2003. With a successful film adaptation released in 2024, those earworms have returned with a vengeance. Of course, there are the dramatic strains of No One Mourns the Wicked, and the comic tour de force of Glindas giddy Popular. Dancing Through Life is also a fan favorite. But of course, who can ever forget one of the most iconic Act 1 finales of all time: Elphabas defiant Defying Gravity? Its ingrained in all of our musical theater-loving heads by this point.
#5: In the Heights
Before Hamilton, this was Lin-Manuel Mirandas claim to fameand it still has its passionate fans even today. While it may not be Mirandas strongest score melody-wise, it just may be his catchiest. As with most of his scores, In the Heights is brimming with hip-hop and Latin-flavored songs that you just cant help but sing along to. From the fun opening song, to the gossipy No Me Diga, to the appropriately festive Carnaval del Barrio, this score keeps us singing alongand on our feet. And of course, Mirandas trademark witty lyrics are as memorable as ever.
#4: Newsies
Were glad so many people woke up to this sleeper hit. Newsies began as a film, with music and lyrics written by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, which unfortunately flopped. The music lived on, however, and a new stage musical proudly showcases the strengths of its mid-century-inspired score. Theres Seize the Day and Carrying the Banner, ensemble numbers which never fail to rouse. King of New York is also a toe-tapping crowd pleaser. And almost everyone knows Jacks solo Santa Fe, a favorite audition piece of tenors everywhere. Alan Menken has done it again.
#3: Little Shop of Horrors
This little horror comedy packed a lot of punch in its score. Another Alan Menken musical-turned-movie, Little Shop of Horrorss grisly tale comes with many catchy numbers. Theres the title song sung by its Greek chorus, for one thing. Plus, you got Audreys terrible boyfriend Orins song, Dentist, which is a riot. Audrey II, the sassy evil plant, also gets a soulful number in Feed Me. Mean Green Mother from Outer Space was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. For a memorable love duet, though, look no further than Audrey and Seymours Suddenly Seymour. This musical is a charmer.
#2: Chicago
The success of this Kander and Ebbs musical was more of a slow burn, with the original production getting mixed reviews. The still-running revival of the show in 1996, however, fully cemented its iconic statusas well as its Academy Award-winning film adaptation. Now, of course, its jauntily 20s ragtime and swing score has become iconic. All That Jazz and We Both Reached for the Gun are ingrained in our cultural consciousness. The Cell Block Tango in particular became one of its best-known numbersa showstopper long since memed to death. Chicago really is our kind of show.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
The Book of Mormon
We Believe In the Hilarity of This Shows Satirical Score
The Music Man
We Never Have Trouble Forgetting These 76 Trombones
Fiddler on the Roof
Tradition(al) Culture Is Such a Bop
Avenue Q
Who Can Forget a Song Titled You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want When Youre Makin' Love?
Heathers: The Musical
This Candy Store of a Musical Is Deliciously Catchy
#1: Hairspray
Great scores are one thing. Catchiness is (sort of) different. When it comes to jaunty, bubbly songs that bury themselves into your skull, Hairspray is where its at. Theres the ebullient opening by the joyful Tracy. But theres also the sweet I Can Hear the Bells and Edna and Wilburs romantic (Youre) Timeless to Me. Of course, the show is known for its rousing antiracist finale, You Cant Stop the Beat. The original cast album won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The soundtrack to the 2007 film was even more successful, earning Platinum certification. Who can resist this beat?
Which other musical score lives in your head rent free? Let us know in the comments down below!