Top 10 Picture-Perfect Castings in Movie Musicals

#10: Jennifer Hudson as Effie White

“Dreamgirls” (2006)

This role just naturally makes a star out of anyone who accepts it. 25 years after Jennifer Holliday received a Tony and a Grammy for her show-stopping work as Effie White, Jennifer Hudson was given the enviable task of bringing Effie to the big screen. As she had done on “American Idol,” Hudson proved herself every bit as much of a scene-stealer, not just with her remarkable singing voice, but also with her poise and confidence. Effie has big dreams and the conviction to stand by them, and Hudson respectfully maintains that same level of dedication throughout the movie. By the time she belts out the final notes of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” there’s no doubt we’ve witnessed true talent.

#9: Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly

“Chicago” (2002)

This Best Picture winner hinges much of its success on a cast that brings their absolute A-game. But Catherine Zeta-Jones leads the pack with her award-winning transformation into Velma Kelly. From the moment she began to sing “All That Jazz,” she floored audiences who mostly knew her for comedy and action. As the vaudevillian on Murderess’ Row, Zeta-Jones is one with her character, using her snazzy singing voice and animated dance moves to characterize Velma’s rage and her desire to stay on top. It’s hard not to think about iconic routines like “Cell Block Tango” without reminiscing about Zeta-Jones’ everlasting take on the material. The fact that she was pregnant while filming only further sells us on her commitment to making “Chicago” a modern classic.

#8: Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson

“Tick, Tick… Boom!” (2021)

Just as “Rent” seemingly came out of nowhere to reshape musical theatre, our spider senses completely failed to detect Andrew Garfield’s mesmerizing singing voice. Functioning as both a musical adaptation and biopic, “Tick, Tick… BOOM!” follows “Rent” creator Jonathan Larson as he tries to make a name for himself. In playing someone married to their work, Garfield threw himself into the role entirely, taking piano and vocal lessons for over a year. And his dedication more than paid off. In fact, his lack of previous singing experience only underscores his authenticity as an artist struggling to leave their mark on the world. Garfield is so convincing, in fact, that you begin to wonder if Larson came back to Earth to give him a helping hand.

#7: Judy Garland as Vicki Lester

“A Star Is Born” (1954)

Judy Garland lent her one-of-a-kind talent to numerous classics during her career, including “Meet Me in St. Louis” and, of course, “The Wizard of Oz.” But, in hindsight, few of her performances are as indelible, and loosely autobiographical, as her turn in “A Star is Born.” Playing rising actress Vicki Lester, who falls for a screen veteran in a downward spiral, Garland brings grace and dignity to someone experiencing the darker side of the industry. Her ability to imbue the film’s grander set pieces with joyful exuberance makes for a chilling contrast to her dramatic chops during the quieter, more intense moments. Garland tells us about herself in ways few can understand, making her performance, and the movie’s portrayal of self-destruction, even more noteworthy.

#6: Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Sometimes the correct casting choice is the most obvious one. That was certainly the case when Tim Curry stepped up to play this boundary-pushing antagonist. Having debuted the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “Rocky Horror”’s original London production, Curry slips back into the mad scientist’s fishnets and heels with ease. But his transition to the screen goes above and beyond, as he doubles down on the character’s ability to both seduce and terrify. Putting the “extra” in “extra-terrestrial,” Frank constantly leaves us unsure if we should visit his lab or run away, and Curry’s delivery encapsulates his otherworldliness to a T. It’s one of the most unique performances in movie history, defying stereotypes and expectations until what remains is something wholly original.

#5: Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood

“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)

Arguably the greatest triple threat in the history of entertainment, Gene Kelly could seemingly do no wrong whenever he was on screen. So it says something that he still manages to be the most memorable part of a musical that also features pitch-perfect performances from both Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. Co-directing, choreographing, and starring in “Singin’ in the Rain,” Kelly’s passion and charisma are off the charts as Don Lockwood. Although the character finds himself at a crossroads in his career, there’s simply no denying the actor’s commitment to finding the harmony between song and dance. Kelly masterfully adjusts his body language to allow each number to tell a different story within the story, and the result is nothing less than euphoric.

#4: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande as Elphaba & Glinda

“Wicked” (2024)

What is this feeling, you may ask. It’s two perfectly cast roles for the price of one! As one of the most popular musicals ever, the “Wicked” movie brought major expectations from fans. While Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande may not have sounded like ideal casting at first, both quickly proved themselves irreplaceable as Elphaba and Glinda. The two defy gravity and skepticism, not just with their spectacular singing voices, but with their ability to inhabit their roles without preconceived images getting in the way. Bringing dramatic depth and unexpected comedic brilliance when necessary, crafting fully formed characters we can’t get enough of. Our next trip over the rainbow can’t come soon enough, as it’s safe to say these two have changed us for good.

#3: Rita Moreno as Anita

“West Side Story” (1961)

Even with ten Oscars to “West Side Story”’s name, Rita Moreno’s Supporting Actress win may have been the most deserving one of all. A musical that pulses with as much energy as this would be nothing without a performer like Moreno to provide the spark. As the virtuous Anita, she not only tackles the movie’s signature music and choreography like it’s nothing, but is also the glue binding many of its themes together. It’s a testament to her abilities that she emits bubbliness during a tune like “America” as easily as she conveys devastation during the movie’s darker second half. Moreno’s legacy speaks for itself, and she even returned for the 2021 remake, where we saw another genius casting in Mike Faist as Riff.

#2: Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice

“Funny Girl” (1968)

If Tim Curry was the right choice to reprise his iconic stage role for the big screen, then Barbra Streisand was a no-brainer. But regardless what medium she did it for, Streisand was born to play Fanny Brice. Her first scene alone makes it clear that she deserved to share her incomparable talent with the whole world, and that’s only scratching the surface of what she brings to “Funny Girl.” Streisand stays true to the character’s onstage essence and her troubled life away from the spotlight, backing up her impressive comedic timing with an essential flair for the dramatic. It’s one of the most memorable film debuts of all time, and Streisand more than made up for her Tony loss with a dynamic Oscar win.

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

Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelbourne, “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

He’s Made this Clumsy Botanist the Adorkable Icon He is Today

Amy Adams as Giselle, “Enchanted” (2007)

If You’re Gonna Start a Musical Number in Central Park, You Better Do It as Well as Her

Chaim Topol as Tevye, “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971)

His Performance Makes Revisiting this Musical a Certifiable Tradition

Anne Hathaway as Fantine, “Les Misérables” (2012)

“I Dreamed a Dream” is All the Proof We Need

Ewan McGregor as Christian, “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)

Come What May, We’ll Love this Performance Til our Dying Day

#1: Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins

“Mary Poppins” (1964)

There aren’t enough delightfully nonsensical words to describe a casting choice like this. Another proven stage actress awaiting her film debut, Julie Andrews was passed over for the film adaptation of “My Fair Lady,” despite originating the role of Eliza. Luckily, she was soon offered the role of a magical nanny with a cheery disposition, and the rest is history. As Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews is whimsy incarnate, finding fun in even the most mundane situations with the snap of a finger. But her captivating presence is made whole by the elegant tenderness she brings to the role. Extolling goodwill and kindness, Andrews won a well-deserved Oscar for her effort, and would bring the same qualities to her subsequent turn in “The Sound of Music.”

Which musical movie would you never recast? Which one needs to be recast as soon as possible? Let us know down in the comments!