Top 30 Movie Musicals of the Century... So Far

#30: Matilda the Musical (2022)

Given the stack of awards the stage version had already racked upfrom Oliviers to Tonysthe film had more expectations on it than a burning woman hurling through the air with dynamite in her hair. And when the reviews came in, they were anything but Revolting. The movie captured the charm of the stage show, and its cast clearly understood the assignment. Emma Thompson, especially, was a terrifyingly brilliant Miss Trunchbull. The choreography, by Ellen Kane, whod worked alongside the shows original choreographer, Peter Darling, was a particular highlight. She managed to keep what made the show such a hit while delivering something fresh, fun, and made for the big screen.

#29: Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Writing a sequel to Mary Poppins was a bold movehow do you follow something so iconic? But Mary Poppins Returns pulls it off with charm, heart, and a soundtrack full of bangers that might not be as Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious but still absolutely slap. Were back on Cherry Tree Lane with the next generation of Banks children, while the grown-ups seem to have forgotten the magic of their childhoods, like we all tend to do. Mary and Jack, the lamplighter, swoop in to help bring it back. Emily Blunt brings her charisma to the role while honoring Julie Andrews, and Lin-Manuel Miranda is, well, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Theres even a Dick Van Dyke cameo! Its joyful, moving, and properly magical.

#28: Wonka (2023)

This film was pitched as a prequel to the 1971 classic (the less said about the 2005 version, the better), and it turned out to be the golden ticket no one saw coming. A young Wonka origin story couldve easily soured our memories, but instead, it delivered a rich, surprising treat. Timothée Chalamet brought a soft, sweet center to the iconic chocolatier, teaming up with the perfectly sweet Noodle, played by Calah Lane. The rest of the cast is like a variety pack of favorites, and the songs are totally Scrumdiddlyumptious. The film leaned into whimsy with a tone more satisfying than a sugar rush. Its pure confection: colorful, earnest, and just nutty enough.

#27: Everybody's Talking About Jamie (2021)

This musical was inspired by the BBC documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16. The story follows Jamie, a queer teenager who dreams of becoming a drag queen and wearing a dress to prom, while up against a town that hasnt yet found its Pride. The stage show opened in Sheffield before heading to the West End, earning five Olivier nominations and winning Best New Musical at the WhatsOnStage Awards. With a catchy soundtrack and heartfelt storytelling, it explores self-expression, identity, acceptance, and belonging. The film brought Jamies story to a wider audience, adding more depth and background to LGBTQIA+ experiences. Though released quietly during the pandemic, it still earned critical praise and a BAFTA nomination.

#26: Beauty and the Beast (2017)

The 2017 live-action version of Beauty and the Beast had a lot to live up to, being an adaptation of the much loved and highly acclaimed 1991 animated movie. The first animated film to win a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and the first animated movie to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Even with all that, to say the 2017 film lived up to expectations might be underselling it. The movie features all the iconic songs from the original film, as well as the magic and the joy of that 1991 animated classic. Not to mention grossing over $1 billion, making it the second-biggest movie of the year behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

#25: The Last Five Years (2014)

The Last Five Years is a favorite among Jason Robert Brown fans, and the film version pulls off its tricky non-linear structure surprisingly well. Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick lead with incredible vocals and some compelling acting. Kendrick gives Cathy a raw, funny, and vulnerable edge, while Jordan makes Jamie feel charming, flawed, and totally real. Their chemistry lights up every scene. The story is intimate and honest, just two people falling in and out of love. It doesnt try to be flashy, making it hit even harder. The score is gorgeous, the emotions land, and the performances carry the whole thing. Its not flawless, but it sticks with you in the best way.

#24: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

This movie earned its cult following because it speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt like they didnt fit in. Part rock concert, part deeply personal story, it follows Hedwig, a genderqueer punk singer navigating love, loss, identity, and self-acceptance. The show doesnt shy away from pain, but it meets it with sharp wit, vulnerability, and unforgettable music. It felt groundbreaking when it premiered and still does. It gave voice to experiences so rarely seen on stage, especially with that kind of honesty. For so many, its more than a musical, its a lifeline, a mirror, and a total celebration of being yourself. The film scooped up countless awards and made its way to Broadway.

#23: Sing Street (2016)

Given how deeply teens feel everything, its no surprise that teen turmoil pairs perfectly with a gripping soundtrack. It tackles serious issues like family strife, poverty, and school rivals but keeps things upbeat, funny, and full of heart. Its incredibly relatable as we follow Conor discovering who he is through music, adjusting to a new school, and dealing with a massive crush. The soundtrack is phenomenal, mixing 80s hits with original songs that sound like lost classics. The performances are strong, and the film earned a Golden Globe nomination. A stage version set for 2020 ended up haltedbut there is a Broadway cast recording while we wait for it to get its stagey spotlight.

#22: Aladdin (2019)

Disneys live-action remakes have been hit or miss, but Aladdin was definitely one of the better ones. It updated parts of the original for a modern audience without losing the magic fans loved. Jasmine takes a more active role and gets whats arguably one of the best new songs written for any live-action adaptation. Sure, the CGI raised some eyebrows, and no one could replace the late, great Robin Williams, but there was a party in Agrabah, and we absolutely wanted in. It became the third highest-grossing Disney remake at the time. Critics werent all convinced by its shining, shimmering updates, but with a Peoples Choice win, audiences clearly made their wish known.

#21: A Star Is Born (2018)

Youd think by round four, theyd be out of ways to tell this story, but the 2018 remake proved otherwise. It feels raw and emotional, thanks to a heartfelt script and standout performances from Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Their chemistry lit up the screen and had people wondering where the acting ended. Fame, ambition, love, and loss all come into play, and the emotions land hard in an era where so much of real life plays out in public. The film leans into the pain but never loses its humanity. It earned 283 nominations and 111 wins. The soundtrack might be the real star, especially Shallow, which connected with critics, audiences, and award committees alike.

#20: High School Musical 2 (2007)

The first High School Musical was a modern take on the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet without the whole, they both die at the end part. Its a good thing because otherwise, we wouldnt have this sequel, which, at least according to critics, was a step up from the original. Schools out for summer in the second film. And the gang, the music, and the dancing are back to keep us, even those of us years past our tweens, highly entertained. To quote your favorite late-night infomercial - but wait, theres more! Because they didnt stop there, releasing High School Musical 3: Senior Year the following year, yet another hit for the franchise.

#19: The Muppets (2011)

It may not be the best Muppet movie of all time, as that title still, and probably always will belong to 1979s The Muppet Movie. But after some highs and lows in the Muppet movie franchise in the intervening three decades, 2011s The Muppets was a high for the franchise and for musicals of the century. Co-written by, and starring, the always enjoyable Jason Segel, The Muppets doesnt shy away from the nostalgia of the franchise. In fact, the movie happily leans right into it and thats hard to resist for anyone whose childhood comes with memories of those funny, felt-covered puppets. And the films 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes would suggest we arent the only ones who think so.

#18: In the Heights (2021)

Money isnt everything, especially when it comes to judging the quality of a film based solely on its box office success or failure. In the Heights is a perfect example. Lin-Manuel Miranda had already taken home a Best Musical Tony Award years earlier for the stage production, and after the mega-success of Hamilton, there were big expectations for the In the Heights movie. And critically the film lived up to them, scoring a very impressive 94% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, with a break-even number of $200 million, the film only took home $43 million. The pandemic and the films presence on HBO Max obviously played a role, but a musical this joyous is bound to have a life beyond the box office.

#17: Les Misérables (2012)

While we havent done the math, were willing to say that there have been more adaptations of Les Misérables than any other film on this list. Victor Hugos 19th-century novel and the 1980 stage musical are only the tip of the iceberg. Its as if every generation has their own version of Les Misérables. And for this century, at least so far, the stand-out is the 2012 film. A film that reinvigorated the classic tale and took home three Golden Globes, four BAFTAs, and three Oscars, including a Best Supporting Actress sweep for Anne Hathaway.

#16: Across the Universe (2007)

The Beatles are to art and entertainment what bacon is to the culinary world. They make everything better. Visitors to Las Vegas saw it with Cirque du Soleils production of Love. Kids have seen it with Beat Bugs on Netflix. And movie-goers got a delicious taste back in 2007 with the jukebox musical Across the Universe. Featuring over 30 songs from, arguably the greatest band of all time, the film tells of love, war, and social and political upheaval in the 1960s. Throw in the eye-catching visual style and this is a must-see regardless of whether youre a Beatles superfan or not.

#15: Into the Woods (2014)

You might notice that a number of films on this list are adaptations of Broadway productions, and Into the Woods is no exception. The original show made its Broadway debut all the way back in 1987 and over the years there were a number of attempts to turn it into a movie. But where others failed, Disney - as is often the case - succeeded. With Rob Marshall directing and a cast that includes Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, the film was definitely not lacking for talent. And although it did receive some criticism for changes made in the adaptation from the stage, this fairy tale left us feeling anything but Grimm.

#14: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

From one Sondheim to another. The story of a serial killer barber in Victorian England might not sound like a great idea for a musical, but guess what it is. It was in 1979 when it won the Tony Award for Best Musical and in 2008 when Tim Burtons film adaptation took home the award for Best Picture Musical or Comedy at the 65th Golden Globes. We also have to give Johnny Depp kudos for his performance as the eponymous demon barber. Of course, we didnt doubt his ability to give a haunting performance, but we were certainly surprised (pleasantly, of course) by the vocal chops that the role of Sweeney Todd allowed him to showcase!

#13: Rent (2005)

In 2005, the movie musical Rent premiered in theaters, almost 10 years after the stage musical made its debut on Broadway (thats just under 525,600 x 10 minutes). With six of the actors from the Broadway show returning for the film, the movie had a connection to the material that other film musical adaptations dont. And it came across in the production. While there were some critics and audience members who could take it or leave it, Rent is one of the 21st Century musicals that we will always take.

#12: Mamma Mia! (2008)

This 2008 Jukebox musical features songs written by the Swedish band ABBA. And like ABBAs music, the film is bright, fun, catchy, a little cheesy, and hard to resist. The filmmakers took a chance on turning the hit Broadway musical into a movie and it worked, as the film raked in lots of Money, Money, Money. Over $600 million in fact. And the love for the movie didnt stop there, as people in the UK and Sweden said I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do to the release of the DVD. By the end of 2008, it was the best-selling DVD ever in both countries.

#11: The Greatest Showman (2017)

2017s The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman is a musical drama loosely based on the life of P. T. Barnum and his creation of Barnums American Museum. The film was a huge financial success, bringing in over $400 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing live-action musicals ever. It also gave us the original song, This Is Me, which won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. And sure, the film wasnt as well received by the critics, but at least they talked about it. Because as P.T. Barnum is credited with saying, There is no such thing as bad publicity.

#10: Enchanted (2007)

In 2001, DreamWorks poked fun at Disney with their animated classic, Shrek. But in 2007, Disney showed that they can also laugh at themselves with Enchanted. The film is a mostly live-action musical that fondly pays tribute to classic Disney animated movies while also spoofing said films with a knowing wink to the audience. And lets not forget the great songs. The Disney catalog of songs is just as impressive as its movies and Enchanted lived up to those high expectations. So much so that at the 2008 Academy Awards, three of the five Best Original Song nominees were from Enchanted.

#9: Dreamgirls (2006)

What film was nominated for the most Oscars at the 79th Academy Awards in 2007? Thats right, it was Dreamgirls. The musical inspired by the era of Motown and very, very, very loosely based on the story of The Supremes, was nominated for eight Oscars. The film is a crowd-pleasing adaptation of the 1980s Broadway musical and it made Jennifer Hudson a star and the youngest African-American to win an acting Oscar. The movie was also nominated for three Best Original Song awards, becoming the first live-action movie to do so, one year before Enchanted did it.

#8: Once (2007)

There was once a Guy who played music and fixed vacuum cleaners who fell in love with a Girl who played music and sold flowers. But while that might sound like the intro to a typical Hollywood romance, Once doesnt follow the typical romantic movie storyline. Which is just one of the things that makes it so amazing. Theres also the beautiful music which was written and performed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the ones who play the Guy and the Girl in the film. Remember how Enchanted was nominated for three song awards at the Oscars in 2008? Well, all three lost to Falling Slowly from Once.

#7: Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021)

Tick, Tick... Boom! brings together modern-day musical royalty. The 2021 film is an adaptation of the Off-Broadway show written by Rent creator Jonathan Larson. And it was directed by none other than In the Heights and Hamilton writer Lin-Manuel Miranda. With talent like that, we were sure hoping this one would be good, and we werent disappointed. The original stage production was performed as a rock monologue by Larson himself back in 1990, but it went through a number of changes during his time with it and was also reworked by others following his death in 1996. The film does a good job of honoring the essence of the piece and of Larson himself.

#6: West Side Story (2021)

If we were putting together a list of the best movie musicals of the 20th century, West Side Story would be on it. And now the 21st Century has an equally great West Side Story as well. Steven Spielberg and a cast of talented actors, singers, and dancers managed to breathe new life into a remake many didnt think was even needed. With the original being so good, there were no doubt those who thought Spielberg was crazy for remaking it. But he was cool and he had a vision. And given the critical acclaim, the film has received, that vision was - as is usually the case with Mr. Spielberg - one were glad he followed through on.

#5: La La Land (2016)

Remember when La La Land, we mean Moonlight, won Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards? While the film will always be associated with the biggest gaffe in Oscar history, we should not allow that to distract us from how darn good it is as well. Director Damien Chazelle set out to make an old-school-style musical but ground it in real life where things don't always exactly work out. The film is an ode to Los Angeles, love, the arts, and the sacrifices that must be made to follow your dreams. And for his efforts, 32-year-old Chazelle took home the Oscar for Best Director, becoming the youngest person ever to do so.

#4: Moulin Rouge! (2001)

A musical love story between a writer and a courtesan in turn-of-the-century Paris centered around the famous Moulin Rouge and featuring modern music probably shouldnt work. But in the hands of Baz Luhrmann - the man who made Romeo and Juliet cool again - it didn't just work it rocked! The film is a visual and sonic feast for the senses that will make you laugh and cry, will make you believe in true love, and will break your heart. All brought together with a jukebox soundtrack filled with modern, late 20th Century music. There was so much music, in fact, it took Luhrmann two and a half years to finalize all the rights to every song used in the movie.

#3: Hairspray (2007)

Wake up Baltimore (and everyone else), Hairspray is one of the three best musicals of the 21st century so far. The OG John Waters film is a classic and while remakes are generally hit or miss, the 2007 version brought the beat from Broadway to the silver screen. Financially, it raked in over $200 million and received universal critical acclaim. We can see why, as Hairspray manages to be a feel-good musical while still tackling its serious subject matter with sincerity. So, to anyone who is doubting the awesomeness of this one Go run and tell that!

#2: Wicked: Part One (2024)

A Wicked movie felt like it had been dangled in front of us forever, so when it finally happened, expectations were sky-highand thankfully, it delivered. Countless behind-the-scenes featurettes showed just how much effort went into creating this version of Oz. You could feel it was a film made for the fans, by the fans. We could also sing the entire cast's praises, but then this video would probably be as long as the movie. The film kept what fans love about the show while embracing its cinematic potential and packing it beyond the brim with cameos. By the end of 2024, Wicked had officially become the most Popular movie musical in box office history.

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

Burlesque (2010)

We Cant E-X-P-R-E-S-S Enough How Much We Need Cher in More Movie Musicals!

Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Come for the Crashing Chandelier, Stay for The Music of the Night

The Producers (2005)

You Loved It, You Wanted Us to Include It & We Said

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Lets Just Tak(e)-Apella a Moment to Appreciate How on Key This Film Is

Rocketman (2019)

It Hit All the Right Notes

#1: Chicago (2002)

Unlike La La Land, when Chicago was announced as the Best Picture winner at the 2003 Academy Awards, it wasnt a mistake. Not only is Chicago the only musical on our list to have taken home Oscars top honor, it was the first musical to do so in over 30 years. And it deserved all the praise it received. Now, if youre looking for a musical with a moral message where people who do bad are punished and doing good means good things will happen, then Chicago isnt for you. But the lack of karma aside, this film has it all: Sultry killers, tap dancing lawyers, a rabid tabloid press, a blood-thirsty public, great music, awesome choreography, and all.. that.. jazzzzzzz.

Is there a musical youd love to see turned into a movie? Let us know in the comments