This is a tough list to compile because there have been so many amazing musicals put to film. Despite that, we tried! Here are the top 10 film musicals – be sure to tell us your favorites in the comments.
10. Cabaret (1972)
It is the city of Berlin in 1930, a time when political unrest racks the country, the economy has been destroyed, and millions of unemployed roam the streets. Enter into this chaos an American cabaret dancer, working at the downtown “Kit-Kat club” where anything goes on the stage. Into this young dancer’s life come several characters such as a rich German politician, a young Jewish man struggling with his identity, an Englishman teacher from London, and of course the all-knowing, all-seeing Master of Ceremonies.
9. The Lion King (1994)
A young lion prince is born in Africa, thus making his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, thus making himself King. The King is killed and Simba is led to believe by Scar that it was his fault, and so flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile he is persuaded to return home to overthrow the usurper and claim the kingdom as his own thus completing the “Circle of Life”.
8. My Fair Lady (1964)
Gloriously witty adaptation of the Broadway musical about Professor Henry Higgins, who takes a bet from Colonel Pickering that he can transform unrefined, dirty Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady, and fool everyone into thinking she really is one, too! He does, and thus young aristocrat Freddy Eynsford-Hill falls madly in love with her. But when Higgins takes all the credit and forgets to acknowledge her efforts, Eliza angrily leaves him for Freddy, and suddenly Higgins realizes he’s grown accustomed to her face and can’t really live without it.
7. West Side Story (1961)
Westside story is the award winning adaptation of the classic romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliette. The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs- the white Jets led by Riff and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Brenardo. Their hatred escalates to a point where neither can coexist with any form of understanding. But when Riff’s best friend (and former Jet) Tony and Bernardo’s younger sister Maria meet at a dance, no one can do anything to stop their love. Maria and Tony begin meeting in secret, planning to run away. Then the Sharks and Jets plan a rumble under the highway – whoever wins gains control of the streets. Maria sends Tony to stop it, hoping it can end the violence. It goes terribly wrong, and before the lovers know what’s happened, tragedy strikes and doesn’t stop until the climatic and heartbreaking ending.
6. The Sound of Music (1965)
Maria had longed to be a nun since she was a young girl, yet when she became old enough discovered that it wasn’t at all what she thought. Often in trouble and doing the wrong things, Maria is sent to the house of a retired naval captain, named Captain Von Trapp, to care for his children. Von Trapp was widowed several years before and was left to care for seven ‘rowdy’ children. The children have run off countless governesses. Maria soon learns that all these children need is a little love to change their attitudes. Maria teaches the children to sing, and through her, music is brought back into the hearts and home of the Von Trapp family. Unknowingly, Maria and Captain Von Trapp are falling helplessly in love, except there are two problems, the Captain is engaged, and Maria is a postulant!
5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
After Janet accepts Brad’s marriage proposal, the happy couple drives away from Denton, Ohio, only to get lost in the rain. They stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite who is holding the annual convention of visitors from the planet Transsexual. Frank-N-Furter unveils his creation, a young man named Rocky Horror, who fears the doctor and rejects his sexual advances. When Frank-N-Furter announces that he is returning to the galaxy Transylvania, Riff Raff the butler and Magenta the maid declare that they have plans of their own.
4. Mary Poppins (1964)
The movie combines a diverting story, songs, colour and sequences of live action blended with the movements of animated figures. Mary Poppins is a kind of Super-nanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical powers before flying off again.
3. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When a nasty neighbour tries to have her dog put to sleep, Dorothy takes her dog Toto, to run away. A cyclone appears and carries her to the magical land of Oz. Wishing to return she begins to travel to the Emerald City where a great wizard lives. On her way she meets a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin Man who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who desperately needs courage. They all hope the Wizard of Oz will help them, before the Wicked Witch of the West catches up with them.
2. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on-screen romantic pair. Lina, however, mistakes the on-screen romance for real love. Don has worked hard to get where he is today, with his former partner Cosmo. When Don and Lina’s latest film is transformed into a musical, Don has the perfect voice for the songs. But Lina – well, even with the best efforts of a diction coach, they still decide to dub over her voice. Kathy Selden is brought in, an aspiring actress, and while she is working on the movie, Don falls in love with her. Will Kathy continue to “aspire”, or will she get the break she deserves?
1. Grease (1978)
Sandy Olsen is a goody two shoes from Australia; Danny Zuko is the head T-Bird from Rydell High. However when the two meet up during the summer, they fall in love. But when the summer ends, the two think they’ll never see each other again. However they’re both wrong, Sandy and her parents have moved to America and she is now attending Danny’s school. When the two discover that they attend the same school, there is a lot of debate over whether they can still be together since it’s uncool for Danny to be in love with a goody goody like Sandy. However the two, against all odds, manage to stay together. Then graduation comes and Sandy is about to change in a way no one expected.
Bonus: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
How could we do a list like this and leave out the oompah-loompahs? The song starts around 2:40.
Notable Omissions: Chicago
Contributor: JT
Gaah I cant stand West Side Story…
I love the oompa loompa songs in ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’, but I prefer the newer film as a whole.
Grease definitely deserves to be in the top spot!
What about bedknobs and broomsticks? with ya one from muder she wrote in it, thats class
JMurf: please, never mention ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ ever again while I’m around
haha, but seriously, thats one of the worst films I’ve ever seen
wot? no chicago?
Next list should be a live musicals list. Cats and RENT would have to rank right up there
xdarkhor*****: I have just added chicago as a notable – I actually am not all that fond of it to be honest.
I must confess, I have never seen Bedknobs and Broomsticks – what is it about?
Hey Jamie, I love this list, There’s only 2 up there I haven’t seen includin the N.O., and those are Singin’ in the Rain and Westside Story. What about Oaklahoma, sorry, but I loved that growing up, and I know it’s a cartoon, but Anastasia, it had a couple really popular songs in it.
(:
Once again cool list, thanks hun.
what no Moulon Rogue?
good list!
I guess I’m a little surprised that Singin in the Rain wasn’t #1. AFI has it number 10 greatest movie ever – musical or not! Didn’t see Grease on that list.
I was glad Singin’ in the Rain wasn’t #1. To me it’s one of the most over rated films ever.
My top musicals didn’t make the list–Meet Me in St. Louis and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
So many of my faves! I was surprised to see Grease at #1, although I guess it is very popular. I agree with bucslim, Singin’ in the Rain would be my #1 pick.
Omissions I’m sad about: Meet me in St. Louis, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Victor/Victoria.
You HAVE to add All That Jazz as a notable omission, however! Biopic loosely based on Fosse. Fantastic!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks is about a woman in the English countryside during WWII who takes in a couple of kids who are evacuated from London. She is trying to become a witch, and eventually she uses one of her spells to cause some medieval coats of arms come to life to scare the ***** out of some Nazis. Cute little Disney movie, I loved it as a kid, but I probably wouldn’t have thought to add it either.
i have tried and tried to understand why Thr ocky Horror Picture show was so popular but I have given up!
Nightmare bfore Christmas should be anotable ommision.
Juggz – I’m with you, I don’t understand. After watching a few docs on the movie, apparently it helped some people on the fringes of society feel like they now could come out into the open. It was now ok to be freaky.
I didn’t identify with it because my upbringing was so b*****, it made Leave it to Beaver look like Pulp Fiction.
This might sound like I trying to make a joke but I’m serious… South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut should be on the list.
How about the wizard of oz?
I’m a little bit sad that Meet Me in St. Louis wasn’t included.
What did everyone think of Hairspray? Travolta looked silly but I sorted of liked it. The young actress that played the lead was very good -singing and being perky. Normally musicals aren’t my cup of tea but I did see Grease many many times.
Oompa Loompa Doopy Dee Do! I’ve got another riddle for you! It must be awesome to hang around with those funny midgets in that cool movie!
DanOhh – agreed.
Original, thoughtful, insightful, timely…it really *is* a good movie. The songs carry it.
Some of them are too catchy – try getting ‘Kyle’s Mom’ out of your head if you hear it in the morning…
And for those who haven’t seen the movie, please refrain from commenting on it.
To Joe: Wizard of Oz was number three.
I would have put that movie #2 after Grease.
What no RENT?? That is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I love it!
Bonus 2: RENT
Taye Diggs, Jesse L. Martin, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Rapp, Idina Menzel, Tracie Thoms
The story of eight friends dealing with life and love in Manhattan’s Alphabet City in 1989. The friends face problems with money, drugs, relationships, and most of all AIDS. You see how all of these problems effect their everyday life and what they have to go through to make a living in New York.
A MUST SEE!!!!
Hey! What happened the the Blues Brothers??
Don’t even try to tell me that doesn’t classify. It meets all the standards of a legitimate hollywood musical, plus the music is better and the actors are funnier. And car chases!
gotta love the blues brothers and southpark
on a side note, whenever Rent is mentioned i cant help but think of the spoof in Team America World Police…
“Everybodys got aids… AIDS! AIDS! AIDS!”
I can’t beleive you think RENT ranks amongst the best. The actors and actresses were talented yes. However the movie was horrible. I’m all for individuality and doing what you want along with pursuing what makes you happy. But that movie is basically just saying be a scumbag and be proud of being the best scumbag you can be.
I agree, Moulin Rouge is great! It should be on the list!
And what about “Seven brides for seven brothers” It’s a classic!:P
I don’t know that Lion King should be there as it is animated. JMHO.
What about Blues Brothers and Victor/Victoria? Both had awesome music!! And neither were just film remakes of stage shows.
No boos, but what about Newsies? Loved watching Christian Bale and what’s-his-name from Doogie Howser singing and dancing….
A list like this without “The Bandwagon”? Without “An American in Paris”? Without “Guys and Dolls”? Without “Pal Joey”?
WHAT THE HELL?
Grumble grumble… damn kids these days don’t know *anything.* THE LION KING? And you leave PAL JOEY off the list?
South Park: Bigger, Longer, uncut should be on this list.
A great film musical is “Pet Shop of Horrors”, by Tim Burton. It’s funny, a little bit crazy and not boring at all.
the south park movie is definitely worthy, its brilliant, it may be bad taste but come on, its one of a kind
“Little Shop of Horros”
Totally agree about South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut. and also Cannibal the Musical from those guys. Props too for the latter Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast (not a huge Disney fan, but “Be Our Guest” and “Ali Ababwa” are pretty damned spectacular)
Jeezus, I forgot “Swing Time” and “Top Hat” and “Porgy and Bess” and “Show Boat.”
Come on.
Jamie, seriously… you gotta stop letting people who know nothing of film history write these lists.
Clearly whoever did is utterly unaware that the heyday of the musical was in the 30s, 40s, and 50s… it’s not that the ones on the list are such bad choices—but I know damn well a REAL film historian would balk at the absences from this list. We’re talking *glaring omissions* here, not loose just matters of opinion.
Kee-ripes.
sorry, that should be “…not JUST loose matters of opinion.”
Honestly, this is the first list on this site that I can truly say is awful.
obviously, if it wasn't popular, its wasnt the best. this isnt true for a lot of thing(like music and vampire books) but it is true for Musical movies. and im sorry, but almost every movie in the 30's 40's and 50's has a song in it, but they arent MUSICALS. ive seen a lot of classic movies, i loved them, but i would not call them the best musicals ever. now, stop being such a snob and stop saying that these people who write the list no nothing about film history, its a HUGE industry that has a LOT of history, its almost impossible to know it all.
What about Hedwig and the Angry Inch?! One of my favorites!
Bad list.
#1 should be Team America
#2 should be the South Park movie
#3 should be Cannibal the musical
you forgot one of the greatest ones ever.
i believe ‘Little Shop of Horrors” should at least be a notable mention
great list though.
I’m a huge fan of the movie versions of Rent, The Producers and Hairspray…too bad you didn’t do this list until after Sweeney Todd comes out, I have high hopes for that one.
Kristen – right on the money – Hedwig should be #1
Also – what about the musical remake of “Reefer Madness” (from 2005 I think) Hard to find the DVD but it is hilarious (good songs too)
Grease???
GREASE?????
Please.
And what about Paint Your Wagon?
No “dancer in the dark”? Such a beautiful film.
The Wiz
Little shop of horrors
Cabin in the Sky
Sparkle
Hair
Jesus Christ Superstar
The Wall
Tommy
Just a few of my favorites that did’nt make the list
DarkJesus: It is one of my favorite films – but I try not to much around too much with submitted lists.
ionmike: we did a list of top 10 rock operas that has Tommy on it – I love it.
I love Grease!!! I know all the songs and could probably quote the entire movie. Of course, I don’t condone any girl turning into a leather-clad skank to get her guy but even I can put my feminist ideals on the shelf for 90 minutes.
Little Shop of Horrors is great and should be on the list. I thought Chicago was very well done. Not a huge Zellweger fan, loved Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere in their roles.
I think a lot of people are turned off by its religious focus, but Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the best musicals ever put to film. The music is amazing and whether or not you believe in God, you have to admit that JC’s story is one of the most captivating stories ever told.
Yes, but can he tap across water?
Ahem.. and where is 42nd Street?
Talk about feeling like an old fart. What the heck is this?
#1 should be Team America
#2 should be the South Park movie
#3 should be Cannibal the musical
Did anybody mention Fiddler on the Roof”
Ack! No ‘Music Man’ or ‘On the Town’?
grease and lion king? pleh.
i’m going to have to agree with blues brothers if for nothing else than the cameos/performances.
What about Phantom of the Opera?
What about it? There’s nothing special about the movie adaption of the musical. Even fans of the musical seem to loathe it.
gah…all the comments I was going to make have already been made…now what do i do?
Yay! Rocky Horror and Cabaret were both on here! My two favorites!
Wow, looks like we have a lot of musical lovers here! I really liked this list!! =D Although I am saddened to see Chicago and Moulin Rouge, two of my favorite movies, missing. This does really want to make me go watch the Sound of Music now. But anyway, I really thought this was a good list! Everyone brought up well loved musicals in the comments as well, and so many of them are so well done that putting together a top 10 list is so hard, but well done.
I love ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. I watched it a couple of days ago and it’s still one of the best musicals ever. That and ‘On the Town’. I feel like dancing.
I’m not pooping on your list or anything. I cant say I’m a musical movie fan. I didnt have a particuliar masculine or macho upringing (no more than any other fart), but I still have the occasional ignnant male tough points that speak out that “musicals are gay”. ..but 1-5 (dash 5-7) are such a staple in many a kids life that it is impossible for me to see them as musicals or “gay” for that matter.
just commenting
I feal the same about broadway musicals (maybe twice over)
shucks, its not complete ignorance. Ive seen and still…
perhaps a top overated stage musicals is in order.
This really should be 2 lists with 1980 being the dividing line. The fantastic ‘oldies’ against the fun disney, stone/parker, teen ‘new’ stuff.
Lynn you are totally right!
I love that Grease is on here…
The teen ‘new’ stuff should include:
-Chicago
-Rent
-Moulin Rouge
hair
jesus christ superstar
moulin rouge
IMHO
Duck Soup or A Night at the Opera should be on any top 10 list of musicals. The Marx Bros. were tops for many years and these movies still play well 70 years later!