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
Grease? Good lord, no. Drop it and replace it with Chicago.
But thanks for including Rocky Horror. I was shocked when I watched this on DVD at home and found out it was a good movie on its own without the ah…assorted foolishness.
These comments makes me feel as though I was born a few decades too late.
Granted, The Lion King was a childhood fav of mine (I was six when it came out), and I distinctly remember a period where I thought my own nanny was Mary Poppins, but RENT? Fair singing, AWFUL movie. Perhaps the theatre portrayal is better, but I was very disappointed when I saw the complete lack of acting. Chicago is all right, but I don’t think it ranks with the greats. Team America: World Police or whatever it’s called is completely ridiculous (besides the making fun of RENT part), and the day South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut makes an appearance on a Top 10 Best list alongside the brilliance of Gene Wilder is the day the film-making industry ceases to exist. And I can say that because I actually sat through that farce of a movie.
Wish Meet Me in St. Louis had made it on here, or The Bandwagon or An American in Paris, but all the movies on here I’ve seen and enjoyed, so overall a good list.
Blogball, they are only the best musicals ever! rent ‘em, watch ‘em, love ‘em. Just be sure to get the uncut version of Team America!
I’d agree with the comments about “An American in Paris”. How about a best Dance Films list?
Heh. I’ve never thought of the Lion King as a musical.
Just a Fantastic movie with songs in it.
The Blues Brothers should definately be on the list if as nothing else a second bonus.
White Christmas should be a notable omission, though.
Rob S #40 : I agree with Paint your Wagon. It is at least worthy of a mention.
Clint Eastwood sings, man! When i first saw him singing i did a huge double take and thought, wow this guy has been in movies with an orang-utan, and now i see dirty harry singing – wow.
SHANANIGANS!
What about Annie! (80s version)
alien_girl01: It’s a hard-knock life, ain’t it?
I think the list shouldn’t be divided by years, but instead by movie versions of original stage musicals and original musical movies. I agree with DeeplyDippy for a dance movies list (again maybe with the previous divisions).
“Mary Poppins” and “Grease” over “The Sound of Music?” NOOOOOOOOO!
“The Lion King” but no “Beauty and the Beast?” No way! Are you crazy? I completely disagree!
And lastly, “Rocky Horror?” Yuck. There are, charitably, one or two good songs in it. It’s not especially well directed. It’s more than a little schlocky. It’s campy but it doesn’t have much substance to it. Tim Curry gives a good performance, but Susan Sarandon cannot sing at all!
Nicole Kidman in “Moulin Rouge” and Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones in “Chicago” are MUCH better singers in much better musicals.
Rocky Horror Picture Show is supposed to be poorly directed and poorly made. It's all campy, non-sensical fun. It's one of those movies that they tried to make as poorly as possible so that it would be a ton of fun, so they purposely chose people who couldn't sing, and used over the top rock, incredibly cheesy rock songs in the soundtrack. It knows it's poorly made and it has fun with that. You shouldn't bother looking for substance in it, because it's purely for campy pleasure, like watching a movie by Ed Wood, only Rocky Horror is supposed to be that way. For that, I think it's excellent.
Was the MUSIC MAN mentioned anywhere? How about A HARD DAY’S NIGHT?
The lack of Across the Universe and Moulin Rouge makes me lose faith in mankind.
PopeNoah, I agree with you wholeheartedly, most especially with Across the Universe. Damn good musical, though many people may not know about it. Stupid Sony and their non-publicity for AtU…
Angelina: It is a Hard Knock Life when Annie isn’t included in this list!
I post lists as I get them – I try not to modify too much. So, I also would like to add my vote for Annie
I own it on DVD. At the risk of exposing far too much sensitivity, as a very very young boy, when the film came out, I cried.
None mentioned the 1956 movie by Yul Brynner “The King and I”
The Alternative (and much better) list of Ten Greatest Movie Musicals:
10. Royal Wedding (1951)
9. Pal Joey (1940)
8. Guys and Dolls (1950)
7. Show Boat (1936) NOT the 1951 version!
6. Top Hat (1935)
5. Swing Time (1936)
4. The Band Wagon (1953)
3. My Fair Lady (1964)
2. An American in Paris (1951)
1. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Alternate: Gigi (1958)
I can’t believe how people here are focusing, for the most part, on musicals that have come out in the last 10 – 30 years. It’s ridiculous. Didn’t any of you take a film class in college? Haven’t you ever just rented some old movies at Blockbuster for chrissakes?
Modern musicals have been, for the most part, overblown, drekky affairs with crap music and bad acting. Oh, once in a while a decent one comes out, or there’s a few good songs within an otherwise mediocre production (Grease for example) or there’s a fun enough little cultish film (Rocky Horror) but that’s it. NOTHING to compare with the list I just coughed up, and I didn’t even go very far with many of the truly classic musicals of the Thirties.
I’m tired of the emphasis, also, on Rodgers and Hammerstein. Oscar Hammerstein was a hack lyricist who wrote utter crap (just please *check* the lyrics to “Oklahoma” for god’s sake… and I’ll remind everyone that “The Sound of Music” has gained renewed popularity in recent years precisely *because* it is such a piece of cheesy fluff). Richard Rodgers, of course, was an excellent composer–and it’s because of his wonderful melodies that their combined work survives. “Pal Joey” on the other hand, was written by Rodgers with his original partner, Lorenz Hart—and the difference is staggering when that film is watched alongside some piece of Hammerstein nonsense like “Carousel.” “Pal Joey” is tough and real, honest and forthright… “Carousel,” along with Hammerstein’s other work, is fake and soft, uninspiring and empty.
Remember, “Sound of Music” is also popular on account of Robert Wise’s *excellent* work as director. Wise was a great filmmaker. Rodgers was a great composer. Hammerstein was a freakin’ hack.
I’m NOT saying that all the musicals on the list were awful; but most of them aren’t in the same league with the truly great musicals of the past. And I’m not saying my list is definitive–in fact I just tossed it together. But every single one of the films on that list are ten times better than “Annie” or “The King and I” or “Mary Poppins.”
Now don’t make me come in here again.
You're so spot on! Thanks for making a sensible list!
Maybe I missed it but where is ‘Funny Girl’ with Barbra Streisand. Maybe it’s a bit too long but just about everyone of the musical numbers is inspired … up until the 1970s, I’d never seen anything like the ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ sequence. And all without steadicam.
The 2 that should be on here and aren’t are The Wall and Tommy
Randall, Randall,Randall. I watched Pal Joey last week and I haven’t laughed so hard in ages. Tough, real and honest? Let’s face it, it hasn’t aged well. Hackneyed, *****ist and in some spots, just plain wrong. How about something like ‘Damsel in Distress’ with Fred Astaire. I saw that a couple of weeks ago, and I was mesmerised. It was fabulous. I have to agree with ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. Pure joy.
Barb, Barb, Barb… hackneyed? There’s nothing as hackneyed as any Hammerstein lyric. Pick a musical he wrote, any one… I guarantee you Lorenz Hart’s lyrics sound like Oscar Wilde next to it.
And *****ist? Is there something wrong with that?
No no, of course I kid—but come on—I’ve never liked this idea of judging entertainment and art from previous generations by today’s standards. It’s one thing if they’re *out-and-out* racist or in some other way clearly offensive—but I don’t see that as the case with “Pal Joey.”
Read what Dwight MacDonald had to say about “Pal Joey” and the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein, as opposed to Rodgers’ earlier-and better-collaborations with Lorenz Hart.
But, on the other hand, it’s not like “Pal Joey” is my favorite musical, either. So you won’t get much of an argument out of me on this one.
Where’s Fiddler on the Roof?? A classic for all times!
I love all of these movies! (The ones that I’ve seen, anyway….) Cabaret is definitely my favourite, but I love the Lion King too.
Randall–It’s all just a matter of opinion of course, and yours is as valid as the next person’s, but I do have a point to make.
A lot of people (especially those who aren’t big musical nerds like you and I :]) haven’t seen or even heard of many of those movies. You have to take pop culture into account as well, and there’s no way anyone can say that “Royal Wedding” has affected today’s culture more than “The Lion King.” Sure, it may have better, music, but that’s not the only factor you have to look at.
I don’t really like Grease, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or Mary Poppins (it bores me). On the other hand, Show Boat, Swing Time, and The Band Wagon aren’t my faves either. It all comes back to personal opinion, remember? There are great musicals in every decade, and to say that there are no good musicals in the past 30 years is, in my opinion, pretty far-fetched.
Kiss Me Kate, the Howard Keel/Katherine Grayson version.
Newsies
Shall We Dance, Fred Astaire/Ginger Rodgers
Brigadoon, Gene Kelly
Hello, Dolly.
I like the new stuff, and enjoy most of what’s on here, but a lot of them aren’t what I think of when I think of the best musicals ever.
High school musical, anyone?
I would have to say missing out ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a travesty but I will forgive all this time lol its easily one of my alll time favourite movies along with ‘Rocky Horror’ (which should be higher…haha)
Happy with pretty much everything else though and glad to see Willy Wonka mentioned at least! Also, could you ever count ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘O Brother Where Art Thou?’ as musicals as I love those films! Oh and ‘Bugsy Malone’ is also awesome…
Has anyone ever seen ‘Camp’ by any chance? Cheesy, corny and not that great but for some reason I really like it even though I know its not good!
Sweeney Todd…
…May I meekly suggest The phantom of the opera? Not to everyone’s taste I grant you, but on the other hand, the main character hangs someone in front of half of paris and get away with it.
Reefer Madness. best musical movie EVER.
and the new rendition of phatom of the opera is terrible. the original play and music were perfect but nooo, they had to take horrible singers for the roles. it’s an OPERA, you should get opera singers, hello!?
Sorry to break it to you, but The Phantom of the Opera is by no stretch of the imagination an opera. Not even the “original” show. Seriously.
Oh and also, Moulin Rouge.
the Phantom of the Opera that came out a few years ago should be here and I think the list should be updated just to include Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street since the movie hadn’t been released at the time this list was written. Sweeney Todd was a absolute masterpiece!
Wheres “The phantom of the opera”????????
Moulin Rouge!
Ooh and yes to Sweeney Todd.
I wouldn’t say that Singin’ In The Rain is over-rated–I think it has its place in pop culture history. (Gene Kelly!!)
and Lion King…I don’t know if I’d consider it a film musical. Then The Little Mermaid and many other Disney films would have to be considered musicals too? but it’s one of my favourite movies, hee.
I can’t believe this is the first time I saw this list!
I see lots of people mentioning The Blues Brothers, and…maybe it’s been too long since I’ve seen it, but does that count as a musical? There’s a difference between “Musicals” and “Movies with music.”
Although I love Grease, I wouldn’t place it ahead of most of the other movies on the list.
And for Randall’s list: I considered myself a pretty good musical fan, though not an expert by any means, however I’ve only seen 3 of the ones you listed…although that may be due to the fact that some of them came out almost 50 years before I was born.
I think the Disney musicals should have their own list, there are too many wonderful ones, Lion King & Mary Poppins are awesome, but it’s not right to have them but not Aladdin, or Little Mermaid (I still randomly break out into songs from Little Mermaid once in a while!).
DK: Yes, it counts as a musical, as there are spontaneous song and dance numbers that involve the whole cast at various points throughout the movie, and the movie segues through such scenes without treating them as an outside occurence. Those scenses are treated as inherent to the world the movie is set in.
My personal favorite was Hairspray! Even if you didn’t like it, seeing John Travolta dressed as a woman, and a heavyset woman at that was worth it. I could watch that movie over and over.. the songs were so catchy and fun/easy to dance to. And many of the dresses were super cute.
my second and third favorites are Phantom of the Opera and The Music Man! Matthew Broderick played that role perfectly!
My list in no particular order!!
- Chicago
- Rent
- Grease
- Hairspray
- Wizard Of Oz
- Sound of Music
- Annie
- Sweeney Todd
- Oliver
- West Side Story
Where the heck is Moulon Rouge?
The sound of music atleast deserves to be in number 3.
Thanks god you didn’t put Hairspray. The only thing good about the movie is Zac Efron. I hate Nikki Blondski.But over all a good list to me.
I. HATE. GREASE.
Lion King should be higher, Wizard of Oz is NOT THAT GREAT, for Pete’s sake, and Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Hairspray should be up there. And Phantom of the Opera.
how come “the phantom of the opera” is not included in tne top 10 list. i think- if not the best, its one of the best musical movies ever made…… i really love the story.
GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!
where the *****ing hell is grease 2. rot in hell. charlie and the chocolate factory is not a musical. it is a childs film and fun
Just for the reference I honestly believe Fiddler on the roof should be included in this list. Contemporary with solid characters and pretty amazing direction.
Rent should be in here. Perhaps in a second installment?
Oliver with Ron Moody Oliver Reed, etc is an excellent production!
Would Bugsy Malone be classed as a musical?! I love that film also agree that Singing in the Rain, Grease, Sound of Music, The Blues Brothers, Chicago, Moulin Rouge, Wizard of Oz should all be in the top 10 while I also love all the disney films : )
Has anyone got any suggestions for films/musicals for me to watch coz i love them!!!?
WIZARD of OZ rules!!! I think also there should be On the Town, featuring Gene Kelly, should be on this!!
WHERE THE HELL IS ANNIE??????
Oliver?
Phantom Of the Paradise?
Moulin Rouge?
Chicago?
Rather unhappy about no Annie though
That creepy ginger freak made my childhood…
South Park Bigger, Longer and Uncut and The Nightmare Before Christmas are the best.
Cannibal! The Musical — BEST. MOVIE. EVER.
Oh no…none of Tim Burton’s work made it on there
what the hell, grease in the number 1 spot is an insult to the genre. further more how can you overlooked the fact that the wizard of oz is in the top 3 movie of all-time. nightmare before x-mas sould be there an a little movie call:MOULIN ROUGE. ring any bell.
C’mon? South Park Movie has got to be at least a notable . . .
Pfft, Cabaret should have been #1.
Clang Clang went the trolly ding ding went the bell zing zing went my heart strings as we started for Huntington Dell. Meet me in st. Louis is one of my favs!!
what the hell! oh my days southpark, tho a good cartoon will never, ever be one of the greatest musicals . the oldies are so much better than that. you have to take best musicals as the ones that shape people that reach to people that have people singing along and loving it. so though some may not have great cinematic integrity you have to note them. i agree that you have missed out some of the most notable movies such as Annie, Oliver, Meet me in St Louis, Chicago, Moulin Rouge (tho i dont really like it myself), and Little shop of horrors i think the original list is actually okay.
ah i love love love singing in the rain. i love all i do is dream of you.
great movie.
Not the biggest musical fan, but agree with ionmike about The Wall, and Tommy. Of course my personal favourites, Fiddler on the Roof, and Oliver! Cannibal the Musical was a riot! Hedwig and the Angry Inch is another great overlooked musical. Across the Universe was well done, mind you i`m a huge Beatles fan, so i might be biased. While i`m on the topic, what about Hard Days Night and Help!, and The Rutles All You Need is Cash, Little Shop of Horrors. Ooo, and i hear they are putting Wicked to film in 2010, look forward to that. Well enough rambling…