Whether you adore them or feel ambivalent, musical films hold a distinct place in cinematic history. Enthusiasts of the genre will agree there’s an unparalleled joy in a well-timed song-and-dance scene.
If you’re on the quest for the next musical movie that will lift your spirits, we’re here to guide you. Below, we’ve curated a list of top musicals to watch. Get ready for some memorable viewing (and singing) moments!
Best Musical Movies of All Time
#1 Mamma Mia (2008)
Mamma Mia, a vibrant film adaptation of the 1999 hit stage musical, radiates joy with every ABBA tune it belts out. The stellar cast, with the likes of the legendary Meryl Streep, the versatile Colin Firth, and the effervescent Amanda Seyfried, brings to life a tale of love, identity, and family. Seyfried plays the role of Sophie, a spirited young woman on a quest to uncover her father’s identity, set against the backdrop of her own impending wedding on a breathtaking Greek isle. ABBA’s timeless classics are the heartbeat of the film, driving its worldwide acclaim. What unfolds is a heartfelt story that reminds us of the unshakeable bond between a mother and daughter, with Donna (portrayed by Streep) standing as the cornerstone of Sophie’s life from day one.
#2 The Jungle Book (2016)
Fleeing from the menacing tiger, Shere Khan, as voiced by Idris Elba, the boy Mowgli, portrayed by Neel Sethi, leaves his jungle home behind. On his quest for self-discovery, Mowgli is accompanied by a sage panther named Bagheera, brought to life by Ben Kingsley, and the carefree bear Baloo, with Bill Murray lending his voice.
Under the direction of Jon Favreau, “The Jungle Book” comes alive as a captivating live-action film that delivers a delightful experience for the whole family. The movie stands out as an excellent adaptation, bringing new depth to the classic story. Its state-of-the-art digital animation and thrilling action scenes raise the bar for cinema.
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#3 Moana (2016)
Disney Studio’s animated tale weaves a compelling narrative centered around a brave Polynesian girl’s quest to rescue her island from impending doom, accompanied by a powerful demigod. While the plot follows a familiar path, the movie triumphs in delivering breathtaking 3D landscapes and catchy musical numbers that capture the audience’s imagination. Despite earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, it was ultimately overshadowed by the studio’s own critically acclaimed ‘Zootopia’.
#4 Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Looking for the perfect film to brighten a gloomy, rain-soaked day? Look no further than Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s exuberant musical, which charmingly chronicles the rise of sound film. Featuring the irresistible trio of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, this film is infused with such cheer and wonderful tunes like the iconic title song and the rollicking “Make ’Em Laugh” number that you’ll be singing in the rain yourself, filled with ecstasy.
#5 Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Combining a harrowing storyline with an acclaimed performance by Björk, “Dancer in the Dark” offers a visceral viewing experience. Björk’s riveting portrayal of Selma Ježková, a Czech immigrant enduring a grueling existence in America during the 1960s, earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. You can even watch this festival today, but first install a VPN, it is now here for Chrome. Her deeply emotional performance captures the heart of a woman finding solace in the fantastical world of music and dance.
#6 Aladdin (2019)
Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of ‘Aladdin,’ a cinematic retelling of the cherished animated classic. Mena Massoud shines as Aladdin, a charismatic and good-hearted street urchin, who gets entangled in a whirlwind of thrilling escapades. Along his journey, he encounters the dazzling Princess Jasmine, portrayed by Naomi Scott, and forms an unlikely alliance with a Genie who has the power to grant him three life-changing wishes.
While some viewers may have found this adaptation to mirror its animated counterpart a bit too closely, Guy Ritchie’s ‘Aladdin’ doesn’t lack spectacle or heart. It’s a feast for the eyes with sumptuous sets and vibrant colors that bring the streets of Agrabah to life. Add in a cast whose performances captivate and a soundtrack that resonates, and it’s no surprise the film soared past the $1 billion mark at the global box office.
#7 The Lion King (2019)
The 2019 adaptation of the classic tearjerker “The Lion King” introduces a new generation to Simba’s poignant saga, as portrayed by Donald Glover. In the wake of his father Mufasa’s (voiced by James Earl Jones) shocking demise, orchestrated by his tormented uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Simba must accept his destiny as the legitimate sovereign of the wild.
While it may not dethrone the original as the fan-favorite, this iteration captivates with its visually arresting depiction of the African savanna, inviting audiences to step into the regal domain of Mufasa. Jon Favreau’s divisive rendition may not evoke quite the same enchantment or vibrancy, yet its financial success and title as the top-earning movie musical attest to its monumental impact.
Conclusion
“The Jazz Singer,” the pioneering movie musical, marked its cinematic debut hot on the heels of sound synchronization technology in 1927, showing the magic that audio could lend to motion pictures. In the kaleidoscopic passage of time, technological advancements have raised the bar for the film industry, particularly for the musical genre. The age where simply being labeled ‘a musical’ could captivate audiences is long gone. Now, the stakes are higher – compelling narratives, breathtaking dance extravaganzas, and enchanting scores are the lifeblood of the genre.
