Musical movies are truly one of a kind. There’s something so unique about people bursting into singing in the middle of perfectly normal conversations.
Movies have been telling stories through music ever since The Jazz Singer hit theaters in 1927, and they have come a long way from there. There’s no doubt the 1930s through the early 1950s was the golden age of the musical, giving life to many successes like Singin’ in the Rain, one of the most popular musical movies ever. It’s about a silent film actor struggling during the transition from silent movies to sound films (also called ‘talkies’).
Musical films characteristically contain elements reminiscent of theater; performers often treat their song and dance numbers as if there’s a live audience watching. In a sense, the viewer becomes the audience, as the performer looks directly into the camera and performs to it.
Whether we like it or not, we live in a musical world. The past 20 years have seen a significant resurgence in the industry: Moulin Rouge!, Chicago, Walk The Line, Les Misérables, and La La Land were all Golden Globe Award winners. Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman, A Star is Born, Enchanted, and Pitch Perfect all attracted big-name stars to the cinematic stage.
Numerous musicals have come out over the years, each one more memorable than the last. The list below ranks the best musical movies of all time, as determined by critics and fans alike.
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Singin' In The Rain
1952 | 1h 43m | Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly
Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor
Singin’ In The Rain offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to talking pictures. The film was a modest hit when first released. However, it topped the American Film Institute’s list of greatest musicals in 2006 and is frequently described as the best musical ever made.
The Little Mermaid
1989 | 1h 23m | Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
Starring Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, and Pat Carroll
A true classic, The Little Mermaid was the first of a resurgence of Disney animated features in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The story follows Ariel, a young mermaid who falls in love with Prince Eric and sets off on an adventure to become human. It’s not only one of the best musical movies; it’s one of the best animated movies of all time.
The Lion King (1994)
1994 | 1h 28m | Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
Starring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and James Earl Jones
Many of Disney’s most beloved animated films are also some of their most memorable musicals. The Lion King is one such example. It’s a classic story of good against evil, with the son of a murdered king struggling to come to terms with his future as king himself, all set to an outstanding soundtrack that you’ll be singing for days.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
1964 | 2h 8m | Directed by Charles Walters
Starring Debbie Reynolds, Harve Presnell, and Ed Begley
Inspired by the life of Margaret Brown, the American socialite and philanthropist who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. This delightful rags-to-riches story of a mountain girl features fantastic songs by Meredith Willson and became Wilson’s personal favorite movie among the ones she acted for.
White Christmas
1954 | 2h | Directed by Michael Curtiz
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney
Bob Wallace, Phil Davis, Betty, and Judy Haynes are about to perform a Christmas show in Vermont when they run into WWII commander, Gen. Waverly. It turns out that he’s having financial difficulties, so the foursome comes up with a plan to make a miracle and put the general back in the black!
Rocketman
2019 | 2h 1m | Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, and Richard Madden
Elton John’s journey about his breakthrough years. The film follows his incredible transformation from a shy piano prodigy into an international superstar. This inspirational story, set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by Taron Egerton, tells the universally relatable tale of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.
Daddy Long Legs
1955 | 2h 6m | Directed by Jean Negulesco
Starring Fred Astaire, Leslie Caron, and Terry Moore
A wealthy American man decides to anonymously pay for the college education of a French orphan girl. When they meet in person years later, they fall in love with each other, but she doesn’t know that the man she loves and her secret benefactor are one and the same. During filming for the movie, Fred Astaire’s wife passed away, and he would often retreat to his trailer and cry. That’s why his eyes look so red and swollen in some scenes.
I don't like many musicals but gave this a go because I love the book- it strayed so far that it was ridiculous. My grandmother loved it though.
Man Of La Mancha
1972 | 2h 12m | Directed by Arthur Hiller
Starring Peter O’Toole, Sophia Loren, and James Coco
Man Of La Mancha is a joyous, life-affirming adaptation of the Broadway hit that finally gives Don Quixote a happy ending. It’s also a tribute to Miguel de Cervantes, the seventeenth-century author who created the windmill-tilting dreamer. In director Arthur Hiller’s film, Peter O’Toole plays Cervantes himself, who is imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition.
Funny Lady
1975 | 2h 16m | Directed by Herbert Ross
Starring Barbra Streisand, James Caan, and Omar Sharif
Nominated for five Academy Awards. After this 1975 sequel to Funny Girl, even some of the haters grudgingly had to admit that Barbra Streisand is a gifted comedienne with a flair for musical comedy. The film is set in the 1920s as Fanny Brice ends her marriage to Nicky Arnstein and becomes an established headliner on Broadway.
The Sound Of Music
Bedknobs And Broomsticks
1971 | 1h 57m | Directed by Robert Stevenson
Starring Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, and Roddy McDowall
Bedknobs And Broomsticks is a delightful fantasy musical movie. Three kids, an apprentice witch, and a cynical magician search for the missing component to a magic spell that could save Britain during World War II. This was the last Disney movie released while Roy O. Disney was still alive: he passed away a week after the premiere.
Nashville
1975 | 2h 40m | Directed by Robert Altman
Starring Keith Carradine, Lily Tomlin, and Karen Black
The movie follows the hustle and bustle of those involved in the country and gospel music industries in Nashville, Tennessee, over five days, ending with their participation in a gala concert for a populist outsider running for President on the Replacement Party ticket. For this musical movie, each actor and actress was required to write and perform their own songs.
The King And I
1956 | 2h 13m | Directed by Walter Lang
Starring Deborah Kerr, Yul Brynner, and Rita Moreno
Based on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic and inspired by the real-life story of a schoolteacher hired by the king of Siam to tutor his children. The movie is filled with rousing marches and unforgettable ballads, not to mention a heartwarming love story. The film was a critical success and was nominated for nine Oscars, winning five, including Best Actor for Brynner.
Kept looking for Oklahoma and South Pacific in this list- did I miss them?
Fiddler On The Roof
1971 | 3h 1m | Directed by Norman Jewison
Starring Topol, Norma Crane, and Leonard Frey
Backed by a strong cast and production team, this is a movie that still holds up amazingly well even after 50 years. It tells the story of a father trying to maintain his Jewish traditions in a changing world, where growing antisemitic sentiment threatens his family’s safety. This film also won three Academy Awards and was nominated for another five.
Damn Yankees
1958 | 1h 51m | Directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen
Starring Tab Hunter, Gwen Verdon, and Ray Walston
Film adaptation of George Abbott’s Broadway musical. A desperate baseball fan sells his soul to the devil to see his favorite team win the pennant. While it doesn’t stray far from the stage version, it picks up an extra element of fun from having Ray Walston as Mr. Applegate. In fact, this is one of the significant roles that made him famous.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Anything Goes
1956 | 1h 46m | Directed by Robert Lewis
Starring Bing Crosby, Donald O’Connor, and Zizi Jeanmaire
Adapted from one of the most popular musicals of the 1930s, Anything Goes tells the story of two entertainers scheduled to appear in a Broadway show who travel to Europe, where each discovers the perfect leading lady for the female role. This movie marks Bing Crosby’s last Paramount picture.
The Fantasticks
1995 | 1h 26m | Directed by Michael Richie
Starring Joel Gray, Bernard Hughes, and Jean Louisa Kelly
Based on the 1960 musical of the same name, The Fantasticks is a parable about love and life. It follows the story of two neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love by pretending to feud in order to unite them. The movie was made in 1995, but its proper (though minimal) release didn’t happen until 2000.
Pinocchio
1940 | 1h 28m | Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske
Starring Dick Jones, Cliff Edwards, and Christian Rub
We all know his story: Pinocchio, a living wooden marionette, must prove he’s worthy of becoming a human boy. Despite being produced more than 80 years ago, Pinocchio still catches the attention of both kids and adults with its music and memorable characters. Walt Disney enjoyed the character Figaro so much he wanted him to be included in the movie as much as possible and also made him Minnie Mouse’s pet.
Cats (1998)
Pitch Perfect
The Sword In The Stone
1963 | 1h 19m | Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring Alan Napier, Sebastian Cabot, and Norman Alden
This movie still holds up as one of the best animated films. If you’re a kid, you’ll love it for the songs, jokes, and action. If you’re an adult… you’ll probably like it for the same reasons. It’s the simple story of a young boy who becomes king of England, and the wizard Merlin who helps him on his way. The movie is full of music and magic, which fits perfectly with the whimsical style of Disney animation.
Into The Woods
1991 | 2h 33m | Directed by James Lapine
Starring Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, and Tom Aldredge
This movie is a little-known gem. Directed by James Lapine, Into the Woods was originally broadcast as part of the American Playhouse series on PBS and captured a brilliant performance by the original cast of the popular Broadway musical. In a case where life imitates art, Robert Westenberg, who played the Prince, and Kim Crosby, who played Cinderella, met making this play and eventually married.
I've watched three different versions of this piece, By far this is the very best, cannot beat Bernadette, Joanna, just fantabulous. Second favorite was a "In the park version" from London, quite wonderful. The the major motion picture, yuckkkk. Don't know who I hated most, Jonny Depp as the wolf, Meryl Streep ( a brilliant actor, but not this time), or James Cordin as the baker, never mind, clearly James Corden was the worst.
The Great Muppet Caper
1981 | 1h 37m | Directed by Jim Henson
Starring Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Dave Goelz
The Muppets are back into action in another movie based on a beloved children’s show. This time, Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo are reporters who travel to London to interview a wealthy lady named Lady Holiday. The film is filled with songs such as Hey a Movie!, Happiness Hotel, Night Life, and The First Time It Happens.
Cry-Baby
La La Land
A Star Is Born
Hans Christian Andersen
I love this movie. Danny Kaye was just a sweet and funny man in every one of his films.
Show Boat (1936)
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
My brother was really into Elvis in primary school and in 5 he played Pharaoh in that style. It was very cute!
1776
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Once Upon A Mattress
A Hard Day's Night
West Side Story (2021)
Wrong version, the original from 1961 is far superior. The biggest problem with this one is that Ansel Elgort couldn't carry the part, and the actor playing Maria wasn't good enough, and together the height difference just made me laugh.
On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
By The Light Of The Silvery Moon
Cabin In The Sky
Gypsy (1993)
Wrong version, sorry. I've loved Bette since the 70's but no one, no one can top Ethel Merman in the original film.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
Scrooge (1970)
A Mighty Wind
Tick, Tick... Boom!
Luxury Liner
The Inspector General
Grease
Moana
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Little Shop Of Horrors
yes yes yes. I cannot go to the dentist without expecting the brilliant Steve Martin to work on my teeth.
The Jungle Book (1967)
Mary Poppins
Tangled
The Blues Brothers
One of my all-time favorite movies! Every time one of the songs plays on my iPod, I see the part of the movie it's played in :)
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Holiday Inn
Meet Me In St. Louis
The Greatest Showman
i wanna see this, partly bc of panic! at the disco's version of the greatest show
The Phantom Of The Opera
Wow!! No!!! Phantom of the Opera (the movie, that is) is really really bad. The musical on Broadway brought me to tears watching it, I've been 5 times in New York. But the movie has a lot of things wrong with it. For one, Gerard Butler grinds out "Music Of The Night" like he's being put through a bloody torture machine. Emmy Rossum was 16-17 whilst making the movie, Patrrick Wilson and Gerard Butler both in their 30s. Also, Patrick Wilson is the only who works there. If this gets downvoted, I'm sorry, but the Broadway Musical was much better. The movie's design was stunning, and I liked the idea of the chandelier falling at the end, but the actors could have been better.
Mulan
Cinderella (1950)
Beauty And The Beast (2017)
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
The Wizard Of Oz
My Fair Lady
Victor Victoria
All That Jazz
Alice In Wonderland (1951)
Moulin Rouge!
An American In Paris
Aladdin
Sleeping Beauty
On The Town
An American Tail
Frosty The Snowman
Oliver & Company
West Side Story (1961)
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Frozen
Fame (1980)
Top Hat
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Frosty The Snowman
Calamity Jane
The Year Without A Santa Claus
Gold Diggers Of 1933
Porgy And Bess
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Mary Poppins Returns
Funny Girl
Cabaret
Lady And The Tramp
Les Miserables (2012)
The Princess And The Frog
Hamilton
YESSSSSSSSSS HAMILTON MY BELOVED DHFCGJFCHGDXRWGSHFEKBUJHRSJGEDFJNJHDESGHNKN
Swing Time
The Music Man
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Enchanted
42nd Street
Okay! I scrolled all the way to hear just to make sure it was listed. I watch it every chance I get which isn't often anymore.
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
Peter Pan
The Band Wagon
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Cover Girl
Annie Get Your Gun
A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court (1949)
High Society
Carmen Jones
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Anchors Aweigh
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Oliver!
Chicago
Dreamgirls
The Muppets
Once
Shocked by the lack of love for this gem on this list - zero upvotes at the time of this comment. A true modern gem that shined without needing Hollywood star power, was not a remake, and had an amazing soundtrack with many songs that had gone on to become instant classics.
Sing
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Lili
The Happiest Millionaire
The Court Jester
Neptune's Daughter
Pete's Dragon
Broadway Melody Of 1940
Purple Rain
Pal Joey
It Happened In Brooklyn
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh
The Pajama Game
Mad Monster Party?
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
The Fox And The Hound
The Muppet Movie
In The Heights
Hedwig And The Angry Inch
A Night At The Opera
The Young Girls Of Rochefort
Hallelujah!
Mrs. Santa Claus
Cats Don't Dance
It Started With Eve
The Three Caballeros
It's Always Fair Weather
Melody Time
Hit The Deck (1955)
Bells Are Ringing
Thrill Of A Romance
Popeye
Three Daring Daughters
Doctor Dolittle (1967)
Been So Long
The Prince Of Egypt
Sing Street
Sunshine On Leith
8 Women
The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again
Blinded By The Light
Sing 2
Encanto
the first (i think) song has a lil reference to guns and ships from hamilton in it :)
Annette
A Goofy Movie
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
Hairspray (2007)
Mamma Mia!
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
A lot don't really qualify as musicals and most of those that do are ANCIENT.
I agree about the qualifications but I really like the "ancient" ones best . They're actual musicals, not cartoons or movies with a soundtrack.
Load More Replies...Wow, where are Camelot, Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Eddie and the Cruisers, Mame (though I guess the movie did suck wit Lucille Ball filmed through a gauze filter to hide her age), The Music Man, Yellow Submarine, Cinderella (the original movie), Guys and Dolls (Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Shirly Jones- can't be beat), Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun. Yes, I've run out of memory, there are so many more. And yes, if it isn't obvious, I am a 65 year old gay man. lol
A lot don't really qualify as musicals and most of those that do are ANCIENT.
I agree about the qualifications but I really like the "ancient" ones best . They're actual musicals, not cartoons or movies with a soundtrack.
Load More Replies...Wow, where are Camelot, Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Eddie and the Cruisers, Mame (though I guess the movie did suck wit Lucille Ball filmed through a gauze filter to hide her age), The Music Man, Yellow Submarine, Cinderella (the original movie), Guys and Dolls (Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Shirly Jones- can't be beat), Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun. Yes, I've run out of memory, there are so many more. And yes, if it isn't obvious, I am a 65 year old gay man. lol