25 Best Movie Musicals That Will Have You Singing in No Time
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023
Some movies were made to be watched over and over—while you sing along. Did your favorite make our list of the best movie musicals?
Sing your heart out while watching these best movie musicals
Let’s be honest: there are a ton of opinions about what the best movies are. Some think funny movies are the ones to go to on movie night, whereas others appreciate a good romantic movie or tearjerker movie. While these genres are viable contenders, only the best movie musicals will make you want to hop off the couch while breaking out into song and dance.
Movie musicals are great because you get a little bit of everything: great storytelling, fun dance numbers, and catchy songs guaranteed to get stuck in your head. Next time you’re wondering what to watch, stream one of the best movie musicals listed below to get the ultimate entertainment experience.
Grease
Released: 1978
Rated: PG
Most memorable song: “You’re the One That I Want”
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John made movie musical history in this hit film set in a 1950s high school. The main story is very Romeo and Juliet—Danny and Sandy come from different worlds, so how can their love last? Watch to find out, and while you’re at it, sing along to iconic numbers like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightin’,” and the catchy finale number by the two stars: “You’re the One that I Want.” It’s also filled with memorable movie quotes you’ll likely repeat more than once.
Oliver!
Released: 1968
Rated: G
Most memorable song: “As Long As He Needs Me”
This epic musical won the Best Picture Oscar and includes grand dance numbers set on London’s busy streets. Shani Willis shines as the kind Nancy, trapped by poverty and in love with the bad guy Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed), who she laments in the ballad “As Long As He Needs Me.”
Dreamgirls
Released: 2006
Rated: PG-13
Most memorable song: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”
Starring powerhouse divas Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson in the leads, this musical follows the pop group The Dreams on their rise to superstardom. The whole cast glows in numbers like “Family,” “Cadillac Car,” and of course, “Dreamgirls.” Prepare for these tunes to stay with you long after the movie ends.
The Sound of Music
Released: 1965
Rated: G
Most memorable song: “Do-Re-Mi”
The hills were totally alive with the sound of music in this beloved classic about a singing governess. It hit the big screen in 1965 and became an early blockbuster, solidifying its status as one of the best movie musicals of all time.
Chicago
Released: 2002
Rated: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Cell Block Tango”
Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones sing and dance as celebrity convicts in this Best-Picture-winning musical about fame, jealousy, and murderous love. The film won Best Picture and re-ignited the musical film genre for the modern age. Start streaming it now and get to singing!
Hamilton
Released: 2020
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Alexander Hamilton”
There’s a reason this musical is a Broadway mega hit. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton brilliantly combines classic theater with modern music and storytelling to bring us the story of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of the United States hungry to make his mark in a new nation. Fair warning: You’ll have the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat after watching it.
Singin’ in the Rain
Released: 1952
Rating: G
Most memorable song: “Singin’ in the Rain”
Debbie Reynolds is ultra-charming in this time-honored classic musical about the advent of the talkies in movie history. She plays a winning showgirl with a golden singing voice destined for stardom. You can see why Gene Kelly always stole the show as in his delightful musical numbers, including the timeless “Singin’ in the Rain.”
West Side Story
Released: 1961
Rating: Approved
Most memorable song: “America”
This cinematic masterpiece opens on the streets of New York City and turns gang warfare into a choreographed art form that features jazz and dance. This acclaimed musical follows the love story of Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer), but this tale is also a social commentary on what it means to be a minority in America.
Mamma Mia!
Released: 2008
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Mamma Mia”
A beautiful Greek island + ABBA’s timeless music—what more could you want from a musical? Mamma Mia! is the story of a young bride-to-be who invites three men, all of whom could be her father, to her wedding (unbeknownst to her mother). What ensues is some funny, dramatic, and romantic antics perfectly choreographed to ABBA’s catchy music. After streaming this, don’t forget to stream the sequel: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
42nd Street
Released: 1933
Rating: Passed
Most memorable song: “42nd Street”
Classic Hollywood film stars Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell steal your heart in this Busby Berkley musical that was ahead of its time. This film features masterful musical numbers with dancers on rotating platforms doing impressive choreography. The climactic “42nd Street” number moves from realistic city set to a stage where dancers create a cityscape with cutouts in Art Deco style. A true feast for the eyes—and ears.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Released: 1953
Rating: Not rated
Most memorable song: “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell sparkle in this fun romantic musical that’s filled with some of the most iconic musical numbers of all time. Monroe shows off her signature charisma in the iconic “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” You start out on a cruise ship, end up with a double wedding, and realize you’ve been smiling the whole time.
Les Misérables
Released: 2012
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “I Dreamed a Dream”
It totally works to hear Russell Crowe belting out heart-rending tunes in this dramatic musical set in 19th century France. Crowe plays a mean police chief who has it in for passionate ex-convict Hugh Jackman. Jackman tries to become upstanding, but Crowe is still out to get him. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway (who won Best Supporting Actress for her unforgettable role) plays the tragic Fantine whose life takes a darker turn once she loses her job at Jackman’s factory. This is a must-watch musical for all!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Released: 1975
Rating: R
Most memorable song: “Time Warp”
Get ready to do the time warp! This musical has a cult following for its fun tunes (which are staples on Halloween playlists), horror theme, and intriguing story of a young engaged couple who, after getting a flat tire, end up at the bizarre home of Dr. Frank N. Furter. Filled with interesting twists and incredibly catchy music, Rocky Horror will have you singing around the house (and perhaps even performing a dance number in heels).
Hairspray
Released: 2007
Rating: PG
Most memorable song: “You Can’t Stop the Beat”
Hairspray (which also made our list of the best funny family movies) has it all: great music, a star-studded cast, and powerful messages of equality and body positivity. A Baltimore teen becomes an overnight sensation after landing a spot on a popular television show in the 1960s, but soon she develops a new dream: to use her platform to help shake things up in the world. Start streaming now and get those dancing shoes ready; you’ll be on your feet in no time.
Dear Evan Hansen
Released: 2021
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Waving Through a Window”
There’s a reason Dear Evan Hansen has become a worldwide musical hit. Ben Platt stars as an outcast teenager who just wants to fit in but soon finds himself in a complicated situation following a classmate’s death. It’s a heartfelt story of self-discovery and acceptance at an age where all you may want to do is hide from the world—something all of us have gone through at some point.
The Phantom of the Opera
Released: 2004
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “The Music of the Night”
Mystery, obsession, romance, and opera—what more could you want from a musical? The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a young opera singer in Paris named Christine who finds herself at the center of an elusive musical genius’ obsession. She’s drawn to the phantom, but she’s courted by her childhood sweetheart, Raoul. Soon, the phantom uses some mischievous tactics to make Christine an opera star and tries to win her love. Who will she choose? Start streaming now to find out.
Burlesque
Released: 2010
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Welcome to Burlesque”
You know you’re in for a good movie musical when it features industry powerhouses like Cher and Christina Aguilera. These two icons star in Burlesque, the story of a small-town girl who dreams of making it big in Los Angeles. She eventually gets her shot at a down-on-its-luck burlesque club, and turns out, she’s just what the club needs to make a comeback. Get ready to burlesque!
La La Land
Released: 2016
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Someone in the Crowd”
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone make a perfect duo in this smash hit. A jazz pianist and aspiring actress meet and fall in love in Los Angeles, but they soon realize balancing love and dreams is much easier said than done. There’s a reason La La Land won six Academy Awards—see what all the hype is about (and get ready to sing your heart out).
Moulin Rouge!
Released: 2001
Rating: PG-13
Most memorable song: “Lady Marmalade”
Love, lust, and music fill this movie musical classic. Moulin Rouge! stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as two lovers in 1890s Paris who must fight for their love before it’s taken away from them. Kidman and McGregor’s chemistry is undeniable, and the music is simply spectacular—you’ll download the soundtrack in no time.
The Greatest Showman
Released: 2017
Rating: PG
Most memorable song: “The Greatest Show”
With a star-studded cast and incredibly catchy songs, it’s no wonder The Greatest Showman became a hit. It tells the story of P.T. Barnum’s creation of the Barnum & Bailey circus and how it became (you guessed it) the greatest show on Earth. Watch show business come to life, accompanied by lovely tunes and mesmerizing acts.
Fame
Released: 1980
Rating: R
Most memorable song: “Fame”
This cult classic shows just how far people will go to achieve their dreams. Fame is the story of teens at the New York High School of Performing Arts who, on top of training and performing hard to make their dreams come true, deal with the trials and triumphs of adolescence (in a well-choreographed fashion, of course).
The Wizard of Oz
Released: 1939
Rating: G
Most memorable song: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Yep, one of the most iconic movies of all time is a musical. Follow Dorothy as she travels through the whimsical land of Oz to find a wizard who will help her get home to Kansas. Watch and sing your heart out as she meets some friends (and a not-so-nice witch) along the path of the yellow brick road.
Cabaret
Released: 1972
Rating: PG
Most memorable song: “Cabaret”
If you haven’t yet, add this award-winning movie musical to your watch list. Liza Minnelli stars as a woman in early 1930s Germany who finds herself in the middle of a love triangle—and an alarming uprising. Start watching now to see what happens in her cabaret world.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Released: 2007
Rating: R
Most memorable song: “Pretty Women”
This is a movie musical for those with a taste for the macabre. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter star in this dark musical about a London barber with a terrifying (and deadly) secret. The story is a bit twisted, but make no mistake—the musical numbers are fabulous.
Mary Poppins
Released: 1964
Rating: G
Most memorable song: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
Mary Poppins isn’t just a classic family movie; it’s a great musical with timeless numbers. Start streaming now to get a glimpse of Mary Poppins, the ultimate nanny who helps a family reconnect through fantastic adventures and songs.
