The 25 Best Musicals
1.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Also on the 10th Anniversary (5), Romance (16), Comedy (16), and Greatest (9) Lists - The top musical on the list. Rather strange at times it is very enjoyable and the music is definitely catchy. The plot follows a couple of vaudeville actors, where after the advent of movies with sound, her career is in jeopardy due to her shrill voice. For those of you whole love musicals you have probably have already seen this but if not, you should.
2. West Side Story (1961)
Also on the Romance (3), 10th Anniversary (51), and Greatest (41) Lists - The musical based on Romeo and Juliet set in "modern" day New York. Very good catchy music and great acting. It really shows the grittiness of New York at times. Although I question whether gangs in NYC really know all the moves in choreographed dances.
3. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Also on the Thriller (43), Greatest (6), 10th Anniversary (10), and Inspirational (26) Lists - Another of the classics, but unlike some of the others, I think everyone has seen this one. Don't know what to say about this one that people don't know. After reading some descriptions of the movie, there have been quite a few remakes of the book and this one does not seem entirely true to the book unlike some of those others, but this is the best and most loved of the lot. The original directed by Baum himself apparently had Dorothy as the dethroned princess of OZ. Makes me want to read the book.
4. The Sound of Music (1965)
Also on the Romance (27), Greatest (55), 10th Anniversary (40), and Inspirational (41) Lists - One of the most popular musicals of all time. It is based on the Von Trapp family who during WWII were eventually forced to leave their native Austria. The main plot of the movie follows a former nun who finds her true calling as a governess to the family and eventually melts the heart of the once stern father. This all occurs in lighthearted nature over several irritatingly get stuck in your head musical numbers. Obviously their situation was portrayed not as dire as it actually was but it is still an enjoyable movie.
5. Cabaret (1972)
Also on the 10th Anniversary (63) List -
6. Mary Poppins (1964)
This is just a fun movie. It transcends a
lot of genres from musical to comedy to even animation for part of it and it is
very enjoyable to watch. I have not seen it in several years but I would not
mind watching it again if it were on.
7. A Star is Born (1954)
Also on the Romance (43) List -
8. My Fair Lady (1964)
Also on the Romance (12) and Greatest (91) Lists - Based on the inspirational play Pygmalion that very few people have actually heard about. Its a very simple concept really, a highly educated linguist who can tell the difference between any accent ever is challenged to convert a street tramp into the belle of the ball. The problem starts when he starts to have feelings for her. Some very enjoyable songs, although not as well know as some other musicals, still sing-a-long worthy.
9. An American in Paris (1951)
Also on the Romance (39) and Greatest (68) Lists - Overall An American in Paris is a good movie. The plot is easy to follow and intriguing, the dancing is phenomenal, and the singing is entertaining, but the musical portions seemed to have no connection to the plot of the movie. Maybe I am just jaded by modern day movies but the meaning for last 18 minutes completely eluded me. The very end also seemed to be a bit too good to be true. The story is basically an American painter (Gene Kelly) is in Paris and falls in love with a French girl (Leslie Caron) who happens to be engaged to another man. Like anyone would expect the French girl ends up with the American but for no apparent reason the man she was engaged to seems happy at the match. Not one of the best movies on the list and seemed to drag on at times.
10. Meet
Me in St. Louis (1944)
11. The King and I (1956)
Also on the Romance (31) List -
12. Chicago (2002)
The good thing about musical movies is that they already have a good script. They just need good actors to play the parts and a good director to visualize it on the screen. Chicago is a very good musical on its own. Then throw in award winning actors and actresses and it is a gem. This is another of the recent movies on the list and it well deserves to be there.
13. 42nd
Street (1933)
14. All
That Jazz (1979)
15. Top
Hat (1935)
16. Funny Girl (1968)
Also on the Romance (41) List -
17. The
Band Wagon (1953)
18. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Also on the Greatest (100), 10th Anniversary (98), and Inspirational (88) Lists -
19. On The
Town (1949)
20. Grease (1978)
Also on the Romance (98) List - Another iconic movie on the romance list. This is the 1970's musical. A very fun movie to watch and since everyone knows the words it's all the better.
21. Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
22. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Also on the Romance (34) List - This is one of my favorite Disney movies and I think one of the best they have ever done in terms of quality and story line. The music is easily the best out of any of the movies and the story is fantastic and touching. A must see on any kid or kid at heart's list.
23. Guys
and Dolls (1955)
24. Show
Boat (1936)
25. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
One of my wife's favorite movies. She made me watch this every Friday my Junior year of college. It is definitely a good movie and the musical numbers are very catchy. Since I have not seen a ton of musicals I do not have much to compare this too but I feel it should be on this list, possibly even higher up.
Comments or questions can be sent via e-mail to Jazinator@hotmail.com
Copyright © 2010 by DinoJim.com. All rights reserved.