Music has been a key part of entertainment throughout the entirety of human history. As such, as soon as sound became a part of motion pictures, music didn’t take long at all to show up. In fact, the very first talkie that won Best Picture at the Oscars was only the 2nd-ever recipient of the award, the infamous 1929 romance The Broadway Melody. It’s over the course of the last 75 years, however, that we’ve gotten several of the greatest movie musicals of all time, reminders of just how close the genre can come to perfection.
A cult classic rock opera? Loving adaptations of Broadway stage musicals? Disney princess classics? Modern homages to the genre? From 1951 to the present, there has been something for everyone—even those who think they don’t like musicals—to enjoy. It’s a varied, incredibly entertaining genre, and these ten masterpieces and artistic achievements demonstrate that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
10
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)
Image via 20th Century Studios
And God said: “Let there be lips!” And lips indeed there were, and there have been since The Rocky Horror Picture Show came out in 1975. Sensual, silly, and campier than any film that’s ever camped, this tribute to the sci-fi and horror B-pictures of the olden days was initially ignored by pretty much everyone. Over time, however, it started growing a cult following. In the present day, Tim Curry‘s Dr. Frank-N-Furter is the face of cult cinema and the midnight screening circuit.
It’s one of the edgiest and most violent movie musicals ever, perfect for those who like when the genre is sexy, bloody, and delightfully self-aware. It’s definitely not an experience fit for every cinephilic palate, but those who give themselves the opportunity to watch it at 12:00 a.m. in a theater full of costumed people shouting at the screen will be not just surprised, but delighted by how enjoyable campy musicals can be.
9
‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)
John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in The Blues BrothersImage via Universal Pictures
Several movies have been made based on sketches from <em>Saturday Night Live</em>, but there’s a strong argument to be made that none of them have ever been better than <em>The Blues Brothers</em>. With Jon Belushi and Dan Aykroyd reprising their roles of a paroled convict and his brother trying to prevent the foreclosure of the orphanage in which they were raised, this is another musical that has become a huge cult classic.
Over-the-top, incredibly charming, and full of soul-stirring musical numbers, it’s a comedic musical masterpiece unlike any other. It’s also one of the funniest movies of the last 100 years, and that unique sense of humor that characterizes it is another reason why it has remained timeless over the years. It’s an all-time great as enchanting as its two stars, and it will forever be remembered as one of the greatest musicals of the ’80s.
8
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (1971)
Chaim Topol as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (1971)Image via United Artists
Based on the 1964 stage musical of the same name, itself based on Sholem Alaichem‘s short stories about a Ukrainian Jewish milkman named Tevye, <em>Fiddler on the Roof </em>is a film that should need no introduction for fans of musicals. Starring Chaim Topol in the iconic role of Tevye, it’s one of the most iconic musicals of the ’70s, with a score adapted and composed by John Williams.
It’s one of the best movie musicals of the last 100 years, with director Norman Jewison pushing the source material to its limits (both narratively and musically) in all sorts of interesting ways. Clocking in at over three hours long, some may find it boring; but those used to slower-burning musicals will find it to be a beautiful, rousing artistic triumph, the kind that makes people go “they don’t make ’em like that anymore.”
7
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)
The Beast (Robby Benson) holds Belle’s (Paige O’Hara) hand as they sit outside inBeauty and the Beast.Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
The artists are Disney have been masters of fairy tale movies since the ’30s authors of several greatest animated films family films all time. It was during period known as Disney Renaissance however that House Mouse reached its artistic peak during this time cameBeauty and Beasta movie thatWalt Disney had been trying adapt since ’30s.
If there were Mount Rushmore Disney movies this one would most certainly be up there charming magical romantic yes full marvelous musical numbers it’s testament peak Disney’s creative artistic strength studioThe importance animated fantasy films(Disney more specifically)to history musicals cannot be overstatedand there are few better movies to watch understand that importance thanBeauty and Beast.
6
‘La La Land’ (2016)
Emma Stone as Mia and Ryan Gosling as Sebastian in La-La-LandImage via Lionsgate
The musical genre has been one least prolific over course century but has definitely not been absentDamien Chazelle demonstrated that in with nostalgia infused movie lovingly pays tribute many wonderful colorful vibrant musicals pastLa La Landthe film made him youngest winner Best Director Oscar history.
It’s easily one best movie musicals last years bittersweet deeply poignant love story carefully examines sacrifices come chasing Hollywood dreamRyan Goslingand Emma Stone are phenomenalJustin Hurwitz’s music absolutely unforgettableand glitz glamor with Chazelle directs every musical number treat.
The Godfather won Best Picture at Academy Awards it wasn’t night’s bigger winner So what was? What film could possibly be great enough earn more Oscars than what many consider to be single greatest film all time Bob Fosse’s Cabaret course Based on stage musical itself based play I Am Camera and novel Goodbye Berlin it’s one most intense movie musicals ever made.
Not all musicals need bright joyful with some bleakest material any film history genre proves that.
Bolstered by Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey’s transcendental performances it’s one legendary musicals history film Not all musicals need bright joyful with some bleakest material any film history genre proves without leaving place doubts Seductive electric catchy visually stunning masterpiece whose eight Oscar victories were all well-deserved.
4 ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)
Maria plays guitar sings surrounded children meadow Sound Music.Image via
20th Century Studios’
The Sound Music starts out bright joyful enough but story progresses joins Cabare t among ranks musicals which prove genre isn’t all sunshine rainbows This World War II classic one perfect movie musicals ever made biopic based story Maria von Trapp family.
This received mixed reviews critics but was commercial success such dimension theatrical run lasted four half years By November had snatched Gone With Wind record highest grossing film time record held until Steven Spielberg’s Jaws came along Complex romantic rousingly anti-fascist full catchy tunes everything musical should aspire then some Add Julie Andrews wonderful lead performance cherry top get one best films ’60s.
3 ‘Pink Floyd: The Wall’ (1982)
<div class ='responsiveimg imageexpandable img article item' style ='paddingbottom:50%'
dataimgurl ='http s:/ static.collide rimage s.co m/wor dpress/w p-co ntent/u ploads/s har edimage s/PinkFloyd-The-Wall-(19821982).jpg'
datamodalid ='singleimagemodal'
datamodalcontainerid ='singleimagemodalcontainer'
datacaption ='& quot Image via United International Pictures'
Hammers Pink Floyd Wall (19821982)
Image via United International Pictures’
Their released studio album Pink Floyd were already bona fide rock legends This rock opera concept album something transcendental altogether though it’s no surprise it’s one highest selling albums all time What is rather surprising however musical film based album was Even more surprising fact Pink Floyd The Wall is greatest musicals history cinema.
This sort surreal movie makes feel like tripping balls so can definitely bit strange some people But those who don’t mind musicals go all out wild capabilities genre mustsee Thematically sharp highly metaphorical visually jawdropping full magnificent music obligatory viewing even those aren’t Pink Floyd fans.
22 ‘The Lion King'(19941994)
Easily greatest film not just Disney Renaissance whole Disney library Lion King is movie whose reputation precedes it Inspired both Shakespeare’s Hamlet West African folklore one best kids movies last years masterpiece made gorgeous animation gorgeous writing gorgeous music.
For one Hans Zimmer score original songs penned Elton John Tim Rice turn film into catchy animated musicals time instantly But aside legendary songs Lion King deeply philosophical comingofage works wonderfully Tautly structured equally enjoyable kids grownups alike kind timeless classic people surely continue rewatch religiously many decades from now.
12 ‘Singin’in Rain'(19521952)
There plenty musical movies worth watching over over again but none more so than greatest musical movie time Singin’in Rain Part beautiful romcom part hilarious satire poking fun Hollywood awkward transition silent pictures talkies it’s movie something everyone Those want laugh those who love romance those cinephiles those simply enjoy watching perfect movie now then.
Gene Kelly Stanley Donen achieved something truly special here musical that’s pure bundle uplifting hope joy yet never feels saccharine emotionally cheap On contrary Singin’in Rain works precisely because emotion energy romance feel sincere There’s something irresistibly magical every character every performance every comedic set piece every musical number It’s absolutely unforgettable masterpiece musicals haven’t been better any point during last years.
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
