Sometimes, when your life becomes boring or restless, you might want to watch a good musical movie just as you always do to recharge yourself and calm down. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Next, we’ll introduce you to lists of the top 10 musical movies of all time and other great musical movies.
10 Best Musical Movies of All Time
10. The Wizard of OZ
- Year: 1939
- Genre: Family, Musical
- Run time: 1h 42m
- Rating: 8.1/10 on IMDB, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 92/100 on Metascore
“The Wizard of Oz” is a timeless classic of American cinema, talking about a young girl who is swept away from Kansas to the magical land of Oz, as she journeys with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion to meet the Wizard.
Filled with iconic songs like “Over the Rainbow” and vibrant Technicolor visuals, the film blends fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming storytelling. Its imaginative world, memorable music, and enduring charm have made it one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
Related: The Best Christmas Movies on Netflix for Family, Kid, Adult
9. La La Land
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Musical, Romance
- Run Time: 2h 8m
- Rating: 8.0 on IMDB, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 94/100 on Metascore
“La La Land” is a modern musical that celebrates dreams, love, and the magic of Los Angeles. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the film follows a jazz musician and an aspiring actress as they navigate romance and ambition in a city full of possibilities.
Featuring vibrant song-and-dance numbers, a memorable original score, and dazzling cinematography, La La Land blends nostalgia for classic Hollywood musicals with contemporary storytelling, earning widespread acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.
Related: 15 Best Romance Movies: Top Films That Explore True Love
8. Beauty and the Beast
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Musical, Fantasy, Romance
- Run Time: 2h 10m
- Rating: 7.1 on IMDB, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65/100 on Metascore
Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast” tells the enchanting story of Belle, a bright and compassionate young woman, and the Beast, a prince trapped in a cursed form. With memorable songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, including “Be Our Guest” and the iconic title song, the film combines romance, adventure, and magical animation.
Praised for its storytelling, music, and emotional depth, it became the first animated film ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, cementing its place as a timeless musical favorite.
7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Gothic, Horror, Musical
- Run Time: 1h 56m
- Rating: 7.3/10 on IMDB, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83/100 on Metascore
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a darkly stylish adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical. It follows the vengeful barber Sweeney Todd as he returns to London to seek revenge, accompanied by his sinister accomplice Mrs. Lovett.
Starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, the film blends macabre humor, gothic visuals, and hauntingly powerful songs like “Johanna” and “A Little Priest.”
Its unique mix of horror, drama, and musical spectacle makes it one of the most daring and unforgettable musicals of the modern era.
6. Chicago
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Crime, Comedy, Musical
- Run Time: 1h 53m
- Rating: 7.2/10 on IMDB, 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81/100 on Metascore
Set in the roaring 1920s, “Chicago” is a dazzling, Oscar-winning musical that tells the story of fame, scandal, and murder in the Windy City. Starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, the film blends sultry jazz numbers, sharp choreography, and darkly comedic storytelling.
Its satirical look at media sensationalism and the pursuit of celebrity, combined with unforgettable songs like “All That Jazz,” has made Chicago a modern musical classic.
5. Oliver!
- Year: 1968
- Genre: Drama, Musical
- Run Time: 2h 33m
- Rating: 7.4/10 on IMDB, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74/100 on Metascore
Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “Oliver!” follows the adventures of the orphaned boy Oliver Twist as he navigates the streets of Victorian London and encounters a colorful cast of characters, from the kind-hearted Mr. Brownlow to the villainous Fagin.
Featuring memorable songs like “Consider Yourself” and “Food, Glorious Food,” the film combines lively musical numbers with a touching story of resilience and hope, making it a timeless family musical.
4. Little Shop of Horrors
- Year: 1986
- Genre: Horror, Comedy, Musical
- Run Time: 1h 34m
- Rating: 7.1/10 on IMDB, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
A quirky blend of horror, comedy, and musical theater, “Little Shop of Horrors” tells the story of Seymour, a timid florist who discovers a mysterious plant with a taste for human blood. Starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, the film is packed with catchy doo-wop–inspired songs and darkly humorous twists.
With its mix of campy fun, satirical edge, and unforgettable creature effects, it has become a cult classic in the world of movie musicals.
3. The Sound of Music
- Year: 1965
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Musical
- Run Time: 2h 55m
- Rating: 8.1/10 on IMDB, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63/100 on Metascore
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, “The Sound of Music” stars Julie Andrews as Maria, a spirited governess who brings music and joy to the seven children of the von Trapp family in Austria on the eve of World War II.
Featuring timeless songs like “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things,” the film combines sweeping scenery, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable music. Its uplifting message and enduring charm have made it a family classic across generations.
2. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
- Year: 1964
- Genre: Musical, Romance
- Run Time: 1h 31m
- Rating: 7.8/10 on IMDB, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 86/100 on Metascore
A landmark of French cinema, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is a wholly sung-through musical directed by Jacques Demy and starring Catherine Deneuve. Known for its vibrant color palette and bittersweet love story, the film follows two young lovers separated by war and circumstance.
With Michel Legrand’s lush score carrying every line of dialogue, it blends romance and melancholy in a way that feels both intimate and operatic, making it one of the most unique and enduring musicals ever made.
1. Singin’ in the Rain
- Year: 1952
- Genre: Romance, Musical, Comedy
- Run Time: 1h 43m
- Rating: 8.3/10 on IMDB, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Often hailed as the greatest musical ever made, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a joyous celebration of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to “talkies.” Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, the movie blends romance, comedy, and dazzling choreography with unforgettable songs like the iconic title number.
The film’s playful satire of early Hollywood, combined with spectacular dance sequences, makes it a timeless classic and a must-watch for anyone exploring the history of musicals.
Other Great Musical Movies
Aside from the movies we listed above, there are also other great options to choose from.
- Hamilton (2020)
- Tick, Tick…Boom! (2021)
- Sing Street (2016)
- A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
- Wicked (2024)
- All That Jazz (1979)
- Wonka (2023)
- The Color Purple (2023)
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Grease (1978)
- The Lion King (1994)
- Frozen (2013)
- Moana (2016)
What Is a Musical Movie?
The musical movie (or simply musical) is a film genre where songs, music, and often dance numbers are central to the storytelling. Unlike films that just have background scores or occasional songs, musicals integrate music directly into the plot; characters might burst into songs to express emotions, advance the story, or highlight themes.
Here are some key points of a musical movie:
- Songs as storytelling tools: Instead of only dialogue, characters use music to reveal their feelings, motivations, or decisions.
- Choreography: Dance numbers are often included, sometimes highly stylized and theatrical.
- Blend of genres: Musicals can be romances, comedies, dramas, or even fantasy, but the unifying trait is the integration of music.
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Wrap Up
Musical movies are popular because they combine storytelling with the emotional power of music. Songs can express what words alone sometimes cannot, making these films both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Therefore, when you feel frustrated, try picking one from our list to watch.
