10 Unforgettable Musical Movies You Can't Stop Singing To

The Magic of Movie Musicals

Combining the visual might of cinema with the provocative power and poetry of music, the best movie musicals make for some of the most arresting and uniquely energizing spectacles that film has ever seen. These outstanding classics not only provide a plethora of great songs but do so with such zest and zeal that audiences feel the need to get involved with the singing themselves.

From the defining classics of the genre’s golden era to more modern gems that have ingrained themselves in the fabric of pop culture with their creativity and cleverness, these movie musicals will have even the most reluctant of viewers humming away at their tunes at the least. Being out of key, out of time, or out of tune simply does not matter, with these ten magical musicals inspiring everyone to join in.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this jukebox musical is filled with a beating heart of love, lavish lifestyles, and the allure of early 20th-century Paris. It follows English writer Christian as he joins Paris’ bohemian revolution and falls in love with Satine, the star performer at the titular nightclub. The film uses Baz Luhrmann’s rich and eccentric style to present a uniquely infectious movie. Featuring a whole array of well-known songs, it immerses viewers with its inviting sing-along style and exotic, historical setting that encourages the audience to join in on the fun every time a musical number is introduced. The film received eight Academy Award nominations, winning two for its production design and costume design, and has endured for over 20 years as a catchy and captivating musical that stands as one of Baz Luhrmann’s greatest triumphs.

Hamilton (2020)

Directed by Thomas Kail, this decisively modern take on one of the most important chapters in American history has enchanted millions around the world. Filmed from the Richard Rogers Theater in New York, the Broadway production serves as a biographical musical exploring the life of Alexander Hamilton. Blending hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and Broadway styles into one masterpiece of musical mayhem, it has cemented itself as the most iconic musical of the modern day. With so many of its songs seeping into the mainstream consciousness with their catchy tunes as well as their underlying meanings, it features plenty of songs that audiences can sing along to.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Based on the 1982 off-Broadway musical that was itself based on the 1960 horror comedy film, this intoxicating viewing experience soars with its macabre sense of humor, bombastic genre mash, unique yet entrancing special effects, and abundance of memorable musical numbers. It follows the plight of Seymour, a florist at a struggling store who buys a peculiar, man-eating plant in hopes of attracting more customers. With its chaotic story infused with a plethora of vibrant songs, it is the best and most absorbing movie musical of the 1980s, a wild and wickedly enjoyable story that enchants from its opening moments and keeps viewers compelled until the very end.

Oliver! (1968)

Adapted from the 1960 musical of the same name that was itself based on “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, 1968’s Oliver! is a spellbinding tale of social inequality, belonging, and honor among thieves that engulfs viewers with its epic scope, mesmerizing music, and wonderful characters. It centers on Oliver as he escapes from his orphanage and finds shelter with a group of street urchins living under the command of Fagin. Just naming such songs as “Food, Glorious Food,” “Oliver,” “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” and “Consider Yourself” is enough to get fans of the film at least humming the tunes with a gleeful smile.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Not only the greatest musical in cinematic history, but one of film’s most defining icons as well, The Wizard of Oz is a dazzling display of fantasy and adventure that has been enchanting audiences for well over 80 years with its visual grandeur and, of course, its collection of memorable songs. Dorothy finds herself in the land of Oz, where she befriends several peculiar local critters and sets out to find a passage home. The esteemed picture is an astonishing feat of ingenuity and cinematic storytelling.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Flaunting an ensemble all-star cast and the music of Swedish pop group ABBA, Mamma Mia! is quite simply one of the most infectious and immersive musical movies of all time. Based on the 1999 West End musical of the same name, the film sees a young bride-to-be invite three men who could be her father to her wedding, hoping she can figure out which one is her real dad so he can walk her down the aisle. The result is a gleefully awkward and accessibly playful look at romantic angst that makes the most of its array of talent and ABBA’s acclaimed discography.

The Sound of Music (1965)

The 1950s and '60s mark what is the golden age for musical cinema, and few pictures from the era define it quite like 1965’s Best Picture-winning masterpiece, The Sound of Music. Loosely based on the memoirs of Maria von Trapp, it follows the enthusiastic young woman studying to become a nun as she is dispatched to the villa of General Georg von Trapp to serve as the governess of his seven children. Winning the kids over with her kindness and charm, and developing romantic feelings for the widowed von Trapp, Maria is soon accepted as a member of the family, though the spreading power of the Third Reich threatens all their lives.

Mary Poppins (1964)

From one Julie Andrews-starring classic to another, Mary Poppins is not only a divine piece of family entertainment that extracts the most from its stars and its songwriters, but a dashing dose of Disney magic in its purest form. Set in London early in the 20th century, it sees Mr. Banks’ hopes for a nanny to help manage his two troublesome children fulfilled in the form of the angelic Mary Poppins. Featuring such musical classics as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” among several other beloved hits, it is a joy to watch and sing along with.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Twisted, deranged, and wickedly arresting, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an absorbing marriage of horror, sci-fi, and rock ‘n’ roll that ensnares viewers with its radiant peculiarity and its collection of great songs. Opening with the marvelous “Science-Fiction/Double Feature,” it follows a young couple, Brad and Janet, as their trip back from their friends’ wedding leads them to a castle run by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist, and his eclectic array of followers. The cult classic rock musical features one magnificent tune after another, be it “Time Warp,” “Sweet Transvestite,” or Meat Loaf’s rollicking “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul.”

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

One of Hollywood’s greatest ever successes, Singin’ in the Rain is another musical title that has earned its place not only among the genre’s greatest hits, but as one of the most iconic pictures in cinematic history as well. It follows silent film star Don Lockwood as he falls in love with chorus girl Kathy Sheldon as he and his equally delusional co-star Lina Lamont navigate the end of the silent era and the advent of the “talkies.” A divine spectacle of color, music, and dance, it is an uproarious highlight of Hollywood’s golden era that leaves viewers spellbound and singing its tunes. From the iconic “Singin’ in the Rain” scene to the star-studded and catchy “Good Morning,” and even to Donald O’Connor’s winning “Make ‘Em Laugh,” it is as gorgeous as musical cinema gets. Its inviting appeal encourages everyone to join in on the fun and sing aloud.