It’s no surprise that film musicals are awesome. Not only do you get to see many of your favorite stars give great performances, but you get to hear them sing songs that have revolutionized not only the film industry, but also the music industry. The incredible composition and lyrics immerse audiences in the story, helping them become one with the film. Even though some movie musicals have been around for decades, the best ones have withstood the test of time and are still appreciated by people of all ages. Here is a list of movie musicals you’ll be able to enjoy no matter what year it is.
“Singin’ in the Rain”
1952
Widely regarded as one of the best musicals of all time, the film tells about the transition silent film actors in Hollywood suffered when films with audio first started coming out. This movie premiered in 1952 and was met with moderate success. The film, however, amazed modern critics, who turned it into the legend that it is today. “Singin’ in the Rain” stars actors Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds and includes noteworthy songs “Broadway Rhythm,” “Should I?” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
“Bye Bye Birdie”
1963
Many stars from the Broadway show reprised their roles for the “Bye Bye Birdie” film, like Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde. The story was inspired by the public’s reaction to Elvis Presley’s drafting. In the film, Albert Peterson, an unsuccessful songwriter, attempts to make a name for himself by trying to get Conrad Birdie, a huge rock star, to sing his song on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The movie stars Dick Van Dyke, Paul Lynde, Janet Leigh, Bobby Rydell, Maureen Stapleton and soon-to-be-superstar Ann-Margret.
“The Sound of Music”
1965
Julie Andrews is a true veteran of the musical film genre. She has starred in many great musicals like “Mary Poppins” and “The King and I.” In 1965, she starred in the film adaptation of Broadway hit “The Sound of Music.” One of the most famous musicals of all time, the film tells the story of Maria, a young woman from Austria who aspires to be a nun but is sent to a captain’s house in a secluded villa to take care of his children. The discipline imposed by the captain on his children, however, is not shared by Maria, who likes to live a carefree life. During the movie, we get to see the relationship Maria develops with the captain and his children to great songs like “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi.”
“Aladdin”
1992
One of the many musicals Disney released in the 90s, this animated fantasy tells the story of a street urchin named Aladdin who gets ahold of a magic lamp that will grant him three wishes. This action-packed film is accompanied by awesome songs like “A Whole New World,” which has been sung by countless drunk people on karaoke nights. Some other great 90s Disney musicals include “The Lion King,” “Hercules,” “Tarzan” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
“Moulin Rouge!”
2001
Nominated for eight Oscars, including an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2001, “Moulin Rouge!” is about a young poet named Christian who moves to Paris, France in 1899 and becomes part of the Bohemian movement. When he first arrives in Paris, he meets a group of people who are working on a play, and he volunteers to help them write it. On a night out with them, he happens to see and instantly fall in love with one of the cabaret actresses of the Moulin Rouge, a courtesan named Satine. The film stars Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman and features great music numbers. Some, like “Your Song,” adapted by Elton John, were made widely popular.
