51 musical movies to add some sing-a-long joy to your day
Musical movies have had us all shimmying here, there and everywhere. It's no secret that the past few years have had some pretty major lows – but when the world all gets too much, we'll always have this all-singing, all-dancing narrative for a bit of toe-tapping light relief.
And with the first trailer drop of Wicked: For Good – starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – making such an impact right now, we want to explore this world a bit further.
Besides, there's no better time than now to get invested in musical movies because there have never been so many to choose from, including hit song-studded biopics about famous musicians – such as 2022's Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, the award-winning Elvis and 2021's Respect (about Aretha Franklin). Arguably it all started with the Oscar-winning run of Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody – the musical interpretation of Freddie Mercury’s wild life.
Then it wasn’t long until Elton John got in on the action by creating Rocketman, with Taron Egerton starring as the iconic singer (and tbh made us a little bit more obsessed with feathers, rhinestones and OTT sunglasses).
Alternatively, there are cinematic adaptations of West End and Broadway favourites, like the BAFTA-nominated Matilda The Musical, Hamilton, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, and the “never gets old” 2002 adaptation of Broadway hit Chicago, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones in her Oscar-winning star turn as Velma Kelly.
We've also seen modern remakes of classical musical films like Stephen Spielberg's visually stunning take on West Side Story, starring Rachel Zegler, 2019's Disney classic Aladdin, and A Star Is Born (it's a tough call between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's performance versus the OG Barbra Streisand, tbh – and we would not say that lightly).
Also in this category are animated musical films such as Cinderella, Encanto and, of course, the two Frozen movies – brought to us via Disney+. Not only these, but the other musical Disney movies have provided us with some serious power ballads. So, get that hairbrush ready! Or if you're looking for a musical throwback to your younger Disney days, Hannah Montana: The Movie, starring Miley Cyrus, and Camp Rock starring Demi Lovato, are a must-watch if you were hiding under the rock back in the day and have yet to see them!
Either way, here is our definitive list of the 51 best – and only the best – musical movies, including ones to look forward to later this year.
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Universal PicturesWicked: For Good
The second part of the behemoth Hollywood movie adaptation of the West End theatre favourite is coming later this year. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo once more, and – if the new trailer is anything to go by – featuring hit songs from the theatre show such as For Good and No Good Deed, this is one to mark your calendars for.
Wicked: For Good is out in cinemas from 21 November.
©Roadside Attractions/Courtesy Everett CollectionKiss of the Spider Woman
Two men imprisoned in Argentina in 1983 during the military dictatorship – a gay hairdresser and Marxist Valentin Arregui Paz – bond by recounting a movie starring Ingrid Luna, played by Jennifer Lopez. “To escape the horrors of his imprisonment, Molina imagines films starring a classic screen actress named Ingrid Luna, including a role of the spider woman, who kills her prey with a kiss,” a synopsis reads. Intriguing.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is out in US cinemas on 10 October, we are awaiting confirmation of a UK release date.
© 2024 Skydance AnimationSpellbound
When Princess Ellian's parents (the King and Queen of her kingdom) are turned into monsters by a spell, she must embark on an epic quest to reverse it.
With a voice cast including Rachel Zegler, Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman, as well as members of the production and musical teams that brought us Shrek, Tangled and Beauty and the Beast, this one is a must watch and listen.
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©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett CollectionInto The Woods
A seriously star-studded Disney musical movie. Starring Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp and James Corden, Into The Woods tells the story of a couple that are “cursed” with childlessness. They are offered a solution by a witch – she'll reverse their curse if they get four objects she needs.
Courtesy Everett CollectionSaturday Night Fever
Absolutely timeless. John Travolta plays Italian American New Yorker Tony, who escapes his troubles dancing at the local disco. Then, he meets Stephanie. The movie musical takes a look at class tensions going in on at Brooklyn at the time, as well as showcasing Travolta's dance moves in their prime.
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett CollectionFoot Loose
©Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett CollectionWhiplash
This one is a complicated movie – but no less focused on the music. Miles Teller portrays the story of a drummer in training who is subjected to unconventional, disturbing mentorship methods by Terence (JK Simmons). It's directed by Damien Chazelle, who also brought us La La Land, but we must warn you this one is a bit darker.
Mean Girls
A classic, with a twist. After creating a cultural phenomenon with the original Mean Girls movie in 2004, Tina Fey took the story to New York's Broadway (and soon London's West End). The 2024 remake of the movie – starring Renée Rapp, Angourie Rice, Busy Philipps and many more – incorporates the original songs from the Mean Girls musical. You want our take? It shouldn't work, perhaps, but it totally does. It adds even more drama, sex appeal and fun to proceedings. Where is the downside?
The Color Purple
Starting out as a harrowing-yet-uplifting 1980s novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple made it to Broadway in 2005 and has now been giving the musical movie treatment by Steven Spielberg himself. Starring Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino and Halle Bailey, it tells the story of Celie, a Black Southern woman who faces countless abuses but finds solace and empowerment in sisterhood.
SonyWhitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Naomi Ackie, who was an EE BAFTA Rising Star nominee in 2023, is absolutely mesmerising as the late and great icon Whitney Houston in this biopic, which charts her legendary career from being discovered by record executive Clive Davis and rising through the ranks to becoming of the greatest singers of her generation. Expect loads of tear-jerking Whitney classics during this masterpiece.
SonyMatilda The Musical
Matilda The Musical is based on the stage musical of the same name. It follows the titular character who uses her newfound telekinetic abilities and the encouragement of her kind-hearted teacher to settle the score with her unappreciative parents and her terrifying headteacher. The song and dance sequences by the kids in this movie were so impressive that they went viral on social media, so you'll definitely be in for a good ride with this movie.
Courtesy Of NetflixTick, Tick... Boom!
©Scion Films 2004The Phantom of the Opera
DisneyHamilton
One of the most beloved musicals out there, Hamilton fans were beside themselves when the movie version came out in 2020. Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ariana DeBose, Daveed Diggs and more, this historical musical drama film was captured live on Broadway from the Richard Rodgers Theater and follows the journey of orphan Alexander Hamilton, who arrives in New York to work for George Washington. He goes on to become the first Secretary of the Treasury of the US after the American Revolution.
Warner BrothersIn The Heights
This inspiring film adaptation of the Broadway musical features the story of a New York bodega owner Usnavi who works tirelessly to save every penny while dreaming and singing of a better life for himself. Cue loads of fun and colourful dancing in the streets of the Big Apple that will have you shaking your hips in your seat! The talented cast includes Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins and more.
Elizabeth Viggiano/NETFLIXEurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
There probably wasn't a more fun film released in 2020 than Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which stars Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. This musical comedy film sees aspiring musicians Lars and Sigrit fighting for their dream as they are finally given the opportunity to represent their country at the world's biggest song competition. This movie received a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars for the tune Husavik, so you'll be guaranteed some fantastic music!
Amazon PrimeDear Evan Hansen
We all know and love the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical - but when the film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen came out in 2020, we knew it was one to watch. Ben Platt stars as the titular high school social-anxiety-suffering character who navigates a journey of self-discovery and acceptance following the tragic suicide of a fellow classmate. The film featured several songs from the original stage play and was performed by the ensemble cast, including Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Amy Adams and Julianne Moore.
Amazon PrimeCinderella
We love Camila Cabello's crossover into acting as the iconic titular character of Cinderella. This movie is a modern-day take on the classic fairytale and sees the stunning heroine's attempt to make her dreams come true despite the efforts of her stepmother and stepsisters to keep her restricted. Cue plenty of toe-tapping, magical songs with Camila joining forces with Idina Menzel for the soundtrack, while the film score features an orchestra led by Johannes Vogel at Synchron Stage Vienna. Fancy.
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DisneyAladdin
Who doesn't love the Disney classic Aladdin? This 2019 film adaptation of the movie doesn't disappoint and stars Mena Massoud as the titular street urchin character who falls in love with the stunning Princess Jasmine (played by Naomi Scott) - but the pair have to face many obstacles for their happy ending. You will most certainly find it a challenge not to smile through the visually stunning musical numbers, which are located in the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah.
West Side Story
Repeat after us: “La, la, la, la, la, America!” We worked through some serious, pandemic-related delayed gratification with Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story, which filmed in 2019 but we had to wait until December 2021 before it first premiered in the UK. But the wait was worth it – to watch Rachel Zegler in the second screen adaptation of the classic 1957 musical, written by Tony Kushner.
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John RogersEverybody's Talking About Jamie
Quantrell D. ColbertRespect
As if we couldn't love the late Aretha Franklin more, this musical biopic film starring Jennifer Hudson (who was selected by Aretha herself, before her death, to be the lead star) tells the story of the hardships the American singer overcame throughout her life, chronicling her story from when she was 10 years old. A must-watch.
Elvis
The man himself needs no introduction, but suffice to say we are insanely excited for Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic, starring Austin Butler (The Carrie Diaries) as The King alongside The Society's Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley. It chronicles Elvis' ascent to fame and his difficult relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks.
DisneyEncanto
The animated musical that brought us that relentlessly catchy tune, We Don't Talk About Bruno, Encanto is a magical-realism themed film set in Colombia, centred around heroine Mirabel, who, despite her whole family having magical powers, possesses none herself.
DISNEYFrozen & Frozen 2
Whether you're diving into Frozen 2 which hit our screens at the end last year, or re-watching the original film, the epic Frozen franchise is sure to put a smile on your face. Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff, the first animation nabbed two Oscars (for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song – yep, you guessed it, for Let It Go). We don't care if they're kids films, we are obsessed and will sing along without a care in the world.
Universal PicturesYesterday
Starring Himesh Patel, Ed Sheeran and Lily James, this was summer 2019's feel-good film of the year. It follows a struggling musician in an English seaside town who wakes up after a freak bus accident to discover that The Beatles never existed. Just as his dreams were fading, Jack starts performing songs from the band and quickly becomes an overnight sensation. We defy anyone not be smiling and singing the whole way through.
Rocketman
Dexter Fletcher directs the epic story of Sir Elton John from his breakthrough years in the 1970s to his iconic transformation into a global superstar. Starring Richard Madden and Taron Egerton, Rocketman features all of Elton’s greatest hits and showcases his trademark OTT style. Anyone else tempted to purchase diamond-encrusted sunglasses and garish floral suits after watching? You're not alone.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton star in this award-winning film about legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid in 1985. You'll laugh, cry and become completely obsessed with Queen all over again. Rami and Lucy, who are now dating IRL, will also quickly become your favourite new-gen couple. It’s basically an all-round hit.
Mary Poppins Returns
Written by lyricist Scott Wittman and composer Marc Shaiman, who are best known for Hairspray, the highly anticipated return of Mary Poppins more than lived up to the original. The magical nanny, played by Emily Blunt, returns 20 years later to help the Banks children through a difficult time and we couldn't get enough of it. Get ready to sing your heart out!
A Star is Born
Starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, well-known musician Jackson (Cooper) falls in love with struggling artist Ally (Gaga). As her singing career begins to take off, Jackson's on-going battle with alcohol worsens. Plot spoiler: it gets juicy as the pair battle each other and their personal demons. It is easily one of the most well-received films of 2018, solidifying Lady Gaga as a bonafide Hollywood star.
The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman was released at the end of 2017 with a star-studded cast including Hugh Jackson, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Zendaya. The musical movie tells the story of Phineas Taylor Barnum, a showman thirsty for innovation and hungry for success. After opening a wax museum, P.T. looks for ideas to make his exhibition come alive and thus Barnum's Circus begins. On a mission for fame, he ends up gambling his circus, his wife and daughters and all his money - that's when things become treacherous for Barnum. Will he leave everything he's got behind?
La La Land
La La Land tells the story of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician who fall in love while yearning to make it in Hollywood. From its big opening scene, where a giant cast of extras turn the hell that is gridlocked LA traffic into an all-singing, all-dancing musical event, the whole movie is pure joy. We’ve watched it more times than we dare to count but it remains just as good as the first time.
Mamma Mia 2
Yes, indeed, here we go again. But this time around the storyline follows a young Meryl Streep played by Lily James as she meets her three suitors. Amanda Seyfriend also resumed her role as Sophie who is focused on opening the Hotel Bella Donna after her mother’s passing. Plot spoiler: there are Abba songs involved and they will remain stuck in your head for the rest of time. Our personal favourite? Andante.
Dreamgirls
Listen, these dream girls will make you happy! Featuring Jennifer Hudson's Oscar winning turn as Effie, this musical has more sequins and sass than most musicals have in one chorus. Following the ups and downs of one girl group, this rags to riches story will have you singing along. Oh and... Beyoncé is in it which means it’s an instant hit. Get your tickets asap.
High School Musical
Three movies on and the super squeaky-clean tale of East High students has carved itself a long-term place in musical history. It may be a favourite amongst teens but we're not afraid to say we're still seriously obsessed. Who can resist the charms of handsome Troy Bolton, basketball superstar and secret singer? Not us.
Grease
The first and last stop for young girls (and boys) seeking out the truth behind high school. Think it’s all reading, writing and maths? WRONG! It’s about having cool clothes, non-moving hair, matching friends, a greaser boyfriend (preferably with a car) and going to school dances. Probably the best film ever. Well, we think so anyway. Showstoppers? How can we be expected to pick out just a couple? All of them. Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee, You’re The One That I Want, Stranded At The Drive-In...
The Sound of Music
Maria, a young nun, questions her calling after she develops feelings for the father of her seven wards – the Von Trapp children. A magnificent film that combines a brilliant score, actors and scenery with an amazing (and true) story. If you haven’t done so already, dedicate a rainy Sunday on the sofa to this film. It’ll be guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Moulin Rouge
Baz Luhrmann reignited our love of musicals in 2001 with this beautifully visualised story of Christian, a poet who falls in love with dancer Sabine. Starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
Sam EmersonHannah Montana: The Movie
Okay, throw on your cowboy hat and boots because there's no way you won't be practising the iconic Hoedown Throwdown. Catchy, fun, lighthearted, and just an absolute guilty pleasure, you cannot go wrong with Miley Cyrus starring in Hannah Montana: The Movie.
Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock PhotoCamp Rock
Since we're throwing it back to our teen Disney days, Camp Rock starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, has some absolute belters. As well as the music, we love the story of a teenage girl working in the kitchen of a popular rock camp before she is soon taken out of the shadows when a teen pop star overhears her singing and sets out to find her true identity.
Hairspray
John Travolta leads the cast of Hairspray in this an all-singing, all-dancing drama about dance-loving teenager Tracy Turnblad who becomes an overnight sensations when she bags a role on dance show ‘The Corny Collins Show’ in 1960s Baltimore. Glamour and glitz aside, the revolutionary film explores important themes of racial integration making it more than just a feel-good hit.
Chicago
Two women on death row go head-to-head in the ultimate battle for fame and stardom. With a killer soundtrack, an all-star cast (Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones and Richard Gere) and serious outfit envy, we defy anyone to not enjoy this 2002 film – there's a reason it got nominated for 12 Oscars.
ShutterstockBegin Again
NetflixJingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Fancy a festive musical? 'Tis the season, after all. Jingle Jangle stars Forest Whitaker as legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle who enlists the help of his granddaughter after his most prized possession is stolen. The star-studded cast also includes Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, Hugh Bonneville, Ricky Martin and John Legend!
