Top 10 Favorite Movie Musicals of All Time
I love a musical. There is nothing like a big, splashy over-the-top production number or a quiet moment of reflection and realization through song. I too would give up everything that was important to me if I knew it was all going to get wrapped up in a heartfelt duet or a high-stepping kick line at the end. Really, what could be better?
Whether on stage or in the movies, musicals have carved out a significant place in our cultural arts experience and continually evolve to reflect changing patterns in our society. The other day I ran across an article titled “Best Movie Musicals of All Time”. It was a solid list of 25. I agreed with many of the choices but was unclear as to how they came to these particular 25. “Best” is a subjective term when it comes to any art form.
I put the call out to my friends on Facebook and Twitter asking the question “What is you FAVORITE movie musical of all time?” “Favorite” just made more sense to me where this was concerned. With almost 40 different musicals nominated, here is the “Top 10” that make my social media peeps kick up their heels:
1. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) This classic stars Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor who won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actor – Musical/Comedy. I for one have done that rain dance (or at least my interpretation of it) on several occasions when the weather’s just right.
2. The Sound of Music (1965) The Academy Award winner for Best Picture is definitely one of my favorite things. The Golden Globes recognized it as well for Best Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy and star Julie Andrews earned her second career Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress – Musical/Comedy. The hills are alive.
3. West Side Story (1961) Based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “West Side Story” danced away with 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, George Chakiris, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Rita Moreno. The Golden Globes applauded this film as well giving it awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy, Best Supporting Actor, George Chakiris and Best Supporting Actress, Rita Moreno. They all liked to be in America that night.
4. Grease (1978) Grease is the word. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John shot to superstardom when this film hit theaters and even though it did not win any Oscars or Golden Globes, it was a favorite with the public receiving the People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Musical Motion Picture and Favorite Overall Motion Picture. I guess there are worse things you could do.
5. All that Jazz (1979) Bob Fosse tells his own life story through the brilliant performance of Roy Scheider bringing home 4 Academy Awards. They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway.
6. Moulin Rouge! (2001) This Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy also earned star Nicole Kidman her second career Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress – Musical/Comedy. The Academy gave two Oscars to this film for Art Direction – Set Decoration and Costume Design. The hills are alive in this one too.
7. White Christmas (1954) Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye could not be more charming as they woo the “Sisters” Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen in this holiday classic that reminds us that “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing.”
8. My Fair Lady (1964) Audrey Hepburn has never been more “Loverly” as she transforms from a poor flower girl to an elegant lady. Co-star Rex Harrison won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actor – Musical/Comedy and the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film followed suit winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy and the Academy Award for Best Picture. It will make you want to dance, dance, dance all night.
9. Gypsy (1962) Sit back, relax and let them entertain you. Rosalind Russell brought home the Best Motion Picture Actress – Musical/Comedy Golden Globe for her rousing performance as Mama Rose. I had a dream about you, baby.
10. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Arguably the most beloved movie musical of all time, “The Wizard of Oz” earned Academy Awards for Best Music, Original Score and Best Music, Original Song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. I guess those dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
Honorable mentions need to go out to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Mary Poppins and Funny Girl (my personal favorite) which received multiple nominations but just not enough to make it into this “Top 10”.
If you don’t see your favorite in the list above, leave a comment below and let me know what you love. I’m always looking for some new dance moves.
Great list, Jeff! Though, with the exception of Moulin Rouge, you aren’t acknowledging the extraordinary comeback of the musical film genre. I would humbly submit that in spite of Pierce Brosnan’s atrocious singing, ‘Mamma Mia’ will stand the test of time, and there will always be an audience for ‘Hairspray.’
Not to mention Dreamgirls and Chicago. Believe me this list could go on and on. I put the question out on Twitter and Facebook and just took the answers from those that responded. There were so many awesome films that were nominated but these are the ones that received the most votes.
There are a lot of other great musicals I would’ve voted for (that I assume were also-rans) : The Band Wagon, Cabaret, An American in Paris, Gigi…
Personally, I could do without Moulin-Rouge and I hate what the ‘62 Gypsy did to the play…but it’s all subjective. I love me a good musical!!
Great list! I would have to add 20 Centimeters and Dancer in the Dark. My two favorites next to Singin’
What do you think of one of my all-time fave musicals, Thoroughly Modern Millie?