There’s something truly magical about musicals. The idea of somebody expressing their heart's desires through musical numbers can make audiences' hearts sore. Musical movies aren’t a novel concept. There have been hundreds over the years, including greats like Cabaret, Grease, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz, with new features constantly being added to the roster. The musical movie genre is a great one because it offers something for everyone. There’s drama, romance, comedy and even a little action, and it’s all embellished with singing and dancing. It’s a unique viewing experience and truly fun for the whole family.
Musicals have had a difficult time at the box office in recent years. While audiences are more accepting of animated films being musicals, live-action films tend to downplay their musical moments in marketing. Yet there have been plenty of great movie musicals made recently that can stand up as the best of the genre. More are on the horizon as 2024 will see Mean Girls: The Musical as well as the upcoming Wicked movie starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. It’s also been revealed that the sequel to Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix, will be a musical.
While gearing up for some of the exciting, upcoming musical releases, here are the best musical movies released in recent years. For the sake of what is recent, we will say the past ten years.
Update December 30, 2023: In honor of musical smash hits like Wonka and The Color Purple, this article has been updated with even more great modern movie musicals and where each title is streaming.
10 The Greatest Showman (2017)
Released in 2017, The Greatest Showman is a semi-biographical musical about the famous entertainer P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus attraction. Alongside Jackman, The Greatest Showman sports a talented cast including Zac Efron (High School Musical), Zendaya (Euphoria), Michelle Williams (Shutter Island), Rachel Ferguson (The Girl on the Train) and Broadway star Keala Settle. The Greatest Showman grossed $435 million worldwide and was praised for its dazzling visuals, performances, and original music.
Why We Love The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman also saw success off the big screen in the form of music streams. Most notably, "Rewrite the Stars," sung by Efron and Zendaya, and "This is Me," sung by Settle, became the standout tracks from the movie. "This is Me" was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2018. Though it didn't win, it still remains popular among musical fans and those who loved the movie. While The Greatest Showman took liberties with the life of P.T Barnum, it speaks to the movies credit that despite opening low at the box office, it had an impressive hold and became a rare box office hit despite never being number 1 at the box office. Even after all these years the music is still sung by fans and has become part of pop culture. If you're looking for a larger-than-life, romantic watch, The Greatest Showman is a perfect choice. Stream on Disney+
9 Into the Woods (2014)
The musical movie Into the Woods took the widely known fairy tale of the Grimm brothers, put the story of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack into a pot and spiced it up with a more modern approach. At the foundation of the story is a couple whose biggest dream is to start a family and finally have their first child. However, a witch's curse keeps them from fulfilling their dream, leading them to embark on an adventurous journey. In order to stop the curse, the baker and his wife have to collect specific items, but the figures from the fairy tale, which they meet along the way, each face their own challenges.
Why It Is Great
Rob Marshall's Into the Woods does not only stand out with its exciting storyline, combining childhood favorites into one musical movie, but also impresses with an outstanding cast. Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp are only a few of the promising names that elevate the movie in an instant, and guarantee a great laugh and a brilliant portrayal. Looking at those name and the cinematography of the movie, it comes as no surprise that it has three Oscar nominations in the category for production design, costume design, and best supporting role for Meryl Streep, and also numerous award nominations attached to its title. Stream on Disney+
8 Anna & The Apocalypse (2018)
Anna & The Apocalypse is set in Little Haven, a small town in Scotland, unknown to many and definitely not the place where anything interesting would happen. Anna is about to graduate from high school and more than ready to leave to go attend university, even though her father is not as convinced of this idea as she is. When it comes to her friends, the drama ranges from secret romantic feelings to failed assignments and annoying one-night stands. Their life couldn't possibly be more normal, until a Zombie infection starts spreading through the quiet town of Little Haven. It doesn't take long until the zombies take over, threatening the lives of the survivors and sending them on a difficult journey to make it out alive.
Anna & The Apocalypse Is Underrated
Anna & The Apocalypse is a unique movie, a holiday musical set around zombies. It certainly deserves praise with regard to the soundtrack of the musical movie. The movie received numerous nominations regarding specific songs, and composers Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly even won the Grimmfest Award for "Best Score" in 2018. In the same years, the ensemble cast, director, and composers also received other awards for "Best Ensemble Cast", "Best Horror Film", "Best Comedy", and "Best Music". The score is a wonderful mix of genres, which not only features a brilliant orchestra but also manges to convey the mixed feelings as the events unfold in this little town. Stream on AMC+
7 Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
After the musical movie Mamma Mia! created massive hype and left fans longing for the continuation of Donna's storyline, director Ol Parker had a dream and brought Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again to life. Ten years after the first movie hit the screen, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was released in 2018. Interestingly enough, the movie serves as both a prequel and a sequel. The reason for that is that fans not only get to follow along young Donna (wonderfully played by Lily James) as she embarks on her journey which will eventually lead her to her three admirers, Bill, Harry, and Sam, but they also get to see Sophie and Sky five years after their wedding and learn what became of Donna herself.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Is Better Than The Original
What makes Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again so special is that all the original actors returned for their roles, creating an incredibly special atmosphere for themselves and for the fans of the movies. In addition to an already spectacular cast including Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, and, of course, Hollywood icon Meryl Streep, world-famous singer Cher stepped into the role of Donna's mother, adding her very own flair to the musical and elevating it even further with her remarkable voice. The musical movie guarantees a great time, using its rom-com feel to create a fantastic mood. The film is actually better than the original movie, as it has a more engaging narrative that finds a way to naturally weave the songs into the story while also exploring the difference between characters in their youth and the present day. Stream on Fubo.
6 In the Heights (2021)
In the Heights
A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life.
- Release Date
- June 11, 2021
- Rating
- PG-13
This musical drama is based on the stage performance of the same name by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton). Released in 2021, In the Heights is about the community in the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. The movie follows members of the community as they work to pursue their dreams for a better life.
Why It Is Great
In the Heights is a vibrant celebration of culture, community, love, and perseverance. It captures the beauty and vitality of a neighborhood full of unique heritage and brings its characters' stories to life through the use of rhythmic, catchy songs. This is a great example of adapting a stage performance into a movie the right way. The movie version of In the Heights still captures all the necessary essence of the stage version and simultaneously breathes new life into the musical movie genre. Stream HBO Max
5 Wonka (2023)
Wonka
- Release Date
- December 15, 2023
- Director
- Paul King
Even though Wonka was released 18 years after the last attempt at a Willy Wonka movie, 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the admiration for Willy Wonka's story is as present as ever. Wonka is a reboot/prequel of the property, diving straight into the tumultuous life of young Willy Wonka and how he became the legendary chocolatier. Timothée Chalamet steps into the role of the young magician and chocolatier and shows how Wonka aims to fulfill his colorful dream of bringing joy to people through the outstanding taste of chocolate.
Why Wonka Was a Surprise
The idea of a Willy Wonka prequel seemed like a cynical move, and the trailers did not inspire much confidence. When the movie finally hit theaters, audiences and critics were pleasantly surprised. Thanks to the wonderful direction by Paddington director Paul King, the movie has the whimsy and wonder of a classic children's story and seems right at home with the stories of author Roald Dahl. What surprised most audiences was the movie was, in fact, a musical, something the trailers tried to hide. While the movie, of course, uses the popular "Pure Imagination" and "Oompa Loompa" songs from the 1971 Gene Wilder original, the best songs are the original pieces for the movie. "A Hat Full of Dreams" is a catchy opening song, "For a Moment" is a beautiful character-centric song, and "World of Your Own" is very much a great update of the thematic intent of "Pure Imagination". Wonka was a movie that should not have worked, but it did. Wonka is currently playing in theaters.
4 La La Land (2016)
La La Land
- Release Date
- November 29, 2016
- Rating
- PG-13
La La Land is romantic, joyful, and full of Old Hollywood energy. It's about a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone), who meet and fall in love while they're pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. Full of swinging jazz, upbeat rhythms, and incredible dancing, La La Land is energetic and just explodes with life. The budding romance between Gosling and Stone's characters is dreamy and captivating, and both their performances are over-the-top in a way that only works in musicals — making it such a fun watch.
Why La La Land Became a Classic
At the 74th Annual Golden Globes, La La Land was nominated in seven categories, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Director (Damien Chazelle), and Best Original Song for "City of Stars." La La Land won in all seven categories it was nominated for, setting a record for most Golden Globes won by a single film. Even though it didn't win the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards, the movie has become a modern classic that has endured for audiences and made musicals cool once again. It's been out since 2016, but if you haven't checked out La La Land yet, it's guaranteed to make you smile and tap your foot uncontrollably to the sweeping melodies of the soundtrack. Stream on Netflix.
3 The Color Purple (2023)
The Color Purple
- Release Date
- December 25, 2023
- Director
- Blitz Bazawule
- Rating
- PG-13
The Color Purple is a musical period drama movie that follows African-American women living in the South and dives into the depths of the everyday struggles they face during the beginning of the 1900s. The film is actually based on a novel by Alice Walker, which has the same name and highlights the life of a young woman named Celie. Facing hardships every single day, Celie has to endure her father's violence and rape, which eventually results in her bearing two children. The two children are taken away, Celie is given to a farmer in order to get married, and the abuse simply continues. Celie's story is heartbreaking, tragic, and definitely not a light-hearted movie, but it holds an astounding amount of female power as Celie finds comfort and strength in sisterhood.
Why Audiences Are Talking About The Color Purple
Produced by big names such as Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones, The Color Purple overflows with outstanding creativity and is incredibly well-complimented by Dan Lausten's cinematography which captures the spirit and energy of the Broadway show the film is pulling from. The musical shines with a well-paced script, and adds a sweet tone by incorporating impactful performances which are even further elevated by colorful atmospheres. The success of The Colour Purple at the box office and with critics indicates it could become a major awards contender in the coming months. With both it and Wonka playing, and Mean Girls right around the corner, musicals are back in a big way. The Color Purple is playing in theaters.
2 Tick, Tick...Boom! (2021)
Released on Netflix in 2021, Tick, Tick...Boom! is a biographical musical based on Jonathan Larson's (Rent) stage musical of the same name. The story is about his journey of writing a musical that will make it in the theater industry while simultaneously balancing love, friendship, and daily life as an aspiring composer. Tick, Tick...Boom! was Lin Manuel Miranda's directorial debut and features Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man) in the lead role, which also won him his first Golden Globe.
Why It Is Great
Tick, Tick..Boom! is a tear-jerking, raw look at the creative process. While at times it's gut-wrenching and sad, it's also vibrant and beautiful, in a way serving as a tribute to Larson's work. Tick, Tick...Boom! was wildly well-received and its accessibility on Netflix added to its success. Tick, Tick...Boom! was released at a time when movie musicals were seemingly popping up around every corner, but it stands out as one of the best. It grips you from start to finish and is really a masterclass in artful storytelling. Stream on Netflix
1 West Side Story (2021)
Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's timeless musical, West Side Story, was originally released in 1961 and was a classic that got the big-budget remake treatment in 2021 from legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of the Jets, a group of white men, and the Sharks, a group of Puerto Ricans — two gangs constantly at odds with each other in New York City. The story focuses on Tony and Maria, two star-crossed lovers from each rival gang, who end up falling in love despite their friend's and family's disapproval.
Why West Side Story Is The Best Modern Musical
West Side Story is filled with stunning dance routines and iconic songs that have become crucial parts of musical theater history. The remake of this Romeo and Juliet-inspired work is just as good as the original, and in some cases you may even say it's better. For one, Spielberg's version aimed to repair the portrayal of the Puerto Rican community that the original movie tarnished. Also, the cinematography in the 2021 movie is showstopping and truly beautiful to watch as it highlights some of the most impressive dance numbers put to screen. The re-imagined West Side Story is a total knockout, and fans of the original will have no problem coming to love it, which is really the true indicator of a successful remake. It is not only the best modern musical, but it is one of the best remakes of all time and also one of the best films by director Steven Spielberg. Stream on Disney+
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