Tyler's Favorite Musicals

When done right, musicals have a beauty to them that can't be beat. This niche interest was a pillar of my upbringing, as I was a theater kid heavily involved in choir before I was a cinephile. Luckily, these two passions often collided. With Wicked and The End singing their way into theater very soon, I figured now would be a great time to sit down and reflect on the movie musicals that have hit the best notes.

10. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

As the original film adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, sees the enigmatic Gene Wilder step into the shoes (and hat) of the titular chocolatier. Although his signature introduction immediately established his remarkability, what sealed the deal was his profound performance of "Pure Imagination." Other numbers, such as "The Candy Man," "Cheer Up Charlie," "I’ve Got a Golden Ticket," and the Oompa Loompa songs stand out. Visually, the film captures the fantastical essence of Roald Dahl’s original story with vibrant set designs, imaginative visuals, and various candy-themed wonders that make the factory come alive.

9. All That Jazz (1979)

All That Jazz masterfully mixes autobiographical storytelling, intense choreography, and dark themes into a mesmerizingly raw visual style. Director Bob Fosse's exploration of his own life dives into the highs and lows of a driven artist struggling with obsession, addiction, and mortality. Roy Scheider is charismatic and haunting, precisely capturing the character's relentless ambition and self-destructive tendencies. The thrilling and sophisticated musical numbers embody Fosse’s signature style: sharp, sensual, and complex.

8. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

With entirely sung dialogue, a radiant color palette, and emotionally resonant storytelling, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg marked a redefinition of the movie musical. Directed by Jacques Demy, the film tells the bittersweet love story of Geneviève and Guy, two young lovers whose romance is tested by separation and circumstance. The perpetual singing creates an operatic feel that intensifies the characters' emotions. The film’s vibrant visuals—featuring bold, pastel-colored sets and costumes—heighten the dreamlike quality of the story, making each frame feel like a painting. And Michel Legrand’s beautiful, sad score, especially the recurring theme "I Will Wait for You," perfectly captures the yearning and heartbreak at the story's core.

7. Hamilton (2020)

I know, I know. If animated films didn't qualify for this list, then why did a Broadway recording find a spot? Until we get a proper film version, I believe this Disney+ special was a perfect way to bring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical to the masses. It simply can't be ignored, with the original cast (Leslie Odom Jr, Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs, Renee Elise Goldsberry, etc.) bringing a charm that translates Miranda'a material to life. As for the music, many of Miranda’s numbers strike a chord, but none do as well as "Wait For It", "Burn," "You’ll Be Back", and "The Room Where It Happens." Once the movie begins, the adrenaline Hamilton brings is non-stop.

6. Sing Street (2016)

The best rendition of John Carney's musically-infused oeuvre remains 2016's Sing Street, a coming-of-age drama about a group of prep school boys that start a rebellious band in 1985 Dublin. It’s a soulful movie capitalizing on themes of teen angst, defying expectations, and finding love in the unlikeliest places seen through the leads, played tremendously by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and Lucy Boynton. Many 80s pop-rock tunes run amuck, with standouts including numbers like "The Riddle of the Model," "Brown Shoes," and the movie’s most famous song: "Drive It Like You Stole It." None of Carney's other works have me wanting to go back and listen to the film’s music. When a movie does that, that’s how you know it’s unique.

5. Hairspray (2007)

The 2007 film adaptation of Hairspray is a delightful musical that combines infectious energy, memorable songs, and a heartfelt message about acceptance and social change. The vibrant choreography and bold costumes perfectly capture the era's spirit while underscoring the film’s themes of individuality and equality. The cast, including Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Queen Latifah, and Zac Efron, bring a contagious enthusiasm to their roles, balancing humor with the film’s more profound messages (did anyone know this movie got a SAG nod for Best Ensemble?).

4. Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021)

Tick, Tick... Boom! is a heartfelt movie musical that captures the raw intensity and vulnerability of an artist on the brink. Andrew Garfield’s career-best performance as Jonathan Larson is electric, bringing depth, passion, and relatability to a character driven by his creative ambition and haunted by the fear of time running out. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s direction, paired with Larson’s poignant music, brings the world of aspiring artists vividly to life, blending humor, warmth, and emotional gravity. The musical numbers are creatively staged, merging realistic and surreal elements to illustrate Jon’s inner turmoil and artistic vision, with "30/90" and "Therapy" being the standouts.

3. West Side Story (1961 & 2021)

Both versions of West Side Story care cinematic triumphs in their own right, bringing a unique interpretation to a timeless story. The 1961 film, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, set a high standard for musical adaptations with its electrifying choreography, striking visuals, and unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer bring passion to Maria and Tony, while Rita Moreno’s portrayal of Anita earned her an Oscar for her passionate, layered performance.

Steven Spielberg's 2021 reimagining of the original stage show infused greater cultural authenticity and modern sensibilities. Newcomer Rachel Zegler brought a fresh vulnerability as Maria, while David Alvarez’s Bernardo and Mike Faist’s Riff stole the show. Tony Kushner’s adapted script offered deeper character development and context, making the stakes feel higher and the tragic romance even more compelling.

2. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Singin’ in the Rain is a quintessential movie musical that remains a timeless masterpiece thanks to its infectious charm, dazzling performances, and brilliant fusion of humor, music, and dance. Co-director and star Gene Kelly delivers an iconic performance as Don Lockwood, combining charisma and extraordinary dance skills, most notably in the legendary title number, where his joyful routine in the rain captures the pure magic of the musical genre. Debbie Reynolds shines as the plucky Kathy Selden, while Donald O’Connor steals scenes with his hilarious physical comedy. The vibrant technicolor cinematography and timeless songs like "Good Morning" and the "Broadway Melody" sequence ensure that every frame is a visual and auditory delight. Beyond its entertainment value, Singin’ in the Rain is also a love letter to the Golden Age of Hollywood, blending satire and celebration in a way that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

1. La La Land (2016)

La La Land is the greatest movie musical because it redefines the genre with a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and emotional depth. Writer/director Damien Chazelle masterfully weaves a contemporary narrative with golden-age Hollywood aesthetics, creating a cinematic experience that feels both timeless and fresh. Justin Hurwitz’s Oscar-winning score and the heartfelt lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul infuse every scene with a sense of wonder and yearning. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling deliver career-defining performances, bringing authenticity and charm to their roles while navigating the bittersweet tension between love and ambition.

But above all else, what sets La La Land apart is its willingness to embrace the imperfect and bittersweet nature of dreams and relationships. The bold, bittersweet ending—a “what if” montage of the life Mia and Sebastian might have had—cements the film’s status as a poignant exploration of sacrifice and the pursuit of art. La La Land resonates universally by celebrating the joy and pain of following one’s dreams, ensuring its place as a standout in the musical genre and a cinematic achievement for the ages.

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