The movie musical is hard not to love as a genre, with dynamic dance numbers, moving songs, and familiar characters who fans will from the staged versions. Hollywood has recently embraced movie musicals, finding success with them at the box office, such as Jon M. Chu's Wicked, or Oprah Winfrey's The Color Purple.

However, the movie musical has been popular for many decades, with several becoming classics, suring even the legacy of their original theater shows. One of the main recipes for success in these musicals is their large music numbers that specifically stand out to audiences. For example, "Dancing Queen" in Mamma Mia! and "Carnival Del Barrio" in In The Heights, are exciting ensemble moments that paint colorful depictions of both communities in their prospective films. Whether they be large, upbeat ensemble numbers, or smaller emotional songs that move audiences, these standout movie musical moments help capture the spirit of their shows.

10 "America"

West Side Story (1961)

West Side Story is a classic that has delighted fans of musical theater for many generations. In fact, the show has remained so popular, it was brought back to the screen in 2022 by Steven Spielberg. Though there are several iconic songs in West Side Story, one stands out for its catchy vocals, impressive dancing, and funny acting: "America". In the number, "America", Rita Morena leads the song as Anita, the protective older sister-in-law of Maria. Eventually, the rest of The Sharks, the Puerto Rican gang that Anita's boyfriend belongs to, and their girlfriends, begin to in.

Clad in a colorful array of dresses and suits from the 1960s, the gang begins to dance on their New York rooftop. It is hard not to find this visually dynamic and exciting number amusing, especially with Rita's impressive dance skills. Beyond this, what makes "America" such a strong number is its clever commentary on the challenging Puerto Rican immigrant experience in the 1960s United States. Though it is one of the show's more upbeat numbers, "America" comments on the central themes of class and racism that West Side Story centers around.

9 "You're The One That I Want"

Grease (1978)

Another equally entertaining dance number is "You're the One that I Want" from Grease. Since its release in 1978, Grease has been one of the most popular musical theater movies in Hollywood, known for its stacked cast, catchy songs, and campy depiction of the 1950s. Grease saves its most over-the-top number for its finale, "You're the One that I Want." The song, which is sung by Olivia Newton as "Sandy" and John Travolta as "Danny", shows their reunion at the high school fair.

After feeling like she doesn't fit in with Danny's bad boy lifestyle, Sandy shows up to surprise him with her new outfit and makeover, a much more promiscuous outfit than she is used to sporting. Eventually, the whole ensemble of high schoolers in the song and dance, before the two lovers drive away in a flying car. With a catchy pop melody, fun cast moments, and colorful setting, "You're the One that I Want" encapsulates the fun of Grease perfectly.

8 "Cell Block Tango"

Chicago (2002)

Chicago is an Oscar award-winning movie musical starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly. The musical, which follows a pair of murderesses in the 1920s, has been a favorite on Broadway and the screen for many years. Though there are several fun ensemble songs in Chicago, "Cell Block Tango" is one of the most unique in the screen adaptation. "Cell Block Tango" is sung by the six, "Merry Murderesses," a group of women in the Cook County jail that were charged with murdering their husbands and partners for the maltreatment and abuse they faced.

Though many of the women are not leads, other than Velma, they make an impact on audiences in each of their solo moments in the song, each describing the humorous way they ended up in jail for their crimes. Beyond this, the technical aspects of this number in the film are impressively staged, with harsh lighting that mimics the noir style of 1920s film, something that perfectly corresponds to the time period and style of the original musical.

7 "Masquerade"

Phantom of the Opera (2004)

The Phantom of the Opera is a popular musical from the mind of Cameron Mackintosh, based on the original story by Gaston Leroux. Through the years, it has seen several different screen adaptations, but none are as well known as the 2004 film. This musical film paid homage to the original stage version beautifully, and its famous number, "Masquerade," is a beautifully shot, lavish representation of the world of the musical.

In "Masquerade," the of the opera company, along with Christine Daaé (Emmy Rossum) and her fiancé, Raoul (Patrick Wilson), sing a song of celebration about the success of the company, especially now that the Phantom (Gerard Butler) has been missing. Designed originally to open the second act of the show, "Masquerade" lifts the spirits of the show as a faux happy-ending, with its gorgeous costumes, setting, and beautiful sweeping harmonies.

This powerful moment is not only visually stunning, but emotionally stirring as well, and ends in a dramatic fashion with the surprise return of The Phantom. For these reasons, the song is perfectly representative of the intoxicating and romantic world of Phantom of the Opera.

6 "La Vie Boheme"

Rent (2005)

Rent is a gritty, loud, and raw adaptation of the classic opera, La Bohème. The film came out in 2005 and became an instant cult classic with musical theater fans. Though many moments in the film are serious in its subject matter, "La Vie Boheme" is a fun ensemble moment for audiences to enjoy."La Vie Boheme" is sang by the leads of the show, including Mimi (Rosario Dawson), Roger (Adam Pascal), Joanne (Tracie Thorns), Maureen (Idina Menzel), Angel (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), Tom (Jesse L. Martin) and Mark (Anthony Rapp).

The hilarious number begins when the leads are at dinner to celebrate the success of Maureen's protest show. Chaos ensues as they tease waiters, dance on tables, and get other diners at the restaurant to in. With a catchy melody and several hilarious moments baked into the choreography, "La Vie Boheme" is a perfect example of the spirit of Rent.

5 "Dancing Queen"

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Mamma Mia! has one of the most recognizable soundtracks in musical history as a jukebox reimagining of song in Mamma Mia! is "Dancing Queen." The number is started by Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), who sing the song to cheer up their friend, Donna (Meryl Streep).

Soon, the ladies begin an all-out dance party that continues through the streets of their small Greek town, of the town ing in for a powerful ensemble moment. The song ends as they all jump into the ocean to swim, laughing and carefree. The mix of fun choreography inspired by 1970s disco, sweet subject matter, and picturesque setting is a testament to the charm of Mamma Mia!.

4 "You Can't Stop The Beat"

Hairspray (2007)

"You Can't Stop the Beat" is another exciting ensemble number from the 2007 film, Hairspray. The film follows the life of Tracy, a ionate dancer who becomes an overnight star in the 1960s. The 2007 film features a star-studded cast of names like John Travolta (Edna Turnblad) and Zac Efron (Link Larkin). There are many opportunities for fun dance numbers in Hairspray due to the nature of the show and its catchy music.

However, "You Can't Stop the Beat" is one of the most memorable numbers from the show, for its fun and upbeat nature as well as what it means for the context of the show. Up until this point, there was segregation on the show in of its dancers, but in this finale number, everyone is allowed to dance on the stage together. Complete with impressive dancing, colorful costumes and lighting, "You Can't Stop the Beat" is a celebration of social progress and love.

3 "Epilogue"

Les Misérables (2012)

Les Misérables was controversial when it came to theaters in 2012, for its departure from elements of the stage show and its casting choices. However, the film's emotional impact and impressive set design/costuming managed to grab the attention of many audience . One moment in particular that has a strong emotional effect is the finale of the film, with the number, "Epilogue".

By this point in the film, tragedy has seemed to befall most of the main characters, who have either ed away or lost loved ones in the failed revolution. Things continue to be difficult for its lead, Valjean (Hugh Jackman), when he falls deathly ill after the events of the rebellion. However, when he es, he is reunited with all the fallen characters in heaven, and they sing a powerful and beautiful reprise of "Do You Hear the People Sing." The reunion of the cast, as well as the beautiful cinematography and visuals, makes it one of the standout moments of the film.

2 "Carnival Del Barrio"

In The Heights (2021)

In the Heights is a recent movie musical sensation created from the mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda and director, Jon M. Chu. The film was well-received by fans of the stage musical, which follows the lives of several young adults living in the Latin community of Washington Heights, New York. In the Heights has several large ensemble dance numbers, but few compare to "Carnival Del Barrio," a song started by Daniela (Daphne Rubin-Vega), that is ed in by other of the community.

Despite their suffering from the heat wave that has driven them outdoors, the community comes together to distract themselves by celebrating the different cultures of their neighborhood. The high-energy, large ensemble nature of the number makes it stand out as a powerful number that is fun to watch onscreen. It is also representative of the heart of the show, which highlights the special relationships in the Washington Heights community.

1 "Defying Gravity"

Wicked (2024)

Another movie musical success for Jon M. Chu is Wicked, the 2024 film that has become an instant hit at the box office. This rendition of the popular 2003 stage show, tells the emotional tale of the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Wicked is a triumph for many reasons, with its stacked cast, impressive costumes, and catchy choreography. There are many popular music numbers in the show, but none are as impactful as the final song of the show, "Defying Gravity."

Elphaba's song "Defying Gravity" takes place while she is planning her escape from Oz. Beyond the powerful vocals and musicality of the number, her emotional heart-to-heart with Glinda during the song is touching to watch. The number ends with Elphaba flying off cinematically as the other characters watch in wonder at her transformation. Perhaps no other songs in the show demonstrate the magic of Wicked than this final moment.