Summary

• Musicals like The Greatest Showman and La La Land offer visually stunning and relatable stories that even non-musical fans can enjoy.
• Movies like Hairspray and West Side Story weave music seamlessly into their plots, grounding the story in realistic themes of racial segregation and urban conflicts.
• Films like Sweeney Todd and Little Shop of Horrors combine elements of horror and dark comedy with catchy rock soundtracks, appealing to audiences who want musicals with a bit of an edge.

Some people are quick to reject the idea of movie musicals, but there are a few within the genre that are enjoyable for everyone and should be given a chance. The reasons for disliking musicals vary from person to person. Some common complaints are how unrealistic or jarring the break into a song can be or how the show-tune genre often associated with musicals can be overwhelming. However, whether they're adapted from stage musicals or they're entirely new material, musicals have only continued to grow in popularity in recent years.

Though movie musicals don't appear to be as popular as they were in past years, data from audiences who watched Mean Girls, the 2024 film adaptation of the Broadway musical, suggest studios are paying attention to moviegoers' attitudes towards the sometimes divisive genre. Regardless of how many movie musicals audiences can expect to come out in the years, the genre continues to stay relevant. While certain films in the genre will never please musical haters, some exceptions are palatable for everyone.

10 The Greatest Showman (2017)

A musical spectacle with a relatable message at its core

The Greatest Showman is a fictional, somewhat biographical, film starring Hugh Jackman. For audiences reluctant to watch a musical, The Greatest Showman has grand and well-choreographed musical routines that are a visual and audible delight, due to the film's ensemble performances. Those uninterested in musicals might not have been aware that Jackman has impressive singing skills. In addition, the film is one that's meant to have audiences feeling good, with the message at its root being one of acceptance and empowerment, as heard in songs like, "This Is Me." They are messages that any audience is sure to connect with.

9 Hairspray (2007)

Anchored in its realistic themes

Hairspray follows Tracy on her journey to becoming a dancer on her favorite television show. The musical numbers included are seamlessly placed within the plot, but upon first glance at the film's poster, some audiences may feel hesitant about watching. Due to its aesthetic, audiences may believe the film is an over-the-top, quirky story that often turns haters of the musical genre off. However, Hairspray is grounded by its realistic themes of racial segregation. While much of the film revolves around Tracy's love life and desire to dance on television, she's also someone who helps continue the demand for integration.

8 La La Land (2016)

Musical numbers the main story of love

Regarded as one of Damien Chazelle's best films, La La Land follows the romance between Sebastian and Mia. Visual and plot elements pay homage to classic Hollywood musicals and themes present in the film continue Chazelle's pattern of stories about ionate artists. However, the singalong musical numbers aren't as heavy compared to other musicals, inviting a wide range of audience to enjoy the film. The core of the film is the character development and the relationship between Seb and Mia. La La Land is an emotional film that brings audiences along for a story about aspirations, love, and sacrifice.

7 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)

Mixes elements from musicals and horror films

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street follows the story of its titular character who works as a barber and kills his customers. A reason why some tend to dislike musicals is because they are expected to be bright, loud, and colorful, which some audiences find to be too much. Sweeney Todd, however, diverts those expectations with its dark, horror elements brought to the screen by Tim Burton. The film has been praised for its adaptation of the original musical and its proper use of violence and blood, which many felt could've only been done so well by Burton.

6 Grease (1978)

An upbeat film cemented in pop culture

Grease is among the best teen movie musicals, following the love story between Danny and Sandy. The film features a variety of songs that are catchy and sure to encourage dancing from even the most cynical of musical haters. These songs have become well-known over the years, cementing themselves in pop culture, including, "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want." Set in the '50s, Grease transports audiences back in time to a colorful, sometimes campy, high school setting. It's a classic film in the genre and inspired a prequel series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

5 The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A great cinematic achievement in history

The Wizard of Oz is a film that follows Dorothy on her fantastical journey along the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard of Oz. The film is colorful and includes a cast of entertaining characters, such as the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man. While the film is lighthearted and includes elements of fantasy, a pet peeve among those who dislike musicals, The Wizard of Oz is a staple film within cinematic history.

The film's use of Technicolor and visual effects was revolutionary and impressive at the time of its release. The film's characters and quotes have continued to be referenced throughout pop culture, including the tapping together of Dorothy's shoes while saying, "There's no place like home." In addition, as confirmed by writer and director Kenya Barris, a remake of The Wizard of Oz should be expected.

4 Mamma Mia! (2008)

The music of ABBA helps tell the story

Often seen as one of the best movie musicals in recent years, Mamma Mia! infuses the music of pop group ABBA into the plot of the film. Due to having an almost fully established soundtrack, the film can have fun, not taking itself or the plot too seriously. While campy films aren't always satisfying to general audiences, especially those who don't like musicals, Mamma Mia! uses well-known music to its story. Many of the songs featured in Mamma Mia! are popular songs within ABBA's discography, relieving audiences of having to sit through unfamiliar musical numbers.

3 Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

A darker musical carried by a rock soundtrack

Comparable to Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors combines elements from horror films and musicals. However, the latter doesn't have an R rating, avoiding graphic depictions of death and containing more moments of comedic relief. The film, which follows Seymour and his plant that feeds off of human blood, is regarded as being campy but has impressive performances from its cast. Little Shop of Horrors is also accompanied by a doo-wop and rock and roll soundtrack, which can appeal to audiences who seek out musicals with a bit of an edge.

2 West Side Story (2021)

A new filmmaking endeavor for Steven Spielberg

The 2021 adaptation of West Side Story is the second film to be made of the stage musical following a conflict between two opposing gangs in New York, the Jets versus the Sharks. At the center of this conflict is a Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired love story between Tony and Maria. Even though the film follows the expected formula of a musical, it's a visually stunning film, and the only musical ever made by acclaimed director, Steven Spielberg. His direction was praised by many critics and fans, including director Guillermo del Toro, who cited the genius of West Side Story's gym scene.

1 Rent (2005)

A story backed by a rock soundtrack

Rent follows the story of individuals in New York, struggling with their sexuality, paying their rent, and the diagnosis of AIDS. The film includes powerful musical and acting performances by its cast, which were praised by audiences and critics. Differentiating itself from what some audiences might dislike about musicals, the soundtrack includes a variety of genres such as pop and rock. Fittingly, the soundtrack of the film was produced by Rob Cavallo, who is known for his work with the rock band, Green Day. The upbeat and often energetic musical numbers in the film coincide with its assorted ensemble.