Top Ten Movie Musicals
October 26th 2007 00:54
There is nothing like a burst of lavish stage theatrics on screen. When song is effectively woven into the narrative of a film, it can bring a whole other dimension into play, offering a connection to its audience that leaves an indelible impression. Below are my top ten movie musicals. If you are wondering why Dreamgirls doesn’t make the list, you’d best click here rather than send me into an inexplicable rage.
#10 West Side Story
The New York Romeo and Juliet about social and cultural divisions is sometimes dark but always magnificent.
#9 Mary Poppins
The ending makes me sad, and the representation of the suffragettes makes me a bit mad, but I will always love the magic of the movie. I first saw this as a small child at my cousin’s house, and immediately after the film finished, I convinced her to help me draw a picture we could step into. Also jumped out of a tree with an umbrella. And clicked frantically at the mess in my bedroom.
#8 The Wizard of Oz
I always thought Dorothy was a something of a stick-in-the-mud, but boy did I like the evil monkeys – and I had a bit of a crush on the Tin Man.
#7 Chicago
Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones definitely strut their stuff, but it’s the music and the direction by Rob Marshall that really make this one.
#6 The Sound of Music
The hills are alive and so is this classic film – over forty years later. Click here for the review.
#5 Grease
It’s still the word as far as I’m concerned. It’s all about high-school high jinks and a soundtrack that will always be remembered.
#4 Singin’ in the Rain
Debbie Reynolds was beautiful and unassuming performing as a voice without the stage credit, and Gene Kelly was unforgettable as he splashed and sang his way into the hearts of millions.
#3 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl created every child’s dream. Even as an adult, and having seen this approximately 562 times, I am still entertained by it and thoroughly whisked away in fantasy.
#2 My Fair Lady
I adore Audrey Hepburn, and she is as quirky and delightful as ever in this. She goes form Cockney to lady under the guidance of the haughty, irritable, but ultimately enlightened Henry Higgins.
#1 Moulin Rouge!
Excitement and extravagance at every turn. Click here for the (brief) review.
What do you think of musical films in general? Which is your favourite?
Michaelie Clark
#10 West Side Story
The New York Romeo and Juliet about social and cultural divisions is sometimes dark but always magnificent.
#9 Mary Poppins
The ending makes me sad, and the representation of the suffragettes makes me a bit mad, but I will always love the magic of the movie. I first saw this as a small child at my cousin’s house, and immediately after the film finished, I convinced her to help me draw a picture we could step into. Also jumped out of a tree with an umbrella. And clicked frantically at the mess in my bedroom.
#8 The Wizard of Oz
I always thought Dorothy was a something of a stick-in-the-mud, but boy did I like the evil monkeys – and I had a bit of a crush on the Tin Man.
What do you think caught my eye? His steam pipe, his pancake make-up or his silver loin cloth?
#7 Chicago
#6 The Sound of Music
The hills are alive and so is this classic film – over forty years later. Click here for the review.
#5 Grease
It’s still the word as far as I’m concerned. It’s all about high-school high jinks and a soundtrack that will always be remembered.
John Travolta as Danny - too cool for school. Image courtesy of art.com
#4 Singin’ in the Rain
Debbie Reynolds was beautiful and unassuming performing as a voice without the stage credit, and Gene Kelly was unforgettable as he splashed and sang his way into the hearts of millions.
#3 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl created every child’s dream. Even as an adult, and having seen this approximately 562 times, I am still entertained by it and thoroughly whisked away in fantasy.
#2 My Fair Lady
I adore Audrey Hepburn, and she is as quirky and delightful as ever in this. She goes form Cockney to lady under the guidance of the haughty, irritable, but ultimately enlightened Henry Higgins.
#1 Moulin Rouge!
Excitement and extravagance at every turn. Click here for the (brief) review.
What do you think of musical films in general? Which is your favourite?
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by jon
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Also have a soft spot for My Fair Lady and West Side Story.
Comment by JohnDoe
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Personally my all time favourite is Bob Fosse's All That Jazz, starring Roy Scheider..just so amazingly shot, edited and performed. The songs are fantastic.
The Blues Brothers would be a tie for second with Willy Wonka.
A few other faves off the top of my head:
Jailhouse Rock and King Creole
A Chorus Line
Bugsy Malone
The Little Shop of Horror
Tommy
Cry Baby
The original Hair Spray
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Dancer in the Dark
Guys and Dolls
Hair
Carmen Jones
Porgy and Bess
Calamity Jane
Does Amadeus count?
Comment by katyzzz
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Good one Michaelie. I just love 'em all, can't get by without my
mumnun.Comment by Michaelie
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I love Jim Broadbent but haven't yet seen Topsy Turvy - never saw The Mikado either, which maybe explains it.
My Fair Lady is very hard to beat... I never sure about the order when I do these lists! I get all fickle, which is not my usual state, lol.
Thanks for the visit!
Michaelie
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Comment by Michaelie
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All due respect but...CRY BABY?! Are you a mad man?!No bloody way. Even Johnny couldn't get me through it without nearly making ME cry with its sheer stupidity. I couldn't even laugh.
Calamity Jane is a bit hilarious though, and Blues Brothers are alright... all of the rest of those are quite good but Baz etc nudged them out. You had to expect it. Lol.
Don't think Amadeus was actually classed as a musical, but it's about Motzart isn't it? I haven't seen it so wouldn't know for sure.
Thanks JD
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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Yeah, before he started trying to do yoga in his movies. The idiot. Still love him.
Ta!
Michaelie
Comment by JohnDoe
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Cry Baby for me is an hilariously absurd send up of the ridiculous morality of the 1950's and the Elvis James Dean image that went with rebellion.
Helps that Iggy Pop turns up too, and the musical numbers are brilliantly staged for comedy....still the twisted tongue in cheek, self awareness is not for all....
Remembering this is from a man who despises the sugar and spice, life is beautiful take on the Nazi's in Sound of Music and hates the sachirine tunes that went with it, (nice cinematography though) so we obviously look for different things in our musicals...
Always fun agreeing to disagree
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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How about a few of the oldies - Carosel, Annie Get Your Gun, Stagecoach, The King and I.
And of course - have to agree with JD on the Blues Brothers - though Rocky Horror Picture Show would surely have to get a guernsey.
Cheers
MNG
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Comment by sportsbar
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I'd also like to give an honorable mention to Oliver...
"om-pa-pa om-pa-pa thats how it goes...
And not technically a Musical.. but the Lion King! as far as musicals go... that soundtrack is awesome!
Okay, I'm going back to my sport now that I have publicly shamed myself... lol.
Comment by Lilla
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...all my favourites have ALL been mentioned already … and that's ALL of them on your list and everybody elses ... so, I have nothing to add, only my vote and the realisation that I am a musical junkie...
ho hum.
Lilla …
Comment by Susan Keeping
I agree with most of the films on your list. I've seen them all except Chicago and Moulin Rouge.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
They've never really floated my boat.
I just find them intrinsically irritating.
They're my cinema pet hate to be brutally honest.
There are a few exceptions to the rule, but it's usually something else about the movie, and not because they're a musical.
I'm there with JD on All That Jazz, stunning filmmaking.
But I can't stand Moulin Rouge, and having to watch The Sound Of Music would be like water torture.
Chicago looked like it'd annoy the pants off of me, despite my love of gangster movies.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has its moments.
Singin' in the Rain works well.
Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka was so much better than the Tim Burton version.
I'd give top props to Black Orpheus, but it's a little left of centre.
Didn't mean to rain on your parade Michaelie, from your list, you're a pretty old fashioned girl, I gather
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Comment by Michaelie
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The thing is, I usually AM up for that kind of thing - but I just couldn't do it with Cry Baby. Might have had something to do with Hatchetface or whatever her name was... I did like the whole 'squares' thing though.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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Saturday Night Fever isn't technically a musical film, I don't think, but it will feature on an upcoming post I have on dancing movies.
The King and I and Rocky Horror would have been in the top 15 for sure. I just never can settle on an order!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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You duffer. Lol. You obviously DO love them - maybe you just don't like the idea of people singing and dancing out a story. It does sound corny, but so many musical movies get it so very right!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Grease, and the rest of them, wavered until I finally had to just put them in an order. I love it by My Fair Lady and Moulin Rouge had to go ahead in the end.
I forgot about Oliver! Very good addition. And I have The Lion King on DVD. It's fabulous, but thought I shouldn't add any Disney, because they're all a bit musical-ish and there are so many classics. I really love the opening song in The Lion King and when Simba is babtised.
Feel free to shame yourself here anytime. I won't let it get around and spoil your manly image, lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I saw 'Dreamgirls' written in your comment and my eye started twitching. Lol.
Glad you love them too - they're wonderful!
As are you; thanks for stopping by!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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Some people really hate Moulin Rouge! and Chicago, but I would definitely recommend them.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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Never fear, my parade is still marching onward. Lol.
Maybe they should make more horror musicals... You know, sing while you slaughter...
You are the very first person to call me old-fashioned. Makes me sound like I sit in the parlour all day with my cross-stitching in my lap.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
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Yeah, old Topol isn't bad. Little Shop of Horrors gave me a life-long fear of Venus fly-traps. Lol.
Good to see you,
Michaelie
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Thanks for stirring up my cognitive juices, Michaelie
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Thanks Jo!
Michaelie
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Now, must go, I've got a kitsch little orange teacosy to embroider...
Michaelie
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Thanks Crystal.
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I've also got fond memories of Mary Poppins... I wish that I could jump in a painting...
Comment by Michaelie
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Thanks for the visit!
Michaelie
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Comment by Michaelie
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Yeah, can't beat a bunch of lumberjacks kidnapping their ladies! Not to mention singing to the erecting of a barn, and a shotgun wedding... Lol.
Thanks my girl!
Michaelie