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When it comes to the world of film, there are plenty of genres to consider. Some may love romantic comedies, while others might prefer classic horror films. But for certain movie buffs, the category that reigns supreme is musical movies. After all, ever since song and dance first hit the silver screen with the invention of sound technology in the early 20th century, musical movies have long been a part of cinematic history. And with the rise of music biopics, stage-to-screen adaptations and live-action films based on cartoons (hello, Disney!), you can’t go to the movie theater without some version of one being available to screen.
While all musical films tend to follow a similar formula (like catchy songs and impressive dance routines), the actual genre is actually quite diverse. This means there’s always an option for everyone, from a heartbreaking drama to ones that give a peek at important events in history. What’s more, some of the most popular Broadway shows have been adapted for the screen, bringing a touch of the Great White Way right to your couch.
Whether you're into family classics (like The Sound of Music) or more modern musicals (such as Hamilton or Tick, Tick … BOOM!), this list of the greatest musical movies of all-time will definitely put a song in your heart. Read on for our picks, and we guarantee you'll be singing and dancing along to some of film's greatest songs in no time.
Tick, Tick ... BOOM! (2021)
When Rent writer Jonathan Larson wrote a semi-autobiographical musical about his life, he probably didn’t expect it to be turned into a feature film with some of the most impressive names on Broadway in it. Filled with heart, soul, tears and a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations of the end of the 20th century, Andrew Garfield portrays the playwright in a way that’ll have viewers feeling moved by the entire experience.
Newsies (1992)
Loosely based on the real-life newsboys’ strike of 1899, this Disney film introduced viewers to a young Christian Bale as the leader of kids looking to make a buck on the papes. The music is catchy, the dancing is memorable (which makes sense, with Dirty Dancing choreographer Kenny Ortega directing) and it teaches a bit of American history not always explored in our educations. What more could you ask for?
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Wonka (2023)
With the story of Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory being beloved for over half a century, why not learn more about the man who started it all? Timothée Chalamet plays the titular role in a musical story that relays the tale of how Wonka became the candy man himself. It turns out to be much more than due to a love of chocolate, and the original songs written for the movie do an excellent job at bringing happiness and appreciation for anything truly sweet.
The Color Purple (2023)
The 1985 film put the story of The Color Purple on the map, but the Broadway musical added a new layer of despair, emotion and heartbreak. Now, a theatrical version based on the play is available to stream, with a plethora of major actors playing roles that folks will remember from the original movie. Plus, this iteration of The Color Purple received major buzz upon its release, with nominations for the Golden Globe Awards, Academy Awards, SAG Awards and many more.
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Cinderella (1997)
Brandy takes on the iconic titular role and and Whitney Houston is the Fairy Godmother in this modern-day version of the notable fairy tale. The songs showcase both singers’ incredible voices, and it brings a new spin to the story people know and love. And if that’s not enough, Brandy is set to play a version of Cinderella (alongside her former co-star Paolo Montalban as Prince Charming) in the upcoming movie Descendants: The Rise of Red. Now that’s something to be excited about!
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Based on the hit 2016 musical of the same name, Ben Plat reprises his role from the Broadway show, playing a teenager desperate to overcome his social anxiety. When he inserts himself into a family affected by a high school tragedy, he ends up questioning whether he deserved to gain their love and support. The movie offers a unique look at mental health, and the soundtrack will definitely cause a few tears to be shed as well.
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The Wiz (1978)
Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor are just a few of the famous names starring in the hit movie directed by Sidney Lumet. Telling a modern version of the classic story from writer L. Frank Baum, the film features classic songs like "Ease on Down the Road" and "You Can't Win." The movie is based on the 1974 musical of the same name, and fans will be ecstatic to learn The Wiz is returning to Broadway this spring.
Cats (1998)
While the 2019 version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic musical definitely had people questioning it, the taped version of the original stage production is one theater folks shouldn't miss out on seeing. Taking inspiration from the poems in T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, viewers witness a litter of felines all vying for a new life on the Heaviside Layer. The dancing is memorable, the costumes are unforgettable. and the songs ... well, they'll definitely be burned into your "Memory."
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Oliver! (1968)
Based on Charles Dickens' 1838 novel Oliver Twist and the 1960 stage musical of the same name, fans are introduced to a young orphan who finds himself initiated into a group of pickpockets on the streets of London. With songs fans continue to love (like "Consider Yourself" and "Food, Glorious Food"), the film won six Academy Awards and was ranked the 77th-greatest British film of the 20th century by the British Film Institute. How's that for a series of accolades?
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In the Heights (2021)
Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2008 musical of the same name is the basis for this musical drama, taking place in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. The story follows a young Dominican bodega owner who dreams of returning to his homeland, while other members of his community long to build better lives for themselves. The film is equal parts hopeful and joyful, with music that makes you feel and breathe the streets the characters walk on every day.
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Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
A beloved movie based on the stage musical of the same name, Fiddler on the Roof follows a poor Jewish milkman who lives in Anatevka, a small shtetl in Russia. While he's tasked with marrying off his five daughters, he struggles to make a living in order to provide for them. But as the Russian government forces Jews out of their homes, the family must learn the true extent of love and what it means to be connected.
Hamilton (2020)
He's one of the most famous names to come from the American Revolution, and Lin-Manuel Miranda brought his story to life in a musical that'll forever be a classic in the theater world. Mashing up storytelling with music and hip hop, folks get a different taste of U.S. history over the span of two and half hours in Hamilton. And since this movie was filmed while the original cast was still in the Broadway show, you get a taste of what it was like to be "in the room where it happened."
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Footloose (1984)
In this musical drama, Kevin Bacon became famous for portraying Ren McCormack, a Chicago teenager who moves to a town that outlawed any dancing. As he rebels against the minister's ban and tries to get the law revoked, he finds himself falling in love with the minister's daughter and wants nothing more than to be with her. The film not only showcases incredible footwork on the cast's part, but it later was remade into a 2011 movie starring Julianne Hough.
Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
This movie was the feature film debut of Dick Van Dyke, and it also was inspired by Elvis Presley's own draft into the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. The story follows Conrad Birdie, a rock and roll star who suddenly gets recruited into the military, much to the devastation of all his fans. As he prepares to give his final performance, his talent agent tries to save the company that put Conrad on the map while he's away fighting for the government.
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Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
What do you get when an employee at a floral shop finds himself discovering one of the store's plants likes to feed on human blood? Well, that's what this horror comedy musical explores, thanks to the music of composer Alan Menken and a plethora of comedic actors (like Steve Martin, Jim Belushi and Bill Murray). The movie not only developed a cult following, but for those in New York City, you can see a stage version of this off-Broadway.
The Last Five Years (2014)
Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan star in the film based on the hit musical of the same name, telling the rise and fall of lovers Cathy Hiatt and Jamie Wallerstein. The only thing is, the show follows the relationship from opposite directions, with Jamie starting at the beginning and Cathy from the end. When the two eventually meet in the middle, the couple (and the audience) go through love, heartbreak, happiness, despair and all the emotions that come with failed romances.
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The Sound of Music (1965)
In one of the most classic musical films to date, Julie Andrews plays a governess who wins the hearts of the Von Trapp family in Nazi-era Austria. The result is a beloved film that's both epic and heartwarming, complete with some of the most iconic musical numbers of all time.
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La La Land (2016)
A true love letter to Hollywood and the musical film genre, La La Land follows the dreamy romance of an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) in golden-age L.A. It's a deeply beautiful film that'll leave you feeling breathless — especially at the spectacular soundtrack and profound ending.
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Les Misérables (2012)
Thematically powerful as it is emotionally stirring, this 2012 film adaptation of the classic musical Les Misérables (based on the Victor Hugo novel) has everything from an epic, multi-character story to actual live performances from the cast. Warning: You'll definitely want to keep your tissues on hand while watching this one.
Grease (1978)
Who could forget this joyous, hand-jiving delight of a musical film? Complete with a legendary cast and plenty of karaoke favorites (see: "You're the One That I Want"), Grease is undeniably one of the most enduringly popular flicks to date (and for plenty good reason!).
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Hannah Jeon
Associate Commerce Editor
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
Adrianna Freedman
Editorial Assistant
As the entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
