Few film genres have made audiences marvel like the musical. Since the 1930’s, there have been several movies about melodies. Whether it’s magical nannies, star-crossed lovers or greasy teenagers, the musical genre has produced memorable movies. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best musicals ever made that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is a grand musical that my grandfather has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a grandfather that loved a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a grandpa that loved the musical genre. He would always speak fondly about a classic musical capturing magical wizards that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather loved taking trips to the land of Oz, I adored “The Wizard of Oz”. Ever since its release in 1939, Victor Fleming’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest musical ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Fleming did an extraordinary job of adapting a legendary book about wizards that evoke fear. Fleming was one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for staging memorable musical numbers in his movies, and his strengths are clearly evident in “The Wizard of Oz”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Dorothy sings about going somewhere over the rainbow remains one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Judy Garland, who created one of the most iconic characters in the musical genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most musicals, it tackle universal themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years following the release of a classic musical about women escaping a tornado to go somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a marvellous reminder of a grand genre that gives audiences dreams to follow.
2. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Baking is a passion that my mother has always loved pursuing. I remember a mother that sought to become a famous baker. Nobody could bake a cake like my mother did without making a single mistake. A captivating cook, she would often treasure her recipes for cakes in a book. As someone treasuring a mother that loved baking dearly, I adored “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 1971, Mel Stuart’s celebrated musical offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about chocolate factories. Unlike most movies in the musical genre, what makes “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” stand out is its strong sense of imagination. For instance, the scene in which Willy Wonka introduces the children in his commemorated chocolate factory to a world of pure imagination remains one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all is an iconic performance by Gene Wilder, who created one of the most celebrated characters in the musical genre as Willy Wonka. Ultimately, what makes “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” a musical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartfelt message about pursuing dreams which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Charlie Bucket’s chocolate, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate making movies audiences appreciate.
3. Mary Poppins
Magical nannies have impacted my identity. At an early age, I bonded with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. Dedicated to performing every chore, she was a person that my family had grown to adore. I looked forward to spending every day with a housekeeper that was practically perfect in every way. Like Mary Poppins, she was a nanny that shaped my identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a magical nanny, I adored “Mary Poppins”. Ever since its release in 1964, Robert Stevenson’s movie has stood the test of time as a masterpiece that audiences adore. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mary Poppins” stand out is its strong sense of imagination. For instance, the “Spoonful of Sugar” musical sequence in which Mary Poppins teaches children about manners remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Mary Poppins” a classic musical is its message. The film delivers a profound message about housekeepers that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a musical about larger-than-life nannies embarking on a jolly holiday that are practically perfect in every way, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated genre that deserves to be celebrated today.
4. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. However, immigration became a barrier bringing bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated to Canada, I was forced to give up my romantic relationship with a girl that I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the sacrifices involved in achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Ever since its release in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s movie has stood the test of time as a musical masterpiece. Chazelle is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for staging musical numbers, and his strengths are evident in “La La Land”. For instance, the opening musical number in which people sing and dance on a Los Angeles freeway is one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of phenomenal performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who create a romantic relationship that’s compelling. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a musical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about sacrifices involved in pursuing dreams which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers seeking success in L.A. on another day of sun, it’s a strong reminder about a marvellous genre that merits celebration.
5. The Lion King
The Lion King is a legendary animated musical that my cousin has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that loved a musical about lions that are inspiring, I adored “The Lion King”. Ever since its release in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s movie has stood the test of time as an animated classic audiences adore. Rob Minkoff created an awe-inspiring animated film with memorable musical sequences that remain compelling today. For instance, the opening Circle of Life musical sequence in which animals assemble together remains one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its message. The film delivers a profound message about finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Simba’s desire to honour his father, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that’s filled with unforgettable movies that audiences treasure.
6. Chicago
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway musical on the big-screen today. What works in stage musicals doesn’t always work in films. In order to make a successful adaptation, filmmakers must pay attention to the storytelling, music and characters of the show. However, in 2002 Rob Marshall pulled it off successfully when he adapted a beloved musical stage show in his movie “Chicago”. Marshall showcased his strength for staging marvellous musical numbers with stunning visuals. Assisted by Renee Zellweger who is excellent in the lead role, Marshall celebrated a Broadway play. Despite the challenges involved in adapting a Broadway play, Marshall succeeded. A powerful adaptation of a commemorated Broadway musical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre filled with memorable movies that audiences consider to be special.
7. Singin’ in the Rain
One of the common characteristics of the musical genre is feelings of joy. Ever since its introduction in the 1920’s, the musical genre has sought to leave viewers happy rather than sad. This glorious feeling of happiness in movies that entertain is clearly evident in “Singin’ in the Rain”. Released in 1952, Stanley Donen’s musical captured celebrities in the silent era with a love for singing melodies. Donen showcased his strength for staging musical numbers through magical realism. At the centre of it all is an unforgettable performance from Gene Kelly, who showcased his talent for composing melodies. As memorable as melodies that Don Lockwood’s love for singin’ in the rain, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to gain a huge following by making memorable movies that entertain.
8. A Star is Born
Alcoholism is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has struggled telling realistic stories of alcohol addiction on the big-screen. In an industry that has often treated alcohol addiction with scorn, its worth praising “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s movie did a great job of depicting alcohol addiction. With his directorial debut, Cooper proved the musical genre could be used to capture hardships alcoholics go through. Cooper demonstrated real talent for singing, dancing and composing melodies. Working alongside Lady Gaga who is excellent, Cooper proved the commemorated genre could be used to tell stories of trauma. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction endured by singers that are far from shallow, it’s a bold reminder of a genre giving audiences dreams to follow.
9. West Side Story
Few musicals ever made about gangs are as beloved as West Side Story. Since its release in 1961, Jerome Robbins’ movie has become a musical classic. Robbins’ movie forever changed the musical genre through its authentic depiction of Latin-Americans. Unlike most movies in the musical genre, what makes “West Side Story” stand out is its emotions. It’s one of the most emotional musicals ever made capturing feelings of joy, sadness and wonder. At the centre of it all is a melodious performance from Natalie Wood, who emerged as a star in Hollywood. Although certain aspects of the movie are outdated today, there’s no denying the huge impact it has had on the genre. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic musical about lovers engaging in a doomed affair, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre about which audiences deeply care.
10. Wonka
Willy Wonka is a wonderful character that shaped my persona. I remember forming a love for a chocolate mater that I grew up to treasure. During childhood, I grew up reading Roald Dahl’s classic book about a chocolate maker. In 2024, Paul King honoured the chocolate marker with charisma in his musical “Wonka”. King honoured Roald Dahl’s beloved literature through marvellous musical numbers. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Timothee Chalamet, who proves why he’s one of the greatest actors working today. Although it may not rank among the best musicals, “Wonka” paid tribute to the genre. As delicious as chocolates created by Willy Wonka, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its appeal in the modern era which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 