The Greatest Musicals Ever Made Ranked

Not many genres have made movies as memorable as the musical. Since the 1940’s, the musical genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s L.A. lovers, chocolate inventors or practically perfect housekeepers, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite musicals which deserve to be celebrated.

1. 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. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was a girl that my entire school would adore. However, immigration became a barrier bringing bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated to Canada, I was forced to give up my romance with a girl that I appreciated. Immigration forced me to sacrifice my romantic relationship with a girl I regarded with appreciation. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured 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 the greatest musical ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Chazelle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture lovers in L.A. facing despair. Chazelle has always had an aptitude for staging musical numbers in movies, and “La La Land” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Chazelle stages breathtaking musical numbers capturing the bonds between L.A. lovers. For instance, the scene in which Mia and Sebastian dance together on a lovely night in L.A. 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, capturing hardships lovers in L.A. are facing. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” my favourite musical of all-time is its message. The film delivers a profound message about sacrifices which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 10 years following the release of a groundbreaking musical about star-crossed lovers facing long-lasting romantic bonds on a lovely night in L.A., it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has forever changed the way movies are made manufacturing films which deserve to be celebrated today.

2. The Wizard of Oz

“The Wizard of Oz” is a classic musical that my grandmother always considered special. Several years ago, my grandmother was a huge fan of a musical about women going somewhere over the rainbow. Drawn to the land of Oz, she always praised a musical without flaws which she felt deserved a round of applause. Through her love for the classic musical, my grandmother inspired me to make my dreams come true. Nearly 90 years after its release, Victor Fleming’s movie remains one of the greatest musicals ever made. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” stand out is its bold cinematic techniques. The film introduced groundbreaking cinematic techniques that forever changed the musical genre. Fleming effectively used the technique of colour switching to mark huge breakthroughs for the musical genre. For instance, the scene in which Dorothy goes from the black-and-white Kansas City to the colourful Oz remains one of the beset moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all is a superb performance by Judy Garland, who created one of the most iconic musical heroines in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” a timeless musical is universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1930’s which tend to be outdated, its themes remain truly relevant today. As precious as the land of Oz, it’s a riveting reminder about a great genre that deserves applause for making movies without flaws.

3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Baking is an activity that my mother always enjoyed doing.  I grew up to treasure a mother that sought to become a baker. Nobody could bake a cake like my mother did without a mistake. A captivating cook, she loved recording recipes in a book. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that sought to open a bakery, I adored “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 1971, Mel Stuart’s 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 vivid sense of imagination. For instance, the scene in which Willy Wonka introduces children to his chocolate factory creating a wondrous world of pure imagination is one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Gene Wilder, who created one of the greatest 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 meaningful message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. As precious as chocolate produced by Willy Wonka, it’s a wonderful reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

4. A Star is Born

Alcohol addiction is a painful process causing people to face stress.  Several years ago, I witnessed a friend face alcohol addiction causing sorrow. An alcoholic, he loved engaging in heavy drinking without concern for consequences that could be tragic. Out friendship ended when I decided I could no longer bear seeing him get wasted. As someone haunted by memories of a friend born with alcohol addiction, I adored “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s musical captured musicians with alcohol addiction. Cooper showcased his strengths as a filmmaker by staging musical sequences capturing alcoholic singers. For instance, the scene in which Ally sings for the first time with Jackson in a concert that’s far from shallow with charisma is one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Lady Gaga, who embodies an actress seeking success. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” a musical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction faced by singers that are far from shallow, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre giving audiences dreams to follow.

5. 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. 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 musical classic that audiences adore. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mary Poppins” stand out is its strong depiction of children. For instance, the “Spoonful of Sugar” sequence in which Mary Poppins teaches the Banks children about manners with charisma is one of the greatest moments of the musical genre. Ultimately, what makes “Mary Poppins” a classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about housekeepers that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Mary Poppins’ desire to change the lives of children, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies that are worthy of celebration.

6. Chicago

It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen today. What works in stage musicals doesn’t always translate successfully into memorable movies. 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 successfully adapted a beloved stage show in his movie “Chicago”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Chicago” stand out is its theatricality. Marshall successfully adapted the intricate musical numbers from the stage play on the big-screen. Assisted by Renee Zellweger who is excellent in the lead role, Marshall celebrated a beloved Broadway play. A brilliant adaptation of a Broadway musical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a great genre filled with memorable movies that audiences consider to be special.

7. In the Heights

Latin-American communities are rarely seen in musical movies. The genre has built barriers preventing Latino communities from achieving stardom. In a genre that has rarely captured Latin-Americans’ fights, it’s worth praising “In the Heights”. Released in 2020, John M. Chu’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved stage musical about Latin communities. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “In the Heights” stand out is its strong representation. Chu stages marvellous musical numbers capturing hardships Latin communities go through. Assisted by Anthony Ramos who is exceptional in the lead role, Chu honoured the Latin-American community. A beautiful tribute to a Broadway musical capturing barriers Latin-American communities fight, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre that has achieved the spotlight.

8. Les Miserables

When it comes to the greatest musical books ever written, it’s worth discussing “Les Miserables”. Since its publication in 1862, Victor Hugo’s book has become literature that readers value. In 2012, Tom Hooper honoured the legendary book in his musical “Les Miserables”. Unlike most movies in the musical genre, what makes “Les Miserables” stand out is live-singing. Hooper’s decision to have all the actors do their own singing is risky but paid off tremendously. It lends a sense of authenticity to the movie that’s missing from most moves in the musical genre. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hooper honoured a legendary Broadway musical. As strong as Jean Valjean’s desire to escape imprisonment, it’s a melodious reminder of a genre with commitment that has produced memorable entertainment.

9. West Side Story

It’s challenging to make a successful remake of a classic musical. When a musical is extremely successful, it can often be challenging to reimagine it in a remake. Remakes rarely ever manage to capture the timeless magic of commemorated musicals that are iconic. However, “West Side Story” is an exception. Released in 2022, Steven Spielberg’s movie did an extraordinary job of reimagining a celebrated musical for a modern generation. Spielberg showcased his strengths as a filmmaker by staging mesmerizing musical numbers. Assisted by Rachel Zelger who is remarkable in the lead role, Spielberg created a marvellous remake of a classic musical. A captivating remake of a classic musical about gang rivalry, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies audiences love dearly.

10. Wonka

Willy Wonka is a legendary character that has built a lasting legacy. Created by Roald Dahl, Wonka is a character that’s easy for audiences to recall. It’s hard to not appreciate an iconic character gifted at making chocolate. In 2023, Paul King honoured Wonka in his musical “Wonka”. King staged mesmerizing musical numbers honouring a character with love for chocolate. Assisted by Timothee Chalamet who is exceptional in the lead role, King honoured an iconic character. Although “Wonka” falls short of the greatest musicals, it showcased the enduring appeal of the genre. As precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it’s a delicious reminder of a genre that has created a melodious legacy producing commemorated movies which I will forever treasure for motivating me to turn lifelong dreams of film criticism into reality.