My Favourite Musicals of All-Time

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. The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a grand musical that my grandfather has always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a grandfather that loved a musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia 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. The film delivers a profound message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years following the release of a musical about women somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that gives audiences dreams to commonly follow.

2. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Baking is an activity that my mother always enjoyed doing.  I grew to treasure a mother seeking to become a baker. Nobody could bake cakes like my mother did without mistakes. A captivating cook, she loved recording recipes in books. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that planned opening a bakery, I adored “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Released in 1971, Mel Stuart’s musical offered beautiful adaptations 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 modern-day Cinema.

3. The Sound of Music

“The Sound of Music” is a legendary musical that my mother always considered iconic. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother that admired Maria. I remember my mother was once a big fan of a musical about naval captains facing disaster. She was always drawn towards the melodious sound of a classic musical that she considered profound. Ever since its release in 1965, “The Sound of Music” has stood the test of time as a masterpiece about motherhood. Robert Wise’s classic movie celebrated the lives of mothers through a musical. Wise has always had an aptitude for making great movies about mothers with a compassionate nature, and “The Sound of Music” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Captain Von Trapp first hires Maria to take care of his household facing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Julie Andrews, who portrayed a strong mother facing issues. Ultimately, what makes “The Sound of Music” a classic is timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully. As strong as Maria’s love for the sound of music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies about mothers that have captivated the movie-going public.

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 tremendous celebration.

5. The Lion King

The Lion King is a legendary animated musical my cousin has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed relationships with a cousin acknowledging 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 universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children only, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. 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 bold reminder of a genre that’s filled with great movies that audiences treasure.

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 extremely special.

7. 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 musical entertainment.

8. Moulin Rouge!

The Moulin Rouge is a famous French nightclub that impressed my father.  I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a father that appreciated old nightclubs in Paris. Fond of Paris, he would always praise a famous French nightclub that he considered precious. In 2001, Baz Luhrmann honoured the iconic nightclub in his movie “Moulin Rouge!”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moulin Rouge!” stand out is its depiction of doomed love. Luhrmann stages marvellous musical numbers capturing hardships poets in doomed love affairs are facing. Assisted by Ewan McGregor who is extraordinary in the lead role, Luhrmann created a captivating musical about authors. As strong as Christian’s love for Satine, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies about the lives of poets which demand to be seen on the theatrical big-screen.

9. Wicked

Wicked is legendary Broadway musical that audiences have always appreciated. Since its creation in 2003, Stephen Schwartz’s musical has earned a huge following. In 2024, John M. Chu honoured the stage musical about wicked witches in his movie “Wicked”. The Oscar-nomination movie offered a fantastic interpretation of a classic Broadway play about witches. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Wicked” stand out is its strong depiction of powerful women. Chu uses captivating musical montages to create compelling witches audiences can easily relate to. Assisted by Cynthia Erivo who is amazing in the lead role, Chu honoured a stage musical created years ago. As precious as the land of Oz, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies without flaws that deserve a loud round of deafening applause.

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 role 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 precious as Willy Wonka’s chocolate, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate making movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema I appreciate.