Musicals have had a profound impact on cinemagoers since the time of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Inspiring, at times hopeful, and full of wonder, they’ve captivated us for years and constantly had us coming back for multiple watches. For most of cinematic history, musicals have entertained generations, even amazing someone who isn’t such a fan myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never hated musicals; I just never really saw myself as a major fan, nor are most of my favorite movies from this genre. But I give credit to this impressive genre for the impact it had on cinema and pop culture, and some are undeniably entertaining. From modern masterpieces to early classics, here are ten musicals I’d still wholeheartedly recommend to other non-enthusiasts. They’re iconic and beloved and truly worth the time to experience.
10
‘Wicked’ (2024)
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Propelling the genre to new heights of acclaim in 2024, Jon M. Chu‘s Oscar-winning big-screen adaptation of Wicked has already proved to be one of the best modern musicals. A fascinating tale full of charm and flawless performances, it sees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in two powerhouse roles as Elphaba and Glinda, two witches who form an unlikely bond at Shiz University in the time before they would become known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
This beautiful, mesmerizing story wowed even someone like me, who typically wouldn’t go out of my way to see movies like this. Wicked is simply spectacular from start to finish, featuring eye-catching visuals and songs so powerful that they’re still stuck in my head. From the costumes and sets to Erivo and Grande’s Oscar-caliber performances, this is a musical I 100% stand behind.
9
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)
Directed by Jim Sharman
One of the most fascinating cult classics this author has ever seen was the 1975 original The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a popular favorite among many growing fans for its uniqueness and bizarre charm. Featuring a career-defining performance by Tim Curry, it sees him as the otherworldly, cross-dressing Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who treats a young couple of guests to a strange night at his secluded mansion.
It’s a delightfully absurd and memorable film that truly stands as an all-time cult classic musical. From the likable performances to the unique style and costumes to the catchy songs, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an unforgettable joyride that pleasantly surprised me and had me coming back for multiple rewatches. It may not be to everyone’s liking, but for the ones who do, this is a musical that’s impossible not to enjoy.
8
‘Cabaret’ (1972)
Directed by Bob Fosse
Adapted from the Tony-winning Broadway play by composer John Kander, 1972’s Cabaret is a bold, compelling interpretation of this revered story that completely changed movie musicals when it came out. An enduring classic featuring Oscar-winning performances by Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey, it tells of a complicated love triangle between a flamboyant nightclub singer, a Cambridge student, and a wealthy Baron amid the threat of the Nazi Party’s rise in 1930s Berlin.
This fascinating tale charms its viewers with its competent performances and stellar songs, but also with its innovative, complex story, which is much deeper and interesting. Cabaret hooked me right from the opening to its haunting finale, leaving me speechless and deeply impressed with the talent and care brought to this highly regarded musical masterpiece.
7
‘West Side Story’ (1961)
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
The 1961 original West Side Story is one of the most quintessential musicals in history. It’s a classic that continues to wow audiences with its breathtaking songs, performances, and incredible dance numbers, all of which still look magnificent today. A story of love and tragedy, it tells of two youths from opposing street gangs in New York as they fall in love despite the mounting tension between the two groups.
It’s no wonder this film was an Oscar-winning juggernaut, swiping all kinds of awards, from direction and cinematography to musical score and supporting performances. It truly deserved them all, as it was an eye-catching spectacle that was much better than what I expected. West Side Story‘s legacy has made it an enduring classic that never ages. Truly, it needs to be experienced.
6
‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson
One of the most charming and delightful Disney classics is 1964’s Mary Poppins, an enduring family story that still has audiences humming its tunes. Featuring Oscar-winning visuals, music, and a well-deserved Best Actress award for Julie Andrews in the title role, it sees this magical nanny as she cares for two children while also helping them reconnect with their struggling father.
It’s a film that every generation must see as it’s a bright, beloved tale that charms audiences with its colorful songs and characters and its powerful messages about love and the importance of family. Mary Poppins brings a smile to my face that I kept long after the end credits. Of course, it’s a musical classic that I’d recommend and wish to see over and over again, not to mention Disney’s greatest live-action effort to this day.
5
‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)
Directed by Robert Wise
A truly timeless tale, Robert Wise’s wildly beloved musical The Sound of Music is the stuff of movie royalty. From its iconic story and characters to the equally memorable songs, it’s a film that defines what it means to be a musical. Once again featuring Julie Andrews, this time alongside the late Christopher Plummer, it follows a novice sparking a tender romance with a widowed naval officer while caring for his seven young children in pre-WWII Austria.
The Sound of Music is profoundly rewatchable for all ages. Whether seeing it as a child or as an adult, this tale can warm the hearts of everyone, no matter how old or how many times it’s experienced. I honestly can’t tell which song is more catchy and iconic; The Sound of Music is full of so many of them, each one better than the last. An amazing musical with so much heart, this is one classic I’ll always love.
4
‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)
Directed by John Landis
One of the funniest films I’ve ever seen, John Landis‘s The Blues Brothers is a unique standout of the musical genre that continues to be an enduring cult favorite. Based on the iconic Saturday Night Live sketch performance by friends Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi, it sees the two as the titular duo as they restart their old band and cross much of the U.S. on a mission to save their former orphanage.
Featuring nonstop laughs, incredible song numbers, thrilling cameo performances, and, bizarrely, a lot of car chases, The Blues Brothers is a wild, fun ride that’s more than just a regular musical comedy. It’s also a glorious tribute to blues, jazz, and soul music, featuring legendary figures like Cab Calloway, James Brown, and Ray Charles. It’s honestly a blast of entertainment that hasn’t lost its ability to excite all these years, and it’ll definitely keep being fun to watch for decades more.
3
‘Singin’ In The Rain’ (1952)
Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly
Singin’ in the Rain is often considered the greatest, most iconic musical of all time. It’s a memorable and delightful movie that truly deserves its status as a legendary standout of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, it follows a duo of struggling silent film actors and a rising young star who, with the dawn of talking pictures, try to make their latest project into a musical.
With wonderful bits of comedy, humor, and drama, Singin’ in the Rain is enough to satisfy anyone, even those who despise musicals. There’s a memorable cast, bright sets, and beautiful colors, and it even features some of the most iconic scenes in major motion picture history, including Kelly’s legendary performance of the titular song. It’s a necessary watch for film buffs, and it certainly amazes viewers from start to finish.
2
‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)
Directed by Mel Stuart
A film that’s defined so many childhoods, Mel Stuart‘s 1971 family comedy classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a remarkable and heartwarming tale that gets more enjoyable with every watch. Featuring the late Gene Wilder‘s most beloved performance, it follows a poor young boy who gains the opportunity of a lifetime to accompany several other children to tour the strange and magical chocolate factory of the mysterious Willy Wonka.
Much like the world it features, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory offers a magical experience that can tug at the heartstrings and excite viewers of any age. Wilder’s performance, coupled with a memorable supporting cast and a few catchy tunes, further enhances this delightful musical, which continues to bring a smile to my face every time I see it. It’s a must-watch for even non-musical fans and will always be a joy to see.
1
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming
Some films, even musicals, are so incredible and beloved that they’ve never diminished in popularity. That’s the best way to describe the last film on this list, The Wizard of Oz, the revered classic of early cinema that continues to grow in status. Starring Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, and Frank Morgan, it’s the iconic tale of a Kansas farm girl who has a magical adventure through the mysterious land of Oz to make it back home.
The Wizard of Oz is a film I often watch despite never really being much of a fan of most other musicals. It’s got legendary performances, songs, and sets that are truly and undeniably beautiful and unforgettable. While it’s typically a genre I don’t often visit, The Wizard of Oz is a musical I would encourage everyone I know to experience at least once in their lifetime; it really is that good.