“I am very opinioned about movie musicals when they are adapted from live shows. You will sit still for a three-minute song in a theater. But in movies, a glance from someone’s eyes will tell you the whole story in a few seconds.” –Stephen Sondheim
Admittedly, I have never been much of a fan of movie musicals. I will be the first to admit that I openly scoff at movies that have their actors and actresses breaking into song at almost every scene and I was always skeptical about how they would do in box offices.
After all, I was always of the opinion that a musical is best experienced live and that their movie adaptations—regardless of whether they were singing parts or not—were just watered down versions. However, I have soon changed my tune when I sat down a three-hour movie musical which just happened to be a rendition of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables.
Admittedly, I was always a staunch fan of movies that have plots centered on either heist or romance but when I saw the recent adaptation of Les Miserables, I was completely blown away. There was so much raw emotion in the film that I felt every character’s joy, triumph, and despair. By the end of the film, I even wanted to applaud but of course, I refrained from doing so. Since that day, I have since changed my opinion about musical films and started giving them a chance. Resultantly, I have assembled a list of curated movie musicals that I believe no one should ever miss. So, if you are planning on a watching a movie this coming weekend, try to hold off checking the Solenad cinema schedule and take a gander at this list. You might just find something you wish to check out.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Of course, no list would be complete without including this enduring classic. In fact, it might even be argued that this was the musical film that started it all. Considered as one of the most beloved films of all time, it became an instant hit when it was released. Banking on virtues such as determination and friendship, the film’s message resonates with everyone whether young or old.
Singin’ in the rain (1952)
Another classic musical film gem that makes it into the best-loved musical films of all time is Singin’ In The Rain by default. The movie is so refreshingly fun and delightful that it truly captivates the audience. The story follows a struggling movie star whose intention is to dominate movie screens once more. Of course, it would not be complete without the help of the trusty and fiery Kathy and a dash of romance thrown in as well. And of course, who could ever forget that iconic song that gave the movie its eponymous designation.
Mary Poppins (1964)
A cult classic that saw a contemporary rendition just recently, Mary Poppins was that one definitive nanny every kid wanted to have when they first went to see the movie. The movie delighted both children and adults for more than a decade. Consequently, some of their songs have been immortalized with kids singing along to them as they are played—a true mark of a classic and beloved musical film indeed.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Some might say that this was the movie that launched Julie Andrews’s career and where it took off. After all, the movie showcased her vocal and musical prowess with songs such as The Sound of Music, My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and My Favorite Things.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Originally planned as a B-movie sci-fi flick, Rocky Horror Picture Show soon became a cult classic that remains to be a favorite among musical film enthusiasts everywhere. Today, there are still midnight airings of the show and people are still pumped to see it with some even going as far as dressing up as the characters from Transylvania. It should come as no wonder as the songs in the film are relatively easy to sing along with and dance to.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Definitely one of the most romantic musical films out there, Moulin Rouge did something that no other musical film ever did before—gave it a sultry twist. Of course, at its time, the film was considered a risky take considering that the characters mostly sang to modern songs. However, the risk paid off and it was considered one of the most stunningly beautiful musicals of all time.
Of course, I am not going to include Les Miserables here considering how I expounded so much about it in the introduction (leaving no doubt that indeed, it was one of the best musical films ever made). With that said, try watching one of the movies listed above and you might just be surprised.