The winner of six Academy Awards back in its day (including Best Picture), this musical film combines George Gershwin's classic songs together with Gene Kelly's star power as he portrays an American veteran staying in Paris after the war to become a painter. For WOS100 we asked you to name your favourite musical and play of all time.
London Road 69.
The Rocky Horror Show 60. Sunday in the Park with George 37. Thousands of you voted and now, in the first article announcing the results, we take a look at the Top 100 musicals of all time, starting by counting down your top 10. Set in early 19th century bohemian Paris, this vibrant, eclectic musical film from director Baz Luhrmann follows the secret romance of a young writer (Ewan McGregor) and a cabaret actress (Nicole Kidman) — all the while featuring popular songs from modern artists such as Madonna, Elton John, and The Police. RELATED: 17 of the Best Movie Songs of All Time, It's Critical to Get Your Flu Shot This Year. Also, keep in mind that this is a list of stage musicals, not movie musicals, which explains the absence of such classics as "Singing in the Rain," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," and "The Wizard of Oz." If I ever decide to put together a list of the best movie musicals, rest assured that I will give them full consideration. Known for its iconic hit "Don't Rain on My Parade," Funny Girl has Barbara Streisand in her first movie debut — and sees her truly shine as the legendary vaudeville singer Fanny Brice working her way up to the Broadway stage. The most recent Broadway revival won two Tony Awards: Best Revival and Best Actress in a Musical for Cynthia Erivo. Julie Andrews stars as our favorite magical nanny in her first feature film debut, enchanting viewers with flying umbrellas and the reminder that "a spoonful of medicine makes the medicine go down." Readers’ Poll: The 10 Best Musicals of All Time See which classic Broadway shows beat out newcomer ‘Hamilton’ ... ultimately winning a total of 11, including Best Musical. My Fair Lady 24. Let it Be, 81. Even if you haven't watched the movie (or the two subsequent sequels), you'll definitely remember the viral "The Cup Song" from its day. Fiddler on the Roof 50. For fans of stirring romantic movies, this indie Irish musical film takes audiences through a moving tale of blossoming love, all the while charming them with some of the most eloquent and romantic songs (including the Oscar-winning "Falling Slowly").
Start with: “The Color Purple,” “I’m Here”
The Color Purple, a musical with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray and a book by Marsha Norman, opened on Broadway in 2005 and is based on the Alice Walker novel of the same name. Where did your favourite musical end up? Based on the legendary Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim, this fantasy movie from Disney riffs on the classic fairy tale genre with imaginative creativity and an epic sense of adventure — not to mention memorable performances from a truly stellar cast. Whether you're partial to old family classics (like The Sound of Music) or more modern musicals (such as La La Land or Moulin Rouge! Oliver! For fans of poignant and heart-wrenching romance, this colorful '60s French opera film is perhaps one of the loveliest musical masterpieces to date (plus, it's the film that inspired La La Land!).
Why trust us? Get exclusive access to priority onsales and special offers, plus never miss out on the biggest stories from the West End, Off-West End and beyond. Parade 56. Hello Dolly 52. Candide 86. In this magnificent musical film that put actress and singer Liza Minnelli on the map (and earned a total of eight Oscars! For all fans of ABBA, this must-see jukebox musical film is a delightful adventure featuring some of the supergroup's most iconic and infectious hits (including "Dancing Queen," of course).
It's considered a true American classic for a reason! RELATED: 40 Rare Photos of Audrey Hepburn's Life.
Mamma Mia! One of the many recent live-action films from Disney, Beauty and the Beast is a faithful adaptation that still feels fresh, largely in thanks to enchanting performances from the cast (including Emma Watson as a perfect Belle!). Yes, they've been done on the stage, but never very well. Starlight Express 36. The Commitments 80. Betty Blue Eyes 65. RELATED: The 41 Best Disney Songs of All Time. The 100 Best Musicals of All Time. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Click here to check out my articles for About.com, Everything I Know I Learned From Musicals, Reviews - Side Show, Elephant Man, Plus the Best and Worst Musicals of 2014, Reviews - On the Town, Curious Incident, The Band Wagon and More, 10 Musicals That Changed Broadway - And Other Posts, Review - The Phantom of the Opera With Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess, Review - Finding Neverland at the American Repertory Theatre, Review - The Visit at Williamstown Theatre Festival With Chita Rivera, Review - Piece of My Heart - The Bert Berns Story - Off Broadway, Reviews - 2014 New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) - Part 4, Reviews - 2014 New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) - Part 3, The Most Influential People in Musical-Theater History, Review - Jekyll and Hyde Revival on Broadway.
Who Are 'The Masked Singers'? Spring Awakening 35. RELATED: The Best Romantic Movies for People Who Can't Get Enough of Cinema's Greatest Love Stories. 47. But I've been reading through a number of books recently that attempt to list the best plays, novels, and writers of all time.
The Lord of the Rings 83. It's a deeply beautiful film that'll leave you feeling breathless — especially at the spectacular soundtrack and profound ending. The winner of six Academy Awards including Best Picture, this glittering tale of Jazz Age murder features everything from a star-studded cast to some of the best performances of Chicago's popular musical numbers (including the dark and sultry "Cell Block Tango").
Next to Normal 55. Reefer Madness 96. 11.
Cabaret 20. There's no other musical that will remind you that "the sun will come out tomorrow" than this charming, feel-good flick centered around Little Orphan Annie, who embarks on a mission to find her parents as she's chosen to live at the home of America's richest billionaire.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 66. Rock of Ages 58.
The Drowsy Chaperone, 91. Is It Safe to Trick-or-Treat During COVID? Jerry Springer - The Opera 67. Jesus Christ Superstar 14.
Both a homage to and a parody of the classic Disney princess genre, this witty film sees Giselle (Amy Adams) as a Disney princess who finds herself transported into real-world New York City. People often ask me what my favorite musical is. Carousel 16. Putting it Together 89.
Shrek 72. There may be a new Steven Spielberg remake in the works for 2020, but this original West Side Story film from 1961 is undeniably the true classic, featuring impressive performances and dazzling visuals as it reimagines Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet in the streets of modern-day New York City. 1,021 300 30 Great Psychopath Movies That Are Worth Your Time. Anything Goes 75. Ragtime, 71.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Kiss Me Kate 53. The Sound of Music 34. Love Never Dies 44. I Can't Sing 84. Return to the Forbidden Planet 57. I seldom answer: that would be like Sophie's Choice. West End, Off-West End, fringe shows, exclusive members discount at top celeb hang out, post-show Q&As and meet and greets. You'll want to watch it just for the now-iconic fashion moments! Since song and dance first hit the silver screen with the invention of sound technology in the 1920s, musical movies have long been a historical part of cinema — and have even seen a comeback in recent years, particularly with the rising popularity of music biopics, stage-to-screen adaptations, and live-action films (we're looking at you, Disney!). We Will Rock You, 61. Legally Blonde 27. A Little Night Music 42. Children of Eden. In this fourth remake of the original 1937 film, a seasoned musician (Bradley Cooper) discovers and falls in love with a struggling singer (Lady Gaga). Plus, if you just can't get enough, there's also a 2018 sequel that's just as — if not more — charming than the first. Warning: You'll definitely want to keep your tissues on hand while watching this one. The Light Princess 64. The Lion King 29. The King & I 59.
Sister Act 74. Hannah is an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping, where she loves to cover home, health, entertainment, and other lifestyle content. Sunset Boulevard 28. Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire charm in this film adaptation of the George Gershwin Broadway musical about a fashion photographer who meets a shy bookstore employee.
La Cage Aux Folles 54. RELATED: A Full List of Every Disney Live-Action Remake Coming Soon. Singin' in the Rain 77.
Of course, in classic Disney film fashion, it also features a number of delightful musical songs (as well as a true love's kiss!). Who could forget this joyous, hand-jiving delight of a musical film? Pippin 87. Tommy 97. Taboo 92.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 63.
Cats 17. made by Kris Anne Baker. Complete with a legendary cast and plenty of karaoke favorites (see: "You're the One That I Want"), Grease is undeniably one of the most enduringly popular flicks to date (and for plenty good reason!).