Broadway musicals on the silver screen have always captivated audiences, blending the magic of theater with the cinematic experience. From the dazzling dance numbers to the soul-stirring melodies, these films are a testament to the timeless allure of musical storytelling.
And speaking of enchanting movie musicals, don't miss the chance to experience the Broadway hit Wicked in its film adaptation, opening in theaters on November 22. This tale introduces us to Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), two young women who meet at Shiz University in the Land of Oz and forge an unlikely and powerful friendship. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see their paths diverge as they fulfill their destinies to become The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
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If anticipating the opening of Wicked has you in the mood to watch a movie musical, here are 20 great examples to choose from. They're all available to watch on Fandango at Home.
1. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
This 1952 classic is more than just a film; it's a celebration of the movie-making process itself. Set during the transition from silent films to "talkies," this masterpiece offers a humorous and heartwarming look at Hollywood's golden age. With Gene Kelly's iconic rain-soaked dance sequence, the film version epitomizes the joy and timelessness of the musical genre.
2. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Prepare for Wicked by spending time with its predecessor. The landmark The Wizard of Oz is a technicolor marvel that transformed the landscape of cinema. Join the fantastical journey of Dorothy, played by the legendary Judy Garland, as she travels through the magical land of Oz, teaching us that there's truly no place like home.
3. West Side Story (1961 & 2021)
West Side Story, both in its original 1961 version and the 2021 Spielberg remake, remains a poignant narrative of forbidden love and cultural conflict. Like the stage show, it is set against the backdrop of rival gangs in New York City, and the film’s powerful storyline and memorable music like "Maria" and "Tonight" have left an indelible mark on the genre.
4. My Fair Lady (1964)
This delightful adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion is a story of transformation and class. Audrey Hepburn's Eliza Doolittle evolves from a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady, under the tutelage of Rex Harrison's arrogant Professor Higgins. With its witty dialogue and tunes like "I Could Have Danced All Night," "My Fair Lady" is a testament to the transformative power of art and love.
5. Chicago (2002)
Chicago takes us into the razzle-dazzle world of the 1920s, where murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart battle for the spotlight and freedom. This Oscar-winning adaptation shines with its brilliant choreography, catchy tunes like "All That Jazz" and a storyline that, like its stage version, cleverly satirizes the concept of the "celebrity criminal."
6. The Sound of Music (1965)
The heartwarming tale of the von Trapp family, set against the idyllic backdrop of the Austrian Alps, continues to resonate with audiences. Julie Andrews' portrayal of Maria, who brings music and joy to a strict household; unforgettable numbers like "Do-Re-Mi" and "Edelweiss"; and the family's daring escape from the Nazi annexation of Austria make The Sound of Music one of the movie musicals genre's finest treasures.
7. Cabaret (1972)
Set in the politically volatile Weimar Republic, Cabaret is a poignant political commentary, both as a Broadway production and in its film version. Oscar winner Liza Minnelli's electrifying performance as Sally Bowles, a performer at the decadent Kit Kat Club, and songs like "Money" and "Cabaret" brilliantly capture the era's hedonistic spirit and the looming shadow of political change. Cabaret won a total of eight Academy Awards, among them Best Supporting Actor (Joel Grey) and Best Director (Bob Fosse).
8. An American in Paris (1951)
A dazzling spectacle of dance and romance, An American in Paris features actor Gene Kelly as a GI-turned-painter in the City of Lights. This Gershwin-scored film is renowned for its extraordinary choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, particularly in the grand ballet sequence, blending classical and jazz influences to create a timeless movie musical experience.
9. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! is a visual and auditory masterpiece that redefined the modern musical. This love story, set in a fantastical version of early-1900s Paris, intertwines contemporary pop songs with a tragic romance. The film's innovative style, coupled with a phenomenal cast led by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, makes it a standout in the musical genre.
10. A Star Is Born (1954)
If you love the 2018 version of A Star is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, but you haven't seen the 1954 version, you are in for a treat. This classic film has a heartrending plot about a rising star and a fading one, capturing the highs and lows of show business. Judy Garland's powerful performance and soul-stirring rendition "The Man That Got Away" offer an intimate glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of an artist.
11. Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins, with Julie Andrews in the titular role, is a delightful blend of whimsy, music, and magic. This enchanting tale of a nanny with extraordinary abilities and her impact on the Banks family features iconic songs like "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Its blend of live-action and animation was groundbreaking, making it a cherished musical for all ages.
12. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Little Shop of Horrors is a unique combination of horror, comedy and music. It centers on a meek florist who discovers a man-eating plant and offers a mix of catchy tunes, offbeat humor and a touch of the macabre. It's a cult classic both as a film and as a stage show.
13. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Fiddler on the Roof is a poignant exploration of tradition, family, and change. Set in a small Jewish village in Tsarist Russia, it tells the story of Tevye, a milkman striving to maintain his cultural traditions amid external pressures and his daughters' desires for love. Songs like "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "If I Were a Rich Man" have become staples in the musical theatre repertoire.
14. Funny Girl (1968)
After originiating the role of Fanny Brice during the original Broadway run and on London's West End, Barbra Streisand shines in her film debut a in "Funny Girl." This biographical musical dramatizes the real-life story of the famed Broadway star, highlighting her rise to fame against the backdrop of her stormy relationship with gambler Nick Arnstein. Streisand's performance of "Don't Rain on My Parade" is particularly iconic.
15. Dreamgirls (2006)
Dreamgirls is a vibrant portrayal of the evolution of R&B music during the 1960s and 70s, inspired by the story of The Supremes. The film adaptation showcases the challenges and triumphs faced by a female singing group as they rise to fame. Jennifer Hudson's powerful rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is a standout moment, capturing the emotional depth of the musical.
16. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Actors Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell star as two showgirls in this classic musical comedy. Best known for Monroe's iconic performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” the film combines humor, romance and dazzling musical numbers, making it a memorable movie from beginning to end.
17. The Music Man (1962)
The Music Man is the delightful story of a conman who finds love and redemption in a small Iowa town. Starring actor Robert Preston as Harold Hill, the film is filled with catchy tunes like "76 Trombones" and "Till There Was You". The Music Man blends humor, romance and a heartwarming transformation to create a musical classic.
18. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Judy Garland stars in this charming portrayal of a year in the life of an American family on the eve of the 1904 World's Fair. The film's warmth and nostalgia are epitomized in songs like "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," showcasing Garland's extraordinary talent.
19. Top Hat (1935)
Top Hat is a showcase of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' legendary dance partnership. Set against a backdrop of Art Deco elegance, this musical features classics like “Cheek to Cheek” and “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” offering a perfect blend of romance and comedy to go along with the exquisite dance numbers.
20. Oliver! (1968)
Oliver! brings Charles Dickens' classic Oliver Twist to life with memorable music and a poignant story. This film adaptation captures the spirit of the stage production, highlighting themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
The Final Word
These movie musicals have not only entertained but also touched the hearts of audiences for generations. From the classic charm of Singin' in the Rain to the modern vibrancy of Chicago, these films have showcased the power of storytelling through song and dance. As we celebrate these cinematic treasures, they remind us of the enduring legacy and universal appeal of Broadway musicals. They capture our imaginations, reflect our realities, and continue to be a vital part of our cultural tapestry.
