Top 100 Greatest Musicals
NOT in any specific order
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- DirectorsVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.Probably the greatest fantasy/ musical/ and film ever made, with some of the most memorable songs, including, "Over the Rainbow," which is considered cinemas greatest song.
- DirectorRobert StevensonStarsJulie AndrewsDick Van DykeDavid TomlinsonIn turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father.Producer Sam Goldwyn called it, " A perfect musical." Beautiful and catchy songs, stunning choreography, and some of the best acting in cinema.
- DirectorsStanley DonenGene KellyStarsGene KellyDonald O'ConnorDebbie ReynoldsA silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood.Gene Kelly's," Singin' in the Rain," is to be one of the best scenes in cinema. Cute songs, and wonderful acting.
- DirectorBob FosseStarsRoy ScheiderJessica LangeAnn ReinkingDirector/choreographer Bob Fosse tells his own life story as he details the sordid career of Joe Gideon, a womanizing, drug-using dancer.One of the greatest and most beautiful films. The movie itself is film perfection.
- DirectorNorman JewisonStarsTopolNorma CraneLeonard FreyIn pre-revolutionary Russia, a Jewish peasant with traditional values contends with marrying off three of his daughters with modern romantic ideals while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.A terrific interpretation of the stage play. Topol gives an amazing and memorable performance as Tevye. Its authenticity makes the film all the worth watching.
- DirectorsJerome RobbinsRobert WiseStarsNatalie WoodGeorge ChakirisRichard BeymerTwo youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.Personally not my favorite film or musical, but seems to be fairly popular amongst the younger crowd. A musical version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set in the New York West Side.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsRosalind RussellNatalie WoodKarl MaldenBased on the Broadway hit about the life and times of burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee and her aggressive stage mother, Mama Rose.One of my favorite musical films. Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood give two truly amazing performances, as well as Karl Malden. A must see.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsJulie AndrewsChristopher PlummerEleanor ParkerA young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.Again not my favorite film or musical, but has one of the most memorable songs, performed by Julie Andrews, "The Sound of Music."
- DirectorMel StuartStarsGene WilderJack AlbertsonPeter OstrumA poor but hopeful boy seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory.A sheer delightful. Gene Wilder is the only Willy Wonka. Amazing settings, magical music, and spot on casting.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsAileen QuinnAlbert FinneyCarol BurnettA spunky young orphan is taken in by a rich eccentric, much to the chagrin of the cantankerous woman who runs the orphanage.Very far from the Broadway musical, but never the less it is a great interpretation. Carol Burnett, Albert Finney, and Tim Curry give excellent performances, and the adapted and original music in the film will make you want to listen to them over and over.
- DirectorBob FosseStarsLiza MinnelliMichael YorkHelmut GriemA female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them.A delightful musical with wonderful music and excellent acting by Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsDick Van DykeAnn-MargretJanet LeighA rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his "farewell" television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted.A true "Hollywood" interpretation of the Broadway musical, but never the less still as addicting. The film features both Dick van Dyke and Paul Lynde, who also appeared in the roles on Broadway, and who give wonderful performances. As a bonus you also get Ann Margaret, Vivian Leigh (Psycho) and Maureen Stapleton.
- DirectorMorton DaCostaStarsRobert PrestonShirley JonesBuddy HackettTraveling con artist Harold Hill targets the naïve residents of a small town in 1910s Iowa by posing as a boys' band leader to raise money before he can skip town.Robert Preston reprises his role in the film version of the Broadway play, in this upbeat musical. Plus a wonderful performance by Buddy Hackett.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsYul BrynnerDeborah KerrRita MorenoA widow accepts a job as a live-in governess to the King of Siam's children.Beautiful music, amazing settings, and sheer brilliant performances, especially by Yul Brenner who reprises his roles as The King of Siam, from the Broadway show.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsAudrey HepburnRex HarrisonStanley HollowayIn 1910s London, snobbish phonetics professor Henry Higgins agrees to a wager that he can make a crude flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, presentable in high society.Catchy songs, amazing costumes, and three outstanding performances, by Audrey Hepburn, and two of the Broadway and West End originals Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway.
- DirectorCarol ReedStarsMark LesterRon MoodyShani WallisAfter being sold to the mortician Sowerberry, young orphan Oliver Twist runs away and meets a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by their elderly mentor Fagin in 1830s London in this musical based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.One of the greatest musicals in my opinion, with beautiful/catchy songs, and the most outstanding and brilliant performances by Mark Lester, Oliver Reed, Shani Wallace, Harry Secombe, and the original West End Fagin, Ron Moody who is the only Fagin in many opinions.
- DirectorSidney LumetStarsDiana RossMichael JacksonNipsey RussellWhen Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy is miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz, she goes in search of the Wiz, a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan, along with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.This musical is a thrill! A wonderful and different interpretation from the Broadway musical but still it is amazing. The sets are phenomenal, the costume are amazing, and the performances by Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne, and the Broadway originals Mabel King and Ted Ross, are to die for.
- DirectorFrank OzStarsRick MoranisEllen GreeneVincent GardeniaA nerdy florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed.Not my favorite musical, but a goofy, silly film about a human eating plant. I must say the best part of the film is Steve Martin, this is him at his best!
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsJoel GreyBarnard HughesJean Louisa KellyA mysterious fair that comes to a small community in the countryside could make real the illusions of two teenagers.A sweet, simple, but beautiful musical. Great cast, and wonderful music makes this movie simply wonderful.
- DirectorWilford LeachStarsKevin KlineAngela LansburyLinda RonstadtAfter a young man leaves a band of pirates, hilarity ensues.Considered, "THE" Gilbert and Sullivan musical, it is pure perfection. A MUST see for anyone who takes an interest in musical theater or entertainment history. In this version, Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, and George Rose, give wonderful and colorful performances.
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy GarlandMargaret O'BrienMary AstorYoung love and childish fears highlight a year in the life of a turn-of-the-century family.A sweet, colorful, and magical musical. Judy Garland gives (in many an opinion) her first mature role. Delightful music, and a beautiful cast.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsJudy GarlandJames MasonJack CarsonA fading matinee idol helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career on a downward spiral.Another Judy Garland classic, Judy gives the best performance of Esther Blodgett/ Vicki Lester, and appears next to the remarkable James Mason.
- DirectorRob MarshallStarsRenée ZellwegerCatherine Zeta-JonesRichard GereTwo death-row murderesses develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and a sleazy lawyer's attention.One of the all time greats, with terrific performances by Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Renee Zellweger. With some great, delightful, catchy songs.
- DirectorSusan StromanStarsNathan LaneMatthew BroderickUma ThurmanAfter putting together another Broadway flop, timid accountant Leo Bloom teams up with down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock in a get-rich-quick scheme to put on the world's worst show.Mel Brooks hit new musical, "The Producers" which is a witty, hilarious, and outstanding musical indeed. Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Roger Bart, and Gary Beach reprise their roles from Broadway, along side actors, Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman.
- DirectorDavid SwiftStarsRobert MorseMichele LeeRudy ValleeArmed with the titular manual, an ambitious window washer seeks to climb the corporate ladder.The quintessential 60s musical. Robert Morse reprises his Broadway role of J. Pierrepont Finch beside a terrific cast including Michelle Lee and Rudy Vallee. A must see if your a fan of musicals or life in the 60s.
