Top 25 Best Musicals
The 25 best musical-films ever made.
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- 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.Tells the story of it's director Bob Fosse (and it became even more autobiographical than he could ever imagine) who is addicted to work, medications, alcohol and women. One of the most clever and emotional films ever made. Fosse creates settings in which singing and dancing is a natural part of the environment. Sometimes the songs perfectly tell the story and other times they form a brilliant and emotional contrast with it's plot. One of my all time favorite films.
- DirectorTom HooperStarsHugh JackmanRussell CroweAnne HathawayIn 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.2012 is one of the best years in recent motion-picture history and I think 'Les Misérables' is the best film of that year. It has brilliant directing, clever editing and remarkable cinematography (which framing refers a lot to arthouse-films). The most remarkable choice made was to record the vocals/dialogue all sync on set. Thus far creating vocal performances which come much more closer to the actual emotions of the acting (one of the biggest problems in the genre). Needless to say the musical itself (also in theatrical form) is one of the genre's finest pieces. A masterpiece.
- DirectorJim SharmanStarsTim CurrySusan SarandonBarry BostwickA newly-engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter.The most outrageous and meanwhile clever ode to bad taste ever to come in a musical-form. It is a film full of nostalgia towards classic science/fiction- and horrorfilms but with very noble and high hopes towards the future. It propagandas a free sexual lifestyle and is one of the most celebrating and joyful films ever to be seen on the screen. Otherwise it never becomes corny and it has the most catchy and clever tunes. No wonder this has become a cult-phenomenon with ongoing midnight screenings all over the world.
- 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.Tells the story of a American nightclub-singer in Berlin who get's a stiff British housemate. The two of them enjoy a free lifestyle and start a complicated relationship while the nazi's are gaining territory. Bob Fosse is one of the few directors who seem to integrate musical elements into film without it ever feeling forced. Apart from that the songs in the film cleverly reflect both the relationship of our main characters as the changes in society with fascism gaining control. It is both a wonderful love-story as a powerful reflection of the political changes before World War II started.
- DirectorStanley 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.The studio gave Gene Kelly a couple of songs around which he had to develop a story. The rest was up to him. He somehow got hold of a very creative audio/visual style (and story) and made this highly entertaining film. Apart from the landmark scene with it's title track there are much more brilliant performances (and dance-sequences) which cleverly use the cinematographic possibilities. A very fun film.
- DirectorKen RussellStarsRoger DaltreyAnn-MargretOliver ReedA psychosomatically blind, deaf, and mute boy becomes a master pinball player and, subsequently, the figurehead of a cult.The Who-guitarist Pete Townshend wrote a rock-opera in 1969 about a death, dumb and blind boy who turns out to be a master in playing pinball. This piece of music changed the landscape of rock-music and the band (together with director Ken Russel) made it into a motion picture in 1975. It is one of the most impressive pieces of pop-art with numerous references which never seem to distract from the story. It has some of the most impressive performances of rock-icons ever collected on film with guest-appearances of artists like Elton John, Tina Turner and Eric Clapton. Ever heard Jack Nicolson sing? 'Tommy' has it all!
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterAlan RickmanThe legendary tale of a barber who returns from wrongful imprisonment to 1840s London, bent on revenge for the rape and death of his wife, and resumes his trade while forming a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett.Stephen Sondheim was never an easy-listener compared to his colleagues in the musical-genre. He nevertheless made the highly successful and grim musical of Sweeny Todd. It tells the story of a barber who slices up his costumers and of his landlady who makes them into meat pies. Who else to adapt this grim story into a film than Tim Burton? It is everything you might expect from this combination of names and plot. It's bloody, it's dark and most of all it is one of the most remarkable musical-films ever. Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen give great musical performances and despite the gritty tone it is a lot of fun to watch.
- DirectorBaz LuhrmannStarsNicole KidmanEwan McGregorJohn LeguizamoA poor Bohemian poet in 1890s Paris falls for a beautiful courtesan and nightclub star coveted by a jealous duke.It seems that musical is the best genre for director Baz Luhrmann's unique style of making movies. The film is a little bit overdone and we've heard Ewan McGregor sing a lot better in 'Velvet Goldmine' but it's the shear overall outrageousness that makes it into a very good musical. It has the most remarkable mixture of songs and it somehow seems to drag you all the way into the emotions of the character and their tragedy. The bold cinematography, strong and heavy dance choreography and imaginative characters and creatures make it a great musical.
- DirectorBob FosseStarsShirley MacLaineJohn McMartinRicardo MontalbanTaxi dancer Charity continues to have faith in the human race despite endless disappointments at its hands, and hopes to finally meet the man to romance her away from her sleazy life. Just maybe, handsome Oscar will be the one to do it.I think Bob Fosse is the best thing to ever happen to the musical-genre. He knew exactly how to make choreography's who are far more than just visual entertainment but made them part of the presence and personality of the characters. Besides that he chose inventive camera-angles to make the movements even more impressive. 'Sweet Charity' is a delight of Fosse's musical-art. It's iconic 'Big Spender'-scene is a school-example of how we could develop the musical-genre.
- DirectorFrançois OzonStarsFanny ArdantEmmanuelle BéartDanielle DarrieuxA man is murdered in an isolated chalet, and the eight female residents are all suspects; their secrets are revealed as they try to determine who is guilty.Trust François Ozon to always find ways to make his story's slightly different from anything you've ever seen. The film starts off as an Agatha Christie-spoof but it remains warm and cozy all the way. From it's brilliant art-direction to the cheerful songs and a powerful performance by Catherine Deneuve; this film is a delight. It's entire concept is a contradiction in terms but it never stops to entertain.
- DirectorRoger AllersRob MinkoffStarsMatthew BroderickJeremy IronsJames Earl JonesLion prince Simba and his father are targeted by his bitter uncle, who wants to ascend the throne himself.One of the masterpieces from the Disney-studio. Elton John comes up with some of the most heartfelt and epic songs of his career and Hans Zimmer creates a brilliant tone for the more emotional moments. It is a masterpiece of animation-cinema and a billboard for the perfection of the Walt Disney studio's.
- 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.Who would have imagined that Carol Reed, director of 'The Third Man', might make a great musical for children one day? He proved he was capable of more than meets the eye with this adaptation of the story of 'Oliver'. It's a very iconic and recognizable film with a relatively gritty tone. Apart from a great collection of songs and wonderful storytelling I was very much impressed by the threatening and cruel performance of Oliver Reed as Bill Sikes. A great film!
- DirectorVictor 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.For 75 years in a row 'The Wizard of Oz' has remained one of the most entertaining films in the history of cinema. I think it has a lot to do with the visually very entertaining and imaginative style in combination with good songwriting. When a musical delivers songs which start to lead a life for themselves which have nothing to do with it's original story there has to be a great songwriter onboard. 'The Wizard of Oz' is friendly, cheerful and highly enjoying!
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsPaul WilliamsWilliam FinleyJessica HarperA disfigured composer sells his soul for the woman he loves so that she will perform his music. However, an evil record tycoon betrays him and steals his music to open his rock palace, The Paradise.In 1974 Brian DePalma made one of the most bizarre films of his career. The film follows Gaston Lerroux's story of 'The Phantom of the Opera' but changes it to a glam-rock setting (mention; this is before Andrew Lloyd Webber released his version...). It is the most brilliant twist with a truly unique feeling and glam-rock atmosphere to it. All songs where written by Paul Williams and it includes a lot of surprisingly good and catchy tunes. No wonder it was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. It is truly one of the greatest forgotten musicals.
- DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.Tim Burton has always had a special place in his heart for christmas-movies. A lot of his films have sequences where it's the holiday-season but he somehow made (produced/wrote) only one real christmas film which happens to be a musical as well. It's a showreel for the imagination of Tim Burton but a lot of credit goes out to Danny Elfman who not only wrote a wonderful soundtrack but also does the vocals for the main-character Jack Skellington. The songs are truly Elfman trademarks and most have turned out to become catchy christmas-classics. A great piece of imagination.
- DirectorRob MarshallStarsDaniel Day-LewisMarion CotillardPenélope CruzFamous film director Guido Contini struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal lives, as he engages in dramatic relationships with his wife, his mistress, his muse, his agent, and his mother.'Nine' somehow did very bad at the box-office and I must admit that, apart from the current film-climate not being very supportive of musicals, I have no idea why. I'm a huge fan of the original story of the film (which is the film '8½' by Federico Fellini) and I think this musical adaptation did a great job. From the unique and convincible main-character played by Daniel Day Lewis to the visually strong choreography (which seem to refer the work of Bob Fosse) I am very much convinced by this film. It never tries to be as artistic as it's original but turns out to be a great showcase for a musical.
- DirectorJim SharmanStarsJessica HarperCliff De YoungRichard O'BrienJanet and Brad become contestants on a game show and wind up as captives.Somehow this sequel to 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' has remained under the radar. It might have to do with it's darker and much more cynical tone. 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' seemed to come from the optimistic change in sexual freedom which came along with the rise of the glam-rock in the early seventies. Richard O'Brien saw that the optimism and sexual revolution had changed for consumerism and wasn't as positive about the eighties. 'Shock Treatment' shows this and does a great job. It is not an ode to B-films and a new age to come but the realization the dream remained a dream. It has great songs, wonderful characters and is just as clever as 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'. Definitely a must-see!
- DirectorTrey ParkerStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneMary Kay BergmanWhen Stan Marsh and his friends go see an R-rated movie, they start cursing and their parents think that Canada is to blame."Blame Canada", "Kyle's Mom's a Bitch', 'Uncle F#cker'...; with this film Matt Stone and Trey Parker without a doubt created musical songs for a whole new generation. They took the Monty Python-tradition of putting songs in their shows and films and took it a bit further with this full-blown musical. It's a challenging animation-film with great songs and funny as hell.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsAudrey HepburnRex HarrisonStanley HollowayIn 1910s London, snobbish phonetics professor Henry Higgins agrees to a wager that he can make crude flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, presentable in high society.It's running time of 170 minutes might be a little bit long for current standards but for me it just makes 'My Fair Lady' into an epic-musical. Director George Cukor is truly a craftsman of epic Hollywood films, don't expect him to do much out of the common but he does deliver a strong and convincible film. Besides that; it is never a cruelty to watch Audrey Hepburn for three straight hours.
- DirectorRob MarshallStarsRenée ZellwegerCatherine Zeta-JonesRichard GereTwo death-row murderesses develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and a sleazy lawyer's attention.In the early '80s director and choreographer Bob Fosse wanted to put his musical 'Chicago' to the big screen. Fosse died before he could realize this film but luckily Rob Marshall took Fosse's script and choreography to the big screen. It contains a lot of wonderful songs and performances (John C. Reilly doing 'Mr. Cellophane'). It's directing is clearly and ode to it's original maker and the film works both as a blue-print for a Bob Fosse-film and simply as a great musical itself.
- DirectorJerome RobbinsRobert WiseStarsNatalie WoodGeorge ChakirisRichard BeymerTwo youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.Before Stephen Sondheim started his own alternative take on big Broadway-musicals he wrote the lyrics for this one. A very impressive film both musically as cinematographic wise. It is the musical with the most Academy Awards and still stands strong this very day. It was directed by Hollywood giant Robert Wise ('The Sound of Music', 'The Haunting') and is one of those epic Hollywood-musicals. Who minds a length of two and a half hours when there are songs like 'Maria' involved?
- 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 lot of people remember this film-version as a very bizarre film from their youth. Indeed, when you think of the tripping scene with the boat in the tunnel, terms like 'awkard' are easy to come to mind. Nevertheless it's a pretty good adaptation especially since Roald Dahl's books also have a certain unease to them. Musical-wise it's a film with loads of tunes to be remembered. With songs like "I've got a Golden Ticket" and it's recurring Oompa-Loompa theme being adopted by the world of jazz-music, it's not likely we will ever forget this film.
- DirectorAlan ParkerStarsMadonnaJonathan PryceAntonio BanderasThe hit musical based on the life of Eva Perón (Evita Duarte), a B-picture Argentinian actress who eventually became the wife of Argentinian president Juan Domingo Perón, and the most beloved and hated woman in Argentina.Adaptation of the 1976 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The film builds up quite the expectation when you put in mind that Antonio Banderas and Madonna are in the leads, the screenplay was written by Oliver Stone and that it is directed by Alan Parker (who also directed the rock-film of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall'). The film holds up to that expectation, it's musically impressive and wonderfully filmed. Even when you're not a fan of Madonna one has to admit she gives a brilliant performance in this impressive musical.
- DirectorLiam LynchStarsJack BlackKyle GassJR ReedTo become the greatest band of all time, two slackers, wannabe-rockers set out on a quest to steal a legendary guitar pick that gives its holders incredible guitar skills, from a maximum security Rock and Roll museum.The comedy of Tenacious D might be a bit simple and aimed towards teenagers and single guys in their thirties; their music is of a whole different level. 'Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny' starts of with the most wonderful little rock-opera with guest performances of Ronnie James Dio and Meatloaf. It is cleverly crafted from it's beginning until their final confrontation with Dave Grohl as Satan. A highly entertaining musical.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsJane RussellMarilyn MonroeCharles CoburnShowgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei's fiancé, as well as a rich, enamored old man and many other doting admirers.Howard Hawks was one of the craftsmen from Hollywood making films like; 'Bringing up Baby', 'The Big Sleep', 'Rio Bravo', 'I Was a Male War Bride' and the original 'Scarface'. He showed he had an understanding of (almost) all genre-films by making a typical musical with leading parts for Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel. It is sheer Hollywood entertainment done very well with the wonderful trademark song 'Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend'.