Musical film has a stigma that I’d like to clear up right now.
Just because actors and actresses burst into song and dance during a film’s dramatic points doesn’t make the musical a so-called sissy compared to the average motion picture.
Unless that motion picture is The Dark Knight. But that’s different.
The point is, more people should applaud the direct infusion of song into a film rather than cringe at the thought. It’s really quite nice.
Considering the number of successful musical films, it looks like people love the show but wouldn’t like to entirely admit to it.
The Best of My Time
Across The Universe
Description: The inspiring story of love blossoming between two iconic characters in music — Jude and Lucy.
This Beatles musical is definitely my favorite. Probably not because it is altogether the greatest musical ever, but because I connect with the music so much. It’s the next Beatles song coming on and me saynig, “Yesssss.”
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Description: Jack Skellington tires of Halloween Town’s non-stop terror and finds himself thrust into the merry world of Christmas Town. The inspiration he finds there has disastrous consequences on those around him and he eventually learns the value of being himself.
Who says a musical has to be live action? The folks at Disney did it time and time again, and this musical is nothing short of a masterpiece. Danny Elfman’s creative score and vocal talent make this another all-time favorite.
Tenacious D In The Pick of Destiny
Description: JB and KG embark on a harrowing journey in search of the Pick of Destiny, which is said to grant exceptional musical talent to those who play with it.
Easily the funniest musical I’ve ever seen. Tenacious D is a talented duo with a keen eye for comedy and it shows throughout the film. Jack Black has become the 21st century version of a Jim Carrey with his unique slapstick and Kyle Gass is so dopey you can’t help but love him.
The Golden Oldies
West Side Story
Description: A classic version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet focuses on two rival street gangs, The Jets (Americans) and The Sharks (Puerto Ricans). Tony, a former Jet, falls in love with Maria, sister to the head Shark (Bernardo). The two cannot be together despite their passion for each other and Tony is killed in a climactic final rumble between he and Bernardo.
Despite their constant singing and prancing about, these are tough dudes. They carry switch blades and everything. As is the case in most Romeo and Juliet adaptations, you want the two lovers to live happily so badly but you always know that it won’t happen, at least not in life.
Top Hat
Description: Jerry is an aspiring stage dancer who moves to London and falls head over heels in love with Dale. After much confusion and gallivanting around Europe, Jerry eventually wins Dale’s affection and tap dances into the sunset with her.
Fred Astaire is the undisputed king of early musicals. The man could sing like a bird and dance like Patrick Swayze. That’s a lethal combo.
Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory
Description: Five children are given the unprecedented chance to take a tour inside Willy Wonka’s candy factory. There are wonders beyond belief inside, and one special boy named Charlie survives the tour on his way to becoming the factory’s new owner.
Gene Wilder kills it. So does that guy who plays Grandpa Joe. Even little Charlie Bucket does some serious acting damage. The music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley is incredible and the film itself represents every child’s dream growing up.
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Yeaah! West Side!
Beth Condra
my god devin. you included top hat. i might have to pass the tiara to you. pick of destiny reference aside, i feel kinda pwned.
john
How could you leave off Rent and Singin in the Rain? I think I’m going to have to teach you something about Musicals once I get back Devin. Kudos on Top Hat and West Side Story though!
Keith
LOL @ John’s comment. I was kinda surprised that this article was not written by Bauer!
Devin you got all my faves on here: Wonka, Sound of Music and of course the wonderful Nightmare Before Xmas, yes Elfman rocks it!
Ale
Devin,
You also forgot An American in Paris (which has one of the most ridiculous, but awesome, dream-sequence/excuse for a huge dance number), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Meet me in St. Louis, Anchors Aweigh… etc. etc.
Skyler
seven brides for seven brothers is the worst tripe to ever cross every single high school stage. ever.
john