Entertainment
10 Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century
# 10 Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century: The Definitive Ranking The movie musical, a genre as old as sound in cinema, has experienced a spectacu...
10 Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century: The Definitive Ranking
The movie musical, a genre as old as sound in cinema, has experienced a spectacular rebirth in the 21st century. After a period of decline, a new wave of filmmakers has reinvigorated the form, proving that audiences are still eager to see stories told through song and dance. These modern classics have demonstrated that the best movie musicals can be grand, spectacle-filled extravaganzas or intimate, character-driven tales. They have pushed the boundaries of the genre, blending contemporary music with period settings, and adapting beloved stage shows with cinematic flair. The 21st century has been a golden age for the movie musical, with many films achieving critical acclaim, box office success, and a lasting cultural impact.
From the dazzling jukebox energy of Baz Luhrmann to the heartfelt realism of independent cinema, the best movie musicals of this century have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. They have launched careers, won prestigious awards, and produced soundtracks that have topped the charts. This definitive ranking celebrates the films that have defined the modern movie musical, showcasing a diverse range of styles and stories. These are the movies that have made us sing along, weep, and fall in love with the magic of the musical all over again.
10. Into the Woods (2014)
A Clever and Dark Fairy Tale Mash-up
Disney's adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved Broadway show, Into the Woods, brought a complex and dark fairy tale mash-up to the big screen. The story cleverly intertwines the plots of several classic fairy tales, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, all connected by the original story of a baker and his wife who are cursed by a witch. The film explores the consequences of the characters' wishes and actions, moving beyond the traditional "happily ever after."
Sondheim's Complex Music on the Big Screen
Bringing Sondheim's notoriously intricate music and lyrics to a mainstream audience was a significant undertaking. The film's cast, which included Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, and Anna Kendrick, was praised for their vocal performances. The musical numbers are not just standalone songs but are woven into the narrative, driving the plot forward and revealing the characters' inner thoughts and motivations.
A Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
The film's ensemble cast was a major draw, with Meryl Streep earning an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the Witch. Emily Blunt and James Corden were also praised for their roles as the Baker's Wife and the Baker. The supporting cast, which included Chris Pine and Johnny Depp, added to the film's star power.
9. Dreamgirls (2006)
A Dazzling Journey Through the Highs and Lows of Fame
Adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name, Dreamgirls is a dazzling and dramatic exploration of the rise of a 1960s girl group, reminiscent of The Supremes. The film stars Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy, but it was Jennifer Hudson, in her debut film role, who stole the show. Dreamgirls delves into the often-ruthless world of the music industry, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and the price of fame.
Jennifer Hudson's Star-Making Performance
Jennifer Hudson's portrayal of Effie White was a revelation, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her powerful rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is one of the most memorable musical moments in 21st-century cinema. Hudson's performance anchored the film and launched her into stardom.
A Visual and Musical Spectacle
Director Bill Condon crafted a visually stunning film, with lavish costumes and slick choreography that captured the glamour of the Motown era. The film's soundtrack is a mix of show-stopping ballads and energetic R&B numbers that pay homage to the music of the time. The film was a critical and commercial success, proving the enduring appeal of backstage musicals.
8. Hairspray (2007)
Infectious Energy and Social Commentary
The 2007 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hairspray, itself based on John Waters' 1988 film, is a burst of infectious energy and vibrant color. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the story follows the plucky and plus-sized teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream of dancing on a local TV show. Beyond its catchy tunes and exuberant dance numbers, Hairspray tackles important themes of racial integration and body positivity.
An All-Star Cast That Shines
The film features an all-star cast, including a gender-bending performance by John Travolta as Tracy's mother, Edna. The cast also includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, and Zac Efron. Newcomer Nikki Blonsky was a delight as Tracy, perfectly capturing the character's optimism and determination.
Unforgettable Musical Numbers
The film is packed with memorable songs like "You Can't Stop the Beat" and "Good Morning Baltimore." The energetic choreography and upbeat tone make Hairspray one of the most purely entertaining movie musicals of the century. It successfully blended its social commentary with a feel-good story, making it a hit with audiences and critics alike.
7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Burton's Gothic Vision Meets Sondheim's Score
Tim Burton was the perfect director to bring Stephen Sondheim's dark and complex musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street to the screen. Burton's signature gothic aesthetic is a perfect match for the gruesome tale of a vengeful barber in 19th-century London. The film is a visual masterpiece, with a dark and dreary color palette that is only punctuated by the vibrant red of blood.
A Bloody Good Musical Thriller
Sweeney Todd is a unique entry in the movie musical genre, a horror-thriller that is also a sung-through musical. Johnny Depp, in the title role, gives a brooding and intense performance, while Helena Bonham Carter is delightfully eccentric as his partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett. The film does not shy away from the gore of the source material, making for a truly visceral viewing experience.
A Faithful and Haunting Adaptation
The film is a largely faithful adaptation of the stage musical, with Sondheim's brilliant and intricate score at its heart. The songs are both beautiful and haunting, and the cast, including Alan Rickman and Sacha Baron Cohen, handle the challenging material with skill. Sweeney Todd proved that movie musicals could be dark, disturbing, and artistically daring.
6. Les Misérables (2012)
A Gritty and Emotional Epic
Tom Hooper's film adaptation of the beloved stage musical Les Misérables is a gritty and emotionally raw epic. The film tells the sprawling story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the film is a powerful tale of justice, mercy, and redemption.
The Live Singing Approach
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film was Hooper's decision to have the actors sing live on set, rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks. This approach brought a new level of realism and emotional intensity to the performances, particularly in close-ups. While some critics were divided on the effectiveness of this technique, it undoubtedly created some incredibly powerful and raw musical moments.
Award-Winning Performances
The film features a star-studded cast, including Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, and Anne Hathaway as Fantine. Hathaway's heartbreaking rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $442 million worldwide, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
5. The Greatest Showman (2017)
A Global Phenomenon with an Addictive Soundtrack
While it may not have been a critical darling, The Greatest Showman became a global phenomenon, largely thanks to its incredibly popular and addictive soundtrack. The film, a highly fictionalized telling of the life of P.T. Barnum, is a vibrant and uplifting celebration of individuality and the power of dreams. The songs, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are pure pop perfection, with anthems like "This Is Me" and "The Greatest Show" becoming worldwide hits.
From Sleeper Hit to Cultural Touchstone
The Greatest Showman had a modest opening at the box office but went on to have incredible staying power, becoming a true word-of-mouth success. The film's soundtrack was the best-selling album of 2018 in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The film's feel-good message and catchy songs resonated with audiences around the world, leading to sing-along screenings and a dedicated fanbase.
A Dazzling Spectacle
The film is a visual spectacle, with dazzling choreography and colorful costumes. Hugh Jackman is perfectly cast as the charismatic showman, and the supporting cast, including Zac Efron and Zendaya, are equally charming. While the film takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, its focus on entertainment and spectacle made it one of the most beloved movie musicals of the century.
4. Once (2007)
An Unconventional and Intimate Musical
Once is a small-scale, independent film that had a huge impact. Filmed on the streets of Dublin with a tiny budget, it tells the simple and heartfelt story of a street musician and a young immigrant who bond over their shared love of music. What sets Once apart is its naturalistic approach to the musical genre. The songs are not big, choreographed production numbers; they are performed in realistic settings, such as on a street corner or in a music shop.
The Power of "Falling Slowly"
The film's centerpiece is the beautiful and moving song "Falling Slowly," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song perfectly captures the tentative and burgeoning romance between the two lead characters, played by real-life musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The soundtrack is filled with similarly heartfelt and melodic songs that have made it a fan favorite.
A Refreshingly Realistic Romance
Once is as much a romance as it is a musical, but it avoids the typical Hollywood clichés. The relationship between the two leads is understated and realistic, making the film all the more powerful. Its success proved that a movie musical didn't need a big budget or elaborate set pieces to connect with an audience.
3. Chicago (2002)
A Modern Masterpiece of Stage-to-Screen Adaptation
Rob Marshall's film adaptation of the Kander and Ebb musical Chicago is a stunning example of how to successfully translate a stage show to the screen. The film tells the story of two murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who become media sensations in 1920s Chicago. Marshall's genius was in staging the musical numbers as vaudeville-style fantasy sequences in Roxie's mind, a clever device that allowed for theatricality while maintaining a sense of realism in the narrative scenes.
Winning Over the Academy
Chicago was a massive critical and commercial success, and it made history at the Academy Awards. The film won six Oscars, including Best Picture, the first musical to do so since Oliver! in 1968. Catherine Zeta-Jones also won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her electrifying performance as Velma Kelly.
A Visually Dazzling and Energetic Film
The film is a visual treat, with stylish cinematography, sharp editing, and dazzling choreography. The cast, which also includes Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, and Queen Latifah, is superb. Chicago is a cynical and witty satire of celebrity culture that feels as relevant today as it did in the 1920s. Its success helped to usher in a new era for the movie musical.
2. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
The Jukebox Musical Reinvented
Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! burst onto the scene in 2001 and completely redefined the movie musical for the 21st century. Set in the bohemian underworld of turn-of-the-century Paris, the film tells the tragic love story of a young writer and a beautiful courtesan. What made Moulin Rouge! so revolutionary was its use of a "jukebox" soundtrack, repurposing well-known pop songs from the 20th century and giving them a new, theatrical context. This anachronistic approach was a bold creative choice that paid off, creating a film that felt both timeless and utterly modern.
A Visual Extravaganza
Luhrmann is known for his flamboyant and highly stylized filmmaking, and Moulin Rouge! is his masterpiece. The film is a sensory overload in the best possible way, with lavish sets, extravagant costumes, and frantic, music-video-style editing. The film is a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and, above all, love.
A Lasting Cultural Impact
Moulin Rouge! was a critical and commercial success, earning eight Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture. Its influence can be seen in many of the movie musicals that followed, from the jukebox fun of Mamma Mia! to the visual splendor of The Greatest Showman. More than two decades after its release, Moulin Rouge! remains a dazzling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
1. La La Land (2016)
A Love Letter to Old Hollywood and Dreamers
Damien Chazelle's La La Land is a modern masterpiece and arguably one of the best movie musicals ever made. The film is a love letter to the golden age of Hollywood musicals, but it is also a contemporary story about the joys and pains of pursuing your dreams. The film follows the romance between a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress in Los Angeles. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is electric, and their performances are both charming and heartbreaking.
The Unforgettable Score and Cinematography
La La Land is a visual and auditory feast. The vibrant colors and stunning cinematography create a dreamlike vision of Los Angeles. Justin Hurwitz's score is simply unforgettable, with beautiful melodies and clever lyrics that perfectly capture the film's emotions. The opening number, "Another Day of Sun," is a spectacular and audacious piece of filmmaking that immediately announces the film as something special.
A Modern Classic with a Bittersweet Ending
The film was a massive critical and awards success, earning a record-tying 14 Academy Award nominations and winning six, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone. While the film is filled with joy and romance, it also has a poignant and bittersweet ending that elevates it from a simple pastiche to a profound and moving work of art. La La Land is a film that will be remembered and cherished for generations to come, a true modern classic of the movie musical genre.
In conclusion, the 21st century has proven to be a fertile ground for the movie musical, with filmmakers finding new and exciting ways to tell stories through song. The films on this list represent the best of this modern golden age, from dazzling spectacles to intimate dramas. They have shown that the genre is not only alive and well but continues to evolve and captivate audiences around the world. As long as there are stories to tell and emotions to express, the movie musical will continue to sing.