Ever since sound and film were first united in The Jazz Singer (1927), the musical has been a staple of cinema history and popular culture.
Over time the genre has evolved, peaked and waned. Hollywood cornered the market, though Bollywood has certainly given it a run for its money over the years, and it enjoyed a lengthy golden age. The last few years have seen the (Hollywood) film musical enjoy a bit of a comeback, but what are the best movie musicals of all time?
Best movie musicals of all time: numbers 15 to 11
15. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1996)
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame deserves reassessment. Overshadowed by bigger hits, it features Alan Menken’s most moving score, enriched by Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics. Tom Hulce, as Quasimodo, delivers the powerful ‘Out There’. Though the stage version thrived in Germany, it never reached Broadway—yet a 2015 studio recording preserves its grandeur and emotional depth.
14. Calamity Jane (1953)
In the 1950s, musicals and westerns were box-office gold—Calamity Jane combined both. Based on the real-life frontierswoman, the film softens her wild story and delivers charm and song. Doris Day brings warmth and star power, belting out classics like “The Deadwood Stage,” “The Black Hills of Dakota,” and the Oscar-winning “Secret Love.” It's a joyful, tuneful twist on western legend.
13. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Before Disney fame, Menken and Ashman created Little Shop of Horrors, a 1986 cult musical based on a 1960 horror comedy. With Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, it features a killer plant, a brilliantly catchy doo-wop score, and scene-stealing cameos—especially Steve Martin as a sadistic dentist. It’s gloriously weird, witty, and unforgettable.
12. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Not just Hollywood’s domain, this French musical by Jacques Demy stars Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo as lovers torn apart by war. Melancholy yet captivating, it features Michel Legrand’s unforgettable, endlessly reprised score. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg won the Palme d’Or and was later adapted for the stage in 2011.
11. Grease (1978)
Though based on a stage musical, Grease became a phenomenon thanks to its starry cast and new hit songs by Barry Gibb and John Farrar. Tracks like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” weren’t in the original, but became iconic. The soundtrack sold millions and remains universally recognisable across generations.
Best movie musicals: our top ten
10. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Fiddler on the Roof, like The Sound of Music, brought Hollywood musicals into real-world locations, adding authenticity. Based on Sholem Aleichem’s Tevye stories, it’s a vibrant, emotional portrait of early 1900s Russian Jewish life. Topol shines in the lead, and Jerry Bock’s songs—especially “If I Were a Rich Man”—are superbly arranged by John Williams, who won his first Oscar for the film.
9. The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman (2017) proved the enduring popularity of movie musicals. Following the success of La La Land (2016), it brought life-affirming songs and thrilling set pieces to the screen, with tunes that blend showtune energy and mainstream appeal. Paul and Pasek, known for Dear Evan Hansen, deliver an upbeat, heartwarming experience that captivated audiences and became a cultural phenomenon.
8. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
This absolute gem was, believe it or not, based on a novel by 007 author Ian Fleming, produced by Bond’s legendary helmsman ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and originally adapted for the screen by Roald Dahl. The success of Disney’s Mary Poppins has a lot to do with this film’s creation, particularly as it stars Dick van Dyke and features original songs by the Sherman Brothers. It’s full of memorable moments, beloved characters and some now classic songs… though the less said about the terrifying Childcatcher the better.
7. Oliver! (1968)
Lionel Bart’s 1960 West End musical needs little introduction, and neither does this film version – a go-to for TV schedulers at Christmastime… or anytime for that matter. Based on Charles Dickens’s beloved classic, this big-screen take on Oliver Twist spared no expense with its lavish sets, costumes and thrilling musical numbers. The casting, too, makes it a winner – who can forget Ron Moody as Fagin, or Oliver Reed as Bill Sykes? Johnny Green won an Oscar for his music direction.
6. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was ripe for adaptation—and Quaker Oats funded the 1971 film, hoping to promote a real-life Wonka Bar. Renamed Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the movie became an original musical with songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Though not a hit at first, it’s now a cult favourite. Gene Wilder’s moving “Pure Imagination” stands out, later joined by “The Candy Man” in the 2013 stage adaptation.
Best movie musicals of all time: the top five
5. West Side Story (1961 & 2021)
West Side Story has been adapted twice for film, and both versions earn their place here. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's powerful reimagining of Romeo & Juliet boasts unforgettable choreography, timeless songs, and stunning visuals. The 1961 film is iconic for its bold colour and dynamic staging, while Spielberg’s 2021 version adds authenticity and emotional depth. The original’s music team—Green, Kostal, Ramin, and Chaplin—won an Oscar for their outstanding work.
4. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Everyone knows the iconic title number, with Gene Kelly splashing through puddles and swinging around a lamp post. But Singin’ in the Rain is more than just that scene—it’s a colourful, comical look at Hollywood’s transition to talkies, starring Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. Most songs were recycled from 1930s MGM films, with only ‘Make ’em Laugh’ and ‘Moses Supposes’ written specifically for this joyous classic.
3. The Sound of Music (1965)
Hollywood quickly snapped up the rights to this Rodgers & Hammerstein hit after its 1959 premiere, but wisely took time crafting the film. The result is a beautifully made classic, thanks in part to real locations and a star turn from Julie Andrews, fresh from Mary Poppins. Though hesitant to play another singing nanny, she was perfect. The film also features a new song written for the screen: ‘Something Good’.
2. Mary Poppins (1964)
Walt Disney spent years persuading author P.L. Travers to sell him the rights to Mary Poppins—and thank goodness she did. With its whimsical sets, charming songs by the Sherman Brothers, and unforgettable magic, the film became a classic. It also launched Julie Andrews’ film career in the title role, earning her an Oscar. Quite simply, it’s Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
And the best movie musical of all time is...
1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
The Yellow Brick Road, the ruby slippers, the Wicked Witch of the West… Everything about The Wizard of Oz is iconic. Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s stories about the fantasy land of Oz (first published in 1900), this mini epic is also notable for its use of the fledgling Technicolor film process – though the film begins in black and white, the land of Oz is revealed to us in spectacular colour.
The original songs by Arlen and Harburg are all classics, with the Oscar-winning ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ the most famous. The film was released just months into the Second World War, and so the song became something of an anthem for hope of better times ahead.
Though there have been stage versions of the story, this take on it was only fully adapted for the theatre stage in 2011 and featured additional songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
