Warning! SPOILERS for 13: The MusicalNetflix's 13: The Musical has 11 musical numbers — here's a guide to every song, ranked from worst to best. 13 has largely been criticized for losing some of the magic contained in its Broadway version, a problem common among movie musicals. While not every song from the original made the cut, some new songs feature in the Netflix film.
13 tells the story of Evan Goldman, a 12-year-old on the cusp of his thirteenth birthday and, consequently, his Bar Mitzvah. Evan has to navigate moving to small-town Indiana from New York after his father and mother break due to his father's infidelity. Drama, life lessons, and musical numbers ensue as Evan learns valuable lessons about growing up.
From contemplative numbers about problems and life to show-stopping ensemble pieces, 13 features a lot of different music in a bevy of styles. The story of 13 is fairly straightforward, with its music being the piece of the film that really distinguishes it from other shows. Here's a look at each number in sung by the cast in 13: The Musical, ranked from worst to best.
#11 - I've Been Waiting
"I've Been Waiting" comes in at the bottom of the list of 13's musical numbers because it's largely forgettable and its subject matter isn't particularly compelling. There's some good dancing and the talent of the singers is without question, but it's not enough to shore up this yawn of a song. If it had a bit more going on or had something else in it to make it memorable, "I've Been Waiting" might have made it higher on the list.
#10 - Getting Ready
13's ensemble pieces are by and large its weakest numbers. "Getting Ready" is the best example of this problem. It moves the film from one scene to another but doesn't have anything particularly special about it. If one were to get up and get a drink during 13, it should probably be during this song.
#9 - Brand New You
The final song in many musicals (like Hamilton) is used to bring the story full circle and wrap up. 13's final number isn't quite that. It's a fun party song, but it lacks substance. Given that the song before "Brand New You" is such a powerful piece, this comes in as more than a bit of a letdown.
#8 - Tell Her
"Tell Her" is one of the better ensemble numbers in 13. Despite coming in at eighth on this list, it's a really great song with beautiful harmonies and a great vibe. The only reason it isn't higher on this list is that its scene isn't particularly impressive compared to many others ranked higher. "Tell Her" is an earworm and may well get stuck in audiences' heads for days after viewing 13.
#7 - Bad Bad News
"Bad Bad News" is a really fun number with a catchy tune and some impressive ensemble dancing. It adds some fun before the more subdued ending of 13: The Musical. It's a great break from the drama caused by Lucy and interacts with that her problematic behavior through a lens of interesting melodrama. The high talent demonstrated by the young men in this scene is just a testament to how carefully 13 was cast.
#6 - The Bloodmaster
Perhaps the oddest song title in all of 13, "The Bloodmaster" is incredibly catchy and showcases some impressive high notes from Eli Golden. This song wasn't in the original Broadway show but fits the vibe of 13 nicely. "The Bloodmaster" is one of the best new additions to 13.
#5 - Opportunity
"Opportunity" has an interesting history with 13. It was written for the original Broadway show and was even recorded on the original cast recording, but it was cut before opening night. Seeing it resurrected in 13 on Netflix is great because Lucy was really lacking a good villain song.
#4 - It Would Be Funny
With lyrics that sound like something that the cast of Dear Evan Hansen would sing, "It Would Be Funny" is poignant, self-aware, and tender, making it one of the best numbers in 13. Evan and Jessica have a beautiful moment together during the song and it's really nice. The only reason this isn't higher on the list is that despite being an excellent actor, Debra Messing's voice leaves something to be desired.
#3 - 13
13's opening number is strong. It showcases some absolutely fantastic dancing, has a great melody, and shows off its main character's talent. It brilliantly walks the fine line of giving exposition and being entertaining, never sacrificing one for the other. "13" is an early showstopper and sets a high expectation for the rest of the film.
#2 - Lamest Place In The World
Like Frozen 2, 13 has a criminally underused character. The movie really needs more Patrice than it provides and "Lamest Place in the World" shows why. Patrice and Evan's dynamic is delightful and this song is so pure and good. Patrice's song about her budding friendship with Evan evokes memories of middle school summers spent with new friends and feels very realistic. Perhaps the biggest misstep of the movie version of 13 is that it doesn't give viewers more of the two of them together.
#1 - A Little More Homework
13's second-to-last song showcases the show's theme and serves as a point of catharsis for Evan and Patrice. This song is easily the best in the entire show. With lyrics like, "I need a little less pressure and a little more time," "A Little More Homework" is emotionally resonant and applicable to just about anyone in the audience. This is a song to find on the Netflix movie's soundtrack and listen to on repeat.
13 has really eclectic music covering a number of different genres. Like most of Jason Robert Brown's musicals, the music is its strongest piece and is the reason to watch the movie. While Netflix's 13: The Musical is a lot different from its Broadway counterpart, the music is reason enough to give it a watch. 13: The Musical is available to be streamed now on Netflix.