With the comeback of the musical genre with movies like the West Side Story remake and In the Heights, audiences have fallen in love with the film genre all over again. For those who now can't shake the desire to watch musicals, many iconic and applauded musicals more than worthy of a watch were made in the '80s. The '80s showed a reemergence in the musical genre, much like what is being experienced today.
While many musicals were made in the '80s, there are a selected few films that deserve extra special attention. The best musicals of the '80s were picked by looking at a film's critical acclaim, popularity with audiences, IMDb scores, and the impact the film has had on popular culture.
Starstruck (1982)
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Starstruck is an Australian import that is an explosion of visuals. From eye-popping fluorescent neons in the club scenes to quirky sequences that take place in a down-home pub, Starstruck is a feel-good and joyous musical that puts the audience in the fun, campy atmosphere of the film.
The film's musical numbers are typical of the decade, featuring catchy new wave-influenced songs and fashions. Starstruck follows young Jackie who will do whatever it takes to become a pop star despite the hopes of her working-class, pub-owning family.
Purple Rain (1984)
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Purple Rain features music megastar Prince front and center as he delivers one electrifying performance after another while featuring his protege Apollonia Kotero as his leading lady in the film. The film is a somewhat biographical story for Prince as it is about The Kid, a Minneapolis musician who sees a rise in his career with his band but contends with a tumultuous home life and a rocky romance with a girl group singer.
With arguably one of the best movie soundtracks of the 80s, Purple Rain is iconic for its songs that make the film appear as a visual album for the prized record of the same name.
Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life (1983)
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An often surreal film, The Meaning of Life is the third and final film of the groundbreaking comedy troupe Monty Python. The Meaning of Life follows a sketch format that connects comedic and musical vignettes centered on the different stages of life, from birth to death.
The movie has a number of inventive, clever, and beloved Monty Python songs including the music and dance number called, of all things, "Every Sperm is Sacred." The musical sequence is an intelligent and humorous jab at the Catholic Church's doctrines on contraception. Likewise, the rest of the musical sequences of the film feature Monty Python's trademark blend of silliness, absurdity, and astute social commentary.
Hairspray (1988)
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John Water's most successful and mainstream movie is Hairspray, a musical comedy about a teen who puts the spotlight on integration when she joins a local dance tv show in early '60s Baltimore. The film recreates and lampoons the culture of the early '60s like Beatniks, the emergence of TV, and segregation.
Two of the movie's stars are also beloved musical figures; Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry stars as the villainous Velma Von Tussle and Sonny Bono plays Velma's husband Franklin Von Tussle. The film became a cult classic and gained such popularity that Hairspray was later remade almost 20 years later in 2007.
Victor/Victoria (1982)
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With a score by the renowned composer Henry Mancini, Victor/Victoria is a sparkling musical comedy that is reminiscent of the musicals of the Hollywood Golden Age. From director Blake Edwards, Victor/Victoria is about a struggling female singer in 1930s Paris who poses as a male female impersonator for work, but things get complicated when a Chicago mobster gets involved.
On top of the exceptional score from Mancini, the film has spectacular art direction, a witty script, fantastic casting, and gorgeous costumes. These attributes make the film an exuberant and funny musical that immerses the viewer in 1930's Paris.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
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One of the best movies from the Disney Renaissance era, The Little Mermaid adapts Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairytale into a whimsical musical story. The movie is about a mermaid named Ariel who is fascinated by life on the surface. On one of her excursions to land, she falls in love with a Prince and decides to strike a deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to become human. The Little Mermaid has a dedicated legion of fans all over the world thanks to the smart characterization of its characters and its infectious songs.
The movie was praised by multiple critics when it was released, with many pointing out the exciting tone of the movie along with praise for the fully realized female character of Ariel who was a departure from Disney's previous passive princesses, as noted by film critic Roger Ebert.
Labyrinth (1986)
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Starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, Labyrinth tells the story of teen Sarah whose baby brother is kidnapped by a goblin king. To get her brother back, she must travel through a perilous maze. With songs by David Bowie, one really can't go wrong with the music from Labyrinth. From the upbeat "Magic Dance" to the slow and soulful "As the World Falls Down," the musical sequences match the emotion of the scenes and add an extra layer of whimsy or even melancholy to certain moments.
With an adored cast of characters in Labyrinth alongside the inventive special effects, fantastic music, and world-building sets, it is no wonder that the film has the cult following it enjoys even decades after its release.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
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Brothers Jake and Elwood aim to save the Chicago orphanage they grew up in by reuniting their old band in The Blues Brothers. Based on a Saturday Night Live sketch, John Belushi and Dan Akyroyd are completely associated with their characters of Jake and Elwood Blues thanks to this movie from the consummate comedic director John Landis.
As The Blues Brothers is based on blues music, the film features a bevy of blues musicians like Aretha Franklin showing off her impressive chops in the scene where she performs her hit song "Think" and an appearance by Ray Charles playing an electric piano. The film was responsible for revitalizing many of the movie's blues musician's careers as well as providing audiences with effervescent musical numbers and noteworthy car chases.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
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Little Shop of Horrors follows nerdy florist Seymour who experiences a chance at success and romance thanks to a giant man-eating venus flytrap. A zany black comedy musical that incorporates elements of horror and science fiction, Little Shop of Horrors is a unique combination of different genres that melds together to complete something singular.
The film has been praised for its offbeat mixture of camp and horror in combination with the movie's catchy songs and convincing practical visual effects. The film was even nominated for two Academy Awards; one for visual effects and the other for Best Orginal Song.
Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)
Based on the album of the same name, Pink Floyd: The Wall captures a surreal and powerful trip through detached and drugged rock star Pink's hallucinations and recollections about his life. Labeled a rock opera, the film is acclaimed for its artistic and metaphorical depictions of alienation and angst.
The Wall has minimal dialogue and is mostly driven by the music in the film, making the movie a fully musical experience. Beloved by rock fans and film buffs alike, Pink Floyd: The Wall is often regarded as one of the best fictional dramatic films devoted to rock music ever.