Musical movies are sometimes the closest most viewers come to seeing a full-on stage production. Thus, it makes sense that filmmakers would want to try and recreate the feeling of a live production through every song and dance in the film, and this can be most clearly seen in the company/ensemble numbers.
The big company numbers can often outshine the solos and romantic duets because there's more cast involvement and more going on. There's no such thing as too much style when it comes to musicals on stage, screen, or both. And some of the best showstoppers out there require everyone's voice to make them great.
Willkommen (Cabaret)
What better way to begin than with a Willkommen, Bienvenue, welcome from the cast of Cabaret's Kit Kat Klub? Led by Joel Grey's creepy Emcee, the opening number features appearances from the various performers of the titular nightclub as well as intercut scenes of the arriving main characters to set up the film.
"Wilkommen" does what most opening numbers should do; it introduces the audience to the characters and setting before the plot starts rolling. The fact that it comes with a catchy tune is just a bonus.
Who Will Buy? (Oliver!)
The excellent build-up and the explosive payoff of this song are more than enough to earn it some serious recognition. In both the musical and the movie, "Who Will Buy" is a beautiful number that starts standard but grows into a full-cast symphony representing the London marketplace.
The composition jumping from one voice to two, then two to three, and so on, until the whole company of Londoners is lifting their voices is one of the triumphs of the soundtrack.
Day By Day (Godspell)
This '70s hit is the song that most people remember from the musical Godspell. Seeing as the cast is very small and is almost always together, nearly every number is an ensemble song, but few are as iconic as "Day By Day."
This song is about faith, love, and light; what more could one ask from a hippie musical about Jesus? It's a delightful number that warms the heart and lifts the soul.
Tradition (Fiddler On The Roof)
Similar to "Wilkommen," "Tradition" includes and introduces just about everyone in the musical. Assisted by the titular fiddler, Tevye introduces the audience directly to the major players, locations, and social practices surrounding the village of Anatevka.
Everyone gets a spot in this joyous opening number; Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and personalities like the Rabbi and Yenta stand out in this showstopper. And why do the characters spend so much time explaining their existence? One word, tradition!
Masquerade (The Phantom Of The Opera)
Joel Schumacher's adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous musical might not have had the colorful palate of the stage version, but that doesn't mean the big company number doesn't still stand out. Easily a favorite amongst Broadway fans, the film's version is still a musical powerhouse.
The film is far from perfect, but the masquerade ball is still one of the most memorable moments in the book, play, and film. The emotion, excitement, and undercurrent of danger are clearly felt in this sequence.
Joseph’s Coat (Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat)
Describing someone's costume has never been so fun. Yet another number by Webber, "Joseph's Coat," could practically be considered the musical's titular song, and it's still an absolute hit after all this time. But thanks to TikTok, it's happily coming back into the forefront.
It might not be the most complex number on the list, but its triumphant score and lyrics certainly make for a joyful noise.
You’re The One That I Want (Grease)
It's elecrifyin' and it's probably one of the best ways to end a musical about the fabulous '50s. This song is the grand finale where all the students of Rydell High get in on the action to close out the film, so it has to be the one the audience takes home with them.
"You're The One That I Want" practically made Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta household names, and the smash hit is perhaps one of the most recognized songs in musical history. It's easy to see why it's still the one that we want.
All That Jazz (Chicago)
Few names tower so high in the world of Broadway as Bob Fosse. This opening number from the award-winning musical and later Oscar-winning film brings elements of music, dance, and visuals together in a jazz number made to hype the viewer up.
Setting the scene for prohibition-era Chicago, "All That Jazz" not only introduces viewers to the setting and the notorious leads but sets the tone for most of the numbers to follow. As they say, well-begun is half done.
Let’s Go Fly A Kite (Mary Poppins)
Speaking of phrases from Mary Poppins, why not mention the number that pulls everyone together as they go fly a kite? Although the movie came before the stage musical adaptation, this one still deserves some serious recognition.
This is the number that ties everything together, like the bow on a kite tail. The family is reunited, Mr. Banks has his job and a relationship with his children, and even Bert makes an appearance. What better way for Mary Poppins to make her bittersweet yet classy exit?
The Time Warp (The Rocky Horror Picture Show)
A song has to be a hit when it inspires a dance craze that still takes Halloween parties by storm to this day. It's just a jump to the left and then a step to the right; it's the one and only "Time Warp." Arguably the most memorable song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it's definitely a top-tier showstopper.
The best part about this sci-fi/horror-inspired musical number is the fact that everyone is invited to join. Brad, Janet, the Transylvanians, and even the audience are all encouraged to do the Time Warp again and again.