Movie musicals have been a big part of cinema since the debut of "talking pictures." Their styles and sub-genres have varied and evolved over time, partially motivated by patterns of popularity and disinterest regarding movie musicals. However, there are movies that have stood the test of time and have defined generations, from films like Fiddler on the Roof to Hair.
The movies below, through their storytelling, visuals, costumes, and, most importantly, their music, have had a profound impact on culture, filmmaking, fashion, civil rights, politics, and more. It would be unfortunate to imagine an existence without these musicals.
All That Jazz
All That Jazz is a 1979 semi-autobiographical film about the director and co-writer Bob Fosse's life, interwoven with fantasy elements. Upon its release, the film received tremendous reviews. Critics praised star Roy Schieder's (2010) portrayal, the masterful choreography, and heart-wrenching story.
Many of the film's scenes, particularly the dance scenes, have been paid homage to and parodied in other works of fiction, including Fosse/Verdon, House and Better Call Saul.
Grease
Grease is based on the 1971 musical of the same name and it exploded upon its premiere. It won over critics and fans, and according to Vanity Fair, it was dubbed the highest-grossing movie musical of all time until Mamma Mia took over the reins. It spawned the sequel Grease 2, and a spin-off series and prequel are currently in production.
The songs are timeless, and in 1978, its soundtrack was the second-best-selling album of the year in the U.S. Theaters continue to play the film and there are even sing-alongs. One of the appeals of Grease is that it represents an era now long gone.
Singin' In The Rain
Singin' in the Rain was one of MGM's grand 50s musical. The film starred Gene Kelly (who also directed and choreographed the film), Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor, capturing the 1920s Hollywood era when silent films were slowly being replaced with "talkies." In 1952, the movie had a so-so release but would become a cultural phenomenon as the years went by.
Since its premiere, this iconic film has been referenced in various movies, musicals, and TV shows, including Spamalot, La La Land, and Glee, among others. It also made several best films of all-time lists, including "AFI'S 100 Years...100 Movies."
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is based on a series of books of the same name by P.L. Travers. Walt Disney spent years attempting to secure the rights before Travers relented, but under her conditions, not all of which were met. Since its release, the film has been hailed as one of Disney's finest, recognized for its animation, songs, performances, and technological innovation.
The movie garnered 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It has since been made into a Broadway show and produced a sequel, Mary Poppins Returns.
A Star Is Born
The 1954 version of A Star is Born riveted a nation. The star power of Judy Garland, along with the film's grandiose visuals, engaging story, and unforgettable music, drew in crowds and continues to entertain audiences. This was also the first Warner Bros movie to be filmed in Cinemascope.
Garland's performance was so well-received that she garnered an Oscar nomination. However, she lost to Grace Kelly for Country Girl in what is still considered one of the biggest Oscar blunders of all time. In 1983, a restored version of the film that included missing footage was released. Two remakes have followed, the latest version released in 2018.
The Sound Of Music
The Sound of Music is a film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. It initially premiered as a roadshow theatrical release, but became a box office hit and was named the U.S. highest-grossing film of 1965, going on to break box office records in 29 other countries.
American Express created the first Sound of Music guided tour in Salzburg (where the film was shot and set) in 1966. Panorama Tours has retained the film's leading bus company tour since 1973.
Meet Me In St. Louis
Meet Me in St. Louis was a star-studded affair directed by Vincente Minnelli. The MGM musical, based on a series of stories by Sally Benson, won America's hearts. Performances from Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien shone, with iconic songs that, at times, did not leave a dry eye in the house.
Despite the film taking place over the span of a year, it has been associated as a Christmas movie and fans note the Christmas portion being their favorite part of the film. The song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" has been covered by several artists, including Frank Sinatra and was listened to by American soldiers while overseas during WWII. According to Biography.com, Garland even sang the song to deploying soldiers at the Hollywood Canteen in 1943.
West Side Story
West Side Story is based on the Broadway musical of the same name. The 1961 film was universally praised for its editing, impressive choreography, stirring performances, tremendous score (including an orchestra three times the size of the Broadway musical), and singularly powerful moments. It also won 10 Oscars and remains the movie musical with the most Oscar wins.
The impact of West Side Story came with its dark storyline, as musicals during this time were usually fancy-free. It also precluded the fusion music movement by a decade (mixing together jazz, show tunes, and Latin-American music). Just as the stage show did, the film put civil rights and discussions about race at the center of the conflict.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was an incredible musical that came at the wrong time. Following the musical fatigue of the 70s, marked by low-attendance, the film was deemed a box office bomb. However, it developed a cult following in the 80s, which continues today, with midnight showings held that include audience members dressing up, interacting with the movie, and acting out scenes.
Rocky Horror has been referenced in various shows and films, including The Simpsons, The Drew Carey Show, and American Dad!, among others. The costumes from the film also influenced punk rock fashion, including wildly dyed-hair and fishnet stockings. The film has been overwhelmingly received by the LGBTQ+ community, and many people appreciate the musical's representation of androgyny and sexual liberation.
The Wizard Of Oz
The Wizard of Oz was a big movie in many ways. It was the breakout role of Judy Garland, and it had groundbreaking special effects, memorable songs, and a timeless story. While the film was not an initial financial success, it would reclaim its loss in the 1949 re-release. Following its release, Garland went on to become a huge star and struck a new contract with MGM.
When the movie first hit TV screens in the 1950s, it becomes a nationwide event. Following its success, it would continue to air as an annual tradition. The Wizard of Oz also spawned sequels, prequels, stage shows, comic books, and a Tom & Jerry spinoff movie. The movie's standout song, "Over the Rainbow," has been sung by multiple singers and was Garland's most famous song.