There have been plenty of successful musicals in the last few years, including Lin Manuel Miranda's latest hit Tick, Tick... BOOM! and the iconic La La Land. Both of those have had immense success and received Oscar nominations. While those are two relatively new musicals that fans loved, there are so many classics with songs that have never been forgotten.
Many musical movies were originally Broadway shows that were adapted on screen, but the movies didn't have as much success as the original show. Jersey Boys and Annie are two musicals that had more success on stage than on screens when it comes to critics' reviews. While some of the most popular musicals are praised for their stories, what makes a musical truly special are the songs that accompany it. Musical fans on Ranker have voted for their favorite musical movies with the best songs.
Les Miserables
Les Miserables follows ex-convict Jean Valjean in the 19th century. It centers around his life after prison as he takes care of a young girl, but his past comes back to haunt him as he's chased by an inspector. This musical mostly takes place during the French revolution and follows Jean's emotional journey.
One of the most popular songs from Les Miserables is "I Dreamed A Dream," which was sung by Anne Hathaway in the film. Another incredibly popular song is "On My Own," sung by Samantha Banks during an emotional scene about unrequited love.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a mermaid who dreams of being on land after previously rescuing a drowning prince. When an evil octopus woman grants her the ability to walk on land in exchange for her voice, Ariel accepts and falls in love with the same prince she once rescued.
The Little Mermaid is one of the most popular Disney princess movies, with many iconic songs such as "Part of Your World," sung by Jodi Benson, and "Under The Sea," sung by Samuel E. Wright. Like many other Disney princess movies, The Little Mermaid is getting a live-action adaptation starring Halle Bailey next year.
Singin' In The Rain
Singin' In The Rain takes place when movies were transitioning from silent to talkies. When it's discovered one of the most popular actresses has a terrible singing voice, aspiring actress Lina agrees to become her singing voice for the film.
Singin' in the Rain is one of the best musicals of all time, as it's one fans will continuously praise despite it coming out in the '50s. Some of the most popular songs include "Singin' In The Rain" by Gene Killy and "Good Morning," which had a memorable music and dance scene with Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds.
The Wizard Of Oz
The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy as she's swept away by a tornado with her dog Toto to the magical world of Oz. There she finds out she needs to follow the yellow brick road to meet the wizard in order to return home to Kansas. On her journey, she meets a lion, a scarecrow, and a tinman who also seek help from the Wizard.
The Wizard of Oz is known for memorable costume designs, classic songs, and iconic characters that have been adapted time and time again. Some of the most popular songs from Wizard of Oz are "Over the Rainbow" and "We're Off To See The Wizard," both sung by Judy Garland.
Grease
Grease follows Sandy who's a good, innocent girl vacationing in Australia as she gets romantically involved with one of the most popular bad boys. Their relationship causes a lot of drama between the two, especially since Danny is reluctant to admit his feelings for her.
Grease is still one of the most popular musicals to this day, and its popular songs have a lot to do with its success. "Summer Nights" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is one of the best songs from a movie musical according to Reddit, along with other classics from the movie such as "Greased Lightnin'" and "You're The One That I Want."
Aladdin
Aladdin is about a poor boy in Agrabah who finds a magic carpet and a genie in a cave of wonders. With the genie, he wishes to be a prince and then returns to the kingdom of Agrabah to meet Princess Jasmine. Unfortunately, the sultan's advisor finds out about his genie and tries to steal his magic lamp.
Not only is Aladdin great for its songs, but it's also an animated musical with amazing character designs. Princess Jasmine and Aladdin and both iconic characters who kids love, along with the song "A Whole New World" sung by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga.
The Lion King
The Lion King follows a young Lion cub who is kicked out of his kingdom after his father, who was also the king, is murdered by his uncle Mufasa. He spends time out in the wilderness learning to survive amongst new friends, before returning home to reclaim his throne.
"The Circle of Life" is one of the best songs from a Disney animated musical, along with other hits from the film like "Hakuna Matata" which is incredibly memorable to fans. The Lion King was such a successful film, that even its theater adaptation is a hit on Broadway, and one of the best-selling plays at the theater.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is about a magical nanny who comes to take care of two children. While with the children, she takes them on magical adventures full of music, dancing, and flying with magic umbrellas.
Mary Poppins is ultimately a fun, feel-good film that children and adults can both enjoy for its magical wonders. Some of the most memorable songs from the film are "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and "A Spoonful of Sugar," both sung by Julie Andrews. There's also the memorable chimney dance "Chim Chim Cher-ee" by Dick Van Dyke.
Beauty And The Beast
Beauty and the Beast follows Belle, who goes into the woods to find her father who has been kidnapped by an evil beast. In order to free her father, she agrees to be held captive by the beast in his place. While trapped in his kingdom, she discovers the beast isn't as bad as she thought.
Beauty and the Beast is a classic enemies-to-lovers story that has inspired many books and TV shows, such as Beastly and the Beauty and the Beast TV show. Some of the most popular songs from this musical are "Beauty and the Beast," sung by Angela Lansbury, and "Be Our Guest," by Jerry Orbach and Angela Lansbury.
The Sound Of Music
The Sound of Music follows a nun who arrives to take care of children in a family, as she inspires them and changes their lives for the better. She watches over the children as their father participates in the navy, during the war in Austria.
The Sound of Music is an emotional movie about family. There are many memorable songs from the film, such as "My Favorite Things" sung by Julie Andrews, which has even been modernized by Ariana Grande with her song "7 Rings." Another popular song is "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" sung by Charmian Carr and Oscar Hammerstein.