The beloved musical comedy Pitch Perfect first hit theaters in 2012 and then produced two lackluster sequels that didn't quite stick the landing. However, the first movie in the trilogy starring Anna Kendrick remains near perfect, with each musical number in the film bringing something different to the table.
Whether it be hilarious (think: Aubrey vomiting during her solo) or heartwarming (Beca choosing 'Don't You' because it's from Jesse's favorite movie) each song in the original film stands on its own. It's safe to say viewers can agree with the judges on the best performances and the worst.
"The Sign/Eternal Flame/Turn the Beat Around"
The Barden Bellas performed this number composed of oldies three times in the film. The first in the opening scene, when Aubrey famously barfed on the crowd. The second time at Regionals, where they bored the crowd with their mediocre performance. And a third at Semi-Finals where Beca put her own spin on it that threw the other girls off track.
Beca was right about this one. The Bellas played it too safe and did nothing to wow the crowd. Plus doing the same performance two years in a row didn't avenge Aubrey the way she thought it would, and ultimately their third go at it got them (temporarily) eliminated.
"Don't Stop The Music"
The first glimpse viewers get of The Treblemakers is when they perform 'Don't Stop The Music' at the same competition where Aubrey nervously vomits.
The number is led by Bumper (Adam Devine) and is exciting to watch -- definitely more entertaining than The Bellas -- but also not as amazing when compared to their performances later in the film, and this singing squad definitely knows how to up the ante as the film progresses.
"Right Round"
The Treblemakers gave a show-stopping performance at the Semi-Finals with their newest members, including Skylar Astin's Jesse.
Donning matching red hoodies, their energy excited the crowd and got them on their feet, which explains how they made it into the Finals. While it's certainly a thrilling display of talent, it still isn't as brilliant as their final performance sans the likes of Bumper.
"Party In The U.S.A"
After Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) is shot by a burrito bullet, the Barden Bellas are feeling down and out on their way to the Semi-Finals and need a pick me up.
Brittany Snow's Chloe starts the impromptu sing-along of Miley Cyrus's 'Party in the USA' after listening to the song through her headphones, and it isn't long before the rest of the Bellas join in. Beca is the last to do so, but once she gets in the spirit, it finally seems like the girls are connecting.
"Riff Off"
The Riff-Off medley included themes like 'Ladies of the '80s' and 'Songs About Sex', where each group had to pick off from a word sung in the previous song and continue with a new one. It served as a fun musical bonding experience for the a cappella groups, made embarrassing only if their team was eliminated.
Beca surprised Jesse, the Bellas, and herself when she broke out into 'No Diggity', marking the first time she really showed her leadership skills among the group of ladies. Of course, the Bellas were unfortunately eliminated because Beca started with 'it's' and not 'it', but the whole Riff-Off was spectacular regardless.
"Just a Dream/Just The Way You Are"
After being eliminated and then reinstated into the Finals, the Bellas have to find a way to come together to make a medley worthy of winning. Aubrey apprehensively hands over the reins to Beca, who leads the girls to the same place they did the Riff-Off to do some improvisational harmonizing.
Aubrey's song request is 'Just The Way You Are', while Beca sneaks in 'Just A Dream' to make a complete performance. The practice activity goes incredibly well and gives all the Bellas the strength to move forward together.
"Since U Been Gone"
The audition song for the a cappella groups at Barden is Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone', which some students sang much better than others.
Regardless of their musical talents, the mash-up of everyone singing different lines of the smash-hit is brilliant and hilarious, especially with the introductions of all of the characters. Stand-out singers include Jesse, who eventually makes the Treblemakers, Cynthia Rose, Fat Amy, and a beautiful audition from Benji who doesn't make the final cut.
"Bright Lights Bigger City/Magic"
Since Bumper gets the opportunity to sing back-up for John Mayer, Jesse recruits his magician roommate Benji (Ben Platt) to be his replacement in the Finals.
The Treblemakers hone in on Benji's skills quite literally, singing 'Magic' and letting him be center stage for a solo. The whole performance is what teamwork is all about, and shows the growth of the boy group without Bumper's egotistical personality. If only the Bellas hadn't jumped out of the box, they might have won it all.
"Cups"
Perhaps the most famous scene from the film is when Beca arrives late for the auditions. Unprepared, she asks to borrow a cup. Her cup song performance impresses everyone in the room, even Aubrey.
The best part of Beca's audition is that Anna Kendrick sings the song live, with nothing but the acoustics of the auditorium and the cup on the stage. The scene kickstarted a trend where everyone wanted to be able to do the cup song, and of course, landed Beca a spot in the Barden Bellas.
"Price Tag/Don't You/Give Me Everything"
Finally shedding their Ace of Base tunes, the Barden Bellas Final performance allows them to embrace all the different facets of their personalities and come together to make a medley the highlights all of their strengths.
The best part is when Beca transitions into 'Don't You (Forget About Me' from The Breakfast Club, the movie Jesse so badly wanted her to watch. The look on his face in the crowd as he realizes what she's doing is the face of true love, and the confidence the Bellas exhibit is awe-spiring and eventually leads them to a well-deserved first-place finish.