The animated musical comedy Sing 2 was recently released on Netflix on June 22nd. Since then, the film has remained popular on the streaming service, proving that audiences have a weak spot for movies that feature singing.
While not always exclusively musicals, films like this have found varying levels of success in the history of cinema. Critical darling CODA, for example, won the Oscar for best picture this year. To figure out the best movies about singers or the act singing, Ranker has asked fans to vote on the best of the best.
Note: Due to the nature of Ranker's voting, these results may change. At the time of publication, this list is correct.
August Rush (2007)
A runaway orphan (Freddie Highmore) takes to the streets of New York City hoping to find his birth parents. As a gifted musical prodigy, he’s soon taken under the wing of a homeless man (Robin Williams) who manipulates homeless children into being street performers for him so he can make a profit. The cast also includes Keri Russell, Terrence Howard, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
August Rush is a beautiful story about the beauty of music and the unifying power it has on those who choose to stop and listen. Although there are moments of the plot that border on cliché, the musical sequences of the film inject so much whimsy into the somewhat predictable narrative.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Set in 1870, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of Christine, a young opera singer who becomes the object of desire for the mysterious “Opera Ghost” living deep beneath a Paris opera house. What starts off as an infatuation quickly turns into a deadly obsession when the Phantom learns of Christine’s feelings for Raoul, a handsome childhood friend and benefactor. The Phantom makes it his mission to make Christine fall in love with him, by any devious means necessary.
Based on the iconic Broadway musical of the same name, The Phantom of the Opera is a haunting mix of romance and tragedy set to an incredible soundtrack. Emmy Rossum as Christine is a revelation, using her angelic and mellifluous voice to bring these much beloved musical numbers to life. The chemistry between Rossum and both Gerard Butler and Patrick Wilson is superb, making the central conflict of the film more believable. With all these elements, it’s no wonder this film is regarded as one of the best adaptations of the Phantom of the Opera tale.
Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit (1993)
Delores is back in the habit again, but this time as a music teacher for a struggling inner-city catholic school. As the kids in her class struggle to take anything seriously, Delores manages to reach through to them with the power of music, ultimately turning the group of misfits into a choir.
The musical sequences in this film are filled with so much energy and joy. Lauryn Hill, in particular, gives such a refreshing and touching performance that anchors the emotional throughline of the movie. “Joyful, Joyful” is not only one of the best songs in the franchise, it’s also the emotion this movie gives to everyone who watches it.
Walk The Line (2005)
This highly praised biopic tells the true-life story of country-music legend, Johnny Cash. The film follows Joaquin Phoenix as “The Man in Black” who finds fame, struggles with his substance abuse, and meets his future wife June, played by Reese Witherspoon.
Walk the Line presents a captivating look inside the life of the iconic musician, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend. Phoenix and Witherspoon give tour-de-force performances as the infamous couple.
School Of Rock (2003)
A failed, out-of-work musician poses as his roommate to get a job working as a substitute teacher. When he realizes the musical prowess of the students, he gets the idea to form a rock band and achieve his dream of becoming a rock star.
School of Rock is a funny and heartwarming film with a sharp script, hilarious performances, and a fantastic soundtrack filled with iconic rock music. Jack Black gives his all to the role, creating a charming and silly character that audiences can’t help but love. The original song “Teacher’s Pet” that's performed in the third act is such a fun sequence, it’s no surprise that it’s considered the best song on the School of Rock soundtrack.
Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
Pitch Perfect 2 follows the Barden Bellas trying to stage a comeback after losing their social standing due to an unfortunate freak accident involving Fat Amy and the President of the United States. Back on the bottom of the food chain, the young women work tirelessly to regain the respect of their peers by winning the Acapella World Championship.
This sequel is able to once again recapture the comedic and musical harmony of its cast. Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, and Rebel Wilson are all able to balance the hijinks with enough heart to make the outlandish plot points more believable. Pitch Perfect 2 is also able to bring more toe-tapping musical mash-ups and intricate choreography to its stage, making the film a fun and catchy romp.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Jackson Maine is a drug and alcohol-addicted rock star who falls in love with an aspiring singer-songwriter named Ally. Over the course of their intense and tumultuous relationship, Ally’s star rises while Jackson’s struggles with substance abuse causes him to spiral and fade from the spotlight.
Often hailed as one of the best films of 2018, Bradley Cooper’s stunning directorial debut managed to craft a cinematic masterpiece filled with incredibly moving original music and heartbreaking performances. The songs in the movie give so much insight to the characters Jackson and Ally, beautifully advancing the story forward in a realistic way without coming off as forced or cliché.
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Maria, a young Austrian postulant, is sent by her convent to be a governess for the seven children of retired Naval Officer George Von Trapp. Once there, she introduces the sheltered children to the beauties of life, including the importance of music.
Arguably, one of the most iconic musicals of all time, The Sound of Music is a vibrant and upbeat musical that showcases the familial bond of music and the importance of looking beyond one’s preconceived notions. Many regard the songs in The Sound of Music as the best ever. Julie Andrews delights as Maria, bringing an effortless, yet compelling performance to every scene. The set design is also quite awe-inspiring, using natural landscapes to highlight the dynamic musical performances.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Pitch Perfect follows Beca, an aspiring music producer, as she joins a female acapella group in order to appease her father. Soon after, Beca realizes that she has a lot to bring to the group of women not only with her voice, but her untapped leadership skills. Together they work to find their collective groove and become ICCA champions.
The music in this film is an absolute delight, skillfully infusing a collection of modern pop anthems with 80s classics. The laughs, the singing, and the dancing all come together perfectly in this fun and entertaining movie that is definitely a can’t miss.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
Loosely inspired by the life of circus front man PT Barnum, The Greatest Showman is a musical film starring a large ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The film follows Barnum as he stages his first circus and also struggles to balance work and family and his newfound fame.
Although the movie’s main plot isn’t about singing, there’s a key supporting character played by Rebecca Ferguson who’s an opera singer. Her musical performance acts as the inciting incident for the main conflict of the film. Many critics found fault with the glorification of PT Barnum and felt it was a bit tone deaf to go this route. However, the film was a huge box office success and adored by fans, with many attributing it to the charismatic cast and catchy soundtrack.