8 Perfect Musicals Where Every Song Is a 10/10

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As a movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by musicals. They’re amazing because they don’t need things to be perfect to start a song – they make the moment happen. Seriously, someone could be falling apart, totally ecstatic, or just going about their day, and then, boom, the world shifts and everyone starts singing! It’s not just about telling a story; it’s like turning the story inside out, letting feelings explode beyond what regular dialogue could ever express. The songs aren’t just added on – they are the story, shaping the characters and making the whole movie stick with you long after the credits roll.

Let’s face it, most musicals have some weaker moments – a slow song to bridge scenes, a silly number for a laugh, or a tune that doesn’t really move the story forward. But every now and then, you find a musical where every song is fantastic.

With the highly anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked coming to theaters soon, now is a great time to highlight some truly exceptional musicals. Here are 8 musicals where every single song is a standout!

8
‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)


Buena Vista Distribution Company, Inc.

The Banks family in Edwardian London is struggling – the father is a strict banker, and the mother is preoccupied with her work for women’s suffrage. Their children, Jane and Michael, feel neglected. Then, Mary Poppins, a magical nanny, arrives – quite literally floating down on an umbrella – to help. Instead of being strict, she brings joy and wonder into their lives. Along with her friend Bert, she takes the children on fantastic adventures, like stepping into pictures, floating on bubbles of laughter, and dancing on the rooftops.

The reason Mary Poppins remains a classic, winning five Oscars and captivating audiences for generations, is its wonderful music. Songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” are instantly memorable and smartly written, while “Feed the Birds” surprisingly tugs at your heartstrings. “Chim Chim Cher-ee” earned an Academy Award, and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” still perfectly represents playful imagination. The Sherman Brothers created a score that isn’t just beautiful to listen to, but also actively moves the story along with each song.

7
‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)


20th Century Fox

Inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman tells the story of a determined man who creates a spectacular circus with a group of unique performers. After facing job loss, Barnum imagines a show that welcomes those often rejected by society – including trapeze artists and those with unconventional appearances. As the circus becomes popular, Barnum’s desire for even greater success leads him to seek acceptance from the upper class, but he risks losing sight of the performers who helped him achieve his dream.

The Greatest Showman is a feel-good story about finding where you belong, reinventing yourself, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of success. The movie’s soundtrack is full of amazing songs; “This Is Me” became a powerful song about self-love, winning a Golden Globe and being nominated for an Oscar. “Rewrite the Stars” is a beautiful duet featuring impressive aerial stunts, and songs like “The Greatest Show” and “Come Alive” are bursting with energy. The album was a global success, and while the movie received mixed reviews and a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it became a surprise hit thanks to positive word-of-mouth and streaming services.

6
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)


Loew’s Inc.

Set during the exciting shift in Hollywood from silent films to ‘talkies,’ Singin’ in the Rain follows Don Lockwood, a popular movie star whose career is at risk when sound is introduced. To save his latest film, Don and his friend Cosmo team up with a hopeful actress named Kathy Selden to secretly re-record the lines of Don’s difficult and high-pitched co-star, Lina Lamont. The result is a funny and romantic look behind the scenes of the movie industry.

The movie’s story is simple but witty, a loving tribute to classic Hollywood and the exciting, disruptive arrival of new technology. What’s remarkable is how flawlessly it all comes together – it’s a vibrant and seamless film. Numbers like “Good Morning” still feel lively, Donald O’Connor’s performance of “Make ’Em Laugh” is a masterclass in physical comedy, and Gene Kelly’s dance in the rain during the title song remains one of the most famous scenes ever filmed. The film truly shines thanks to Kelly’s incredible athleticism, Debbie Reynolds’ endearing personality, and O’Connor’s perfect comedic timing – each musical number is a hit.

5
‘La La Land’ (2016)


Black Label Media

Set in a vibrant and romantic Los Angeles, La La Land follows Mia, an actress struggling to catch her big break, and Sebastian, a jazz pianist determined to open his own club. They fall in love while supporting each other’s dreams, but as their careers begin to take off, their relationship is tested by difficult choices and the challenges of making it work.

Damien Chazelle’s musical film pays homage to classic Hollywood while also thoughtfully exploring the sacrifices we make for our ambitions. It’s a deeply moving story, perfectly matched by its emotional soundtrack. While “City of Stars” took home an Oscar, the complete musical score – including songs like “Another Day of Sun,” “Audition (The Fools Who Dream),” and “A Lovely Night” – truly captures the film’s blend of optimism and sadness. Though Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling aren’t traditional musical theatre performers, their authentic performances helped the film win six Academy Awards.

4
‘Chicago’ (2002)


Miramax Films

The musical Chicago, based on the 1975 Broadway hit, tells the story of Roxie Hart, a woman who dreams of becoming a famous performer. After she shoots her lover, she ends up in jail and meets Velma Kelly, another performer accused of murder. Both women try to get the attention of Billy Flynn, a clever lawyer who turns their crimes into a media sensation, transforming the courtroom into a spectacle and hiding the truth with glamour and illusion.

Rob Marshall’s film adaptation of the Bob Fosse musical Chicago is a dazzling and energetic story about pursuing fame, even through deceit. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger create a striking dynamic, and Richard Gere is captivating as the smooth-talking Flynn. The musical numbers are brilliantly presented as imagined performances—like the powerful choreography of “Cell Block Tango” and the cynical energy of “Razzle Dazzle.” The film was a major success, winning six Academy Awards and helping to bring movie musicals back into the spotlight in the 2000s.

3
‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)


20th Century Fox

Set during World War II, The Sound of Music follows Maria, a young woman studying to be a nun, who becomes a governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, a widowed naval officer. Through her kindness and a shared love of music, Maria brings happiness back to the Captain’s strict household, and they eventually fall in love. However, their happiness is threatened by the growing Nazi presence in Austria, forcing the family to escape to safety.

The music by Rodgers and Hammerstein in The Sound of Music is truly exceptional. Songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” are more than just memorable tunes—they beautifully capture feelings and offer inspiring messages about love, strength, and the positive impact of music. Julie Andrews delivers a stunning performance as Maria, with a voice that is clear and incredibly heartwarming. The film was a huge success, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, and continues to be one of the most popular and financially successful movie musicals ever made.

2
‘West Side Story’ (1961)


United Artists 

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story takes place in 1950s New York City. The musical centers on two opposing gangs – the Jets, a group of white Americans, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang – who are constantly fighting for control of their territory. Amidst this conflict, Tony, a former member of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader, Bernardo, fall in love. While their relationship offers a glimmer of hope, it also intensifies the surrounding violence, ultimately leading to tragic events that threaten any chance of peace.

Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story brilliantly blends love and conflict. From its iconic opening to the poignant finale, the film features a groundbreaking and deeply moving soundtrack. With music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a powerful performance by Rita Moreno in “America,” it earned 10 Academy Awards and remains a landmark achievement in musical cinema.

1
‘Wicked’ (2024)


Universal Pictures

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the woman who eventually becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West. The musical takes place in Oz before Dorothy arrives and focuses on Elphaba’s time at Shiz University, where she meets and befriends Glinda, a popular and driven student. Despite being very different, they form a complex friendship challenged by issues of power and unfair treatment. As Elphaba starts to doubt the Wizard’s leadership and her own identity, she faces a difficult decision.

The film Wicked: Part One beautifully showcases Stephen Schwartz’s iconic music, launching an ambitious two-part story about finding yourself, challenging expectations, and the bond between sisters. Cynthia Erivo’s powerful rendition of “Defying Gravity” is said to have earned a standing ovation, while numbers like the funny “Popular,” the poignant “I’m Not That Girl,” and the playfully sharp “What Is This Feeling?” all shine. Ariana Grande delivers a standout performance as Glinda, and the film’s impressive visuals and dedication to the original story helped make Wicked a huge hit.

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2025-11-15 20:05