Musical movies aren’t for everyone, but every once in a while a great one comes along to grab a large audience. While they have evolved over the years, many of the basic elements remain the same. It all boils down to musical numbers and an awesome soundtrack. And if you happen to love the characters and you’re engaged in the story, then it makes it even more powerful. Hollywood doesn’t produce musical movies at the rate it once did, but they will forever be an important part of our culture. Not all of them are remembered and universally loved, but there are a few that stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of the best that feature musical numbers you can probably sing right now.
Moulin Rouge – not everyone “got” this movie, but those who did absolutely fell in love with it. While it didn’t feature original songs, they were presented in a way that was truly unique. This movie revitalized old songs and made them new again. Throw in an attractive cast, beautiful choreography, and elaborate sets, and you have a formula for success. This is definitely one movie that you can plop into your DVD right now and enjoy all over again.
High School Musical – this might be the most controversial item on the list, and some might argue that the series popularity has long since faded. But you have to remember what an extreme phenomenon the High School Musical craze was. You can see its influence in musical artists, and especially in a show like Glee. It made singing and dancing cool again when things were starting to get cynical. And if you happen to watch the original right now, you’ll notice that everyone was at the top of their game. It’s definitely a flick that teenagers will grow up and remember in the future.
The Muppets – Jim Henson’s beloved creations have always had musical numbers in their movies. But who knew that Jason Segal would do such a stellar job with his rendition? He wrote the scripts, and had a hand in all of the songs. The overall package is a beautiful blend of traditional and new Muppet music. Let’s not forget all the laughs and smart writing contained in the movie. This is the Muppet comeback we’ve all been waiting for, and some might say it’s better than the original movies.
Beauty and the Beast – you can pick almost any movie of the Disney cartoon era, and it would stand the test of time. But this one in particular has some of the best songs of any generation. They are highly hummable and they make you feel just like you did when you were watching the movie. Speaking of the film itself, it reminds us of an age before CGI. It’s impressive to see what actual human beings can do with traditional animation and even more important, when combined with a beautiful soundtrack.
The Wizard of Oz – there is no doubt this classic will be remembered forever. You probably already seen it once, but it’s definitely worth revisiting. If you want to make it more interesting, take a look at some of the history behind the movie. Learning about how it was made reveals how impressive the challenges were. Without the benefit of special effects or high-tech makeup, the filmmakers were still able to create a classic with some of the most memorable songs around.
Grease – when it comes to fund and cheesy musicals, there really is nothing better. At the heart of the story is a tale of love, and that’s why this movie endures. No matter how silly you might think it is, everyone can relate thanks to a steller love story. And even a few decades later, it’s hard to deny the catchiness of the tunes. The cast has definitely gotten older in the real world, but they’ll forever remain young in this movie.
Rocky Horror Picture Show – the next time you’re looking for something fun to do on Halloween, make sure to revisit this movie. The new generation enjoys it with irony, while old fans love it for what it is. You can dress up and sing along, and any major urban area will undoubtedly have gatherings of fans. This is definitely a movie where you let go of your inhibitions to watch. And singing along makes it even more fun, especially when you’re surrounded by people who love this crazy film.
One of the best ways to experience these films is with karaoke in the privacy of your own home. You can pick out your favorite tracks and sing them with your friends. This article comes from the Karaoke Machine Guide where you can check out a list here of the best equipment that can turn your living room into a party palace where you can relive some of these classic movies.
~Terri Guillemets
