I have ranked, in my opinion, the twenty greatest musicals of all time. I tried to keep a good list, but when musicals are done well, it is hard to rank them.
This time, I ranked based on the production in general, how well they adapted from the Broadway show, and how good the entire ensemble was. I thought about looking at the songs, too, but it was hard because even #20 had some catchy songs.
Disclaimer- I do have a couple of Disney movies on here, so don't get mad and claim they are not musicals, they totally are!
20. The Wiz
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Themla Carpenter, Cicely Tyson, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor
In 1977, director Sydney Lumet decided to take the idea of The Wizard of Oz and turn it into a movie with modern colors, different music, and African-Americans as all of the characters. Even though based on a Broadway play in 1974, the 1978 adaptation changed up a couple of things.
She's not in Harlem anymore. Dorothy gets lost in the wonderful world of Oz where she meets a cast full of colorful characters including a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion.
The same director that made Dog Day Afternoon and Murder on the Orient Express made an end to the blaxploitation era of the early '70's by means of a musical. The songs are really catchy and the colors are great.
Singer Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, adult comedian Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, and Broadway legend Ted Ross and the Cowardly Lion all play the key roles to a T.
While The Wiz is a good musical, it is not a great musical.
19. Hairspray
Year: 2007
Director: Adam Shankman
Starring: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifa, James Marsden, Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow, Elijah Kelly, Allison Janney, Paul Dooley, Jerry Stiller, and Nikki Blonskey
Looking back at history from 1900 to 2000, America has gone
through some drastic changes. There are historical movies out there that
demonstrate how segregation ruined people's lives. However, would you expect
this from a musical?
1962,
Baltimore, pleasantly plump Tracy Turnbald has one dream- to be on the Corny
Collins Show (a dance show featuring the most popular teenagers). While
fighting the dishonorable station manger and seeing the effects of racism up
close and in person, Tracy wants to make a change, one song at a time!
The movie is has some well seasoned cast members including Michelle Pfeiffer as
the station manager, Velma von Tussle, Christopher Walken as Tracy's dad (also
the owner of a joke shop), James Marsden played Corny Collins, and Queen Latifa
was Motormouth Maybelle, the black version of Corny who hosted on "Negro
Day". John Travolta sticks out for playing Tracy's mother, set up for
a man in drag.
The musical is good, but sometimes seems a little overbearing. One problem I
did find is that Tracy wants to be accepted for her flaws, but does want to
accept others for theirs.
18. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Director: Adam Shankman
Starring: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifa, James Marsden, Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow, Elijah Kelly, Allison Janney, Paul Dooley, Jerry Stiller, and Nikki Blonskey
Looking back at history from 1900 to 2000, America has gone
through some drastic changes. There are historical movies out there that
demonstrate how segregation ruined people's lives. However, would you expect
this from a musical?
1962,
Baltimore, pleasantly plump Tracy Turnbald has one dream- to be on the Corny
Collins Show (a dance show featuring the most popular teenagers). While
fighting the dishonorable station manger and seeing the effects of racism up
close and in person, Tracy wants to make a change, one song at a time!
The movie is has some well seasoned cast members including Michelle Pfeiffer as the station manager, Velma von Tussle, Christopher Walken as Tracy's dad (also the owner of a joke shop), James Marsden played Corny Collins, and Queen Latifa was Motormouth Maybelle, the black version of Corny who hosted on "Negro Day". John Travolta sticks out for playing Tracy's mother, set up for a man in drag.
The musical is good, but sometimes seems a little overbearing. One problem I did find is that Tracy wants to be accepted for her flaws, but does want to accept others for theirs.
Year: 2007
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helene Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Alan Rickman
Probably one of the more darker
musicals out there, this retelling of the infamous Broadway play is a good
one.
In London, 1846, barber Sweeney Todd finds thrill in killing his clients with a
straight razor while his associate, Ms. Lovett, bakes the victims into meat
pies. Evil Judge Turpin suspects something weird is going on, but can't prove
it.
The film has Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman in the leading
parts, which all three do extremely well. Tim Burton is a great director, but
for a musical, this gets little depressing and the story is heavy.
When most people think of musicals, they envision Disney or Julie Andrews, not
Johnny Depp slitting throats of people in London.
17. Little Shop of Horrors
Year: 2007
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helene Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Alan Rickman
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helene Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Alan Rickman
Probably one of the more darker
musicals out there, this retelling of the infamous Broadway play is a good
one.
In London, 1846, barber Sweeney Todd finds thrill in killing his clients with a straight razor while his associate, Ms. Lovett, bakes the victims into meat pies. Evil Judge Turpin suspects something weird is going on, but can't prove it.
The film has Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman in the leading parts, which all three do extremely well. Tim Burton is a great director, but for a musical, this gets little depressing and the story is heavy.
When most people think of musicals, they envision Disney or Julie Andrews, not Johnny Depp slitting throats of people in London.
Year: 1986
Director: Frank Oz
Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, James Belushi, John Candy, Christopher Guest, Paul Dooley, Bill Murray, and Steve Martin
The "Halloween" musical, Little Shop of Horrors started Off-Broadway, got on Broadway, and became a famous movie musical all in a span of five years! I feel Hamilton will be very similar.
Nerdy Seymour works for a florist shop, Mushnik's Skid Row Florists in San Francisco. He finds a spectacular Venus Fly Trap that has a taste for human blood. As he develops feelings for Audrey, his co-worker, the plant begins to grow and grow. Soon, Audrey's sadistic boyfriend disappears, then Mr. Mushnik....
I adore Little Shop of Horrors, it is probably one of my favorite musicals of all time. From the colors, the over tones, the songs, I love it!
Who can forget Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello??
However, it deserves #17 because it could have been done so much better, and the rest of the list has about one or two things more well developed than Little Shop.
Director: Frank Oz
Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, James Belushi, John Candy, Christopher Guest, Paul Dooley, Bill Murray, and Steve Martin
The "Halloween" musical, Little Shop of Horrors started Off-Broadway, got on Broadway, and became a famous movie musical all in a span of five years! I feel Hamilton will be very similar.
Nerdy Seymour works for a florist shop, Mushnik's Skid Row Florists in San Francisco. He finds a spectacular Venus Fly Trap that has a taste for human blood. As he develops feelings for Audrey, his co-worker, the plant begins to grow and grow. Soon, Audrey's sadistic boyfriend disappears, then Mr. Mushnik....
I adore Little Shop of Horrors, it is probably one of my favorite musicals of all time. From the colors, the over tones, the songs, I love it!
Who can forget Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello??
However, it deserves #17 because it could have been done so much better, and the rest of the list has about one or two things more well developed than Little Shop.
16. Annie
Year: 1982
Director: John Huston
Starring: Albert Finney, Carol Burnette, Bernadette Peters, Ann Reiking, Tim Curry, Geoffery Holder, Edward Herrmann, and Aileen Quinn
It is a hard knock life for some people out there. The musical
Annie gave household names to the characters of Miss Hannigan and Daddy
Warbucks, made people know what the hard knock life was really about, and
showcased that tomorrow the sun will always come out.
In Depression-era New York City, little orphan Annie lives in the
hell hole orphanage of ran by the Valium needing Miss Hannigan. Across town,
Oliver Warbucks, a billionaire businessman, claims he is taking an orphan in
for a week. Annie gets picked, while Miss Hannigan plots a get-rich-quick
scheme.
Directed by John Huston, I honestly thought this movie would
be a better movie. While it is good, that is all it is. Watching the movie, I
thought to myself they could have reduced some of the musical numbers down
drastically.
I did enjoy it a lot, with Albert Finney and Carol Burnette
sticking out as golden actors, Broadway legend Ann Reiking has an amazing
singing voice, and Tim Curry does his best at being nothing but a
petty thief.
Director: John Huston
Starring: Albert Finney, Carol Burnette, Bernadette Peters, Ann Reiking, Tim Curry, Geoffery Holder, Edward Herrmann, and Aileen Quinn
It is a hard knock life for some people out there. The musical
Annie gave household names to the characters of Miss Hannigan and Daddy
Warbucks, made people know what the hard knock life was really about, and
showcased that tomorrow the sun will always come out.
In Depression-era New York City, little orphan Annie lives in the
hell hole orphanage of ran by the Valium needing Miss Hannigan. Across town,
Oliver Warbucks, a billionaire businessman, claims he is taking an orphan in
for a week. Annie gets picked, while Miss Hannigan plots a get-rich-quick
scheme.
Directed by John Huston, I honestly thought this movie would
be a better movie. While it is good, that is all it is. Watching the movie, I
thought to myself they could have reduced some of the musical numbers down
drastically.
I did enjoy it a lot, with Albert Finney and Carol Burnette
sticking out as golden actors, Broadway legend Ann Reiking has an amazing
singing voice, and Tim Curry does his best at being nothing but a
petty thief.
15. Aladdin
Year: 1992
Director: Ron Clements & John Musker
Starring: Scot Weinger, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Hyde, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale, and Robin Williams
While "Message in a Bottle" is a popular song, I believe
the movie about a genie in a lamp is even more so.
In Egypt (?) in an unspecified time period, evil Jafar plots to
steal a special lamb that holds magical powers. Whomever posesses it can
basically control the world. Luckily, it ends up in the hands of theif Aladdin,
who has his eyes on Princess Jasmine.
Aladdin is great, and if I could (which I probably will one day)
is rank all of the Disney movies, Aladdin would be ranked highly. However, when
in comparision to other musicals, it is only #15 because it is a cartoon and it
is okay, but just another Disney movie in the end.
Robin Williams is the best talent as the Genie, hands down.
Director: Ron Clements & John Musker
Starring: Scot Weinger, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Hyde, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale, and Robin Williams
While "Message in a Bottle" is a popular song, I believe
the movie about a genie in a lamp is even more so.
In Egypt (?) in an unspecified time period, evil Jafar plots to
steal a special lamb that holds magical powers. Whomever posesses it can
basically control the world. Luckily, it ends up in the hands of theif Aladdin,
who has his eyes on Princess Jasmine.
Aladdin is great, and if I could (which I probably will one day)
is rank all of the Disney movies, Aladdin would be ranked highly. However, when
in comparision to other musicals, it is only #15 because it is a cartoon and it
is okay, but just another Disney movie in the end.
Robin Williams is the best talent as the Genie, hands down.
14. The Little Mermaid
Year: 1989
Director: Ron Clements & John Musker
Starring: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Rene Auberjonois, Ben Wright, and Buddy Hackett
The movie that brought Disney back from the grave, The Little
Mermaid deserves to be on this list. In 1988, Disney was in a slump after a
couple of unsuccesful productions.
In the 1700's, a beautiful mermaid wants to be human. She notices
a man on a she falls in love with immediatley. Anyways, she sells her voice to
evil sea witch Ursula in order to be human for three days. Only catch, if she
doesn't kiss the man in those three days, she will be human forever with no
voice.
Disney struck gold with The Little Mermaid from the begining. From
Sebastian singing calypso to Ursula belting out Poor Unfortunate Souls, the
musical is great. The only problem is that it will always compare to the other
Disney movies after it.
While The Little Mermaid is great, the Disney musicals following
just took the plot and did it better. However, I do think that this is one of
the best Disney movies of all time.
Director: Ron Clements & John Musker
Starring: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Rene Auberjonois, Ben Wright, and Buddy Hackett
The movie that brought Disney back from the grave, The Little
Mermaid deserves to be on this list. In 1988, Disney was in a slump after a
couple of unsuccesful productions.
In the 1700's, a beautiful mermaid wants to be human. She notices
a man on a she falls in love with immediatley. Anyways, she sells her voice to
evil sea witch Ursula in order to be human for three days. Only catch, if she
doesn't kiss the man in those three days, she will be human forever with no
voice.
Disney struck gold with The Little Mermaid from the begining. From
Sebastian singing calypso to Ursula belting out Poor Unfortunate Souls, the
musical is great. The only problem is that it will always compare to the other
Disney movies after it.
While The Little Mermaid is great, the Disney musicals following
just took the plot and did it better. However, I do think that this is one of
the best Disney movies of all time.
13. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Year: 1975
Director: Jim Sharman
Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien, Patricia O'Quinn, Jonathan Adams, Meat Loaf, Peter Hinwood, and Sir Charles Gray
I tried really hard to make The Rocky Horror Picture Show #13 because
it not only deserves it, but it is dark and related to Halloween, like the #13.
'
Newly engaged Brad and Janet are on their way to visit their
mentor, Dr. Scott. On the way, their car gets a flat tire and they stop for
some help. The particular castle they stop at has an elaborate party going on.
The host is a sweet transvestite who created Rocky Horror, the perfect man for
him. This isn't what Brand and Janet hoped for.
From the songs, the colors, and the character development, The
Rocky Horror Picture Show was an instant classic. Many of their fans being of
the LGBT community, the cult status associated with this particular musical
is phenomenal.
The Time Warp is always regarded as one of the best songs in a
musical. It is obvious to see why. (My personal favorite song from this is
"Dammit Janet")
It is astounding how much following this movie has!
Director: Jim Sharman
Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien, Patricia O'Quinn, Jonathan Adams, Meat Loaf, Peter Hinwood, and Sir Charles Gray
I tried really hard to make The Rocky Horror Picture Show #13 because
it not only deserves it, but it is dark and related to Halloween, like the #13.
'
Newly engaged Brad and Janet are on their way to visit their
mentor, Dr. Scott. On the way, their car gets a flat tire and they stop for
some help. The particular castle they stop at has an elaborate party going on.
The host is a sweet transvestite who created Rocky Horror, the perfect man for
him. This isn't what Brand and Janet hoped for.
From the songs, the colors, and the character development, The
Rocky Horror Picture Show was an instant classic. Many of their fans being of
the LGBT community, the cult status associated with this particular musical
is phenomenal.
The Time Warp is always regarded as one of the best songs in a
musical. It is obvious to see why. (My personal favorite song from this is
"Dammit Janet")
It is astounding how much following this movie has!
12. My Fair Lady
Year: 1964
Director: George Cukor
Starring: Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, Wilfred-Hyde White, Gladys Cooper, Jeremy Brett, and Audrey Hepburn
My Fair Lady is an age old classic. Everyone has heard those three
words and knows the famous tune.
Distinguished professor Henry Higgins takes in inner city girl
Eliza Doolittle and forms her into a classy woman.
One of the most well adapted stories of all time, every movie goer
has seen My Fair Lady.
The film made brought back Rex Harrison from the broadway play.
Julie Andrews was going to play Eliza, a character of which she originated from
the stage, but the studio thought Audrey was more bankable.
Director: George Cukor
Starring: Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, Wilfred-Hyde White, Gladys Cooper, Jeremy Brett, and Audrey Hepburn
My Fair Lady is an age old classic. Everyone has heard those three
words and knows the famous tune.
Distinguished professor Henry Higgins takes in inner city girl
Eliza Doolittle and forms her into a classy woman.
One of the most well adapted stories of all time, every movie goer
has seen My Fair Lady.
The film made brought back Rex Harrison from the broadway play.
Julie Andrews was going to play Eliza, a character of which she originated from
the stage, but the studio thought Audrey was more bankable.
11. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Year: 1971
Director: Mel Stuart
Starring: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Leonard Stone, Dodo Denney, Ursula Reit, Julia Dawn Cole, Denise Nickerson, Paris Themmen, Michael Bollner, and Jack Alberston
"Come with me, and you'll see a world of my creation"
Willy Wonka sings as he tours five children and their respective parents into
his factory. Will Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will be a classic long after
I die.
Inner city Charlie hears that Mr. Willy Wonka will be opening his
candy factory to five children who found golden tickets in a Wonka Bar. During
the tour, the children start disapearing like rabbits while disobeying the
rules. Eventually, all that is left is Charlie.
I can be confident in saying that all across the world when the
name Willy Wonka is spoken to you, you think of Gene Wilder wearing that big
purple hat. That is why this musical is #11.
The story itself is actually pretty morbid. An older man allows
children to tour his chocolate factory, only for them to be handled in a way
they "deserve". The children are great. August, the greedy kid;
Violet, the know-it-all; Veruca, the spoiled one; Mike, the obsessive one, and
then Charlie, the humble one.
Everyone enjoys Willy Wonka.
Director: Mel Stuart
Starring: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Leonard Stone, Dodo Denney, Ursula Reit, Julia Dawn Cole, Denise Nickerson, Paris Themmen, Michael Bollner, and Jack Alberston
"Come with me, and you'll see a world of my creation"
Willy Wonka sings as he tours five children and their respective parents into
his factory. Will Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will be a classic long after
I die.
Inner city Charlie hears that Mr. Willy Wonka will be opening his
candy factory to five children who found golden tickets in a Wonka Bar. During
the tour, the children start disapearing like rabbits while disobeying the
rules. Eventually, all that is left is Charlie.
I can be confident in saying that all across the world when the
name Willy Wonka is spoken to you, you think of Gene Wilder wearing that big
purple hat. That is why this musical is #11.
The story itself is actually pretty morbid. An older man allows
children to tour his chocolate factory, only for them to be handled in a way
they "deserve". The children are great. August, the greedy kid;
Violet, the know-it-all; Veruca, the spoiled one; Mike, the obsessive one, and
then Charlie, the humble one.
Everyone enjoys Willy Wonka.
10. Grease
Year: 1978
Director: Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton- John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conway, Didi Conn, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Jamie Donnelly, Dinah Manoff, Sid Caesar, and Eve Gardner
The movie that help launched John Travolta's career, made Olivia
Nweton-John more well known, and brought back acting legends like Sid Ceaser
and Eve Arden, Grease is hands down one of the most popular plays and movies of
all time.
Wholesome
Sandy has just moved to Rydell. Her neighbor Frenchy is involved with The Pink
Ladies, a group of "bad" girls. She makes friends with them and then
discovers that they all have male counterparts of 'T-Birds", many of them
are couples. Danny, the lead greaser finds Sandy attractive and he tries to
change for her, while she is trying to change for him.
I
have no doubt when "Summer Nights" or "You Are the One That I
Want" are played, you can picture the movie and the actions involved with
the words. Grease has a lasting effect on the movie goers. Who can forget
"Grease Lightning?"
However, Grease has been overdone again and again and again. I would not
be suprised if every high school in America has done Grease, or some knock off
version (Canola Oil? lol)
Grease is good, but so are the other musicals on this list. Correction- they
are great.
Year: 1978
Director: Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton- John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conway, Didi Conn, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Jamie Donnelly, Dinah Manoff, Sid Caesar, and Eve Gardner
Director: Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton- John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conway, Didi Conn, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Jamie Donnelly, Dinah Manoff, Sid Caesar, and Eve Gardner
The movie that help launched John Travolta's career, made Olivia
Nweton-John more well known, and brought back acting legends like Sid Ceaser
and Eve Arden, Grease is hands down one of the most popular plays and movies of
all time.
Wholesome
Sandy has just moved to Rydell. Her neighbor Frenchy is involved with The Pink
Ladies, a group of "bad" girls. She makes friends with them and then
discovers that they all have male counterparts of 'T-Birds", many of them
are couples. Danny, the lead greaser finds Sandy attractive and he tries to
change for her, while she is trying to change for him.
I
have no doubt when "Summer Nights" or "You Are the One That I
Want" are played, you can picture the movie and the actions involved with
the words. Grease has a lasting effect on the movie goers. Who can forget
"Grease Lightning?"
However, Grease has been overdone again and again and again. I would not be suprised if every high school in America has done Grease, or some knock off version (Canola Oil? lol)
Grease is good, but so are the other musicals on this list. Correction- they are great.
However, Grease has been overdone again and again and again. I would not be suprised if every high school in America has done Grease, or some knock off version (Canola Oil? lol)
Grease is good, but so are the other musicals on this list. Correction- they are great.
9. Singin' in the Rain
Year: 1952
Director: Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen
Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse, and Donald O'Connor
Today's generation may not know who
Gene Kelly is, but they have heard of Singin in the Rain. It is an age old
classic.
As movies went from silent to sound, many
people were effected in the process. When two silent movie stars', Don Lockwood
and Lina Lamont, latest movie is made into a musical a chorus girl is brought
in to dub Lina's speaking and singing. Don falls for the girl dubbing Lina.
However, Lina does not know her voice is being used until later.
Usually ranked in the top 5 of any musical ever made, I have it at #9 because
this film has aged a little, but it is still so good! When you see the rest of
my list, you will understand why Singin' in the Rain is #9.
I do like Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in this movie. They are solid, as
usual. Donald O'Connor, who is know a dead character actor legend, shines more
so than anybody in this musical.
Next time it rains, go out and sing in it.
8. Mary Poppins
Director: Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen
Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse, and Donald O'Connor
Today's generation may not know who
Gene Kelly is, but they have heard of Singin in the Rain. It is an age old
classic.
As movies went from silent to sound, many people were effected in the process. When two silent movie stars', Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, latest movie is made into a musical a chorus girl is brought in to dub Lina's speaking and singing. Don falls for the girl dubbing Lina. However, Lina does not know her voice is being used until later.
Usually ranked in the top 5 of any musical ever made, I have it at #9 because this film has aged a little, but it is still so good! When you see the rest of my list, you will understand why Singin' in the Rain is #9.
I do like Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in this movie. They are solid, as usual. Donald O'Connor, who is know a dead character actor legend, shines more so than anybody in this musical.
Next time it rains, go out and sing in it.
8. Mary Poppins
Year: 1964
Director: Robert Stevenson
Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Matthew Garber, Karen Dotrice, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns
Mary Poppins taught us to do our chores, be nice to others, and
spell really long words. It is a golden movie in general, let alone for just
musical movies.
The wealthy Banks family need a new nanny bad. They hire magical Mary Poppins,
which the kids eventually love. Taking them on adventures with her chimney
sweep friend, Bert, the children try to let Mary's cheery attitude rub off on
their parents.
One of these age old classics I keep rambling about. Mary will be around for
forever. I really don't have to write too much about it.
Director: Robert Stevenson
Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Matthew Garber, Karen Dotrice, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns
Mary Poppins taught us to do our chores, be nice to others, and
spell really long words. It is a golden movie in general, let alone for just
musical movies.
The wealthy Banks family need a new nanny bad. They hire magical Mary Poppins, which the kids eventually love. Taking them on adventures with her chimney sweep friend, Bert, the children try to let Mary's cheery attitude rub off on their parents.
One of these age old classics I keep rambling about. Mary will be around for forever. I really don't have to write too much about it.
7. Chicago
Year: 2002
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Renee Zewlleger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs, Colm Feore, Lucy Lui, Dominic West, and Richard Gere
In 1975 Chicago came out on Broadway. It had Gwen Verndon, Chita Rivera, and Jerry Orbach as the leads. Twenty years later in 1994, it was revieved for Broadway starting Ann Reiking, Bebe Neuwirth, and James Naughton, in their respective roles. Then, in 2002, it finally became a movie, for it which it was highly successful.
In 1920's Chicago, inner city Roxie inspires to be a vauldville dancer. However, she kills the man she is cheating on her husband with, leaving her to go to jail. While in jail, she finds Velma Kelly, who is a famous performer who bumped off her sister and husband. The girls have one common characteristic- they share the same lawyer, Mr. Billy Flynn (who's track record is phenominal).
Gritty, sexual, politically incorrect, Chicago is probably my personal favorite musical of all time. I am in love with it. The songs are great from "All That Jazz" to "Razzle Dazzle Em", the writers know what they were doing.
The film goes from noir to mystery to courtroom all in a matter of an hour. I have not personally met anybody who did not like Chicago.
Just remember, he had it coming. If would have been there and if you were to see it, you would have done the same.
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Renee Zewlleger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs, Colm Feore, Lucy Lui, Dominic West, and Richard Gere
In 1975 Chicago came out on Broadway. It had Gwen Verndon, Chita Rivera, and Jerry Orbach as the leads. Twenty years later in 1994, it was revieved for Broadway starting Ann Reiking, Bebe Neuwirth, and James Naughton, in their respective roles. Then, in 2002, it finally became a movie, for it which it was highly successful.
In 1920's Chicago, inner city Roxie inspires to be a vauldville dancer. However, she kills the man she is cheating on her husband with, leaving her to go to jail. While in jail, she finds Velma Kelly, who is a famous performer who bumped off her sister and husband. The girls have one common characteristic- they share the same lawyer, Mr. Billy Flynn (who's track record is phenominal).
Gritty, sexual, politically incorrect, Chicago is probably my personal favorite musical of all time. I am in love with it. The songs are great from "All That Jazz" to "Razzle Dazzle Em", the writers know what they were doing.
The film goes from noir to mystery to courtroom all in a matter of an hour. I have not personally met anybody who did not like Chicago.
Just remember, he had it coming. If would have been there and if you were to see it, you would have done the same.
6. West Side Story
Year: 1961
Director: Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins
Starring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland, William Bramley, and Ned Glass
West Side Story is another golden film. Grease stole from it, Little Shop of Horrors inspires to be it, and Chicago wishing it was better than it.
A musical about gangs, The Jets and The Sharks are fighting for control of their "territory". Of course, the leader of the Sharks younger sister falls in love with the leader of the Jets and it gets ugly fast.
I can't tell you how many references and puns this film has generated over the years of its existence. From the opening fight to the emotional ending, it is a musical for the ages. I just really enjoyed watching this musical.
The songs are great, the locates is sub par, and Natalie Wood looks more beautiful than ever in her role as a one gang members sister and another gang members lover.
Go watch it, you will not be disappointed.
Starring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland, William Bramley, and Ned Glass
West Side Story is another golden film. Grease stole from it, Little Shop of Horrors inspires to be it, and Chicago wishing it was better than it.
A musical about gangs, The Jets and The Sharks are fighting for control of their "territory". Of course, the leader of the Sharks younger sister falls in love with the leader of the Jets and it gets ugly fast.
I can't tell you how many references and puns this film has generated over the years of its existence. From the opening fight to the emotional ending, it is a musical for the ages. I just really enjoyed watching this musical.
The songs are great, the locates is sub par, and Natalie Wood looks more beautiful than ever in her role as a one gang members sister and another gang members lover.
Go watch it, you will not be disappointed.
5. Beauty & the Beast
Year: 1991
Director: Kirk Wise & Gary Troubsdale
Starring: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Hal Smith, Jo Anne Worley, and Angela Lansbury
Being the only animated movie to ever be nominated for Best Picture, of course it would be high on the list.
Sweet Belle sends her elderly father off to an invention fair. On his way their, a storm starts and he goes to a close castle for help. Turns out a beast lives in there and has held him hostage. Once Belle goes looking for him, she discovers the same castle. She pleas for the beast to take her over her father and he does. Eventually, the beast lightens up to her and they start falling in love.
The songs are amazing, the set spectacular, and the overall feel for this movie is not like a typical Disney movie. Beauty & the Beast is a prime example of what animation should be. The followup to The Little Mermaid, it took the same formula and characters and just mad it 100x better.
The movie was genious in casting broadway legends like Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, and Angela Lansbury in the key supporting roles of Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts, respectivvely.
The thing with Beauty and the Beast is that while it is a Disney movie, it is an amazing story that does not feel like animation at all.
So, be our guest and enjoy the last four picks!
Director: Kirk Wise & Gary Troubsdale
Starring: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Hal Smith, Jo Anne Worley, and Angela Lansbury
Being the only animated movie to ever be nominated for Best Picture, of course it would be high on the list.
Sweet Belle sends her elderly father off to an invention fair. On his way their, a storm starts and he goes to a close castle for help. Turns out a beast lives in there and has held him hostage. Once Belle goes looking for him, she discovers the same castle. She pleas for the beast to take her over her father and he does. Eventually, the beast lightens up to her and they start falling in love.
The songs are amazing, the set spectacular, and the overall feel for this movie is not like a typical Disney movie. Beauty & the Beast is a prime example of what animation should be. The followup to The Little Mermaid, it took the same formula and characters and just mad it 100x better.
The movie was genious in casting broadway legends like Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, and Angela Lansbury in the key supporting roles of Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts, respectivvely.
The thing with Beauty and the Beast is that while it is a Disney movie, it is an amazing story that does not feel like animation at all.
So, be our guest and enjoy the last four picks!
4. The Wizard of Oz
Year: 1939
Director: Victor Fleming
Starring: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, and Frank Morgan
If you got this far in the list and didn't expect the Wizard of Oz to be in the Top 5, stop reading it now.
Farm girl Dorothy gets her house swept away in a tornado and she is now in the remarkable world of Oz. However, it turns out her house landed on the evil Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkin's of their ruler. A good witch tells her the only way home is to follow the yellow brick road to see the Wizard of Oz, who will send her back. Along the way, she encounters The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion.
One of the most iconic movies of all time, the Wizard of Oz remains well regarded, even after 80 years of existence.
When mentioned "if I only had a brain", a persons mind automatically goes to the Scarecrow in the field with Dorothy.
3. Les Miserables
Director: Victor Fleming
Starring: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, and Frank Morgan
If you got this far in the list and didn't expect the Wizard of Oz to be in the Top 5, stop reading it now.
Farm girl Dorothy gets her house swept away in a tornado and she is now in the remarkable world of Oz. However, it turns out her house landed on the evil Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkin's of their ruler. A good witch tells her the only way home is to follow the yellow brick road to see the Wizard of Oz, who will send her back. Along the way, she encounters The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion.
One of the most iconic movies of all time, the Wizard of Oz remains well regarded, even after 80 years of existence.
When mentioned "if I only had a brain", a persons mind automatically goes to the Scarecrow in the field with Dorothy.
3. Les Miserables
Year: 2012
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Ann Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Conhen, Tom Wilkinson, and Helena Bonham Carter
Victor Hugo's Les Miserables is one of his greatest works.
After 19 years of prison, Hugh Jackman is set free and breaks his parole. Only to help others and eventually becomes mayor. Russell Crowe, an officer, fights to get Jackman back to prison. Jackman eventually adopts a daughter and soon all hell breaks loose.
Les Miserables is a great musical and an excellent story. The sets and songs and cast are superb.
It's a great film, and many people rank this aomng their favorites. To be honest, I am not too familar with this one, but I do know it deserves to be number 3.
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Ann Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Conhen, Tom Wilkinson, and Helena Bonham Carter
Victor Hugo's Les Miserables is one of his greatest works.
After 19 years of prison, Hugh Jackman is set free and breaks his parole. Only to help others and eventually becomes mayor. Russell Crowe, an officer, fights to get Jackman back to prison. Jackman eventually adopts a daughter and soon all hell breaks loose.
Les Miserables is a great musical and an excellent story. The sets and songs and cast are superb.
It's a great film, and many people rank this aomng their favorites. To be honest, I am not too familar with this one, but I do know it deserves to be number 3.
2. The Lion King
Year: 1993
Director: Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Moira Kelly, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Madge Sinclair, Robert Guillaume,Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and James Earl Jones
From earlier when I was talking about Disney movies being on the list, of course The Lion King would be in the top 5!
In Africa, young Prince Simba has the world at his fingertips. When his evil Uncle Scar plots and successfully kills King Mufasa in a "freak accident", he forces Simba to leave and never come back. Years later, after meeting interesting characters, Simba comes home to take back the thrown.
Okay, I know it is basically Hamlet, but who cares?! It is the LION KING!
The reason The Lion King is #2 is because it is honestly one of the most well done movies ever. It could arguably be ranked as one of the greatest movies of all time.
Leading off the cast is Matthew Broderick as Simba, with Sir Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Cheech Marin, Madge Sinclair, and James Earl Jones as King Mufasa, all in supporting roles. Probably one of the most star-stubbed cast of all time.
The Lion King leads us into the number one spot....
Director: Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Moira Kelly, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Rowan Atkinson, Madge Sinclair, Robert Guillaume,Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and James Earl Jones
From earlier when I was talking about Disney movies being on the list, of course The Lion King would be in the top 5!
In Africa, young Prince Simba has the world at his fingertips. When his evil Uncle Scar plots and successfully kills King Mufasa in a "freak accident", he forces Simba to leave and never come back. Years later, after meeting interesting characters, Simba comes home to take back the thrown.
Okay, I know it is basically Hamlet, but who cares?! It is the LION KING!
The reason The Lion King is #2 is because it is honestly one of the most well done movies ever. It could arguably be ranked as one of the greatest movies of all time.
Leading off the cast is Matthew Broderick as Simba, with Sir Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Cheech Marin, Madge Sinclair, and James Earl Jones as King Mufasa, all in supporting roles. Probably one of the most star-stubbed cast of all time.
The Lion King leads us into the number one spot....
1. The Sound of Music
Director: Robert Wise
Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, and Richard Haydn
If you were wondering if The Sound of Music is on here, it is!
The Von Trapp kids are in for an awakening. Their father, a stuffy Naval captain, hires a new governess for them as he continues helping the war. Everyone falls madly in love with their new governess, all with the backdrop of World War II.
The Sound of Music almost plays like an opera. Watching Julie Andrews sing and dance and bring happiness to the Von Trapp family is great. She really fits the bill as Maria.
The only one who did not agree with this movie was Christopher Plummer, who does not talk about it at all, which is a shame.
I may be wrong, but I think The Sound of Music is one of the most influential films of all time. The music is good, the cast is golden, but the story and plot by itself bring me to rank this little musical as #1. I do believe it is a gold mind.
What do you think? Leave comments!
