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"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" (Moulin Rouge, 2001)
Hello, my lovely friends!
There is just something about the end of the week that gets my energy soaring and my brain buzzing with ideas. I’ve been sitting here trying to narrow down a top ten list for you all, and I actually gasped when I realized I haven’t covered this specific topic yet. I could have sworn it was one of the very first things I ever wrote about, but I’ve combed through the archives and—nope!—it’s nowhere to be found. How did I let that happen?
If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely adore musicals. They have such a special place in my heart, rooted in those lazy, cozy Sunday afternoons from my childhood. I can still picture sitting there with my mom, completely glued to the TV as we watched one classic movie after another. Many of them were big, sweeping musicals, and honestly, those memories are like a warm hug. There’s just a specific kind of magic in the way a movie musical can shift your entire mood.
What I love most is the pure, unadulterated feeling they give you. You know that "warm and fuzzy" sensation that starts in your chest and ends with a giant, uncontrollable smile on your face? That’s the power of a great song-and-dance number. Whether it's a grand romantic gesture or a high-energy ensemble piece, they just make the world feel a little bit brighter. I'm so excited to finally dive into this with you that I can’t do ten only. I went to 15 and even that I wanted to add more. I’m dying to know which ones hold a special place in your heart, so please head down to the comments and let me know what your favorites are.
There is just something so special about the way a story comes to life when the characters burst into song, isn’t there? Whether it’s the sweeping romance of a period piece or the high-energy pulse of a modern stage-to-screen adaptation, these films have a way of staying in our hearts long after the final credits roll. I’ve put together a list of some absolute classics and modern gems that never fail to lift my spirits or give me all the feels.
We have to start with the sheer spectacle of Moulin Rouge! and the vintage charm of Gigi, which both capture such different but beautiful sides of Parisian life. For those who love a bit of edge and atmosphere, Cabaret and Chicago bring that irresistible Fosse style and grit, while The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains the ultimate cult classic for anyone who wants to let their freak flag fly. And of course, no list would be complete without the pure, nostalgic magic of The Wizard of Oz—it’s a journey we’ve all taken so many times, yet it never loses its wonder.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more "sweet meets sinister," Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street offers that perfect Gothic blend of Sondheim’s genius and dark storytelling. On the flip side, Meet Me in St. Louis and State Fair are like a warm hug, filled with beautiful melodies and that classic Technicolor glow. For the theater kids at heart, Rent and the recent cinematic spectacle of Wicked bring that powerful Broadway energy straight to our living rooms, reminding us why we fell in love with these stories in the first place.
Rounding out this musical marathon are the high-energy favorites like Grease and The Greatest Showman, which are basically impossible to watch without singing along at the top of your lungs. And let’s not forget the athletic choreography of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers or the timeless perfection of Singin’ in the Rain. Honestly, just thinking about these movies makes me want to clear the furniture and have a dance party! I’d love to know which of these hits home for you—or if you have a "must-watch" that didn't make the cut. After all, life is just a little bit brighter when there’s a soundtrack playing in the background.
Top Ten Favorites - Movie Musicals
1. Moulin Rouge
2. Gigi
3. Cabaret
4. The Wizard of Oz
5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
6. Meet Me in St. Louis
7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
8. Chicago
9. Rent
10. Singin’ in the Rain
11. Grease
12. Wicked
13. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
14. The Greatest Showman
15. State Fair
So glad you could make it. Whether you’re starting your day or winding it down, I hope it’s a great one. Until we cross paths again—take care!
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Moulin Rouge and Gigi . . . GREAT movies! Cabaret and Chicago . . . I can watch those many times and still find something new! Rocky Horror Picture Show, well, not a huge fan, but did see that 3 times. The Wizard of Oz a classic from my childhood and again, a movie I watch over and over and still see more every time!
ReplyDeleteSweeney Todd – excellent! Love the old version and the one w/Johnny Depp. Meet me in St. Louis and State Fair -- sweet movies. Watched them both just before Easter. Haven’t seen Rent and did Enjoy Wicked. Beautiful story line.
LOVE Grease. And The Greatest Showman – what a showcase of Hugh Jackman’s incredible talent! OMG, yes, the choreography in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a spectacular song and dance movie. Have seen that MANY times. And of course, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, jean Hagen (hysterical as Lina Lamon), Rita Moreno, Cyd Charisse – could there be a better cast!
I love The Sound of Music. LOVE Julie Andrews’ voice. And Christopher Plummer. Such talent.movie
Ah yes, rainy day here . . . gonna pop in a mmovie!
HUGS and blessings
barb
1cd
Yes, rainy days are meant for movies. Seven brides for Seven Brothers remind me of rainy Sundays with my mom. We'd watch that one a lot. I could go on and on with musicals. I never tire of them. (((BIG HUGS)))
DeleteIt's Kathy. I do love musicals and I wish they would make more of them. I have seen most of your listed 15 and loved them. I think Singing in the Rain is my all time favorite, but I also love State Fair. When I was in grade school I was lucky enough to be in a play of State Fair! I still remember the song. Thanks for sharing your memories!
ReplyDeleteState Fair is my spring go to movie. I have to watch it first thing. I think Singin' in the Rain is just the best musical ever. It's pure perfection. I hope you're feeling well. (((BIG HUGS)))
DeleteYes, all of those on the list are wonderful. A couple more of my favourites are Hello Dolly and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever and of course My Fair Lady and Camelot! Oh, and The Sound of Music! And of course as I think on it Brigadoon too. When I was really little (about 4) I didn't understand the words to I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean. I thought they were singing - go home with a pound of cheese, which I always sang loud and clear in my little voice - Go home, go home, go home with a pound of cheese! No one in the family corrected me - I think they liked my version - LOL.
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