Though nowadays blockbuster cinema is dominated by superhero movies, it is still important to remember about other genres like musicals and biopics. These genres deserve way more love than they are currently getting.
But even those who don’t like musicals will find something here they will enjoy. After all, this is a genre that gets melded with others regularly, with such combinations as horror, coming-of-age, and others getting into the mix with musicals. Here are 10 Musicals To Watch If You Hate Musicals.
Grease (1978)
At the time of its release, Grease became the highest-grossing musical ever. Today, it is still considered a classic when it comes to musicals (though, admittedly, most of the cast playing teenagers are actually adults that looked as teenaged then as they do today).
Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in its title roles, the film was successful both critically and commercially. The reason why it is still so loved is because of its ageless romantic love story, impressive dance numbers, and overarching themes.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Not many people have seen this musical, but those who have usually regard it as one of the best and most original musicals ever made. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is an adaptation of Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical of the same name, with the film then winning numerous awards including Golden Globes and Academy Awards.
Starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in the main roles (along with Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, and Sacha Baron Cohen), it has a dark and gritty atmosphere and poses itself as a period slasher film, so you get the unusual combination of horror and musical.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Another classic from the world of cult musicals, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based on the musical production called The Rocky Horror Show. The reason why it is so great is that it parodies the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s-1960s.
Having developed a cult following over time, the film was panned by critics on its initial release. However, it soon became a midnight movie that significantly influenced the development of punk rock fashion, with fans dressing up as the characters from the movie.
Rocketman (2019)
Released only last year, Rocketman is a biopic about the famous British singer Elton John who is an icon both in the music world and in the LGBT community. What’s interesting is that Dexter Fletcher who directed this film also worked Bohemian Rhapsody, a biopic about Queen, a year before that.
Taron Egerton’s performance as John was praised by the critics alongside the numerous musical numbers and the costume designs in the film. Rocketman was eventually nominated and won various awards including BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards.
Les Miserables (2012)
Did you know that Hugh Jackman can sing? If you didn’t, then this is the film that will change your mind about Jackman’s musical abilities (and if you enjoy that, consider also watching The Greatest Showman afterward).
Les Miserables is an epic historical period musical was nominated and won many awards with the story set in the early 19th century France with the resolution happening during the June Rebellion. The protagonist is Jean Valjean, a reformed thief who has been hunted for decades by the policeman, Javert.
Aladdin (1992)
It is extremely important to note that musicals are not only live-action works, but also animated ones. This is why it would be a shame not to include at least one of Disney’s beloved classic animated feature films. Aladdin is one of the best of them.
Everybody knows the story, but not everyone knows how good the musical side of the film actually is. To this day, it remains the only Disney feature to earn a Grammy Award for Song of the Year for its theme song. It was also the highest-grossing animated feature film of all time until The Lion King surpassed it.
Sing Street (2016)
If you are looking for something fairly recent that is already considered a classic, Sing Street is a great film to check out. After all, this coming-of-age comedy-drama even earned a Golden Globe nomination and holds an insanely high 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is set in 1980s Ireland and tells the story of a boy who starts a band to impress a girl. The premise seems simple, but that is the essence of good musicals, and the film has so much heart in it that you will forget about its simplicity.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
If you enjoyed Sweeney Todd and want to see another great musical from Tim Burton with his dark fantasy style, then watching the stop-motion animation masterpiece that The Nightmare Before Christmas is should be a must for you.
Set in the fictional “Halloween Town,” it tells the story of Jack Skellington who finds a portal to “Christmas Town” and decides to celebrate Christmas instead of Halloween. The atmosphere is magical, and it is considered one of the best films to watch during Christmas or Halloween.
La La Land (2016)
You have probably heard about this film one way or the other. Apart from that awkward incident at the 2017 Academy Awards when it was mistakenly announced the Best Picture winner, La La Land has had a relatively successful story with its writer and director Damien Chazelle becoming the youngest person to win both the Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Director at the age of 32.
Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, it tells the story of a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress who fall in love while pursuing their careers in Los Angeles. Not to spoil anything, but this musical is probably one of the select few that defies any standard musical expectations.
The Lion King (1994)
When talking about Disney classics, it would be a tragedy not to mention The Lion King. Or rather, to not name it one of the best musicals ever made. Every aspect of this animated feature film is nearly perfect, so it would require a separate article to list everything.
Set in a fantasy version of Africa, and based in part on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it tells the story of the young lion Simba who succeeds his father Mufasa as the King of the Pride Lands. The situation is complicated by Simba’s uncle Scar killing Mufasa and persuading Simba that he is the one responsible for his father’s death.
