Top 10 Best Movie Musicals of the 20th Century

These movie musicals will be remembered even a century later. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most entertaining, technically impressive, and culturally important musical films. Our countdown includes "Grease," "Cabaret," "West Side Story," and more! Did we forget YOUR favorite musical? Let us know in the comments below!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Musicals #Music #MovieMusicals #Classic #Songs

[@MsMojo]

Did we forget YOUR favorite musical? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Movie Musicals That Should NEVER Be Remade - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJLKiqOZqL6knKc

[@marcusyates3044]

RANKED! The SpongeBob Musical! The Addams Family Live! Beetlejuice the Musical Musical Musical!

[@jessetorres8738]

An underrated 20th century musical in my opinion is the 1954 film Brigadoon.

[@cindygeorge9938]

You forgot the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tim curry was awesome in that movie 🍿🍿

[@XmenSuperfanEmmaFrost]

The Rocky horror picture show should have earned a mention...

[@XmenSuperfanEmmaFrost]

@@marcusyates3044 It's movie musicals of the last century.

[@johnbuzzurro9756]

The fact that no one mentioned Seven Briides for Seven Brothers , Holiday Inn or even White Christmas should be a crime, but I am not here to judge. If you have never seen these , you should put them on your must watch list

[@APoliticalConfusionAndMess]

No uterus? No opinion.

[@amberjohnson4820]

I totally agree!!!

[@ascotberks2018]

I’m sorry, I don’t get 7 brides for 7 brothers. Why should it be on this list?

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@ascotberks2018I couldn’t see what others see in it

[@sophieirwin3497]

Seven brides for seven brothers is fantastic! How was it missed.?!

[@trinaq]

Kudos to Gene Kelly for performing the iconic rain dance when he had a fever. Now that's true dedication to your art!

[@manuelorozco7760]

I would be scared to do it if I had a fever

[@kathleengiesbrecht2084]

Talk about perseverance.

[@tfe1788]

10. Funny Girl 9. Rocky Horror Picture Show 8. Grease 7. Fiddle on the Roof 6. Mary Poppins 5. My Fair Lady 4. West Side Story HM. Top Hat HM. Oklahoma HM. Meet Me in St Louis HM. An American in Paris HM. Little Shop of Horrors HM. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory HM. Carousel 3. Sound of Music 2. The Wizard of Oz 1. Singing in the Rain

[@v.downes9608]

Carousel too.

[@tfe1788]

Damn I love that film, I can't believe I forgot it

[@DanGamingFan2846]

_West side Story_ is still has sone of the greatest musical numbers in history, an amazing cast in both the original, and the remake, and is still the best version of _Romeo and Juliet_ in my opinion.

[@julianaylor4351]

Have you seen the combined Romeo and Juliet that was done for King Charles the third's Coronation concert...combining a song from West Side Story, the ballet and Shakespeare as well as art school visuals?

[@sheilaholmes996]

Amen!

[@ConnorMiller417]

The Wizard of Oz can never be topped. It’s a family classic and Judy Garland’s performance inspired many young girls to get into the music industry. It’s sad that she will probably be forgotten within the next couple decades because I’m afraid they’ll pull movies from the 20th century off of TV.

[@lisam4066]

In my opinion that would be a disgrace and very sad

[@ellsay8987]

I’m 20 years old and I at least never forget her even by the time I turn 80

[@thechillindude4478]

Controversially the wizard of oz is the only story in the Oz franchise I can't stand despite it being the original

[@HavenKnight93]

Wizard of Oz will always be the GOAT. Best songs, best scores, best characters, best actors. (Considering they went through hell in development)

[@seanhorace925]

Lots of them are so good. I think you guys should’ve made this a top 20 list to include: .The Rocky Horror Picture Show .The Wiz .Jesus Christ Superstar .Chitty Chitty Bang Bang .Xanadu .Saturday Night Fever .Bedknobs and Broomsticks .The Muppet Movie .The Muppets Take Manhattan .Purple Rain

[@kijekuyo9494]

JC Superstar!

[@cedarnovak]

Little Shop of Horrors

[@chelseacanales8763]

The Sound of Music The Wizard of Oz West Side Story Singing in the Rain Meet Me in St Louis Those musicals are my mother’s favourites. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaclynsanture6643]

Mine too😊

[@genesisstanley8163]

I feel like seven brides for seven brothers should also be mentioned cuz the story is interesting and the songs are beautiful Especially that barn dance scene✨ can you talk about legendary💞😂 Its definitely one of my fav movie musicals💙

[@confessionofabookdragon]

Great musical!

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Musicals like "Grease" and "The wizard of Oz" are my childhood (specially since those musicals we're once performed at my school) therefore, thanks Ms Mojo and a happy tuesday morning to you as well. Take care and i hope i see you soon for more. God bless you and greetings from Colombia to you as well.

[@trinaq]

"West Side Story" has the most iconic choreography, I love that the brawl scenes were staged to make it look more like a dance than a full on fight.

[@manuelorozco7760]

That was one thing missing from the remake

[@user-ki6id4vt8u]

Cringe

[@jeank8061]

My Fair Lady is certainly up there in the realm of amazing musicals of the 20th Century!

[@jeffwatkins352]

Indeed! How did I forget to mention it in my lukewarm "review" of this list? Spot on call! Bravo.

[@teresacarosella7624]

I realize it was a short list, but there are so many musicals that didn't get a mention. Chicago, chorus line, fiddler on the roof, music man, hello dolly, and 7 brides for 7 brothers, just to name a few off the top of my head

[@tracysteele7652]

Where was Oliver and Saturday night fever not even listed in the honourable mentions

[@lostgirlcosplay14]

Oklahoma! My first introduction to musical theatre, cant beat Gordon Macrae and Shirley Jones.

[@patrickfort4467]

Cabaret and West Side Story are my two favorites, but also consider Holiday Inn - Crosby, Astaire, and Irving Berlin's music. What a combination, including one of the most popular songs of all time, White Christmas.

[@cair124]

Or, for that matter, "White Christmas", which was essentially a remake of Holiday Inn.

[@jessetorres8738]

An underrated 20th century musical in my opinion is the 1954 film Brigadoon.

[@roxy5588]

That movie is so good. Loved it so much Gene Kelly and Cyd Charise were an amazing duo.

[@scvcebc]

In an episode of Modern Family, Mitchell and Cameron are arguing about whether Mitchell has enough building skills to put together their adopted daughter's playhouse. Mitchell boasted that he helped build the sets of his college production of Brigadoon and said: "Do you think the village of Brigadoon just magically appeared?"

[@AutumnGemKitty]

Just recently saw a theatre musical for the first time! Sunday In The Park With George was excellent to see in a theatre for their musical. It is a good story with lots of funny moments in it 😂

[@15Candles]

Me : *Haven't watch the whole video, sees the title only* Also me : *Singing' In The Rain is absolutely number one*

[@theluschmaster]

We did the singing in the rain number in Primary School, gosh .. memories!

[@kazaussieyarnaholic5503]

I love Oklahoma and I'm not a huge fan of musicals. This was interesting to watch.

[@manuelorozco7760]

The stage version is better than the movie

[@chazarcola7639]

OLIVER ( 1968 ) directed by Carol Reed. THE BOYFRIEND ( 1971 ) directed by Ken Russell.

[@jeffwatkins352]

As a dedicated Ken Russell fan, I'm glad you mention TBF. While I wouldn't class it as one of the 10 best, I still love it. Interestingly, and I'm sure not by accident, it includes two of the SITR numbers. Ken was a wonderfully wicked lad, he was!

[@joannesmith2484]

My Fair Lady? South Pacific? Oliver!?

[@rscott2247]

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ? Phantom of the Opera ? Amadeus ?

[@joannesmith2484]

@@rscott2247 While it was a great movie with lots of great music in it, I don't think Amadeus would qualify as a musical. Different form.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Both ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and the original ‘West Side Story’ are equally good.

[@MarissaFloro]

The sound of music is my all time favorite musical movie and I wish I could see it on broadway

[@manuelorozco7760]

I saw a regional production last year on Mothers Day

[@roxy5588]

Singin' in the Rain is the GREATEST musical film PLAIN and SIMPLE! Nothing holds a candle to that masterpiece.

[@julianaylor4351]

Cabaret is based on a Christopher Isherwood novel, plus may I recommend looking at Weimar Republic art in an art gallery, which the director used as inspiration, giving the style he wanted for the visuals to the costume and set designers.

[@cynthialoza1071]

Seven brides for seven brothers ….

[@eisaacs7759]

Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hair, Annie (1982), Oklahoma!, The Wiz, White Christmas, Fiddler on the Roof, , The King and I, A Chorus Line, Pirates of Penzance

[@squirrlmonkey2]

Justice for Little Shop of Horrors!! MsMojo herself is on my list

[@ILJ68]

One of my all time favourites not even mentioned. Hair! (1979) dir. Miloš Foreman. A truly powerful story was created from a stage musical without a liner plot line. Iconic numbers Aquarius, Hair! Let the Sunshine In, Easy to be Hard, I Got Life. All set during the Vietnam War in the late 60’s. Magical performances by John Savage, Beverley D’Angelo and Treat Williams. Wonderful choreography by Twyla Tharp. Just wonderful.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I’ve always had a soft spot for musicals for some reason. I guess because I can’t sing and dance, so I gravitate towards them

[@Adammonte9000]

How is My Fair Lady not on this list?! Not even an honorable mention?!

[@LaLayla99]

Honorable mentions- Hello Dolly! and White Christmas.

[@kskollections2142]

Totally agree with your choice of Singing in the Rain as #1! My all time favorite movie! Good Morning is my favorite song from the movie!

[@paulhuggard3162]

The fact that Oliver! is never mentioned in these lists astounds me. The movie is just as good as the phonomenal stage musical moving around scenes to great effect. I still believe it is the best movie musical and musical in general alongside Sound of Music and it is a crime not to mention it on this list.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Some underrated 20th century musicals I really like are You Were Never Lovelier with Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth, and Romance On The High Seas with Doris Day

[@TylerDawnRosenquist]

South Pacific is my absolute fave.

[@chrispeare]

A Star is Born (1954) should be number two behind Singin’ in the Rain.

[@LJB103]

While I have to agree with Singin' In The Rain as #1, I'd put Gigi right after it. What about My Fair Lady and The King and I?

[@97anluwagi62]

I love all these movies! However, was "Oliver!" not considered? It won Oscar Best Picture. Also Little Shop of Horrors.

[@bobbylee_]

The Whiz and The Rocky Horror Picture Show are among my favorites. Evita, Chicago and Moulin Rouge get high marks.

[@reginalopez2117]

love musicals, great list... i still think Chigago and Moulin Rouge should be up there.

[@LaLayla99]

Those are 21st century movies, not 20th. And yes, Chicago is #1. 🙂

[@julianaylor4351]

Met Me In St Louis features Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Four honourable mentions Top Hat, On The Town, High Society and South Pacific.

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

What about Sister Act?? Not enough singing, or no dancing??

[@manuelorozco7760]

I think it’s more music driven than a full blown musical

[@nerd26373]

We will always support this channel. They're the best at everything.

[@robinsmith5442]

How about Porgy and Bess? I love Gershwin!

[@kellyoyen3421]

I recognize Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

Could you do a video of the top 10 best animated musicals of the 20th Century?

[@shamoiyethman3656]

I love watching your channel always such great videos always can’t wait for the next upload love it

[@MsMojo]

Thanks so much

[@gracehowell.]

'South Pacific' would've been better without the colour filters they used, but it's an important musical. And 'The King and I'... I would MARRY the score of 'The King and I' if I could.

[@Pablorcct]

What about hello dolly, yentl, sweet charity or the rose with Bette Midler?

[@JackieBorelli]

yeah it’s wild that they picked Blues Brothers but not The Rose

[@kylejohnson6867]

Wow, I admire the effort taken to create a list of the 10 best of anything. Most of the effort unfortunately will be second guessed or analyzed until the joy is gone, but I hope not. I enjoy the work your channel creates for its viewers, thank you. (Now here comes that second guessing I was talking about). No love for “My Fair Lady,” it couldn’t be because of the dubbed voice work because Debbie Reynolds’ singing was dubbed for “Singing In the Rain.” Just wondered by it didn’t make the cut.

[@KenpoStan]

Guys and Dolls should be in the top three!

[@KCLynne]

Anyone? Chicago? Where is the love for that brilliant adaptation???

[@vernonjones8304]

Chicago is 21st century.

[@JackieBorelli]

Chicago came out in 2002, so not a 20th century movie musical

[@christiancrow1177]

Annie deserves at least an honorable mention.

[@tealbingy5450]

Thanks for including The Bandwagon. Storywise, it's not the best, but the musical numbers are wonderful! I'd put it higher than you did. Others deserving of notice "Annie Get Your Gun", "Hello Dolly", "Cover Girl", and "It's Always Fair Weather". And Annie for using Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan.

[@Kizzy-pu4he]

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS!!!!! Wonderful songs and incredible dancing!

[@minx2528]

Cabaret, West Side Story, and The Music Man are all timeless and flawless.. Also, the Sound of Music, and Grease..

[@manuelorozco7760]

Mary Poppins was my first live action movie musical! I also love Grease. Sound of Music is semi holiday viewing tradition

[@carlfrano6384]

My Fair Lady, Gigi, A Star is Born (the 1954 version.) Singing in the Rain is #1

[@coltonwayne3226]

The greatest Musical of all time is there's no business like show business. It's never mentioned its never on any list. It's so underrated. Great music great performances amazing cast great story. The movie has everything.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Wonderful movie musicals indeed! 💖

[@meridithg.42]

Mary Poppins below CABARET??? Seriously?? That's a crime right there.

[@alexhidalgo7110]

Absolute the wizard of oz

[@ROCKONplaceboforever]

Absolutely I love the sound of music it holds a surprise place in my heart my nanny and I watched it all the time ❤ I going a tattoo for tribute to her and it my life was forever changed by it great list

[@rjleslee]

South Pacific! So exotic n enchanting shld be on the list.

[@you6382tube]

OKLAHOMA! how could it not be mentioned?

[@harryorenstein1144]

It's your list, so obviously there is no right or wrong. My list would include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 42nd Street, and Lili (and an honorable mention for Victor/Victoria).

[@michelles4]

The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins👍but I would have added Victor/Victoria and White Christmas.

[@KyleWillLivingston]

I personally think Grease is the best :).

[@manuelorozco7760]

Same here! Along with Mary Poppins

[@dramac333]

Interestingly, two of your choices featured Oscar Levant, whom Sean Hayes won a Tony Award for playing in "Goodnight, Oscar". Both films take advantage of Levant's amazing piano talents, as the stage play takes advantage of Hayes' own piano talent.

[@Anjuli50]

What about Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? A Star is Born (1954 version)

[@Kpopk1ng]

Oh my gosh almost all of these movie musicals will be my favorite. I would like to thank my grandmother for introducing me to Sound of Music, Singin’ in the rain, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, Meet me in Saint Louis. Thanks to my dad for introducing me to Grease, thanks to my stepdad for introducing me to West Side Story

[@theluschmaster]

Mary Poppins is the movie where the frackaliciousdomenitrius 🤷🏽‍♀ song is right?

[@richardharris8867]

Oklahoma? South Pacific? Carousel? My Fair Lady? Hello Dolly?

[@joepaul7088]

No mention of Gypsy, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma or The Music Man? I would put all 4 of those ahead of The Band Wagon.

[@Queenfan-kh1bz]

Mary Poppins deserves to be higher

[@JackieBorelli]

right? purely for “feed the birds”, it’s such a beautiful song

[@manuelorozco7760]

So does Grease

[@slp1964]

No Oklahoma, Showboat, or Fiddler on the Roof? How about Umbrellas of Cherbourg or My Fair Lady? I mean, all of these are better than Grease, for pete's sake!

[@krystleb7566]

Two of my faves would include Little Shop of Horrors & The Rocky Horror Picture Show

[@hevd1705]

Wow.... Rocky Horror not even mentioned!! It's one of the best musicals period!

[@confessionofabookdragon]

Some of my favorite movie musicals of the 20th Century are: Singing in the Rain, Meet Me In St Louis, West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Holiday Inn, White Christmas, State Fair, Mary Poppins, Grease, Grease 2, The Music Man, Babes in Toyland, and many more

[@williamfairchild7439]

My favourite classic movie musical is The Sound of Music

[@hunterolaughlin]

Disappointed other 20th century musical films like My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof and Little Shop of Horrors didn’t make the list or honorable mentions. By the way, I’m planning to do a graphic novel which will be a legacy sequel to Little Shop of Horrors in the future.

[@tigerlily0719]

You omitted one of the best ever. 7 Brides For 7 Brothers showcases Howard Keel's operatic range like no other. Jayne Powell's performance is not equaled and it was the first movie that put Russ Tamblyn on the map. I normally agree with most of mojo's choices, but not this time.

[@laurathomas1988]

My favourites are My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Easter Parade, Holiday Inn

[@O1dmanwalker]

The Wiz & The Blues Brothers

[@blossom114]

The second I saw the video posted I KNEW #1 was going to be Singing in the Rain. My personal favorite movie is Meet Me In St Louis...but I knew the #1 would have to be SITR. Was in a stage production of it 18 years ago and ... it was something else. In the good way.

[@greatfilmmaker]

I would have bet money at the start. At number 10 that you were gonna say singing in the rain as number one. Because you like Gene Kelly even though he hasn't done Half the things( Can't play 3 musical instruments)Was a producer of the Director in television Starring in 24 movie and Kennedy center honors emmy and tony award nominee Headliner in Vegas and put out 51 albums with 24 movies (Again starring roles). . that's Sammy Davis, Jr has done. Even you know that list is out of order.

[@rachelleanonymous2740]

Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is the best. You can't top Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother! How did this not even get an honorable mention????

[@manuelorozco7760]

Maybe it’s because they only showed the movies that were developed for the big screen in mind

[@joannatrefethen1197]

I drew up an 'alternate top 10' list that is perhaps less dance-centric than yours and more focused on the music, lyrics, and unique (even quirky) storytelling. Fiddler on the Roof My Fair Lady Oklahoma Guys & Dolls The King & I South Pacific Damn Yankees On the Town Jesus Christ Superstar Paint Your Wagon (a guilty pleasure) I might have added Chicago if it had been made a few years earlier.

[@chrisgeenadriver1631]

My top 3: Grease, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz

[@kennethferrari5232]

Two With Love and Little Shop Of Horrors are my favorites.

[@stevegallo8483]

Not even an honorable mention for Holiday Inn, White Christmas, Saturday Night Fever or The Music Man? They at least deserved at least that much. Xanadu is an underrated classic.

[@adriangarcia543]

Willy Wonka Bedknob and broomstick

[@user-mp7ts3ny3b]

These are old classics. I love them but I think Hamilton is the greatest now.

[@cathm8523]

Where are Oklahoma, Carousel, Seven brides for seven brothers, The Music Man, Fiddler on the roof? You missed so many obvious choices, need a bigger list!!

[@tltatt]

My top favorites: 3. My Fair Lady 2. The Wizard of Oz 1. Singin' in the Rain

[@yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst]

I hate that they ask do you agree with our picks....... Here's a better question..... Will you change them if i don't? Didn't think so 😂

[@its_notmiax]

Grease has a special place in my heart it is all my favourite elements of a movie in one I honestly also love Olivia and it’s always a bop How can I explain wizard of oz My childhood in a movie love it all Willy Wonka Same as Wizard if it I think I’ve watched it 50 times