The film musical it's hard not to love as a genre, with dynamic dance numbers, soulful songs, and familiar characters that fans will remember from the staged versions. Hollywood has recently embraced musical films, finding success with them at the box office.and, as Jon M. Chu Evilor Oprah Winfrey The color purple.
However, the film musical has been popular for many decades, with several becoming classics, surpassing even the legacy of their original theatrical shows. One of the main recipes for success of these musicals are the big musical numbers that stand out specifically to the audience. For example, “Dancing Queen” in Mom Mia! and “Carnaval Del Barrio” in In the heights, These are moving moments together that paint colorful representations of both communities in their future films. Whether it's big, upbeat numbers or smaller, emotional songs that move the audience, these standout musical moments from the film help capture the spirit of their shows.
10
“America”
West Side Story (1961)
West Side History is a classic that has enchanted musical theater fans for many generations. In fact, the show has remained so popular that it was brought back to screens in 2022 by Steven Spielberg. Although there are several iconic songs in West Side Historyone of them stands out for its captivating vocals, impressive dancing and fun performance: “América”. In the number “América”, Rita Morena leads the song as Anita, Maria's protective older sister-in-law. Eventually, the rest of the Sharks, the Puerto Rican gang that Anita's boyfriend belongs to, and their girlfriends, begin to participate.
Dressed in a variety of colorful 1960s dresses and suits, the gang begins dancing on the roof of their New York City home. It's hard not to find this visually dynamic and exciting number entertaining, especially with Rita's impressive dancing skills. Furthermore, what makes “America” such a strong number is his intelligent commentary on the challenging experience of Puerto Rican immigrants in the 1960s in the United States. While it's one of the show's more upbeat numbers, “America” comments on the central themes of class and racism that West Side History spins around.
9
“You are the one I want”
Grease (1978)
Another equally fun dance number is “You're the One that I Want” by Grease. Since its launch in 1978, Grease has been one of Hollywood's most popular musical theater films, known for its stacked cast, catchy songs, and over-the-top depiction of the 1950s. Grease saves her most over-the-top number for the end, “You're the One I Want.” The song, sung by Olivia Newton as “Sandy” and John Travolta as “Danny”, shows their reunion at the high school fair.
After feeling like she doesn't fit into Danny's bad boy lifestyle, Sandy shows up to surprise him with her new outfit and makeover, an outfit much more promiscuous than she is used to wearing. Eventually, the entire group of high school students joins in the song and dance, before the two lovers depart in a flying car. With a catchy pop melody, fun cast moments, and a colorful backdrop, “You're the One that I Want” sums up the fun of Grease perfectly.
8
“Cel Block Tango”
Chicago (2002)
Chicago is an Oscar-winning musical film starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly. The musical, which follows a pair of female assassins in the 1920s, has been a favorite on Broadway and on screen for many years. Although there are several fun songs together Chicago, “Cell Block Tango” is one of the most unique of the film adaptation. “Cell Block Tango” is sung by the six, “Merry Murderesses”, a group of women in the Cook County Jail who were accused of murdering their husbands and partners for the mistreatment and abuse they faced.
|
Character name |
History in Song |
|
Liz |
“Pop” |
|
Annie |
“Six” |
|
June |
“Crush” |
|
Hunyak |
“Uh, uh” |
|
Mona |
“Lipshitz” |
|
Velma Kelly |
“Cicero” |
Although many of the women are not protagonists, except for Velma, they make an impact on the audience in each of their solo moments in the song, each describing the humorous way they ended up in prison for their crimes. Additionally, the technical aspects of this film number are impressively staged, with bright lighting that mimics the 1920s film noir style, something that perfectly matches the era and style of the original musical.
7
“Disguise”
Phantom of the Opera (2004)
The Phantom of the Opera is a popular musical from the mind of Cameron Mackintosh, based on the original story by Gaston Leroux. Over the years, it has seen several film adaptations, but none are as well-known as the 2004 film. This musical film beautifully paid homage to the original stage version and its famous number, “Masquerade”, is a lavish, beautifully filmed depiction of the world of the musical.
In “Masquerade”, the members of the opera company, along with Christine Daaé (Emmy Rossum) and her fiancé, Raoul (Patrick Wilson), sing a celebratory song about the company's success, especially now that the Phantom (Gerard Butler) has died. is missing. Originally designed to open the second act of the show “Masquerade” lifts the spirits of the show like a fake happy ending, with its beautiful costumes, scenery and beautiful sweeping harmonies.
This powerful moment is not only visually stunning, but also emotionally moving, and ends in dramatic fashion with the surprise return of the Phantom. For these reasons, the song is perfectly representative of the heady, romantic world of Phantom of the Opera.
6
“La Vie Bohème”
Rent (2005)
Rent is a gritty, loud and raw adaptation of the classic opera, La Bohème. The film was released in 2005 and became an instant cult classic among musical theater fans. Although many moments in the film are serious in their theme, “La Vie Boheme” is a fun moment for the audience to enjoy.“La Vie Boheme” is sung by the show's protagonists, including Mimi (Rosario Dawson), Roger (Adam Pascal), Joanne (Tracie Thorns), Maureen (Idina Menzel), Angel (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), Tom (Jesse L. Martin ) and Mark (Anthony Rapp).
The hilarious number begins when the protagonists are having dinner to celebrate the success of Maureen's protest show. Chaos ensues as they tease the waiters, dance on the tables and get other restaurant patrons to join in. With a catchy melody and several hilarious moments included in the choreography, “La Vie Boheme” is a perfect example of the spirit of Rent.
5
“Dancing Queen”
Mom Mia! (2008)
Mom Mia! has one of the most recognized soundtracks in music history as a jukebox reimagining of ABBA's musical songs. It's hard not to fall in love with the film for its joyful celebration of Greek culture, the music of ABBA and the plot that revolves around the wedding of its protagonist, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried). It's no surprise that the featured song in Mom Mia! is “Dancing Queen”. The number is started by Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), who sing the song to cheer up their friend Donna (Meryl Streep).
Soon, the ladies begin a dance party that continues through the streets of their small Greek town, with members of the town joining together for a powerful ensemble moment. The song ends when everyone jumps into the ocean to swim, laughing and carefree. The mix of fun 1970s disco-inspired choreography, pleasant themes, and picturesque scenery is a testament to the charm of Mom Mia!.
4
“You can't stop the beat”
Hairspray (2007)
Hairspray
Hairspray is a musical comedy directed by Adam Shankman, based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Set in 1960s Baltimore, it follows teenager Tracy Turnblad, played by Nikki Blonsky, who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show. Featuring performances from John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron, the film explores themes of racial integration and body positivity.
- Director
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Adam Shankman
- Release date
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July 19, 2007
- Execution time
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115 minutes
- Writers
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Leslie Dixon, John Waters, Mark O'Donnell, Thomas Meehan
“You Can't Stop the Beat” is another emotional number from the 2007 film, Hairspray. The film follows the life of Tracy, a passionate dancer who becomes a star overnight in the 1960s. The 2007 film features a star-studded cast of names like John Travolta (Edna Turnblad) and Zac Efron (Link Larkin). There are lots of opportunities for fun dance numbers in Hairspray due to the nature of the show and its catchy music.
However, “You Can't Stop the Beat” is one of the show's most memorable numbers, for its fun and upbeat nature, as well as what it means to the context of the show. Until then, there was segregation in the show in terms of dancers, but in this final number everyone can dance together on stage. Complete with stunning dances, colorful costumes and lighting, “You Can't Stop the Beat” is a celebration of social progress and love.
3
“Epilogue”
Les Miserables (2012)
Les Misérables It was controversial when it hit theaters in 2012, due to its departure from elements of the show and its casting choices. However, the film's emotional impact and impressive set/costumes managed to attract the attention of many members of the public. One moment in particular that has a strong emotional effect is the end of the film, with the number, “Epilogue”.
At this point in the film, tragedy seemed to befall most of the main characters, who had died or lost loved ones in the failed revolution. Things continue to be difficult for their leader, Valjean (Hugh Jackman), when he falls fatally ill following the events of the rebellion. However, when he passes by, he reunites with all the fallen characters in heaven, and they sing a beautiful and powerful reprise of “Do You Hear the People Sing”. The reunion of the cast, as well as the beautiful photography and visuals, make this one of the film's most memorable moments.
2
“Neighborhood Carnival”
In the Heights (2021)
In the heights is a recent musical sensation created from the minds of Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Jon M. Chu. The film was well received by fans of the theatrical musical, which follows the lives of several young people living in the Latino community of Washington Heights, New York. In the heights there are several great group dance numbers, but few compare to “Carnival Del Barrio,” a song started by Daniela (Daphne Rubin-Vega), who is joined by other members of the community.
Despite the suffering caused by the heat wave that forced them to leave their homes, the community comes together to entertain themselves by celebrating the different cultures of their neighborhood. The large ensemble, high energy nature of the number makes it stand out as a powerful and fun number to watch on screen. It also represents the heart of the show, which highlights the special relationships in the Washington Heights community.
1
“Defying Gravity”
Perverse (2024)
Another successful film musical by Jon M. Chu is Evilthe 2024 film that became an instant box office hit. This version of the popular 2003 show tells the touching story of the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Evil is a triumph for several reasons, with its stacked cast, stunning costumes, and captivating choreography. There are many popular music numbers on the show, but none are as impactful as the show's final song, “Defying Gravity.”
Elphaba's song “Defying Gravity” takes place as she plans her escape from Oz. In addition to the powerful vocals and musicality of the number, his candid and emotional conversation with Glinda during the song is moving to watch. The number ends with Elphaba cinematically flying while the other characters watch her transformation in amazement. Perhaps no other song in the show demonstrates the magic of Evil than this final moment.