Watchlist: Musical Movies

Musical movies have always held a special place in cinema, blending storytelling with the

power of music to create something unforgettable. Unlike regular films, musicals rely on

songs not just as background fillers, but as the very heartbeat of the story. The soundtrack

isn’t an accessory, it is the narrative, carrying emotions, themes, and character arcs in a way that dialogue alone can’t. Soundtracks are the heartbeat of a movie. They set the mood, tell us how to feel, and often stick with us long after the credits roll. A single song can make a scene unforgettable. Music doesn’t just play in the background; it becomes part of the story, making action sequences more intense, love scenes more emotional, and dramatic moments more powerful. In fact, a great soundtrack can sometimes outshine the film itself, living on in playlists, radios, and pop culture history. Musical movies remind us of one timeless truth: stories may be told through words, but it’s the music that makes them unforgettable.

A Star Is Born (2018)

The fourth film adaptation of this story, Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut tells of a seasoned

musician (Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a rising star (Lady Gaga). Their

relationship unfolds through music, love, and tragedy, with powerful performances and songs

like “Shallow.” More intimate than traditional musicals, it’s raw and emotionally charged.

Where to watch: Disney+

Chicago (2002)

Set in the Jazz Age, this Oscar-winning film combines crime, fame, and corruption in a

dazzling musical style. Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere deliver

powerhouse performances in numbers like “Cell Block Tango.” Its sleek choreography and

cynical take on media and celebrity culture make it feel surprisingly modern, even though it’s

based on a 1926 play.

Where to watch: Netflix

Grease (1978)

One of the most iconic musical films of all time, Grease captures the energy, style, and spirit

of 1950s teenage life. This high-energy musical follows the story of John Travolta starring as

Danny and Olivia Newton-John starring as Sandy, their summer romance and the challenges

they face when they unexpectedly reunite at Rydell High. The movie is filled with catchy

numbers like “Summer Nights” and “You’re the One That I Want.” Its colourful style and

youthful charm made it a pop-culture phenomenon that still resonates decades later.

Where to watch: Prime Video

High School Musical (2006)

This cultural phenomenon follows Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), the star basketball player, and

Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), a shy new student with a gift for singing. When the

two unexpectedly audition for their high school’s musical, they challenge stereotypes, defy

peer pressure, and discover the joy of pursuing their true passions. With upbeat songs like

“Breaking Free” and “We’re All in This Together,” the film blends catchy pop tunes, fun

choreography, and a heartwarming message about self-expression and teamwork. Beyond its light-hearted charm, it sparked two sequels, a stage adaptation, and a lasting pop-culture

legacy that still resonates with fans today.

Where to watch: Disney+

La La Land (2016)

Damien Chazelle’s modern classic follows two struggling artists in Los Angeles—Mia

(Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)—as they chase dreams and fall in love. With

nostalgic nods to old Hollywood musicals, La La Land blends romance, ambition, and

bittersweet reality into a visually stunning and emotionally moving story. With breathtaking

numbers like “City of Stars” and “Another Day of Sun”, the film combines vibrant musical

set pieces with moments of raw intimacy. Its nostalgic nods to old-school Hollywood—complete with tap dances, sweeping camera work, and bold colours contrast with a grounded narrative about the sacrifices required to chase one’s dreams. Its bittersweet

ending sets it apart, showing the beauty and heartbreak of ambition.

Where to watch: Prime Video/Netflix

Les Miserables (2012)

An ambitious adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic, Les Misérables is a sweeping tale of love,

sacrifice, and redemption set against the backdrop of 19th-century France. Directed by Tom

Hooper, the film brings together an ensemble cast led by Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, a

former convict seeking a new life; Russell Crowe as Javert, the relentless inspector obsessed

with capturing him; and Anne Hathaway in her Oscar-winning role as Fantine, a tragic figure

whose suffering sparks some of the film’s most moving moments. Told almost entirely

through song, the film features iconic songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day

More” which carry the film’s emotional weight.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Mamma Mia (2008)

A sun-soaked celebration of love, laughter, and music, Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical

built around the timeless hits of ABBA. Set on a stunning Greek island, the story follows

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her

mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) past in hopes of discovering her real father. What unfolds is a

whirlwind of comedy, romance, and family chaos against a backdrop of sparkling seas and

unforgettable songs. With its colourful cast, infectious energy, and feel-good charm, it has

become a modern classic that makes audiences want to sing along and dance in their seats.

Where to watch: Netflix

Singin’ In The Rain (1952)

This movie follows the story of a silent film star who falls for a chorus girl just as he and his

delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking

pictures in 1920s Hollywood. Often hailed as the greatest musical of all time, this film is a

joyful tribute to Hollywood’s transition from silent films to “talkies.” Starring Gene Kelly,

Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, it features dazzling choreography and classic

numbers like “Good Morning” and the iconic “Singin’ in the Rain” sequence. It’s witty,

romantic, and a pure celebration of cinema’s golden era.

Where to watch: Apple TV/ Google TV

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Loosely inspired by P.T. Barnum’s life, this musical is all about spectacle and inclusivity.

Starring Hugh Jackman, the film follows Barnum’s journey from humble beginnings to

creating a dazzling circus that celebrates difference, diversity, and the joy of performance.

What makes the film shine is its energetic soundtrack, with anthems like “This Is Me,”

“Rewrite the Stars,” and “A Million Dreams” becoming global hits. Blending modern pop

sensibilities with historical flair, the movie offers a vibrant mix of music, choreography, and

visual spectacle. While it takes creative liberties with history, it’s uplifting, colourful, and

designed to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Where to watch: Disney+

The Sound Of Music (1965)

This movie follows the story of a young novitiate who is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria

to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer. Julie Andrews shines as Maria, the governess who brings music and joy into the lives of the strict Von Trapp family against the backdrop of World War II. Beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi” and “Edelweiss”

made it one of the most popular musicals ever. Beyond its sweetness, it tells a story of

resilience, love, and the power of music to unite people.

Where to watch: Disney+

West Side Story (2021)

A retelling of Romeo and Juliet set amid rival New York gangs, this musical blends romance,

tragedy, and social commentary. With Leonard Bernstein’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s

lyrics, songs like “Tonight” and “America” became cultural landmarks. This movie is the

second adaptation of the 1957 musical, the first being in 1961 which is a classic. Steven

Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation revitalized this movie for a new generation with stunning visuals

and inclusivity.

Where to watch: Disney+