Musicals
Usually with original soundtracks and grand performances, but they at least have something to do with music if they're in this list
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35 titles
- DirectorRandal KleiserStarsJohn TravoltaOlivia Newton-JohnStockard ChanningGood girl Sandy Olsson and greaser Danny Zuko fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?Also in my Top 10 list
The vibe of this movie and its soundtrack are superb. Every character has their own defining feature without feeling gimmicky, and Danny, Sandy, Rizzo and Kenickie all develop quite a bit throughout the film.
The car at the end still irks me to this day, but I can forgive it in this case - DirectorAdam ShankmanStarsJohn TravoltaQueen LatifahNikki BlonskyPleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.Watched in theaters
This soundtrack is also fantastic, and I think this cast is the strongest they've had yet (though I'm admittedly not very familiar with the Broadway casts). Blonsky was a perfect choice for Tracy, and it introduced some racial inequality themes that were thought-provoking for young me - DirectorRob MarshallStarsRenée ZellwegerCatherine Zeta-JonesRichard GereTwo death-row murderesses develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and a sleazy lawyer's attention.Heard the soundtrack before I watched the movie, but the soundtrack alone is phenomenal. Velma Kelly's development into a femme fatale is entertaining to watch, and John C Reilly has a great performance as Amos Hart, "Mr. Cellophane"
- DirectorNorman JewisonStarsTed NeeleyCarl AndersonYvonne EllimanFilm version of the musical stage play, presenting the last few weeks of Christ's life told in an anachronistic manner.Again, a fantastic soundtrack, we watched this all the time when I was little (usually on Easter). Caiaphus' voice is always a treat, and its unique take on biblical events is also cool to see
- DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.Awesome soundtrack, and a satisfying mix of creepy and whimsy. "This is Halloween" is always a jam
- DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.A classic, but I haven't watched it in years and don't have much to say
- DirectorBob FosseStarsLiza MinnelliMichael YorkHelmut GriemA female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them.A stellar soundtrack and great cast. I liked the method of having the performances actually confined to the cabaret while exploring a theme currently taking place in the story, rather than the cast themselves spontaneously breaking into song. I understand Liza Minelli's following now, but Joel Grey and Michael York deserve big props too. Super groundbreaking for its exploration of sexualities and heavy themes (burgeoning anti-semitism, sexual assault, abortion). Well worth a watch
Watched June 7th, 2019 with fmaily - DirectorJerome RobbinsRobert WiseStarsNatalie WoodGeorge ChakirisRichard BeymerTwo youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.Poignant tale of racial divides and inequality, blended together in a vibrant atmosphere with great choreography and a solid tracklist ("I Feel Pretty", "America", "Cool", and "Maria" are my favorites). A family favorite, and while it doesn't have as much personal influence, it was an enjoyable watch.
Watched February 16th, 2019 - DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterAlan RickmanThe legendary tale of a barber who returns from wrongful imprisonment to 1840s London, bent on revenge for the rape and death of his wife, and resumes his trade while forming a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett.The cinematography was really cool in this, with fluid transitions and some great screen grabs. The dull and dreary atmosphere partnered well with the grim subject matter, and I thought the bright splashes of red accentuated its gravity as well. The singing was solid, especially since most of the cast weren't professional singers; the characters and some of their motivations weren't explored fully (if at all), which detracted a bit from my overall experience, but I enjoyed it quite a bit nonetheless.
Also Horror; watched August 26th, 2017 with Mom - DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsRyan GoslingEmma StoneRosemarie DeWittWhile navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.I was particularly impressed with the color composition and score of this movie; the acting was great and the choreography was tasteful. The plot's resolution was also poignant and offered a nice take on typical romcom resolutions. I would say it's "overhyped" but certainly deserves its praise.
Watched July 14th, 2018 with family - DirectorTom HooperStarsHugh JackmanRussell CroweAnne HathawayIn 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.I wasn't expecting every line to be sung, but it was bold and cool to see. The characters were great, and the songs themselves were melancholy without being overly dramatic. Fantastic ending scene
Watched during the binge of Winter Break 2014 - DirectorJason MooreStarsAnna KendrickBrittany SnowRebel WilsonBeca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.Watched multiple times on bus trips throughout high school. Brought a capella into the mainstream, something which shows like "The Sing-Off" could never quite accomplish
Also, this is one of the start points for girl power films in recent years (or at least it seems that way to me) - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsZac EfronVanessa HudgensAshley TisdaleA popular high school athlete and an academically gifted girl get roles in the school musical and develop a friendship that threatens East High's social order.Quite possibly defined a generation, and jump-started most of its stars' careers. Even if it is overly cheesy, it's a nostalgia trip
- DirectorThomas KailAlex RudzinskiStarsJulianne HoughAaron TveitVanessa HudgensAfter enjoying a summer romance, high school students Danny and Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High. There Sandy must contend with cynical Rizzo and the Pink Ladies in attempt to win Danny's heart again.Hough did a great job with Sandy, and Hudgens was also fun to watch as Rizzo. The male cast was a bit weak in my opinion, but it was cool to see some of the soundtrack songs not included in the original movie performed here. Carly Rae Jepsen's original song was so-so
- DirectorElizabeth BanksStarsAnna KendrickRebel WilsonHailee SteinfeldAfter a humiliating command performance at The Kennedy Center, the Barden Bellas enter an international competition that no American group has ever won in order to regain their status and right to perform.It's very rare for a sequel to live up to its predecessor, but this did a solid job. The Green Bay Packers were a hilarious addition
- DirectorSamantha JayneArturo Perez Jr.StarsAngourie RiceReneé RappAuli'i CravalhoCady Heron is a hit with the Plastics, an A-list girl clique at her new school. But everything changes when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.I went into this entirely blind and surprisingly enjoyed a lot of the soundtrack (basically all songs except Cady's ironically, and Janis had weirdly the greatest number of songs but they were generally good). The cast did a good job (Damien, Janis, Gretchen and Regina were the best for me) and I liked the callbacks to the original film. I think this could have been a bit stronger if it hadn't relied on the iconic quotes from the original (even if this was basically a straight up remake), and while I don't like this as much as the OG, I could see myself rewatching many times into the future.
Watched January 13, 2024 - DirectorAlan ParkerStarsRobert ArkinsMichael AherneAngeline BallJimmy Rabbitte, an unemployed Dublin boy, decides to put together a soul band made up entirely of the Irish working class.I liked this more than I expected. The soundtrack was great, and despite the almost gratuitously large cast, every character at least felt unique, and the actors performed well. It ended up being a movie about the journey and not the destination, which was cool to an extent, but it left me feeling fairly unsatisfied. I did enjoy it though.
Watched January 12th, 2018 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsJohn Lloyd YoungErich BergenMichael LomendaThe story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.Watched in theaters
I really liked the music, so this might be rated a bit too high (the movie itself wasn't particularly noteworthy) - DirectorJohn CarneyStarsFerdia Walsh-PeeloAidan GillenMaria Doyle KennedyA young lad notices a beautiful girl who begins to occupy his thoughts. While struggling with poverty, personal relationships and life's woes, he starts a band, hoping to catch her attention.Watched February 12th, 2017
Really liked Lucy Boynton, and the music was solid, but none of the band members were really fleshed out. I understand it was a coming-of-age/romance flick at the same time, but it left more to be desired - DirectorJohn CarneyStarsKeira KnightleyMark RuffaloAdam LevineA chance encounter between a down-and-out music business executive, and a young singer songwriter new to Manhattan, turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.Watched in two sittings, completed on February 16th, 2017
I liked this marginally more than Carney's other film on this list because it seemed tighter as a film, and it developed most of its essential characters to some degree. The soundtrack was also solid - DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy GarlandMargaret O'BrienMary AstorYoung love and childish fears highlight a year in the life of a turn-of-the-century family.This was pretty good and had some surprisingly humorous moments. My favorite songs were by far "Meet Me in St. Louis" and the absolute classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". The romance was decent but fairly rote. Even though this is often dubbed a Christmas movie, it really seemed like a general musical since it covered so many different seasons (and Halloween as well). Solid overall
Watched in multiple sittings, finished April 29, 2023 - DirectorTim BurtonMike JohnsonStarsJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterEmily WatsonWhen a shy groom practices his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her.I want to like this more than I actually do, but the visuals were nice, and Bonejangles' music was fun and catchy
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsTaye DiggsWilson Jermaine HerediaRosario DawsonIn New York City's gritty East Village, a group of bohemians strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic.This seemed very "New York" to me, so I didn't really get/have the background to fully appreciate living in the big city, but it was a decent time. I think it was compelling to explore topics such as AIDS, addiction, and cross-dressing, especially for its time. The soundtrack and performances were solid, but I only REALLY liked "Seasons of Love" and "Today 4 U".
Watched January 12th, 2018 - DirectorJohn WatersStarsSonny BonoRuth BrownDivineA 'pleasantly plump' teenager teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.I admittedly don't remember much about this, but I thought Link looked much to old for Tracy (we always say "he looked 40!"). This did give us the fantastic 2007 version though, so I can't be too mad at it.
Also, Divine is a classic at this point - DirectorAlbert MagnoliStarsPrinceApollonia KoteroMorris DayA young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise.My first R-rated movie, I barely remember it, but "When the Doves Cry" will always be one of my favorite songs, and I attribute that to this movie
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsJane PowellHoward KeelJeff RichardsWhen a backwoodsman in 1850s Oregon brings a wife home to his farm, his six brothers decide that they want to get married too.Catchy songs and admirable choreography, but the entire kidnapping/Stockholm syndrome premise that emerges later on in the film is fairly disturbing. I understand it was a different time period, but still.
Watched February 26th, 2019 - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsZac EfronVanessa HudgensAshley TisdaleSchool's out for summer and the East High Wildcats are ready to make it the time of their lives after landing jobs in a wealthy country club owned by Sharpay and Ryan's family.This wasn't actually that great of a movie, but we played the soundtrack over and over so it holds a special place in my heart
- DirectorJim SharmanStarsTim CurrySusan SarandonBarry BostwickA newly-engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter.This had some great cinematography and good performances from Curry and Sarandon, but I found the plot quite bizarre and hard to follow. In a musical, the plot typically isn't necessary for enjoyment, but I really only liked four songs in this ("Science Fiction/Double Feature" (plus its Reprise), "Dammit Janet", "The Time Warp", and "Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch-Me"). I'm glad I have finally watched the original, but I unfortunately just don't get it. I think I'd like it much more with the campy audience participation.
Watched October 20, 2023 - DirectorRichard LesterStarsJohn LennonPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonOver two "typical" days in the life of The Beatles, the boys struggle to keep themselves and Sir Paul McCartney's mischievous grandfather in check while preparing for a live TV performance.While I obviously enjoyed the early Beatles tunes, the nonsensical plot and absurdist, cheeky humor fell EXTREMELY flat for me. Worth only to understand what Beatlemania must have been like
Watched November 8, 2020 with family - DirectorTrish SieStarsAnna KendrickRebel WilsonBrittany SnowFollowing their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices.This jumped the shark the moment it became a hostage movie. It was a relatively satisfying conclusion but I don't think the romantic interests were necessary (though the guy with lily was kind of funny). The riff-offs were decent, and since it seemed mostly to be a "for fun" project (and maybe a bit of a cash grab too), I can't be super mad
Watched March 22nd, 2018 - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsZac EfronVanessa HudgensAshley TisdaleAs seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future.This could arguably go in the "Disney" list, as could some of the other titles here, but I think it fits the Musical category more than say, Teen Beach
Watched in theaters - DirectorPhyllida LloydStarsMeryl StreepPierce BrosnanAmanda SeyfriedThe story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA.Also Romcom, but I feel like it belongs here more than there. I don't remember much about this, other than disliking Pierce Brosnan's character
- DirectorKenny LeonAlex RudzinskiStarsDove CameronMartin ShortAriana GrandeA teenage girl living in Baltimore in the early 1960s dreams of appearing on a popular TV dance show.I was pretty disappointed in this one; maybe the live performance restricted some of the actors, but it wasn't all that entertaining to watch, and I think the plot sort of meandered, especially compared to the original or the 2007 version. That being said, Jennifer Hudson did a great job as Motormouth Maybelle, and I really liked Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad
Watched December 22nd, 2016 - DirectorLloyd BaconStarsWarner BaxterBebe DanielsGeorge BrentWhen the leading lady of a Broadway musical breaks her ankle, she is replaced by a young unknown actress, who becomes the star of the show.For a musical, this focused on a lot of dialogue with one big set of numbers for the last 20 minutes. There was some mildly interesting implications of the "cost of fame" and the blacklisting of starlets that don't submit to male producers' advances, and I liked the choreography. The music wasn't really my style either, so I have pretty mixed feelings overall
Watched May 31, 2023 - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsIvy LevanVictoria JusticeStaz NairA straitlaced, square couple, seeking shelter from a storm, find themselves in the castle of a transgender alien mad scientist intent on creating a buff bodybuilder.This was a bit too outlandish for me. Maybe I'd like the original better? I don't know
Laverne Cox, Victoria Justice and Ryan McCartan all did a pretty good job though, given that I wasn't the biggest fan of the movie itself