When you hear a song like Singin’ in the Rain, you cannot help but think about Gene Kelly’s iconic performance. That’s exactly what a great musical film is capable of doing to its audiences. Musicals are entertainment escapades, be it a historical plot or a contemporary one.
Singin’ in the Rain is one of the most popular musicals in celluloid history. The story was about a silent film actor who struggled his way into the speaking roles, during the transition from silent film era to talkies. (Popular Song: Singin’ In The Rain).
The King and I is based on a theatrical play, which was originally adapted from a biographical novel Anna and the King of Siam. Yul Brynner played the King. As a stage actor he was already familiar with playing that part for Broadway theaters. Yul’s role as the King made him an overnight onscreen movie star. Beautiful music, brilliant performances, amazing settings; it’s a prolific musical indeed. (Popular Songs: I Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, We Kiss in a Shadow).
West Side Story was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but the plot was cleverly set into the contemporary 60s. The story centered around two rival New York City street gangs and a love story that gets tragically caught in the middle. It is one of the most popular musicals on stage and screen of all time. (Popular Songs: I Feel Pretty, The Rumble).
The Sound of Music is a delightful musical, filled with vibrant compositions. Julie Andrews was extraordinary one of the best silver screen musicals ever made. (Popular Song: The Sound of Music).
The Wizard of Oz one of the finest musicals ever made. Dorothy’s bizarre adventures in the land of Oz have universal themes that appeal to every new generation of viewers, year after year. The timeless music of the film perfectly blends the world of fantasy with morals. It is probably the most loved musical in cinema history. (Popular Song: Somewhere Over The Rainbow).
Grease, John Travolta and singer Olivia Newton John teamed up for the 80s teenage musical. In the story they fall in love in a summer holiday. Packed with fun, dance and songs, it is an ideal musical. (Popular Song: You’re The One That I Want).
Tommy was a musical based on a rock album by The Who. Essential for all rock music lovers, it was a lament to all the children growing up in soldier families during World War II. (Popular Song: Pinball Wizard). Similarly Pink Floyd’s classic album The Wall, which reflects almost the same aspects, was also made into a musical soon after. (Popular Songs: Comfortably Numb, Another Brick in the Wall).
Aladdin is a musical animation, based on the story of the Arabian Nights. A mischievous street thief finds the genie of the magic lamp; falls in love with the princess; a wonderful movie and beautiful music. (Popular Song: Whole New World). Other notable timeless animated musicals are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King.
Moulin Rouge is considered as the revival of musical films. When musicals were no longer in the mainstream for decades, Moulin Rouge’s breakthrough success brought back the popularity of musicals again. The story was set in the 19th century underground world in Paris. Christian, a play writer came to Paris to follow his dreams, and fell in love with a courtesan, Satine. This mesmerising masterpiece is filled with contemporary jukebox and classic songs that really seamed Moulin Rouge’s world of fantasy and reality. It is considered one of the best musicals of all time, a real gem, a stir of spirits of freedom and love. (Popular Songs: Come What May, Nature Boy).
