The 12 Best Movie Musicals of the Last Ten Years
'Moana' (2016)
You can't go wrong with a Disney movie. Moana is Disney's newest heroine, and she can belt it out with the best of them. Also, who knew The Rock could sing so beautifully?!
'Sing Street' (2016)
Sorry (not sorry) "La La Land," but "Sing Street" is 2016's best movie musical. What it lacks in glitzy, all-in-one-take musical numbers, it more than makes up for with an inspiring, moving story, and original '80s pop songs. For anyone feeling boxed in or wanting something more, “Sing Street” is the feature-length equivalent of the feeling you get when the dream you had becomes the life you’re having.
'Frozen' (2013)
At this point, we understand if you're sick of the song "Let It Go," but that doesn't it mean it isn't a jam. Do it at karaoke if you need a Mariah moment. Plus, the emotion of "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" and happiness of "Love Is an Open Door" make them low-key faves.
'Les Misérables' (2012)
If you want to be depressed by your movie musicals, "Les Misérables" is where it's at. Plus, if you can see the movie through all of your tears, the performances are out of the world.
'Sunshine on Leith' (2013)
"Sunshine on Leith" is one of the most underrated musicals ever. Going in, we were a little weary about a musical that only involves music by The Proclaimers, but it works. Plus, Antonia Thomas should be in everything.
'Mamma Mia!' (2008)
Less reading about this musical starring Meryl Streep and more re-watching it for the fabillionth time.
'The Princess and the Frog' (2009)
"The Princess and the Frog" is an underrated Disney movie, so give it a chance. It has a very specific sound, so if you're not into New Orleans jazz, then you likely won't rush to buy the soundtrack on iTunes ... but that doesn't mean you can't bob your head along to them.
'Begin Again' (2013)
The director of "Begin Again" may have regretted casting Keira Knightley in the lead role, but we think she was truly delightful. Her soft singing voice paired with the soothing tunes totally works. It definitely inspired us to leave scathing, musical voicemails.
'The Muppets' (2011)
We love the Muppets. We love musicals. Combine them and you've got Muppet musical magic.
'Pitch Perfect' (2012)
If we have "Glee" to thank for anything, it's making a capella popular. Who knew an a capella mashup of "Give Me Everything," "Price Tag," and "Don't You (Forget About Me)" would fill us with so much joy?
'The Greatest Showman' (2017)
This sleeper hit of the 2017 holiday season is a near-perfect crowdpleaser, thanks to its crazy-catchy songs and Hugh Jackman's effortless performance.
'Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again!' (2018)
This hit musical from Summer 2018 is the "The Godfather, Part II" of big-screen song-and-dance epics. This movie has EVERYTHING: Romance, logic-defying/"just-go-with-it" story beats, jump suits, amazing dance numbers, Cher (!), MORE jump suits, and scary-catchy ABBA songs. As beloved as the original movie is, this sequel more than captures the magic and entertainment of the first movie. It's the kind of movie you can't wait to see again with your friends.
