When we think of musicals, we usually think of the theatrical productions that we see on Broadway. We also think of reading those Playbill programs that accompany the musicals.
In addition, many of us remember singing along to the catchy songs and even trying to dance along with the choreography. Those elements are what make musicals iconic and successful.
According to Meriam-Webster, a musical is a "film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot."
Without further ado, these are the classic musical film adaptations that are worth watching.
Chicago (2002)
"Chicago" is based on the 1975 Broadway play of the same name by Bob Fosse. It was released on Dec. 27, 2002 in the United States.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger starred as murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart respectively, while Richard Gere portrayed the sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn.
In this movie, two murderesses are featured. One is Velma Kelly, who murdered her husband and sister after discovering them in bed together. The other one is Roxie Hart, who killed her lover after learning he was not going to make her a star. Soon, they develop a strong rivalry after find themselves on death row while competing for publicity and the attention of sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn.
Songs in the movie include "We Both Reached For the Gun," "Cell Block Tango" and "Roxie."
Watch the original trailer here.
Oliver! (1968)
"Oliver!" is a musical film adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel "Oliver Twist." It was released on Sept. 27, 1968 in the United Kingdom.
Mark Lester portrayed the nine-year-old orphan boy Oliver Twist, while Jack Wild, Joseph O'Connor, Ron Moody and Oliver Reed portrayed the Artful Dodger, Mr. Brownlow, Fagin and Bill Sykes, respectively.
Taking place in 1830s London, the movie is a about an orphan named Oliver Twist who escapes from the orphanage and meets a group of pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger and trained by criminal mastermind Fagin. When Mr. Brownlow, Oliver's intended mark, gives the young boy shelter, Bill Sykes plots to abduct Oliver.
"You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two" and "I'd Do Anything" are among the songs featured in "Oliver!"
Watch the original trailer here.
Top Hat (1935)
"Top Hat" is one of the musicals (ten, to be exact) from RKO Radio Pictures to feature Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as co-stars and dance partners. It was released on Sept. 6, 1935 in the United States.
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers starred as American tap dancer Jerry Travers and wealthy dress model Dale Tremont, respectively.
The movie centers around Dale Tremont who is on holiday in London and Venice. In a case of mistaken identity, she assumes the American tap dancer Jerry Travers is her friend Maggie's husband. However, it turns out that she is Horace Hardwick's (who is Jerry's business manager) wife.
Some of the songs featured in "Top Hat" include "Cheek to Cheek" and "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails."
Watch the original trailer here.
My Fair Lady (1964)
"My Fair Lady" is an adaptation of the theatrical production by Lerner and Loewe. It was released on Oct. 24, 1964 in the United States.
Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison starred as the flower seller Eliza Doolittle and phonetics professor Henry Higgins, respectively.
Set in 1910s London, a pompous phonetics professor named Henry Higgins agrees to take low-born flower girl Eliza Doolittle under his wing in order to transform her into a member of high society.
"I Could Have Danced All Night" is one of the songs featured in "My Fair Lady."
Watch the original trailer here.
White Christmas (1954)
"White Christmas" features songs by Irving Berlin and makes for a great classic Christmas movie to watch. It was released on Oct. 14, 1954 in the United States.
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye starred as singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, while Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen starred as sisters Betty and Judy Hayes.
In this movie, two singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis join a sister act Betty and Judy Hayes to perform a Christmas play in Vermont. Meanwhile, they run into their old commander from World War II, who, they learn, has a country inn that is in the process of going bankrupt. So, the group of four decide to put together a Christmas yuletide in order to get the inn back in business.
"Snow," "Sisters" and "White Christmas" are among some of the songs featured in the movie.
Watch the original trailer here.
The King and I (1956)
"The King and I" is an adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name. It was released on June 29, 1956 in the United States.
Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner starred as Anna Leonowens and King Mongkut of Siam, respectively.
In this movie, widower Anna Leonowens accepts a job offer as the live-in governess and English teacher to King Mongkut's children. Along the way, Anna and the king experience a clash of personalities over cultural differences, customs and etiquette.
Watch the original trailer here.
Purple Rain (1984)
"Purple Rain" marks singer Prince's acting debut. This movie contains more elements of drama and is not based on a theatrical production. It was released on July 27, 1984 in the United States.
Prince portrayed The Kid, while Olga Karlatos and Clarence Williams III portrayed his mother and father, respectively.
The movie revolves around The Kid's struggle through issues surrounding his home life, career and family, as well as a girlfriend and a new rival.
The movie is supported by a soundtrack album of the same name. Songs featured in the movie include "Let's Go Crazy," "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry."
Watch the original trailer here.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is an adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1964 novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." It was released on June 30, 1971 in the United States.
Peter Ostrum portrayed Charlie Bucket, while Jack Albertson and Gene Wilder portrayed Grandpa Joe and Willy Wonka, respectively.
The movie revolves around a poor, but hopeful boy named Charlie Bucket, who seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets, which will send him on an exclusive tour at Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory.
"The Candy Man," "Oompa Loompa Doompa-Dee Do" and "Pure Imagination" are among some of the songs featured in the movie.
Watch the original trailer here.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
"Rocky Horror Picture Show" has elements of horror, making a classic Halloween movie to watch. It is an adaptation of the 1973 stage production "The Rocky Horror Show." It was released on Sept. 26, 1975 in the United States.
Tim Curry starred as Dr. Frank-n-Furter, while Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick starred as Janet Weiss and Brad Majors.
In this movie, sweethearts Janet Weiss and Brad Majors are stuck with a flat tire during a storm. So, they are forced to take shelter in an eerie mansion housed by Dr. Frank-n-Furter, a transvestite scientist. Through elaborate musical numbers. Frank-n-Furter reveals his latest creation, which is a muscular man named "Rocky."
Among the songs featured in the movie are "Over at the Frankenstein Place" and "Sweet Transvestite."
Watch the original trailer here.
Oklahoma! (1955)
"Oklahoma!" is an adaption of another classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It was released on Oct. 11, 1955 in the United States.
Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones (in her film debut) starred as Curly McLain and Laurey Williams, respectively. Rod Steiger starred as Jud Fry, while Gloria Grahame and Gene Nelson starred as Ado Annie Carnes and Will Parker, respectively.
In this movie, cowboy Curly McLain asks Laurey Williams to be his date. However, Laurey already accepts an offer from Jud Fry instead. Meanwhile, Laurey's friend Ado Annie is torn between two suitors, Will Parker and Ali Hakim.
Some songs featured in "Oklahoma!" include "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin," "Kansas City" and "Surrey With the Fringe on Top."
Watch the original trailer here.
The Music Man (1962)
"The Music Man" is an adaptation of Meredith Wilson's theatrical production of the same name. It was released on June 19, 1962 in the United States.
Shirley Jones and Robert Preston starred as librarian Marian Paroo and con man Harold Hill, respectively.
The movie centers a con man named Harold Hill, who comes to a 1910s Iowa town called River City while posing as a boys' band leader. His intent is to flee town as soon as he receives the necessary funds. Librarian Marian Paroo begins to suspect Harold of fraud, but keeps quiet. Eventually, Harold and Marian develop feelings for each other with the former reconsidering his escape plan.
Some songs featured in "The Music Man" include "76 Trombones," "Till There Was You" and "Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little."
Watch the original trailer here.
Grease (1978)
"Grease" is considered to be one of the most successful musicals at the time, thanks to the catchy soundtrack and smooth choreography. It was released on June 16, 1978 in the United States.
Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta portrayed Australian exchange student Sandy Olsen and greaser Danny Zuko, respectively.
In the movie, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson fall in love after vacationing in Australia during the summer. When the vacation comes to end, they part ways thinking they will never see each other again. However, they both discover they are now in the same high school, fate has other plans.
Iconic and original songs from the movie include the titular "Grease" song and "You're the One that I Want."
Watch the original trailer here.
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
"Fiddler on the Roof" is based on the theatrical production of the same name by Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. It was released on Nov. 3, 1971 in the United States.
Topol and Norma Crane starred as husband and wife Tevye and Golde. Meanwhile, Rosalind Harris, Michele Marsh, Neva Small, Elaine Edwards and Candy Bonstein starred as Tevye's daughters. Tevye also provides narration for the movie.
The movie takes place in pre-revolutionary Russia, specifically Anatevka. There, a Jewish milkman named Tevye with traditional values contends with marrying off his three oldest daughters. Also, growing. antisemitic sentiment threatens his village.
"If I Were a Rich Man" and "Tradition" are among the songs featured in "Fiddler On the Roof."
Watch the original trailer here.
Mary Poppins (1964)
"Mary Poppins" is a Disney musical film that combines live-action and animated elements. It was released on Aug. 27, 1964 in the United States.
Julie Andrews (in her feature film debut) and Dick Van Dyke starred as the titular character Mary Poppins and the jack-of-all-trades, Bert. David Tomlinson and Glynis Johns starred as Mr. and Mrs. Banks, while Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber were the Banks children, Jane and Michael.
In this movie, Mr. Banks is looking for a nanny for his two mischievous children and comes across Mary Poppins, a magical nanny. She not only bring joy to the children's lives, but also brings change as well. It is set in London in 1910.
The movie is widely recognized for its catchy songs, especially "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Chim Chim Cher-ee."
Watch the original trailer here.
West Side Story (1961)
"West Side Story" is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn is inspired by William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." It was released on Oct. 18, 1961 in the United States.
Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer portrayed Maria and Tony, the love interests from the two rival gangs.
The movie centers around two rival gangs from the Upper West Side in New York City. Two youngsters, Maria and Tony, find themselves entangled between their families and they soon fall in love. However, tensions between the two gangs leads to tragedy.
Among the songs featured in "West Side Story" include "America," "Maria" and "Tonight."
Watch the original trailer here.
The Sound of Music (1965)
"The Sound of Music" is an adaption of another Rodgers and Hammerstein of the same name. In addition, it is based on the true story of the von Trapp family. It was released on March 2, 1965 in the United States.
Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer starred as Maria and Captain Baron von Trapp, respectively. Charmian Carr, Heather Menzies-Urich, Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner and Kym Karath starred as the seven von Trapp children.
In this movie, Maria, who is working to become a nun, has been assigned as the governess for widowed naval officer Baron von Trapp's seven children. With her jovial nature and musical numbers, the children become fond of Maria over time.
Some of the most iconic (and catchy) songs featured in the movie include "Do-Re-Mi," "So Long, Farewell," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss," "Sixteen, Going on Seventeen" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain."
Watch the original trailer here.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is an adaptation of both the stage musical and novel (written by Anita Loos) of the same name. It was released on July 1, 1953 in the United States.
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell portrayed showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw, respectively.
In this movie, a showgirl named Lorelei decides to embark on a trip to Paris with her best friend, Dorothy Shaw, before her (Lorelei's) wedding to Gus Esmond, Jr. Along the way, a private detective hired by Lorelei's soon-to-be father-in-law is in pursuit to keep an eye on her.
"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" is considered to be one of the most iconic moments of the movie.
Fun fact: the music video for Madonna's single "Material Girl" pays homage to a scene from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," specifically the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."
Watch the original trailer here.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
"The Wizard of Oz" is based on the 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum of the same name. It was released on Aug. 25, 1939 in the United States.
The movie centers around Dorothy Gale, who "dreams of land somewhere over the rainbow." When a tornado rips through Kansas, she and her dog, Toto, are swept away in their house into the magical Land of Oz.
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Ding, Dong! The Witch is Dead" and "We're Off to See the Wizard" are the most iconic songs of the movie.
You can check out my article, "How 'The Wizard of Oz' is one of my favorite classic movies" to learn more about one of my all-time favorites.
You can watch the original "Wizard of Oz" trailer here.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Finally, "Singin' in the Rain" is considered to be one of the greatest musical films of all time. It was released on April 10, 1952 in the United States.
Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor starred as Don Lockwood, Kathy Selden and Cosmo Brown, respectively. Jean Hagen provided the role of actress Lina Lamont.
The movie is a depiction of Hollywood during the late 1920s, when movies began to transition from silent to sound. Two silent film screen partners, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont try to make the difficult transition to "talkies," with the former falling in love with chorus girl Kathy Selden.
"Singin' In the Rain" is considered to be not only the most iconic song from the movie, but also one of the greatest film songs. Other songs featured in the movie include "You Are My Lucky Star" and "Good Morning."
Watch the original trailer here.
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