The Top 50 Movie Musicals of the Past 25 Years - #50 - #26
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
Since 2000, we’ve seen musicals revive the genre, reinvent it, and sometimes wreck it. We’ve seen movie stars try to sing, theater kids become movie stars, and animated characters do it all better than either. The highs have been soaring, the flops have been… fascinating, and the passion from fans and critics alike has never been louder.
Let’s get one thing straight: narrowing this list down to 25 was a joke. I tried. I really did. But the last two decades have given us way too many bold, beautiful, brilliant movie musicals to pretend that 25 could possibly cover it. So I gave in. We’re going Top 50.
Now, not every movie with a killer soundtrack qualifies. For this list, I’m only including films that are actual movie musicals, which means they either classify as a musical, are adaptations of Broadway shows, or are animated musicals. Background music? Great. But if nobody’s singing their feelings, it’s not making the cut. Also, we’re going to stick with theatrical cuts as opposed to Made-for-TV ones, sorry High School Musical fans…
So here it is: Part 1 of the Top 50 Movie Musicals Since 2000—a mix of critical darlings, audience favorites, hidden gems, and the ones I just couldn’t stop rewatching. Click on the links below to read the other rankings because there was just to much to say about these to fit in one piece!
50. Camp (2003)
Camp is rough around the edges, sure—but that’s part of its charm. It’s a messy, heartfelt tribute to theatre kids, misfits, and the beautifully chaotic world of summer musical camp. The performances are raw, the drama is peak teen intensity, and the love for Broadway oozes from every frame. Anna Kendrick’s unhinged “Ladies Who Lunch” is legendary for a reason. It’s not a polished studio musical, and that’s exactly why it works. Camp isn’t for everyone—but for the right audience, it’s everything.
49. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Nothing’s better than the original—let’s be clear about that. But Mary Poppins Returns is a surprisingly lovely sequel that captures the spirit without feeling like a knockoff. Emily Blunt brings her own charm and edge to the role, and the songs (especially “The Place Where Lost Things Go”) are genuinely touching. It’s warm, whimsical, and beautifully designed. Not perfect—but a worthy follow-up to a nearly untouchable classic.
48. Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Yes, it was divisive. Yes, the casting stirred up debate. But here’s the thing: Dear Evan Hansen still delivers some powerhouse musical moments. “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found” are just as gut-punching on screen as they were on stage. Ben Platt’s performance is emotional, if a bit intense, and the story—messy as it is—still speaks to a lot of people. Flawed? Absolutely. But worth writing off entirely? Not even close.
47. Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
This one’s not for everyone—but for the weird, goth, rock-opera-loving crowd, Repo! is a cult classic. It’s bloody, chaotic, and totally over-the-top, with a stacked cast (yes, that’s Sarah Brightman and Paris Hilton) and some genuinely wild songs. It’s messy and loud and absolutely not subtle—but that’s the fun. Love it or hate it, you’ll never forget it.
46. Lucky Stiff (2014)
Lucky Stiff is strange, silly, and totally underrated. Based on the offbeat stage musical, it’s a murder mystery farce with songs, taxidermy, and a corpse in a wheelchair—what’s not to love? Jason Alexander and Nikki M. James bring the chaos, and while it’s not for everyone, it’s oddly charming in all the right ways.
45. Hairspray (2007)
Hairspray is pure joy on screen—big voices, big hair, and big heart. Nikki Blonsky, from this movie, is a perfect Tracy, Zac Efron charms, and Queen Latifah stuns. The numbers are high-energy and infectious, and even John Travolta’s oddball turn somehow works. It’s colorful, fun, and delivers its message with sincerity. You can’t help but smile watching it.
44. Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
Is it crass? Absolutely. But Eight Crazy Nights is one of the only Hanukkah-themed movie musicals out there, and that alone earns it a spot. Adam Sandler leans into the chaos with catchy (and wildly inappropriate) songs, unexpected heart, and weird animated charm. It’s a messy, oddly sweet holiday musical that’s unlike anything else.
43. Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical (2005)
Reefer Madness is a wild, hilarious send-up of 1930s propaganda films, turned into a full-blown campy musical fever dream. Kristen Bell, Christian Campbell, and Alan Cumming go all in, and the songs are absurd in the best way. It’s self-aware, over-the-top, and totally committed to the bit. Think Rocky Horror meets D.A.R.E.—with tap numbers and devil-weed-induced musical chaos.
42. Over the Moon (2020)
Over the Moon is a visually stunning animated musical that blends Chinese mythology with heartfelt storytelling. The songs are catchy, especially “Rocket to the Moon,” and the emotional core—centered on grief and moving forward—hits hard. It’s sweet, imaginative, and full of heart. While it flew a bit under the radar, it absolutely deserves more love.
41. The Producers (2005)
It’s not as sharp as the original film or the Broadway version, but The Producers still brings big laughs and big performances. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick go full throttle, and the musical numbers are gloriously over-the-top. “Springtime for Hitler” remains as ridiculous and iconic as ever. It’s loud, silly, unapologetically theatrical—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.
40. Hello Again (2017)
Hello Again is weird, artsy, and totally unique—a time-hopping, sex-driven musical that won’t be for everyone, but makes a big impression. Based on the LaChiusa stage show, it’s packed with big emotions, bold choices, and a killer cast including Audra McDonald and Martha Plimpton. It’s sensual, haunting, and unapologetically theatrical in all the best (and strangest) ways.
39. Rent (2005)
Yes, the casting of thirtysomethings as struggling twentysomethings was… a choice. And yes, some of the grit and urgency got lost in translation. But at the end of the day—it’s still Rent. The music is iconic, the message still resonates, and the emotional moments hit hard. Flawed? Sure. But when that cast starts singing “Seasons of Love,” it still gets you.
38. The Bob’s Burgers Movie (2022)
Honestly? I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. The Bob’s Burgers Movie takes everything great about the show—quirky humor, heartfelt family moments, and offbeat musical numbers—and turns it into a surprisingly strong movie musical. The songs are catchy and weird in the best way. It’s funny, sweet, and way more tuneful than it needed to be.
37. Nine (2009)
This might feel high to some—but Nine has more going for it than people give it credit for. The cast is stacked (Daniel Day-Lewis! Marion Cotillard! Penélope Cruz! Judi Dench!), and Rob Marshall brings his signature sleek style. The story’s a bit messy, but the musical numbers are bold, sexy, and beautifully staged. It’s flawed, sure—but it’s also fascinating and fun to watch.
36. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)
Yes, it’s a movie where Shawn Mendes plays a singing crocodile—but somehow, it works. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is sweet, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. The original songs are genuinely catchy, and the film leans into its ridiculous premise with just the right amount of charm. It’s a family musical that’s way better than it has any right to be.
35. Begin Again (2013)
Begin Again is low-key but hits all the right notes. Keira Knightley surprises with a soft, emotional vocal style, and Mark Ruffalo brings heart to his washed-up producer role. The songs by Gregg Alexander are genuinely great—“Lost Stars” is a standout—and the film captures the magic of creating music in unexpected places. It’s quiet, charming, and totally earns its spot here.
34. Coco (2017)
Coco is one of Pixar’s most emotional, visually stunning, and musically rich films—and yes, it absolutely counts as a musical. The songs are woven beautifully into the story, especially the Oscar-winning “Remember Me,” which hits like a ton of bricks when the context lands. It’s a powerful celebration of family, memory, and culture. Gorgeously animated and deeply moving, Coco earns its place as one of the great modern animated musicals.
33. The Color Purple (2023)
This new adaptation of The Color Purple is bold, emotional, and absolutely bursting with powerhouse performances. Fantasia delivers raw vulnerability and vocal fire, while Danielle Brooks steals every scene she’s in. The direction leans into the musical’s theatrical roots while still feeling cinematic and grounded. It’s not just a great adaptation—it’s a statement. Emotional, stunning, and deeply felt, this version more than earns its spot on the list.
32. Tangled (2010)
Tangled doesn’t always get the same love as Frozen, but let’s be real—it’s one of Disney’s best. “I See the Light” is a stunner, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi have real chemistry, and Alan Menken’s score is top-tier. And can we talk about Donna Murphy’s “Mother Knows Best”? That song is a Broadway-worthy showstopper—funny, sinister, and vocally flawless. Tangled kicked off Disney’s modern musical comeback, and it holds up beautifully.
31. Mean Girls (2024)
Turning Mean Girls into a full-blown movie musical felt risky—but it totally works. Tina Fey’s script still snaps, and the new songs add emotional depth without losing the bite. Angourie Rice brings heart, Reneé Rapp devours every moment as Regina, and Jaquel Spivey steals scenes with ease. It’s sharp, fun, and more musically satisfying than it had any right to be. You can sit with this one.
30. Corpse Bride (2005)
Corpse Bride is gorgeously gothic, hauntingly sweet, and full of that signature Tim Burton stop-motion charm. Danny Elfman’s songs are moody, melodic, and sneakily catchy—“Tears to Shed” and “According to Plan” are underrated gems. It’s a love story between the living and the dead that somehow feels completely human. Dark, whimsical, and beautifully crafted, it’s a musical that lingers long after the credits roll.
29. Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)
This one absolutely delivered. Matilda the Musical is bold, stylized, and bursting with energy. Emma Thompson is deliciously unhinged as Miss Trunchbull, Alisha Weir is a perfect Matilda, and the choreography? Unreal. Tim Minchin’s songs translate beautifully to screen—“When I Grow Up” and “Revolting Children” hit just as hard as they do on stage. It’s clever, weird, emotional, and full of fight. A wildly successful stage-to-screen adaptation.
28. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
The Princess and the Frog brought hand-drawn animation back with style—and jazz. Anika Noni Rose is radiant as Tiana, and Randy Newman’s New Orleans–inspired score is full of energy, heart, and soul. “Almost There” is a showstopper, “Friends on the Other Side” is villain song perfection, and the film’s message about hard work and dreaming big still resonates. It’s magical, underrated, and a huge step forward for Disney in all the right ways.
27. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Look, Gerard Butler isn’t exactly a vocal match for Michael Crawford—but somehow, it still works. Joel Schumacher’s Phantom of the Opera is a visual feast: lavish sets, dramatic lighting, and sweeping cinematography that leans fully into the gothic romance of it all. Emmy Rossum is luminous, and the score (obviously) remains iconic. It’s not perfect, but it’s beautiful, brooding, and absolutely earns its place as a memorable movie musical experience.
26. Frozen (2013)
Let it go? Never. Frozen became a cultural juggernaut for a reason. “Let It Go” is a generational anthem, Idina Menzel’s vocals are unreal, and the story—centered on sisterhood instead of romance—was a major shift for Disney. The animation is stunning, the songs are Broadway-ready, and the characters are instantly iconic. It launched a thousand Elsa dresses and proved that Disney musicals were not only back—they were unstoppable.