Movies and music go hand in hand, creating magic in our hearts and on the screen. These films entertain and emphasize the emotional and cultural impact of music.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or enjoy a dazzling story, these movies will resonate.
So, get ready to tap your feet and sing along with this movie as we transport you to a world where music takes the limelight.
These top 10 musical movies celebrate the power of the movie, whether it’s an inspirational real-life story or a fictional musical.
10. Begin Again (2013)
| Director | John Carney |
| Writer | John Carney |
| Cast | Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Hailee Steinfeld |
| Release Date | June 27, 2014 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Begin Again is an American musical comedy-drama movie about music, heartbreak, redemption, and independent spirit.
The movie is about a floundering singer, Keira Knightley (Gretta James), and a record label executive, Mark Ruffalo (Dan Mulligan), whose wife has left and is struggling to keep up with the music industry.
Gretta and her boyfriend, Dave (Adam Levine), move to New York when he signs with a big record label. Fame changes Dave, and he leaves Greeta heartbroken.
The movie plot takes after Dan meets Gretta, a singer with a big talent and a broken heart. They make an album in the city’s open spaces, and gradually they get closer.
Gretta’s ex, Dave Kohl, plays her heartfelt song in a venue for fame, but she stays true and sells it online cheaply for $1.
Moreover, in the end, you can see Dan fixing his family life and Gretta happily moving on with her successful songs.
This movie is a must-watch. It tells a touching tale of dreams, music, and second chances that will connect with anybody who has ever experienced a setback and dared to dream big again.
9. Dancer in the Dark (2000)
| Director | Lars von Trier |
| Writer | Lars von Trier |
| Cast | Bjork, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse |
| Release Date | September 8, 2000 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Dancer in the Dark is a musical, psychological tragedy movie that is the third and final installment in Trier’s second trilogy, “Golden Heart.”
This movie was co-produced by companies based in thirteen European and North American countries.
In 1964, a woman from Czechoslovakia named Selma Jezkova, played by Bjork, slowly went blind and saved every penny for her son’s eye surgery.
After her friend’s husband, Bill steals her savings, she accidentally kills him in a confrontation.
Despite her innocence, she’s convicted of murder. Selma rejects a lawyer, preferring death over her son’s blindness.
As she is about to be hanged, she learns her son’s surgery was successful. She starts singing joyfully but is executed before finishing her song.
This musical movie beautifully captures a mother’s deep love and the sacrifices she’s willing to make for her child.
Its emotional depth and stunning musical sequences make it a compelling watch, offering a unique cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
8. Jersey Boys (2014)
| Director | Clint Eastwood |
| Writers | Marshall Brickman, Rich Elice |
| Casts | John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Vincent Piazza |
| Release Date | June 20, 2014 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Jersey Boys is an American musical drama film based on the 2004 Tony Award-winning jukebox musical of the same name.
In 1950s New Jersey, young Frankie Vally (John Lloyd Young) joins The Variety Trio as lead singer Frankie Valli.
They went through good and bad times together, creating music that captured the spirit of their era while dealing with gang influence.
They became famous as “The Four Seasons,” overcoming money problems, personal issues, and losses. Their music became a success despite these challenges.
Years later, they reflect on fame, family, and the pure joy of singing under a street lamp.
The movie is surely worth your time as it offers a fascinating look at the rise of a music legend, filled with classic hits and raw emotions.
7. Matilda the Musical (2022)
| Director | Matthew Warchus |
| Writer | Dennis Kelly |
| Casts | Alisha Weir, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham |
| Release Date | December 9, 2022 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
The movie Matilda the Musical, also known by another name, Roald Dahl’s Matilda, is a musical movie based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl.
This movie has received widespread critical acclaim, winning seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.
Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a bright girl who is unloved by her parents. She discovers her love for books, extraordinary intellect, and telekinetic powers.
At school, Matilda deals with the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Thanks to her nice teacher, Miss Honey, she beats tough times, finds a real family, and shapes her own future.
This movie is a must-watch for music lovers as it combines rich melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and stunning visuals.
It’s a celebration of life and love, exploring the depth of human emotion through song, making it our generation’s defining musical experience.
6. Whiplash (2014)
| Director | Damien Chazelle |
| Writer | Damien Chazelle |
| Casts | Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser |
| Release Date | October 10, 2014 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Whiplash is an American musical-psychological drama movie which is about an ambitious music student and an abusive instructor.
With big dreams, a young drummer, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), faces the ultimate test at a top music house.
Under the wing of a ruthless mentor, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), Andrew bleeds and sweats for perfection.
Andrew’s aspiration to become a drummer appears broken following a betrayal, enduring a car accident, and facing an assault during a performance.
Unexpectedly, he makes a comeback at a jazz festival, stunning the crowd with a fantastic solo. His performance captures his teacher’s admiration and transforms his life’s path.
This movie is worth watching because it’s a tale of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, drumming to the beat of one’s ambition.
5. West Side Story (2021)
| Director | Steven Spielberg |
| Writer | Tony Kushner |
| Cast | Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez |
| Release Date | December 10, 2021 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
West Side Story is an American musical romantic drama movie made from a screenplay by Tony Kushner.
This movie is a modern musical expression that shows the classic story of Romeo and Juliet.
In 1957, New York City was the scene of a fierce feud between two street gangs, The Jets and The Sharks.
Tony (Ansel Elgort), a Jets gang member, falls for María (Rachel Zegler), the sister of a Shark gang member, sparking a forbidden love.
Their romance leads to a violent clash, ending with Tony killing María’s brother in defense. Tragically, Tony is later shot by María’s fiancé, Chino.
María confronts two groups and tells them they are responsible for the fighting. The groups unite in their grief as Tony breathes his last breathe within her embrace.
This movie captures the essence of a classic love story with a modern twist, showcasing stunning dances and heartfelt music.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the importance of unity, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
4. School of Rock (2003)
| Director | Richard Linklater |
| Writer | Mike White |
| Casts | Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Sarah Silverman |
| Release Date | October 3, 2003 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
School of Rock is a musical comedy movie about a struggling rock guitarist fired from a band and working as a musical teacher at school.
Dewey Finn (Jack Black), a fired rock band guitarist, fakes being a teacher at Horace Green.
He discovers the students’ musical skills and secretly forms a band with them for an audition for Battle of the Bands.
The movie plot surfaces when Dewey’s secret about forming a band is discovered, causing trouble with the school and parents. However, the band still plays at the contest, and everyone loves them.
In the end, they start a music class called School of Rock, where Dewey teaches kids to love music and helps them follow their dreams.
This film is worth watching; it beautifully blends comedy with touching scenes and showcases the transformative power of music.
Furthermore, Jack Black’s dynamic performance makes it an entertaining and motivating movie for people of all ages.
3. Pitch Perfect (2012)
| Director | Jason Moore |
| Writer | Kay Cannon |
| Casts | Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson |
| Release Date | October 5, 2012 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
Pitch Perfect is a musical comedy movie about a girl band competing against other musical college groups to win the Nationals.
The movie opens with the girl band named Barden Bellas losing at the 2011 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella(ICCA) final to their male rival, The Barden Treblemakers.
Four months later, Beca Mitchel (Anna Kendrick) enrolls as a freshman at the university and joins the Barden Bellas.
After some struggles and disagreements, Beca helps the Bellas write their own song and confronts the band about attending the competition again.
Still not recovering from the devastating loss, they decide to enter the competition and, with a fresh performance, make it to the finals.
This movie has catchy a-cappella music, witty humor, and a heartwarming story making it worth-watching.
2. A Star is Born (2018)
| Director | Bradley Cooper |
| Writer | Eric Roth |
| Casts | Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott |
| Release Date | October 5, 2018 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
A Star Is Born is an American musical romantic drama movie about an alcoholic musician who discovers and falls in love with a young singer.
This is the fourth adaptation of the same movie, initially aired in 1937, then in 1954 and 1976.
This is a tragic love story about Jack, a famous musician struggling with addiction, and Ally, a talented singer he discovers.
They fall in love, but as Ally’s career takes off and Jack’s personal demons, jealousy threatens to tear them apart. Despite their deep bond, Jack’s issues lead to a heartbreaking end.
This movie is worth-watching because it’s a powerful story about love, fame, and life’s challenges.
Its emotional depth, stunning music, and raw performances, especially those featuring real-life singer Lady Gaga, distinguish it from other musical movies.
1. The Greatest Showman (2017)
| Director | Michael Gracey |
| Writer | Jenny Bicks, Bill Condon |
| Casts | Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya |
| Release Date | 20 December, 2017 |
| IMDb | IMDb |
The Greatest Showman is a biographical American musical drama film about P.T. Barnum, who was a 19th-century performer.
This movie features nine original songs, making it the only musical movie with this many original songs.
It is about the rise of P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) from poverty to create a circus that showcases unique performers.
Barnum understands the importance of family and self-acceptance through personal challenges and social criticism
His ambition causes riots, but he overcomes trouble, finding success and happiness.
The most important lesson to take away from this film is that true success comes from appreciating love and family rather than fame or fortune.
| Movie Name | Box Office Collection |
|---|---|
| Begin Again | 84.1 Million USD |
| Dancer in the Dark | 45.6 Million USD |
| Jersey Boys | 67.6 Million USD |
| Matilda the Musical | 35.6 Million USD |
| Whiplash | 49 Million USD |
| West Side Story | 76 Million USD |
| School of Rock | 131.3 Million USD |
| Pitch Perfect | 115.4 Million USD |
| A Star Is Born | 436.2 Million USD |
| The Greatest Showman | 435 Million USD |
