The 16 Best Movie Musicals of the Last 10 Years
Who doesn't love a movie musical? It combines our love for movies with our passion for singing and dancing ... and throws in an A-list celebrity or two (or three). To celebrate this week's release of "La La Land" -- starring A-list duo Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone -- we're taking a quick look back and delivering a hand-picked list of the decade's best movie musicals.
'Enchanted' (2007)
Amy Adams is a national treasure, and "Enchanted" cemented that. Even though there only a handful of actual musical numbers in the movie, "That's How You Know" is enough to get us dancing. Though, having Idina Menzel in a musical and not giving her a song? We're pretty sure that's illegal.
'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 scary-good '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.
'Dreamgirls' (2006)
American Idol," but thanks to "Dreamgirls," she's an Academy Award winner. And while we love hearing her belt out "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" with all the emotion, Beyoncé's "Listen" is criminally underrated.
'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.
'Happy Feet' (2006)
An adorable penguin tapping it out to pop hits -- what more could you want?
'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' (2007)
If you're into musicals with a side of murder, "Sweeney Todd" is exactly what the doctor ordered.
'The Princess and the Frog' (2009)
"The Princess and the Frog" is an underrated Disney movie, so give it a chance. It is a very specific sound, so if you're not into New Orleans jazz, 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.
'Once' (2007)
Even if you've never seen "Once," you've probably heard its biggest hit, "Falling Slowly." "Once" is a different kind of musical -- it combines the documentary look with fiction, and what you get is a beautiful and emotional story that feels real. This isn't a burst-into-song kind of musical, but that's why you'll love it.
'Across the Universe' (2007)
Listen, we know "Across the Universe" is one of those movies you either love or hate, but it deserves some praise. While the Beatles will always be one of the best bands, "Across the Universe" gave some of their songs an emotion that wasn't there originally. T.V. Carpio's cover of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" is maybe one of the most beautiful covers of that song ever. Plus, if you've never done drugs, watching this movie is about as close as you can get without taking them.
'Hairspray' (2007)
Good morning, Baltimore! We'll look over the casting of someone who can't sing (cough, cough, Amanda Bynes), because the rest of this movie musical really nailed it.
'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?
