Warm up your pipes and practice your scales: this list of the top 10 best musical movies to watch right now will have you singing, dancing and tapping your toes in no time. From timeless classics to modern showstoppers, these films deliver unforgettable performances, catchy tunes and stories that will move your heart and lift your spirits.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest musical movies, so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Grease to The Color Purple, this list will help musical lovers stay up to date on the most popular musical movies available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 MUSICAL MOVIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending musical movies that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Grease’
↑ 16 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the effervescent world of Grease (1978), the quintessential high school musical that has stood the test of time. Set in the mid-1950s, it’s a high-voltage journey brimming with exciting friendships, teen romances and adventures.
Watch as the wholesome exchange student Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and the bad-boy Danny (John Travolta) share a summer romance that’s as enchanting as it is transformative. Amidst youthful rebellion and bobbing dance numbers, the question remains: Will their relationship survive the capricious boundaries of high school cliques and the eventual clash of their contrasting personas? Dive in to find out!
2. ‘South Pacific’
↑ 37 vs. Prior Week
Transport yourself to a world of tropical romance and war-time tension with the captivating 1958 classic, South Pacific. Based on the award-winning Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, this technicolor marvel features famed actors such as Rossano Brazzi and Mitzi Gaynor.
Brazzi plays Emile de Becque, a French landowner who falls head over heels for the charming Navy nurse Nellie Forbush, portrayed passionately by Gaynor. As love blossoms amidst the backdrop of World War II, racial prejudice and fear create dramatic twists and turns. South Pacific is a poignant and delightfully dramatic demonstration of love, war and the power of song.
3. ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’
↑ 104 vs. Prior Week
4. ‘Sparkle’
↑ 139 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the soulful era of 1968, where girl groups and the captivating Motown sound were hitting their crescendo in Sparkle. Sisters Delores (Dee), Tammy (Sister) and the eponymous Sparkle, brilliantly portrayed by Tika Sumpter, Carmen Ejogo and Jordin Sparks respectively, are fervent to take Detroit by a storm, in spite of their mother’s apprehension, played by the legendary Whitney Houston. Derek Luke, their relentless manager, sees more than just talent; he sees a launching pad for a new musical empire, even if it means leveraging the sisters’ success and exploiting his fervent feelings for Sparkle. This evocative film released in 2012 bears testament to the journey of dreams, love and the treacherous road to stardom.
5. ‘Mamma Mia!’
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Mamma Mia! (2008) is a dazzling film set in the stunning Greek islands that combines music, humor and a tangled tale of love. Donna, played by the brilliant Meryl Streep, is a carefree hotelier organizing her daughter Sophie’s wedding. Unbeknownst to her, Sophie has invited three of Donna’s former lovers, hoping to identify her real father and have him at her wedding.
As love, laughter and surprise reunions unfold, the movie promises viewers a whirlwind of emotions that will have them tapping their feet one moment and reaching for a tissue the next.
6. ‘Dreamgirls’
↑ 69 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and cutthroat world of 1960s music industry with the 2006 film, Dreamgirls. Watch the decadent rise of the captivating trio, the Dreamettes, helmed by Deena (Beyoncé Knowles), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose). But their dreams of stardom are tested when an opportunistic manager, Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), sets his sights on them, pushing them from backup singers for the stunning national star (Eddie Murphy), into the glaring spotlight of fame. However, as they ascend the ladder of success, they soon learn the painful price of stardom, leading to an emotional musical drama that is as unforgettable as the songs it celebrates.
7. ‘Stomp the Yard: Homecoming’
↑ 6 vs. Prior Week
Released in 2010, Stomp the Yard: Homecoming is a potent mix of rhythmic energy and youth determination. Collins Pennie stars as a rebellious figure who must navigate his troubles to guide a dance troupe toward a national competition. The challenge calls for more than impressive dance moves; it demands unity, persistence, and resilience from the team. Filled with electrifying dance sequences and intense drama, Stomp the Yard: Homecoming is an inspiring tale about finding your rhythm even amidst chaos. It’s a story that proves the strength of teamwork, not just in dance, but in overcoming life’s hurdles.
8. ‘Jersey Boys’
↑ 21 vs. Prior Week
Experience the nostalgic rhythm of the 1960s in Jersey Boys. John Lloyd Young shines as Frankie Valli, one of four gritty lads from New Jersey who form the iconic Four Seasons with Bob Gaudio (played by Erich Bergen), Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda) and Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza). Their timeless hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” rocket them to stardom, but the glow of the spotlight casts long shadows. As their success soars, personal and professional issues threaten to shatter their harmony, propelling the film into a captivating exploration of music, fame, and the ties that bind.
9. ‘Black Nativity’
↑ 388 vs. Prior Week
Black Nativity (2013) is an emotive narrative of faith and family captivatingly unraveling amidst the backdrop of the Christmas holiday. Young Langston (Jacob Latimore), a Baltimore teen, journeys to New York City to celebrate Christmas with his estranged relatives, the stern Rev. Cornell Cobbs (Forest Whitaker) and his wife, Aretha (Angela Bassett). However, Langston struggles under Cobbs’ stern rules, deciding instead to journey back to his single mother (Jennifer Hudson). This journey unfolds a poignant tale of self-discovery, spiritual growth and familial bonds, showing that sometimes, the journey home might just be what restores faith and heals old wounds.
10. ‘The Color Purple’
↑ 2 vs. Prior Week
The Color Purple, an iconic film from director Steven Spielberg based on the iconic book of the same name, is set in the Jim Crow South and has garnered acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of the hardships and triumphs of the African American community during this era.
The movie features a powerful, memorable performance by Fantasia Barrino as Celie Harris, charting her journey from an oppressed, abused child to a resilient, empowered woman. Colman Domingo’s Albert portrays the bitter realities of the male-dominated society with chilling precision. This film is a remarkable chronicle of resilience, hope and the human spirit’s uncrushable power set against a backdrop of systemic injustices, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who watch it.
And there you have it: the top 10 musical movies to watch at home. Stay tuned for updates to come, so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular musical movies?
Pitch Perfect, High School Musical, Sister Act, and The Sound of Music are some of the most popular musical movies.
Which movie musicals have won the most awards?
West Side Story, Sound of Music, Chicago, La La Land, The Color Purple.
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