45 of the Greatest Movie Musicals of All Time

This article appeared in familythis.com and has been published here with permission.

Movies that seamlessly blend the art of music, dance, and storytelling have been capturing our hearts for decades. From the classic Hollywood era to modern-day blockbusters, musical films have been entertaining audiences and setting the standard for what it means to be a great movie. So grab your popcorn and get ready to sing along to some of cinema's most beloved musical films.

Band Wagon (1953)

Band Wagon is a 1953 musical film directed by Vincente Minnelli. The film follows a fading Hollywood star, Tony Hunter (Fred Astaire), who decides to revive his career on Broadway and meets a talented but temperamental ballerina named Gabrielle Gerard (Cyd Charisse) along the way.

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Band Wagon (1953)

The film is known for its iconic musical numbers, including "Dancing in the Dark" and "That's Entertainment!". The latter became the film's most famous song. Band Wagon is considered a classic of the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.

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Singin' in the Rain (1952)

1952 saw the world introduced to the absolute awesomeness that is Singin' in the Rain. Its catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers, and charming performances have captivated audiences for decades, and it remains a timeless classic.

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Singin' in the Rain (1952)

The film has also had a significant cultural impact, inspiring countless homages and parodies in popular culture. Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds danced off the screen and into our hearts with this movie.

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The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is a classic that has captivated audiences for generations. This film has everything you could want in a movie - except maybe a decent explanation for why a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion are all best friends.

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The Wizard of Oz (1939)

But let's be honest, who needs logical explanations when you have flying monkeys, magical slippers, and a terrifying green witch? And let's not forget the iconic songs, like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "We're Off to See the Wizard", that will have you tapping your feet and singing along.

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West Side Story (1962)

You know it's a film to be remembered when it has 10 Academy Awards. The 1961 musical film West Side Story, initially directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, is an eponymous adaptation of the popular Broadway musical.

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West Side Story (1962)

It follows two rival groups, the Jets and the Sharks, in New York City and the doomed love affair between Tony and Maria, who come from opposite sides of the conflict. Love, prejudice, and violence flourish amidst groundbreaking choreography and catchy Latin music.

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The Sound of Music (1965)

If you're a fan of musicals or movies, you've likely heard of The Sound of Music. The beloved classic has stood the test of time, thanks in no small part to the powerhouse performance of Dame Julie Andrews.

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The Sound of Music (1965)

Her portrayal of Maria, the spirited governess with a love for singing, has been imitated but has yet to be duplicated. With catchy songs like "Do-Re-Mi", "My Favorite Things", and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", this film is a treasure trove of memorable tunes.

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My Fair Lady (1964)

My Fair Lady is a movie that has something for everyone. This 1964 movie tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl transformed into a lady by the enigmatic Professor Henry Higgins.

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My Fair Lady (1964)

The film features an incredible score, with unforgettable songs like "Wouldn't it Be Loverly", "The Rain in Spain", and "I Could Have Danced All Night". Beyond the catchy tunes, My Fair Lady is a timeless story about self-discovery, identity, and the power of language.

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Grease (1978)

Grease is a musical that has entertained audiences since its release in 1978. The story of a summer love still burning come school time sent teens and adults into a frenzy when it was first released and continues doing so to this day.

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Grease (1978)

The songs continue to be a hit on karaoke nights and car radios. At the same time, the iconic costumes of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy remain a Halloween favorite even after 45 years.

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