The 15 Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century, Ranked
Movie musicals have a special magic, blending catchy songs with stories that hit you right in the heart. The 21st century has brought a fresh wave of these films, proving the genre is alive and thriving.
From gritty dramas to dazzling spectacles, these movies show how versatile musicals can be. Let’s dive into the 15 best movie musicals since 2000, ranked from great to greatest.
15. ‘Hairspray’ (2007)
This vibrant musical follows Tracy Turnblad, a teen chasing her dream of dancing on a 1960s TV show. It’s packed with energy, tackling themes of body positivity and racial equality with humor and heart.
The cast, including Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, and John Travolta in drag, delivers infectious performances. Songs like ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ make it impossible not to tap your feet.
14. ‘Across the Universe’ (2007)
Set in the turbulent 1960s, this jukebox musical weaves a love story using Beatles songs. It follows Jude and Lucy, young lovers caught in the era’s social upheaval.
Julie Taymor’s bold visuals and creative song arrangements, like ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ reimagined as a ballad, give it a unique edge. The film’s ambition makes it a standout, even if it’s not flawless.
13. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (2004)
This adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic follows the mysterious Phantom mentoring young singer Christine. The gothic romance unfolds in a lavish Paris opera house.
Emmy Rossum shines as Christine, with Gerard Butler bringing raw emotion to the Phantom. The grand sets and songs like ‘Music of the Night’ make it a visual and musical feast.
12. ‘Dreamgirls’ (2006)
This musical traces the rise of a 1960s girl group inspired by The Supremes. It’s a story of fame, betrayal, and resilience, driven by powerhouse performances.
Jennifer Hudson steals the show as Effie, earning an Oscar for her heart-wrenching ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’. Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy add star power to this soulful hit.
11. ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ (2007)
Tim Burton’s dark musical tells the gruesome tale of a barber seeking revenge in 19th-century London. It’s bloody, gothic, and strangely captivating.
Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter bring chilling depth to their roles. Stephen Sondheim’s haunting score, with songs like ‘A Little Priest’, makes this a macabre masterpiece.
10. ‘Into the Woods’ (2014)
This Disney adaptation of Sondheim’s musical blends fairy tales with a twist. Characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood face the consequences of their wishes.
Meryl Streep dazzles as the Witch, leading a stellar cast including Anna Kendrick. The clever lyrics and intricate story make it a thought-provoking musical adventure.
9. ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ (2021)
Lin-Manuel Miranda directs this semi-autobiographical story of composer Jonathan Larson. It follows a young artist racing against time to create something meaningful.
Andrew Garfield delivers a raw, Oscar-nominated performance. The intimate songs, like ‘Come to Your Senses’, capture the struggle and passion of chasing dreams.
8. ‘Once’ (2007)
This indie gem tells a quiet love story between a Dublin busker and a Czech immigrant. Their music-making sparks a connection that feels achingly real.
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s chemistry shines in songs like the Oscar-winning ‘Falling Slowly’. Its raw simplicity makes it a standout in a flashy genre.
7. ‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)
This musical celebrates P.T. Barnum’s creation of his iconic circus. It’s a spectacle of joy and ambition, despite taking liberties with history.
Hugh Jackman leads with charisma, backed by Zendaya and Zac Efron. Songs like ‘This Is Me’ became anthems, making it a crowd-pleasing triumph.
6. ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)
Set on a sunny Greek island, this ABBA jukebox musical follows a bride-to-be uncovering her father’s identity. It’s pure, campy fun with a heartwarming core.
Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, and Pierce Brosnan embrace the silliness. Hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ ensure you’ll leave singing and smiling.
5. ‘West Side Story’ (2021)
Steven Spielberg reimagines the classic tale of rival gangs and forbidden love in 1950s New York. It’s a visually stunning update with emotional depth.
Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose shine, the latter earning an Oscar. Timeless songs like ‘Somewhere’ and dynamic choreography make it unforgettable.
4. ‘Les Misérables’ (2012)
This epic adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel follows Jean Valjean’s redemption amid 19th-century France’s turmoil. The live-sung performances add raw intensity.
Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway (Oscar winner for ‘I Dreamed a Dream’), and Eddie Redmayne lead a stellar cast. Its emotional weight makes it a modern classic.
3. ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)
Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling musical follows a poet and a courtesan in 1890s Paris. It’s a whirlwind of romance and tragedy, set to a jukebox of pop hits.
Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor’s chemistry is electric, with songs like ‘Come What May’ stealing hearts. Its bold style redefined the genre.
2. ‘Chicago’ (2002)
This jazzy musical dives into the scandalous world of 1920s Chicago, where two murderesses vie for fame. It’s sharp, sexy, and wickedly entertaining.
Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones (Oscar winner) dazzle, with Richard Gere adding sly charm. The ‘Cell Block Tango’ and other numbers helped it snag Best Picture.
1. ‘La La Land’ (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s modern masterpiece follows two dreamers—a musician and an actress—falling in love in Los Angeles. It’s a bittersweet ode to art and ambition.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone (Oscar winner) shine, their chemistry lighting up songs like ‘City of Stars’. Its stunning visuals and emotional depth make it the century’s best.
Which movie musical gets your heart singing, or did I miss a must-see? Drop your thoughts in the comments!