Screen musicals are wonderful. When you can’t afford to visit the West End, are too busy or just suddenly find yourself in the mood for a showtune they’re there on your DVD shelf waiting for you. The only downside is that there are hundreds to choose from.

You’ve got your golden oldies like South Pacific, you’ve got your big-budget Hollywood musicals like Nine and of course there are the musical episodes of all your favourite TV shows. With literally thousands of very entertaining musicals available, it’s hard to pick which one to watch.

To save you the time, we’ve selected the ten screen musicals that—to us—stand head and shoulders above the rest. The musicals to which we know every lyric and every dance step, the musicals that we at Show and Stay towers couldn’t live without.

#10) Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog
A musical featuring a goggled supervillain, a freeze ray and an over-zealous superhero, there’s very little more that anyone could ask for. Made exclusively for online distribution in response to the WGA writer’s strike, Dr Horrible is a favourite of the slightly geekier fans of musical theatre (ourselves included).

#9) The Muppet Christmas Carol
Sure, it’s a bit off-season, but regardless of what month it is The Muppet Christmas Carol is undoubtedly one of the best musicals you can buy on DVD. The unusual combo of Gonzo the Great, Rizzo the Rat and Michael Caine shouldn’t really work but somehow it does. Controversially, we consider the Muppets’ version to be the definitive Christmas Carol.

#8) Interstella 5555
Perhaps the strangest on-screen musical ever made, Interstella 5555 is a visual representation of Daft Punk’s album, Discovery. Not one to watch if you’re in the mood for a serious musical or, to be honest, if you’re not a fan of Daft Punk. It’s an acquired taste but once you’ve got your head around Interstella 5555 it’s the perfect musical to put on when you get home late after a heavy night out.

#7) The Simpsons, The President Wore Pearls
The Simpsons’ cheeky parody of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, The President Wore Pearls is not only number seven in our top ten screen musicals, but is also the single best episode of this long-running series. Also, any musical with a number which contains the lyrics “I think the rules are cool” deserves recognition.

#6) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tim Burton + Sondheim + Johnny Depp & Helena Bonham Carter = brilliance. In this big screen adaptation Bonham Carter manages what Angela Lansbury never could, she makes insanity rather alluring. There’s no denying that Lansbury’s portrayal of Mrs. Lovett was suitably insane, but it was hardly sexy, was it?

#5) Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Brace yourself for a sweeping statement. When Americans try to make films based on British books, they do it wrong 85% of the time. Fortunately, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was a triumph and the exceptional score was nominated for an Academy Award. Pure nostalgic feel-good genius, if you’re ever feeling blue just watch this, you’ll feel much better.

#4) Carousel
If you’re a sucker for a cheesy love story then you’ll love Carousel. The perfect mix of tragedy, romance and song; Carousel may be 54 years old, but it’s as touching today as it was when it premiered in New York in the 1950s. It has to be said that Carousel is not as uplifting as the other musicals that made the list, but every now and then it’s nice to be a little bit melancholy.

#3) Moulin Rouge!
As the first musical to be nominated for the best picture Oscar for 22 years, Moulin Rouge! is a pretty special film. Plot wise, it’s pretty standard love story fare, but the music and visuals more than make up for the predictable plot. Nicole Kidman’s rendition of Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend is a stand-out modern classic, beautifully performed and sung perfectly, Ms Kidman would do well to leave Hollywood behind and join us in the West End.

#2) Singin’ In The Rain
With one of the most iconic scenes in film musical history, it was impossible to not include this 1952 classic. Gene Kelly is always good but once you know that he recorded the title song for Singin’ In The Rain while running a 103-degree fever, you’ll find a new appreciation for his skill and dedication. They just don’t make ‘em like Gene anymore.

#1) Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Once More With Feeling
Yes, there was a musical episode of Buffy and yes, it was better than any other filmed musical, ever.

Anthony Stewart Head’s stage experience shines through and the rest of the cast really pour their hearts into the music numbers (which, incidentally, are very well-written). The story is silly and the choreography’s basic but don’t let that put you off, a modern, light-hearted, gently satirical musical is the perfect antidote to a tough day. Season six, disc two; give it a chance before you flame us in the comments section.

No doubt this list has surprised a few musical purists; no Grease, no Evita, no The Sound of Music and no The King and I. Those classics are certainly superb examples of screen musicals but sometimes it’s nice to have a different take on the ‘best musicals’.

Tagged as: buffy, carousel, dr horrible, interstella 5555, joss whedon, moulin rouge, musicals, on screen, singin in the rain, sweeney todd, the president wore pearls, Top 10, willy wonka & the chocolate factory

Got an opinion on this? Leave a comment and let us know.

Name ( required )

Email ( required )

Website

Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.