Buzz
The release of The Jazz Singer in 1927 signaled the end of the silent film era. Praised for its groundbreaking innovation, it was the first film to feature synchronized speech, music, and sound effects. This revolutionized the film industry and marked the beginning of a long series of iconic musical films, such as Going My Way, Babes on Broadway, Singin’ in the Rain, Hello Dolly!, and Grease.
Among the most unforgettable moments in musical films are the scenes where characters deliver heartfelt songs or powerful anthems. This list highlights some of the most iconic musical performances that continue to captivate audiences.
10. “Over the Rainbow” – The Wizard of Oz
“Once there was a wicked witch in the beautiful land of Oz
“And a wickeder, wickeder, wickeder witch there never, never was.” The 1939 musical fantasy classic, The Wizard of Oz, beautifully brought to life the unforgettable characters from L. Frank Baum's novel. With its memorable musical numbers, the film was ranked third on the list of most-watched films of all time in 2013.
Judy Garland played Dorothy Gale and performed the iconic “Over the Rainbow,” which earned her an Academy Award for Best Original Song. At just 17 years old, Garland poured her heart into this performance, which has since achieved legendary status.
9. “America” – West Side Story
In 1961, West Side Story made its way to the big screen, adapted from the 1957 Broadway musical. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the film won 10 Academy Awards.
The film’s soundtrack dominated the Billboard chart for 54 weeks at No.1 and won a Grammy Award for 'Best Sound Track Album – Original Cast.' The album features timeless hits like 'Jet Song,' 'Something’s Coming,' 'Maria,' 'I Feel Pretty,' 'Somewhere,' and the infectious 'America.'
The song “America” stands as the film's grandest dance number. Written by Stephen Sondheim and composed by Leonard Bernstein, it creates an unforgettable scene that is both vibrant and powerful.
8. “The Sound of Music | The Hills Are Alive” – The Sound of Music
Adapted from Maria von Trapp’s memoir, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music tells the heartwarming tale of Maria, an Austrian postulant who brings music and happiness to a retired naval officer and his seven children. Released in 1965, it became the highest-grossing film of all time by the end of 1966. The film won numerous awards and was added to the National Film Registry.
Julie Andrews, despite having once mocked the stage version of the story, took on the role of Maria a year after playing Mary Poppins. Bringing her signature musical talent, she performed “The Sound of Music | The Hills Are Alive” as the opening number. The scene, where the song is introduced, remains one of cinema’s most iconic moments, often referenced in various TV shows and movies.
7. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” – Funny Girl
Funny Girl is inspired by the life and career of Fanny Brice, a renowned American comedienne, singer, and actress. Barbra Streisand portrayed Brice in the Broadway production and later took on the role in the 1968 film adaptation, marking her film debut.
The film is regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time, featuring unforgettable songs like “I’m the Greatest Star,” “You Are Woman, I Am Man,” “My Man,” and, of course, “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
6. “Time Warp” – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Show, a musical that humorously paid homage to campy horror and science fiction films from the 1930s to the 1960s, premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1973. It ran until 1980, with an impressive 2,960 performances.
In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released as a film and went on to become the longest-running movie release in film history. Despite initially flopping, the film developed a devoted and passionate cult following and is now preserved in the National Film Registry.
Some of the most iconic songs from the film include ‘Damn It, Janet,’ ‘Sweet Transvestite,’ ‘Hot Patootie,’ ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature,’ and, of course, ‘Time Warp.’
Featured in both the stage production and the film, the song “Time Warp” comes with a dance that has grown into a major audience participation tradition over the years.
5. “Tomorrow” – Annie
Originally a comic strip, Little Orphan Annie was adapted into a Broadway musical in 1977, which was later turned into a full-length film in 1982. The film starred Aileen Quinn, Carol Burnett, Albert Finney, and Tim Curry. Annie, convinced she was abandoned by mistake, eventually finds herself living in a mansion, all while yearning to meet her parents.
The film is filled with memorable songs like “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” “Little Girls,” the famous “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” and the beloved “Tomorrow.” It’s believed that “Tomorrow” was inspired by the Sherman Brothers’ “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Though many have covered it, nothing beats the heartfelt rendition by young Aileen Quinn, which remains a standout.
4. "Cell Block Tango"—Chicago
In the movie Chicago, a number of popular stars display their musical talent, including Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Set in the 1920s, the film portrays the lives of two women on Murderess’ Row in Chicago, awaiting trial. As the story unfolds, the two women become rivals in their quest for fame and recognition.
Chicago made history by becoming the first musical film to win the Best Picture Oscar since 1968.
Some of the standout performances in Chicago include "All That Jazz", "Mr. Cellophane", and the intense "Cell Block Tango."
"Cell Block Tango" was originally written for the 1975 musical Chicago, with each of the first six words of the song corresponding to a murder suspect. In the film, the song is performed by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Susan Misner, Denise Faye, Deidre Goodwin, Ekaterina Chtchelkanova, and Mýa.
3. "Always Remember Us This Way"—A Star Is Born (2018)
A Star Is Born (2018) marked Bradley Cooper’s debut as a director and Lady Gaga’s first major Hollywood film. Both Cooper’s direction and Gaga’s performance received praise from critics and audiences worldwide. Their undeniable onscreen chemistry sparked rumors of a real-life romance, though both have denied these claims.
The film’s soundtrack is exceptional, with "Shallow" winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. However, one of Gaga’s most memorable performances was "Always Remember Us This Way", sung by her character Ally after Jackson (Cooper) confesses his love for her.
2. "On My Own"- Les Misérables
The film Les Misérables is largely filled with sadness and despair, leaving very few uplifting moments. Yet, amidst the sorrow and death, there are a few musical performances that truly stand out (despite Russell Crowe’s peculiar portrayal).
Some of the most remarkable performances in the film include Anne Hathaway’s emotional rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" as Fantine (filmed in a single take), Hugh Jackman’s powerful rendition of "Bring Him Home" as Jean Valjean, and the ensemble number "One Day More" by the cast.
Samantha Barks made an unforgettable impression with her portrayal of Eponine, singing "On My Own." She earned the role after performing the same character in London’s West End, even though other well-known actresses and singers like Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson, and Taylor Swift also auditioned for the part.
Barks later shared that she felt a personal connection to Eponine, having performed "On My Own" in a karaoke style since she was seven years old.
1. "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going"—Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls, a 2006 film adaptation of a Broadway musical, stars Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy. It chronicles the rise of American R&B during the 60s and 70s.
Jennifer Hudson portrays Effie White, a character inspired by Florence Ballard of The Supremes, in her breakthrough role after competing on American Idol. Hudson won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. In the film, she delivers powerful performances of songs like "One Night Only", "I Am Changing", the dramatic "It’s All Over" with the cast, and the iconic "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going".
3. "This Is Me"—The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman dazzles with its spectacular showmanship and music, introducing the much-loved "Million Dreams", performed by Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams. Zac Efron and Zendaya also shine in their duet, "Rewrite The Stars". But perhaps the most unforgettable moment comes from Keala Settle’s astounding performance of "This Is Me". The song has become a global anthem, resonating with themes of empowerment and defiance.
