Musical: 48

West Side Story (2021) is a an erican musical romantic drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, based on the 1957 stage musical of the same name. The story centers around two rival gangs, the Jets and Sharks, who battle for control of San Juan Hill in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. As tensions rise between the groups, NYPD Sergeant Krupke and Lieutenant Schrank intervene and remind them that their conflict is pointless as the neighborhood will soon be demolished for the Lincoln Center. Despite this warning, Jet leader Riff remains determined to settle things with a rumble and enlists his friend ...

Frozen II (2019) is a vibrant and imaginative animated musical by Walt Disney Animation Studios, now available through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In the film, King Agnarr of Arendelle reveals to his daughters Elsa and Anna that their grandfather, King Runeard, had made a treaty with the Northuldra tribe by constructing a dam in their enchanted homeland, the Enchanted Forest. The treaty caused hostility between the two groups and resulted in Runeard’s death, causing the four elements of earth, fire, water, and air to become enraged and vanish. As a result of these events, a mysterious mist wall appeared and trapped all those who were present inside the ...

Rocketman (2019) is a jukebox musical film, based on the life and achievements of British musician Elton John. Dressed extravagantly as the devil, Elton John appears at a rehab session, reminiscing about his life through flashbacks (The Bitch Is Back). In the 1950s, young Reginald Dwight grows up under the care of his unaffectionate mother Sheila and his grandmother Ivy, who is more loving. Music becomes Reginald’s passion and he dreams of performing for his father Stanley, who shows no interest in him (I Want Love). After starting piano lessons, Reginald makes his way into the prestigious Royal ...

Smallfoot (2018), an animated musical comedy, is a joint production of Warner Animation Group and Zaftig Films, and was released by Warner Bros. Pictures. The Yetis reside in a secluded village atop a Himalayan mountain, hidden beyond the clouds. Migo, a yeti who adheres to the ancient law held by their leader, the Stonekeeper, is faced with a dilemma when he becomes distracted by the Stonekeeper’s daughter, Meechee, and misses hitting the gong that ‘wakes up the sun’. During his gong-ringing lessons, Migo spots a plane crash nearby and discovers a human (‘smallfoot’), thought by yetis to be mythical. Despite his efforts to inform the ...

The film The Greatest Showman (2017) is an American musical drama that tells the story of P.T. Barnum and his circus troupe in the late 19th century. Directed by Michael Gracey, it features a screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon, with a story by Bicks. In a flashback to Barnum’s childhood, we see him and his father, Philo, working for the Hallett family. It is during this time that he meets Charity, their daughter, and becomes infatuated with her. She tells him ...

Released by Walt Disney Pictures, Moana (2016) is an American animated musical fantasy action-adventure film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set on the Polynesian island of Motunui, the inhabitants worship the goddess Te Fiti, who is believed to have brought life to the ocean using a pounamu stone as her heart and source of power. However, Maui, a shapeshifting demigod known for his trickery and mastery of wayfinding, stole Te Fiti’s heart centuries ago in order to give humanity the power of creation. This caused Te Fiti to disintegrate and Maui was attacked by Te Kā, a volcanic demon. He lost both the heart and his magical fish hook to the depths of the ...

The Get Down (2016–2017), a creation of Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis, is an American musical drama that premiered on Netflix on August 12, 2016. Sadly, it was cancelled after just one season. The show is set in the 1970s in New York City’s Bronx borough and tells the story of a group of teens who witness the rise of hip-hop and disco music. At the start of each episode, we see MC Books, a renowned artist, performing for a large crowd in 1996. Using rap as his medium, he recaps previous events and sets the stage for what’s to come. Throughout the ...

The award-winning film, La La Land (2016), penned and helmed by Damien Chazelle, follows the story of jazz musician Sebastian ‘Seb’ Wilder and aspiring actress Mia Dolan. Seb’s frustration with Los Angeles traffic leads to a moment of road rage directed at Mia. Later on, Mia’s audition, which was interrupted by a phone call, ends badly causing disappointment for her. In an attempt to lift her spirits, her roommates take her to a party in the Hollywood Hills where she hopes to make career connections. However, things take a turn for the worse when her car gets towed and she is forced to walk home ...

Frozen Fever (2015) was released by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The short film was brimming with music and fantasy. A year after the events of Frozen, Queen Elsa is determined to give her sister Anna a surprise birthday party she will never forget. To bring her vision to life, Elsa enlists the help of Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf. Together, they embark on a treasure hunt planned by the queen herself. However, their celebrations are disrupted by an unexpected visitor – a cold. With each sneeze, Elsa unintentionally creates small snow creatures known as ‘Snowgies’. Kristoff and Sven try to put an end to their mischief-making while Olaf embraces them. ...

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios, Lava (2014) is an American animated short film that tells a musical love story spanning millions of years. Its inspiration comes from the striking contrast between the serene beauty of tropical islands and the fiery power of ocean volcanoes, which is also reflected in its titular song written by Murphy. In an interview with KHON-TV based in Honolulu, Murphy shared that his fascination with Hawaii began during his honeymoon on the main island 25 years ago. To further immerse himself in these emotions, he returned to Hawaii shortly before production began. On a tropical island in the Pacific Ocean, ...

The American musical fantasy film, Into the Woods (2014), from director Rob Marshall and screenplay by James Lapine, is a retelling of the timeless tale. The story follows the Baker and his wife who long for a child but are plagued by a curse placed upon them by the Witch. As it goes, the Witch caught the Baker’s father stealing from her garden while his mother was pregnant and demanded their unborn child as payment. But that wasn’t all – in addition to the baby, the Baker’s father took some enchanted beans which resulted in the Witch being cursed with age and ugliness. With no other option, she ...

The popular movie Frozen (2013), released by Walt Disney Pictures, tells the story of Princess Elsa from Arendelle who possesses magical abilities over ice and snow. After unintentionally hurting her sister Anna with her powers, their parents, the King and Queen, take them to a group of trolls led by Grand Pabbie for help. He uses his magic to heal Anna’s injury by removing her memories of Elsa’s abilities. As a precautionary measure, the King and Queen decide to keep Elsa isolated within the castle until she learns to control her powers. This isolation causes a rift between the sisters that continues into their adulthood. Sadly, their parents perish in a ...

Sunshine on Leith (2013) is a romantic musical film, directed by Dexter Fletcher. It begins in Afghanistan, where an APC is on patrol with nervous passengers such as Davy Henshaw and Ally, who fear for their survival (‘Sky Takes the Soul’) before being ambushed. Some time later, the recently discharged pair return to Edinburgh and their families after their tour (‘I’m on my Way’). Ally reunites with his girlfriend Liz, who happens to be Davy’s sister. On their first night back, Liz introduces Davy to her English colleague Yvonne at a pub. The two women share some drunken storytelling, ...

Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire (2012) is a hilarious horror musical that was released straight to DVD. It is the seventeenth film in the popular Scooby-Doo series. After a long time solving mysteries, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby decide it’s time for a much-needed vacation. They travel to Petit Chauve Sourie Ville, a small town in Louisiana that is famous for its vampire festival called ‘Vampire Palooza’. The gang meets Lita Rutland, the organizing committee’s head who tells them about the financial struggles they are facing due to low tourism numbers. Their host for the trip is Vincent Van Helsing – an author and ...

The Lorax (2012), an animated musical comedy, was created by Illumination Entertainment and released by Universal Pictures. Young Ted Wiggins resides in Thneedville, a city enclosed by walls where all plant life is artificial. His crush on Audrey prompts him to seek out a ‘real tree’ to impress her. His grandmother, Norma, shares the story of the Once-ler, who holds knowledge about the trees’ disappearance. Venturing beyond Thneedville, Ted is met with a barren and polluted outside world. He locates the Once-ler and after multiple visits, convinces him to recount the tale of the trees. On another trip away from town, Ted encounters Aloysius ...

Rock of Ages (2012) is a film directed by Adam Shankman, based on the Broadway musical by Chris D’Arienzo. Set in 1987 Los Angeles, Sherrie Christian arrives from Oklahoma with hopes of becoming a singer. However, her suitcase is stolen and she is left stranded. Drew Boley, a barback at the Bourbon Room, helps her out by getting her a job as a waitress after the previous one quits (‘Sister Christian/Just Like Paradise/Nothin’ But a Good Time’). The Bourbon Room, facing financial troubles due to tax debt, desperately books Stacee Jaxx, a ...

George Miller directed, produced and co-wrote the 2011 animated jukebox musical comedy film, Happy Feet Two (2011). Erik, son of Mumble and Gloria, struggles to keep up with his fellow Emperor-Land penguins on the dance floor. Along with his friends Bo and Atticus, he follows Ramón, leader of the Amigos and one of Mumble’s pals, to Adélie-Land. This snowy land is now under the rule of Sven, a flying penguin who is not all he seems. Sven had previously convinced the humans to spare him by showing off his impressive flight skills before joining forces with Lovelace (formerly known as ‘Guru’). Lovelace ...

Glee (2009–2015) is an American musical comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox in the United States from May 19, 2009, to March 20, 2015. Set in Ohio at William McKinley High School, the show follows the members of a glee club called New Directions. These diverse students navigate social issues surrounding sexuality, race, family, teen relationships, and teamwork as they compete in show choir competitions. When a former Glee Club member becomes their new coach, he guides them with humor and creates lasting friendships. Get ready for ‘New Directions’. Lima, Ohio’s McKinley High School is forever transformed when Will Schuester, a Spanish ...

Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench (2009) is an American romantic musical film written, directed, and produced by Damien Chazelle in his feature directorial debut. Set in modern-day Boston, Massachusetts, it follows the story of a couple who have been dating for three months. Guy is an up-and-coming jazz trumpeter while Madeline is an introvert searching for work. As time passes, the initial thrill of their romance diminishes and Guy’s eye begins to wander towards Elena, a more outgoing woman. When they meet on a busy subway car, their immediate connection spells the end for Guy and Madeline’s relationship. In ...

In the  musical slasher film, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), directed by Tim Burton and written by John Logan, a barber named Benjamin Barker arrives in London with young sailor Anthony Hope. After being falsely convicted and sent to Australia by corrupt Judge Turpin, who desired his wife Lucy, Barker assumes the identity of ‘Sweeney Todd’ and returns to his old shop above Nellie Lovett’s meat pie shop on Fleet Street. Lovett, who harbors unrequited love for him, informs Todd that after his exile, Turpin drove Lucy to suicide and ...