In 1927, The Jazz Singer hit theaters, ushering in the sound era and forever changing cinema. That groundbreaking moment paved the way for countless musical movies, and today we celebrate 10 captivating performances that have left an indelible mark on film history.
10 Captivating Performances Highlighted
10 “Over the Rainbow” — The Wizard of Oz
“Once there was a wicked witch in the lovely land of Oz
And a wickeder, wickeder, wickeder witch there never, never was.” The 1939 fantasy musical dazzles audiences by bringing L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters to vivid life. It boasts memorable numbers and secured the third spot on the most‑watched‑films list in 2013.
Judy Garland, portraying Dorothy Gale, delivered the iconic “Over the Rainbow,” which earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song. At just 17, Garland seized her breakout moment, pouring heart and soul into a performance that has become legendary.
The song’s soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics have cemented its status as a timeless anthem, resonating across generations and solidifying the film’s place in cinematic lore.
9 “America” — West Side Story
Released in 1961, West Side Story adapted the 1957 Broadway hit, translating Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet into a vibrant New York setting. The film swept ten Oscars and dominated the Billboard chart for 54 weeks, also clinching a Grammy for Best Sound Track Album – Original Cast.
The soundtrack brims with classics like “Jet Song,” “Something’s Coming,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” “Somewhere,” and the infectious “America.” This number stands out as the film’s biggest dance sequence.
Penned by Stephen Sondheim with Leonard Bernstein’s composition, “America” showcases dazzling choreography and remains a high point of the movie’s musical brilliance.
8 “The Sound of Music | The Hills Are Alive” — The Sound of Music
Based on Maria von Trapp’s memoir, The Sound of Music follows an Austrian postulant who brings music and joy to a retired naval officer’s seven children. Released in 1965, it became the highest‑grossing film by the end of 1966, earning numerous accolades and preservation in the National Film Registry.
Julie Andrews, despite previously mocking the stage version, embraced the role of Maria after her iconic turn as Mary Poppins. She delivered the unforgettable opening number, “The Sound of Music | The Hills Are Alive,” which has become one of cinema’s most celebrated scenes.
The song’s sweeping vistas and lyrical optimism have been referenced countless times in television and film, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone.
7 “Don’t Rain on My Parade” — Funny Girl
Funny Girl chronicles the life of Fanny Brice, a pioneering American comedienne, singer, and actress. Barbra Streisand made her film debut in 1968, portraying Brice with electric energy.
The movie is hailed as one of the greatest musical films, featuring standout numbers such as “I’m the Greatest Star,” “You Are Woman, I Am Man,” “My Man,” and the defiant anthem “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
6 “Time Warp” — The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Show began as a stage tribute to classic horror and sci‑fi flicks from the 1930s‑1960s, debuting at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1973 before closing after 2,960 performances in 1980.
In 1975, the film version arrived, ultimately becoming the longest‑running theatrical release ever. Though initially a flop, it cultivated a massive cult following and earned preservation in the National Film Registry.
Memorable tracks include “Damn It, Janet,” “Sweet Transvestite,” “Hot Patootie,” “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” and the exuberant “Time Warp.”
“Time Warp” appears in both stage and screen adaptations, and its signature dance has evolved into a beloved audience‑participation ritual at screenings worldwide.
5 “Tomorrow” — Annie
The comic strip Little Orphan Annie blossomed into a 1977 Broadway hit and a 1982 feature film starring Aileen Quinn, Carol Burnett, Albert Finney, and Tim Curry. The story follows Annie’s optimistic belief that she’ll find a family, despite her orphanage upbringing.
Key musical moments include “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” “Little Girls,” the iconic “It’s the Hard‑Knock Life,” and the hopeful anthem “Tomorrow.” The latter draws inspiration from the Sherman Brothers’ “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” originally written for the 1964 World’s Fair.
While many artists have covered “Tomorrow,” Quinn’s earnest debut performance remains the gold standard, capturing the song’s youthful optimism.
4 “Cell Block Tango” — Chicago
Chicago assembles a star‑studded cast—Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, and Catherine Zeta‑Jones—who showcase their musical chops in a tale of two female inmates vying for fame in 1920s Chicago.
The film follows the women’s journey on Murderess’ Row, ultimately earning the distinction of being the first musical to win Best Picture since 1968.
Notable numbers include “All That Jazz,” “Mr. Cellophane,” and the darkly captivating “Cell Block Tango.”
Originally composed for the 1975 stage production, each of the song’s opening six words corresponds to a murder suspect. In the movie, Catherine Zeta‑Jones, Susan Misner, Denise Faye, Deidre Goodwin, Ekaterina Chtchelkanova, and Mýa deliver a razor‑sharp performance.
3 “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” — Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls, adapted from its Broadway predecessor and released in 2006, stars Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy, chronicling the rise of an R&B group in the 1960s‑70s.
Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Effie White—modeled after Supremes singer Florence Ballard—earned her both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Her powerful renditions include “One Night Only,” “I Am Changing,” “It’s All Over,” and the soaring ballad “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”
2 “On My Own” — Les Misérables
Les Misérables, though steeped in sorrow, offers moments of luminous musical brilliance. Iconic performances include Anne Hathaway’s one‑take rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream,” Hugh Jackman’s heartfelt “Bring Him Home,” and the ensemble’s rousing “One Day More.”
Samantha Barks shines as Eponine, delivering the poignant solo “On My Own.” After earning the role by starring in the West End production, she triumphed over seasoned contenders such as Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson, and Taylor Swift.
Barks has shared that she’s been singing “On My Own” in karaoke settings since age seven, forging a deep personal connection to the song’s yearning lyrics.
1 “Always Remember Us This Way” — A Star Is Born (2018)
A Star Is Born (2018) marked Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut and Lady Gaga’s major Hollywood entrance. Their collaboration earned critical acclaim, with fans speculating about a real‑life romance—a claim both artists denied.
The soundtrack dazzles, highlighted by the Oscar‑winning “Shallow.” Yet Gaga’s soulful delivery of “Always Remember Us This Way” during a tender scene—where Ally sings after Jackson confesses his love—stands out as a career‑defining moment.
This performance showcases Gaga’s vocal depth and emotional resonance, cementing the song’s place among modern cinematic classics.
+ “This Is Me” — The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman dazzles with spectacle and song, gifting the world the karaoke‑favorite “Million Dreams” performed by Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams. Zac Efron and Zendaya also shine with “Rewrite the Stars.”
However, the anthem “This Is Me,” powerfully rendered by Keala Settle and fellow cast members, has become a global rallying cry, blending optimism and defiance in a soaring celebration of self‑acceptance.