The ultimate musicals playlist
Since The Greatest Showman hit the big screen last December, we have been going musicals crazy. With Mamma Mia! currently back in the spotlight with its second movie (YAY!), Here We Go Again, and Bohemian Rhapsody getting us ready to relive Queen’s greatest hits, it seems there’s no sign of musical fever slowing down anytime soon.
New research reveals one in three Brits have been to see a musical at the cinema in the last 12 months, while West End theatre performances have also experienced a boom in popularity, with audiences surpassing 15 million for the first time last year.
And national cinema chain, Showcase Cinemas, has revealed the ultimate top 10 musical playlist – taking a look back through some of the world’s most famous and classic soundtracks we’ve been singing for decades. From movies to West End shows, has your favourite made the cut?
1. Summer Nights Grease, 1978
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Summer Nights is the ultimate summer love song and the perfect tune to duet to with your friends and family… you’ll be sure to have a blast as you take on the roles of Sandy and Danny.
2. This is Me The Greatest Showman, 2017
Released at the end of 2017, this film has gone from success to success achieving an incredible £335 million at the box office worldwide. The energetic and uplifting song, This is Me has dominated the singles charts for over 30 weeks, with its inspirational lyrics and the powerful songstress, Kealea Settle, taking centre stage.
3. Dancing Queen Mamma Mia, 1976
With Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again now out in cinemas, this toe-tapping, singalong musical is currently the sound of the summer! So throw on your flares, flick back your hair and have the time of your life as you dance the night away.
4. Cell Block Tango Chicago, 1975
Winning six Tony Awards, Chicago is one of America’s longest running musicals, and the infamous line “He had it coming” in Cell Block Tango has men squirming in their seats.
Watch murderess Roxie Hart as she struts across the stage with the perfect amount of grit and glamour in the sexiest, sassiest and sophisticated musical.
5. One Night Only Dreamgirls, 1982
Let your soul sing as the dazzling Dreamgirls transport you back to the soulful streets of 1960s USA.
One Night Only, made famous by American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson in 2006, is performed by Effie White, as she sings about her journey to stardom in a breathtaking power ballad, with a later disco version by Deena Jones & The Dreams.
6. The Hills Are Alive The Sound of Music, 1965
Gracing the screens in 1965, The Sound of Music’s iconic title track, ‘The Hills Are Alive’ still has musical fans belting it out from their lungs, despite it being released before they were born.
Its cult status is demonstrated by the hordes of crowds dressing up as nuns for specular themed evenings and singing along to all the hits.
7. You Can’t Stop The Beat Hairspray, 1998
Another musical film starring John Travolta, this time as the loveable Edna Turnblad. Hairspray is a musical for the whole family with lively dance routines and hilarious one liners that promise to be as big as the casts’ hair!
‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ is the show-stopping final song which sees Tracy and Link finally get together and dance their way to victory.
8. Lady Marmalade Moulin Rouge, 2001
Paris, the city of romance and beauty is home to the Moulin Rouge and in 2001, this Montmartre attraction was turned into a successful film, telling the story of a Parisian lady and English gentlemen falling in love.
Christina Aguilera’s sexy performance of Lady Marmalade was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for 5 weeks and is a song that oozes sass.
9. Tomorrow Annie, 1982
Cute, curly-haired Annie takes the starring role in this musical, telling her life story of being an orphan and going from rags to riches.
Renowned song, Tomorrow, expresses beloved Annie’s desire for change and an uplifting reminder that a new day is on the horizon. And almost 40 years later, the movie’s still a huge hit following the Will Smith and Jay-Z produced remake of the classic film.
10. Fame Fame, 1980
The chorus, ‘Fame, I’m gonna live forever’ reflects the passion the characters in the film feel as they battle through the challenges of drama school and life.
The film was released in 1980 and took home the 1981 Academy Award for Best Original Song. Proving its popularity, the film was remade thirty years later, taking home another two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe.
