Musicals have been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember! Even if they are a stereotypical dorky thing for people to like, I don’t mind. Some musicals tend to be so much more fun, intense, and emotional than a normal album. A lot of people discredit how much work goes into making a successful musical, but those who do are very dedicated and loyal fans. ‘Noteworthy Tracks’ will be included, basically meaning the songs that are the best of the bunch as stand-alone songs and/or the most iconic from the soundtrack. Today’s list will exclusively include musicals in the form of movies.

Across the Universe

Across the Universe has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. This musical features covers of the most popular songs by The Beatles. The movie was released in 2007. The film centers around a group of friends who all live in 1960s New York after destiny brings them all together during a war. It’s a love story more than anything and it really shows that people can get through even the hardest moments in their lives and find a way to be happy. It really shines when showing off the variety of very fun and colorful characters that are showcased in the film. Not only are the characters and story great though, the music is amazing as well! Some of the covers will make you debate whether it’s better than the original songs or not.

Noteworthy Tracks — All my Loving, Come Together, Across The Universe, Happiness is a Warm Gun.

Repo! The Genetic Opera

Repo is probably the least recognizable entry on this list. It’s initial release was in 2008 and since then, it never garnered the bug accolades, but it has become a cult classic! The people who’ve seen it and liked it will remember it and rewatch it regularly for the rest of their lives. It’s a very stylish movie with really harsh and interesting topics. It takes place in a version of the future where plastic surgery is used as a fashion statement and going into debt is a new level of deadly. In this world, there’s a type of occupation called a ‘Repoman’ who hunts down people who don’t pay off their surgery debts on time. The story centers around that as an idea, and a main character named Shilo who isn’t allowed outside her home because of her father’s fear of her finding out about what the real world is like. The dark premise leads to some really gruesome and sad moments.

Noteworthy Tracks — Infected, Night Surgeon, At the Opera Tonight, Let the Monster Rise.

Les Miserables

The stage show of Les Miserables is one of the most popular musicals in the world, but the 2012 movie got across differently to fans. Many people didn’t like the casting that the movie had. A prime example being Russell Crowe as Javert, but I think most of the casting choices were perfect. In terms of story, it follows the life of Jean Valjean and the events that happen in his life. It takes place during the French Revolution and this honestly makes it a very sad experience. Many fan favorite characters die while some really annoying characters stay alive. The music is also amazing and contrary to popular belief, it’s honestly a pretty great movie.

Noteworthy Tracks — Stars, One Day More, Do You Hear The People Sing, Empty Chairs At Empty Tables.

Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd tells the story of a London barber who is falsely accused of committing a crime and gets sentenced to fifteen years in prison. When he can finally return to London, he begins to search for his wife who he was forced to leave behind. He also searches for the man who framed him in the first place so he can get revenge. He ends up meeting many people there and it starts to form a pretty wacky and cute cast. Cute for the premise of the film, that is. It’s honestly such a charming movie because even though it has dark topics like murder and abuse, it really doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s a lot of comedic moments that don’t ruin the flow of the movie at all.

Noteworthy Tracks — My Friends, Pretty Women, Epiphany, Johanna (Reprise).

Rocketman

Rocketman is another movie based on the songs of an already influential musician. It’s actually based on the life of Elton John. The movie was released on May 31, 2019 and it’s a spiritual experience. The first week when I watched the film, I rewatched it about five times in under a week, and I still never got sick of it! It’s an instant classic in my eyes. The story of Elton John’s life is truly tragic, it faces the reality of abusive relationships and how dangerously quick someone can spiral into a pit of depression. It looks at how getting in the eye of the media can change someone for the worse. Alongside that, the movie shows what steps you can take to get better after these events.

Noteworthy Tracks — Border Song, Honky Cat, Rocketman, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.