Movie musicals have evolved throughout the decades. Leading up to the 1970s, musicals were usually bombastic, upbeat, and family-oriented extravaganzas. The 1930s-1950s released musical hit after hit including classics such as Oklahoma!, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Sn0w-White and the Seven Dwarves. However, audiences soon became fatigued by musicals in the late 60s' and early 70s', specifically with the classical-era Hollywood style of musicals.
When the 70s rolled in, filmmakers were leaning towards gritty realism and mature themes. Rocky Horror Picture Show was one of the first R-rated movie musicals released. While it bombed during its initial 1975 run it developed a cult following in the 80s due to the popularity of midnight shows. Rocky Horror effectively helped shaped the movie musical scene and has inspired other Rated R musical films since.
10 Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical (7.1)
A satirical take on the 1936 cautionary film Reefer Madness. Before making its way to film, the musical was first performed in LA before moving to New York's off-broadway scene for a brief stint. In tribute to the original film, the movie switches from a fear-mongered audience watching an overblown dramatization to the overblown dramatization itself.
The movie pokes fun at the education-exploitation film whilst supplying catchy and memorable songs by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney. Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical is also helmed by an incredible cast including; Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), Kristen Bell (Frozen II), and Ana Gasteyer (Saturday Night Live) to name a few.
9 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (7.3)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was a Tim Burton production starring Johnny Depp (Ed Wood) and Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter franchise). The film is an adaptation of Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim's musical of the same name. Some changes were made including certain songs being deleted and cutting the majority of choruses.
The film adaptation is just as gory as the broadway musical (if not more so). Many dark elements were kept including Todd's death in the finale. And, while Sondheim was cautious about the musical being turned into a movie, he enjoyed the film. Other critics concurred and praised the movie for retaining the essence of the musical whilst successfully converting it to the big screen.
8 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (7.4)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based on the 1973 musical The Rocky Horror Show. Many elements from the stage show transferred to the film adaptation including some of the actors, costumes, and narrator. The film stars Tim Curry (It), Susan Sarandon (Witches of Eastwick), and Barry Bostwick (Incredibles 2) among others.
Despite its initial failure, the movie has gone on to be adored by fans old and new. Viewers particularly praising the film for Curry's show-stopping performance, memorable songs and choreography, and its corny but charming aesthetic. Besides affecting the movie musical scene, Rocky Horror went on to inspire punk rock fashion with dyed-hair and fishnet stockings.
7 A Star is Born (7.7)
The third remake of the classic A Star is Born. This retelling modernized the film whilst also parallels some of the underlying issues that afflicted the 1954 version's star Judy Garland (The Wizard of Oz) herself. Director, co-writer, and star Bradley Cooper (Guardians of the Galaxy) and co-star Lady Gaga (American Horror Story: Hotel) portrayed tumultuous lovers whose musical projects are troubled by Cooper's character's alcoholism and drug use.
The film has been hailed for its raw and beautifully tormented performances, particularly from Cooper and Gaga. Whilst the songs (written by Lukas Nelson and Lady Gaga) and specifically "Shallow", were recognized by the Academy and won an Oscar along with being nominated for Best Picture.
6 Hedwig and the Angry Inch (7.7)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is based on the 1998 stage musical of the same name. The film's director, writer, and star John Cameron Mitchell reprised his role as Hedwig from the stage show. For the film, most of the lead vocals songs recorded live instead of in a studio. According to the film's DVD commentary, this was done to catch the passion and virility of a live performance.
Following its release, the movie was lauded at the Sundance Film Festival and would go on to win awards at various film festivals across the country. The movie's focus on the struggles and discrimination that can come with gender identity end up culminating during the film's marketing. The Rosie O'Donnell Show's studio initially disapproved of a "drag" performance but was overruled by O'Donnell.
5 South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (7.7)
South Park: Bigger, Longer& Uncut was the first time the hilarious but controversial series South Park hit the big screen. While in talks, show creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker only agreed to do a movie if it would be rated R. Despite pushback from the movie's studio to tone it down, Stone and Parker did not relent. The R-Rating was attested by the film's copious profanity, nudity, and sex scenes.
The film was a hit critically and fiscally. Fans agreed it was a tremendous spectacle that only the theater could capture. Parker's song "Blame Canada" ended up being nominated for an Oscar but later lost to Phil Collins for "You'll Be in My Heart." This was a blow for Parker and consequently, they would tease Collins in later episodes of South Park.
4 All That Jazz (7.9)
All That Jazz was a semi-autobiographical film based on co-writer and director Bob Fosse's experiences of producing the Broadway musical Chicago while editing his film Lenny. Many of the film's events reflected Fosse's life while intermixing fantasy elements.
Whilst its box office reception was serviceable, the critical reception was over the moon. Reviews praised the introspective and creative direction of the film, star Roy Scheider's (Jaws) charismatic and powerful performance, and the incredible film score.
3 The Blue Brothers (7.9)
The Blue Brothers was a comedy-musical starring John Belushi (Animal House) and Dan Akroyd (Ghostbusters). The movie is based on a series of SNL sketches with Belushi and Akroyd reprising their roles. The film's music included songs and performances from renowned rhythm and blues, blues and soul vocalists/musicians Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles, etc.
The film was successful when first released and even developed a cult following. Admiration for the movie has been expressed towards its witty and humorous dialogue, amazing soundtrack, and the performances of the two leads.
2 This is Spinal Tap (7.9)
This is Spinal Tap was a musical mockumentary co-written and directed by Rob Reiner. The movie satirized rock bands and music documentaries. Apparently, the majority of the film was improvised and hours of film were recorded.
The incredible power behind This is Spinal Tap convinced some fans that the band was real. Real-life musicians such as Ozzy Osbourne and Robert Plant resonated with the film and thought it captured many aspects of the rock star lifestyle.
1 Pink Floyd – The Wall (8.1)
Pink Floyd-The Wall is based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album "The Wall". The movie incorporates various visual styles and trippy imagery to amplify the music. The majority of the songs from "The Wall" made it into the film while some changes were made.
Upon its release, the film was favorably received critically and fiscally. Praise was directed towards its visuals, music, and profound message. Despite the creators being dissatisfied with the final product, the film has since developed a cult following.
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