THE BEST OF MOVIE MUSICALS TO WATCH TODAY
Here are my personal favorites for the best and most watchable Hollywood musicals of all time, perfect for viewing today. I have included clips of the most delightful dances from each. (Keep in mind that the dance selected will not be everyone's favorite.) Rent these movies today to have a rollicking good time. All are excellent movies that are totally entertaining from start to finish. Beyond the first 2 (both of which are Gene Kelly masterpieces) these movies are not in any particular order.
Most of the following movies are available for rent on Amazon Prime and probably Netflix and other streaming services. Many are also available to watch in full on YouTube.
The YouTube videos of the clips shown below run ads at the beginning of each dance. Click on the lower right "Skip Ads" button where available to avoid them as much as possible.
Most of the following movies are available for rent on Amazon Prime and probably Netflix and other streaming services. Many are also available to watch in full on YouTube.
The YouTube videos of the clips shown below run ads at the beginning of each dance. Click on the lower right "Skip Ads" button where available to avoid them as much as possible.
Singing in the Rain (1952)
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Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly delight in this rockin' duet from the movie. O'Connor said that as a hoofer, he never used his arms well in dance till working with Kelly for this movie.
Singing in the Rain is in my opinion the very best movie musical ever made. |
An American in Paris (1951)
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The delightful dance that Gene Kelly does with Parisian children to the wonderful George Gershwin song I've Got Rhythm is only one of the delights of this movie musical tour de force. Stunning from start to finish. |
Top Hat (1935)
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Dancing Cheek to Cheek is one of the great dance duets. Astaire and Rogers shine in this beautiful rendition. Her costume caused all kinds of problems however, causing Astaire to sneeze during some takes. But the result is irresistible.
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Swing Time (1936)
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This is my personal favorite of the all-time best Astaire/Rogers duets. I have seen it many, many times and still love every moment. For a great pick me up, watch Pick Yourself Up. The movie includes so many other stunning dances. Never Gonna Dance is another choice one.
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Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)
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This is a great movie to watch, quite unusual for its day in the fairly accurate depiction of alcohol addiction. But the real gems are Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, the only time they appeared in a movie together. Unforgettable dancing.
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Silk Stockings (1957)
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Another charming Astaire-Charisse film features this wonderful duet. This was the last musical Astaire made and after a 50+ year dance career he still has it! My favorite part are the hip spins he gives Charisse as they move from set to set.
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On The Town (1949)
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The first genius collaboration between Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, On the Town is a great movie from start to finish. This clip is the charming duet between Kelly and Vera Ellen, My Home Town. But the movie is so full of great pieces, also featuring Ann Miller and Frank Sinatra.
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Stormy Weather (1943)
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Stormy Weather is a powerhouse of a movie. The all black cast features Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Fats Waller, Katherine Dunham, Cab Calloway and the fantastic Nicholas Brothers. My favorite scene though is the zoot suit ensemble piece featured in this clip from the movie.
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Kiss Me Kate (1953)
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The play within a movie opening features (from the left) Tommy Rall, Ann Miller, Katherine Grayson and Howard Keel. In honor of Italy here is We Open in Venice. And I must say that the 6'3" handsome Howard Keel looks fantastic in red tights. He moves beautifully too.
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7 Brides for 7 Brothers (1954)
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The iconic Barn Dance, showing off the athleticism of Michael Kidd's choreography featured the best dancers from ballet as well as Hollywood. Here is Tommy Rall (red shirt) as well as Jacques D'Amboise (green shirt), star of George Balanchine's NY City Ballet Company.
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Oklahoma (1955)
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What an energetic and charming musical! This clip from the movie is the extended dream sequence, choreographed by Agnes DeMille. It is considered by many to be historic as movement is used to create character. The movie is dynamic and entertaining from the beginning to the end.
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Carousel (1956)
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The Carousel Waltz extended dance sequence from this wonderful Rogers & Hammerstein musical is brilliant and stars the incredible Jacques D'Amboise and Susan Luckley. Frank Sinatra was the first choice to star in this movie but was ultimately replaced by Gordon MacRea.
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West Side Story (1961)
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The great George Chakiris and Rita Moreno star in this Puerto Rican blockbuster dance called America. The choreography by Jerome Robbins is superb. Keep an eye out for Jay Norman, the tallest Puerto Rican and one of the best dancers in Hollywood. See him clearly at the 4:08 mark.
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Victor Victoria (1982)
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The great Julie Andrews knocks everyone's socks off in this fantastic number, one of my all time favorites. The movie is full of fabulous performances by a great cast and is entertaining from start to finish. |
There are so many other fabulous Hollywood musicals including: The Wizzard of Oz (1939), Meet Me in Saint Louis (1944), Guys and Dolls (1955), The King and I (1956), Gigi (1958), Mary Poppins (1964), My Fair Lady (1964), The Sound of Music (1965), Cabaret (1972) and Chicago (2002) among so many others. Plenty of joyful celebration for us to watch during these trying times. Enjoy!!!