10 Best Songs From Movie Musicals, According To Reddit

Movie musicals are a hugely popular genre, spanning decades. Some have been popular enough to take to the stage, either producing a sequel or presenting a modernized version. The dancing, the drama and the superb plot lines all contribute to what makes these movies so great.

However, they wouldn’t have their success without their exemplary songs that captured everyone’s attention. Songs in movie musicals are able to convey narratives, emotions, and personalities, and Reddit users have given their opinions on which songs do it the best.

“Who Will Buy” – Oliver!

Present-day film production companies have made so many memorable musicals that it can be easy to overlook some of the greatest from decades ago. Today’s era brings its own take, modernizing productions and sometimes even improving the quality of each. However, movie musicals from yesteryear were equally as spectacular.

In terms of music, Reddit user twixe suggests, “Who Will Buy from Oliver!” The titular character is gently woken by the sweet song of a woman selling roses, which seamlessly interweaves with the melodies of other workers, eventually building up the tempo. The song encapsulates a safety that Oliver hadn’t yet experienced and hooks viewers in to the unseen beauty of the life of street traders. The spine-tingling harmonies provide a breathtaking contrast to the rough London streets the orphan found himself in, allowing characters and audiences alike to breathe a welcome sigh of relief.

“Every Little Piece” – Pete’s Dragon

Movie villains are there to be disliked and as an opponent to the film’s hero. But that doesn’t mean that their scenes are boring or that their musical numbers will be disappointing.

“Every Little Piece is the best villain scene,” came from Redditor bellestarxo and they certainly have a point. The song seethes darkness, as Jim Dale sharply enunciates each lyric, with an underlying thrill at his prospect of selling dragon parts. The combination of a frightening yet tuneful song is the perfect concoction for a Disney film that seeks to find a spot in the childhoods of many.

“I Wanna Be Like You” – The Jungle Book

Disney’s classic films are inundated with fantastic musical tracks, all with varying subject matters, rhythms and genres. Reddit user ohara1250 identified “I wanna be like you – The Jungle Book” as the Disney song that is one of the best from a movie musical.

The tune itself is a nostalgic throwback to many generations’ childhood in the unmistakable sound of King Louie. It’s fun, energetic and engaging for any child or adult that watches. It also encompasses the cheeky nature of monkeys and is the perfect addition to an already great soundtrack.

“On My Own” – Les Miserables

Musicals aren’t always upbeat and energetic. Some of the best have moments of sadness or calm but are no less effective. Audiences can feel the emotion of characters in these moments, which are sometimes the best scenes. Reddit user maybe-drunk said, “On my own – Les Miserables. Now I’m crying.”

The song is so beautiful and touching that it’s hard not to become emotional upon hearing it when watching one of the best movie musicals based on a book. Like the Redditor mentions, it can only take the thought of a particularly brilliant song to be moved to tears, which is a compliment to the track itself.

“Be Prepared” – The Lion King

Redditor einherjar81 nominates “Be Prepared from The Lion King” as the best song from a movie musical. It may be a far cry from the softer sounds of classic musicals like The Sound Of Music, but the haunting, ferocious theme of the song makes it stick in the mind.

As part of one of the most rewatchable movies of the ’90s, not only does the tune convey Scar’s anger and the threat he is to others, but it also includes dark humor. His depiction of hyenas is amusing, but the lyrics are intertwined with dialogue that explains his plot to kill the king. At its core, it may be cruel but its brilliance can’t be denied.

“Summer Nights” – Grease

The era in which a film is set can be the most attractive feature, especially if it represents the vibrancy of a time that some are too young to know. Reddit user Epithemus recalled “I don’t know the song name, but the one from Grease. Sunny days drifting away.” Of course, it’s the 50’s style track “Summer Nights.”

Whilst the morality of the movie is questioned, evidently, the song still strikes a chord, as it transports viewers into the boy-meets-girl narrative. “Summer Nights” is the opposite of dreary with its feel-good rhythm and it stands as one of the best songs from the classic musical film, Grease.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Meet Me In St. Louis

Musicals can fit any season or celebratory period, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that a Christmas musical tune was selected by a Reddit user as one of the best musical songs. AXPendergast chose “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas from Meet Me In St. Louis” and it truly is a charming choice.

The soothing sound of Judy Garland’s voice encompasses all that the festive season is. Just as the young girl she sings to is mesmerized, the gentle melody touches audiences and is a wonderful staple in any household’s catalog of Christmas musical songs, making Meet Me In St Louis one of the best movie musicals of all time, according to the AFI.

“It’s A Hard Knock Life” – Annie

Some may feel that movie musicals in which the stories are based around children, or where children take the main parts, lack sophistication and engagement. But Reddit user badcompany123 stated, “It’s a hard knock life” as their favorite musical song, proving that Annie has tracks great enough to compete with others.

The song is undoubtedly catchy and drives home the suffering of the children at the orphanage. Their chance to rebel came in the form of singing, allowing them to express their feelings and release energy, capturing the attention of viewers.

“Time Warp” – The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Through the years, there have been many songs that remain party floor-fillers. Redditor I_Lick_Bananas picked “Time Warp, Rocky Horror Picture Show,” as the best track from a musical and it’s one a lot of people will be familiar with.

The film itself was way ahead of its time and is very relevant in today’s society too. But listeners needn’t have seen the film to know the song, as it’s quite popular and one can see why it doesn’t even need the context of the film to be successful.

“Maria” – Westside Story

Themes of romance in a movie musical song can be enough to grip any audience member and make it into their selection of favorites. Reddit user soundbunny found exactly that with “Maria from Westside Story. Lovely haunting love song…”

The vocals are supported by a beautiful orchestral sound that sometimes drops out, almost isolating the vocals. The love felt by the character is conveyed in his words and the passion that the song brings out, making it truly memorable.