Movie Musicals That Defined a Generation: From ‘Grease’ to ‘La La Land’
Movie musicals combine the magic of films and Broadway into one show. Either based on a stage show or written for the screen, movie musicals are a popular film genre. While some of these films have been passed down generations, their impact on pop culture still stands. From their unique characters and catchy soundtracks, movie musicals over the years have become a staple for generations. And with the genre growing in popularity, it’s important to recognize the movie musicals that paved the way.
Grease
Grease is the word; it’s got a groove, and it’s got meaning. This movie musical is so impactful some forget it differs from its Broadway show. Released in 1978, Grease is a nostalgic look at being a teenager in the 1950s. Greaser Danny (John Travolta) and good girl Sandy Olson (Olivia Newton-John) summer romance struggles in their regular life. When Sandy unexpectedly transfers to Danny’s high school, their two different circles struggle to accept the couple. Begging the question of whether they can rekindle their summer love despite their school’s social rules. One of the most impactful movie musicals, Grease, is available to stream on Paramount+.
Bye Bye Birdie
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1960, the film version was released in 1963 featuring Ann-Margaret and Dick Van Dyke. Rock singer Conrad Birdie, a parody of Elvis Presley, is drafted into the army. To save his career, his agent Albert (Van Dyke) organizes a farewell show in small-town Ohio. Set to kiss his biggest fan, Kim (Margaret), Bridie’s arrival shakes up the town. Bye Bye Birdie is a satirical look at Presley’s impact in the 1950s. As well as the generational shift between teens and their old-school parents. Bye Bye Birdie is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an out-of-this-world movie musical. It features one of Tim Curry’s most iconic roles as the bizarre Dr. Frank-N-Furter. When newly engaged couple Burt and Janets’ car breaks down, they seek shelter in an isolated castle. Soon entranced by sex, freaky science, and the time warp, the couple becomes lost in this strange world. Known for the popular songs “Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite,” this movie musical continues to be loved by generations. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is available to stream on Hulu.
Chicago
It is one of the few movie musicals to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Chicago continues to have an impact over 20 years later, both on screen and on stage. Two female convicted murderers, Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger), on death row start a rivalry. Fighting for fame and attention from a sleazy lawyer in order to save themselves from their demise. Set in 1920s Chicago, the impact of jazz is prevalent in the musical’s soundtrack. Chicago is available to stream on Paramount+.
High School Musical
Starting off as a Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical became more prominent than the channel. Continuing on to have two more movies, an on-stage production, and a spin off show. High School Musical follows basketball star Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and academically gifted Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens.) When the two sing a duet together during karaoke, they discover their love of performing. When Gabriella ends up at Troy’s school, they audition for the school winter musical threatening East High’s social order. Struggling to balance their respective cliques and theater, Troy and Gabriella are determined to be who they are. High School Musical is available to stream on Disney+.
Mamma Mia!
It features the music of ABBA with the backdrop of Greece: Mamma Mia! It doubles as a jukebox musical. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has dreamed of her father walking her down the aisle whom she has never met. After reading her mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep) diary, she soon learns three men may be her father. Unsure, she invites the three men to their small hotel in Greece, forcing Donna to face her past. Featuring ABBA hits “Dancing Queen” and “Gimmie!Gimmie!Gimmie!” this movie musical has had generations dancing along. Mamma Mia! It is available to stream on MAX.
Hairspray
Originally based on the Andy Warhol film Hairspray, the musical became famous in its own right. Almost four years after its Broadway debut, the movie musical version of Hairspray hit theaters. Plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) becomes a hit on a local dance show. However, despite her rising fame, she soon became involved in the fight for integration in 1960s Baltimore. Willing to risk it all, Tracy and her friends are ready to dance together to achieve a better future. An honest look at life in the 1960s Hairspray is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime.
La La Land
Most known as the mistaken winner of best picture of the year at the 2017 Oscars. La La Land is a movie musical examining the struggles of making it in Hollywood. Mia (Emma Stone) dreams of being an actress while serving coffee to movie stars. Musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) scraps by performing in dingy jazz clubs. Together, a love affair blooms, but as their dreams come true, it threatens to tear them apart. With memorable dance numbers and a soundtrack, La La Land has become a popular modern movie musical. La La Land is available to stream on Netflix.
Final Thoughts on Movie Musicals
With Wicked set to hit theaters this November, movie musicals aren’t going anywhere. Their impact is still prevalent, regardless of whether they’re based on a Broadway show or written for the screen. Whether new or old, movie musicals help build bridges in generational gaps. As well as produce memorable soundtracks that impact pop culture. Even if you’re not a musical lover, there’s sure to be a movie musical that strikes the right cord.
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