7 Best Movie Musicals of the 21st Century (So Far)

As a movie lover, I’ve always had a soft spot for musicals, and it’s great to see the genre is still alive and kicking! It’s had to evolve, though – it couldn’t just keep doing the same old thing. What’s exciting about the recent musicals is they’ve figured out how to blend a good story with amazing music and visuals without feeling like a throwback. Audiences today want more than just flashy performances; we want characters we care about, stories that make sense, and songs that actually mean something. For a while, musicals felt a bit out of step with what most people wanted to see, but these new ones really connected. They realized that nostalgia and spectacle alone aren’t enough – you need genuine emotional impact and a real connection with the audience.

So far, only a handful of musical films from the 21st century have truly succeeded in being enjoyable, creatively bold, and sincerely moving. These films avoid tired clichés and connect with a wide range of viewers.

7) Wicked

Considering the huge success of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, it’s surprising to remember that many doubted this story could ever be made into a movie. But the film is a triumph, both visually and emotionally, because it feels like a genuine cinematic experience, not just a filmed stage production. The story explores the early lives of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), before the events of The Wizard of Oz, and how their very different perspectives lead to a complex and powerful friendship. What makes the film so compelling is its refusal to simplify the conflicts or rely heavily on familiar nostalgia; it tackles the political issues within Oz, the characters’ rivalry, and Elphaba’s struggles with honesty and seriousness, immediately making the audience connect with her story.

The true reason Wicked became so popular – and even started conversations about the musical theater experience – is that it demonstrated a continuing demand for well-made shows that respect the intelligence of the audience. The songs aren’t simply filler; they contribute to the story, and the actors deliver powerful, emotionally resonant performances. Notably, the first film, Wicked, works perfectly well even without the recent addition of Wicked: For Good, which is a significant accomplishment.

6) Chicago

With its enduring popularity, Chicago is a defining musical of the 21st century, even attracting viewers who don’t typically enjoy the genre. The film successfully revived the movie musical and cleverly addressed a common issue: justifying why characters suddenly break into song. Chicago avoids feeling unrealistic by presenting the musical numbers as elaborate fantasies – performances happening within the characters’ imaginations. This approach creates a seamless and logical narrative, which was particularly innovative when the film was released in the early 2000s. The story centers on Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), two murderers who transform their crimes into sensational media events.

Beyond its captivating story, Chicago cleverly acknowledges and embraces its own cynicism, using it to create a truly unique experience. The film playfully satirizes celebrity obsession, sensationalized news, and the way justice is often turned into a spectacle. This is perfectly matched with deliberately stylized choreography and performances that don’t aim for realism – a choice that actually strengthens the film’s central ideas. It’s no surprise Chicago won Best Picture; it demonstrated that musicals could be both contemporary and classic, innovative and familiar, all while delivering a sharp, witty message that everyone could enjoy.

5) Frozen

For a while, Frozen was almost overexposed – everyone was talking about it! Initially, it seemed like a typical Disney animated musical, but it quickly became a huge sensation. A sequel has already been released to meet fan demand, and two more are planned. What really set Frozen apart was that it challenged classic Disney tropes, focusing on the bond between sisters instead of a romantic relationship, and became one of the most popular movie musicals in years. It was full of surprises, which explains its massive impact. The story centers on sisters Elsa and Anna, who have been separated because of Elsa’s hidden powers, and the struggles their kingdom faces as a result.

What makes Frozen stand out from other animated musicals is that its songs are integral to the story and character development – they don’t just add fluff. The famous song “Let It Go” isn’t just popular; it marks a crucial change for Elsa. Few Disney films connect with audiences so powerfully, particularly when addressing themes like self-acceptance, finding yourself, managing emotions, and dealing with guilt. This explains why the movie had such a big cultural impact. Frozen was simple and direct, avoiding the typical, expected “Disney magic.” While it may have become very well-known, it’s still considered one of the best musicals of recent times.

4) Tick, Tick… Boom!

Many people haven’t seen Tick, Tick… Boom! because it’s based on a lesser-known musical. However, its themes of creative struggle and anxiety make it stand out. The film tells the true story of Jonathan Larson (played by Andrew Garfield) and his desperate attempt to finish a meaningful musical before his 30th birthday, all while watching his friends choose more conventional lives. It’s not a visually extravagant movie; instead, it focuses on the intense pressure, frustration, and ambition that come with feeling like you’re falling behind. Because of this, it’s a story many viewers can easily connect with.

Despite dealing with a difficult subject, the film avoids being overly dramatic. It strikes a wonderful balance between humor, lightheartedness, and truly moving scenes, quickly drawing you into the story. Andrew Garfield’s powerful performance – recognized with an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win – is a standout, as is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s direction. Miranda, a master of musicals, understands the importance of focusing on a character’s inner struggles to create a real connection with viewers. Tick, Tick… Boom! is a must-see musical because it’s relatable, personal, and genuinely honest.

3) West Side Story

West Side Story is a classic musical, a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet that first captivated audiences in the 1950s and has remained popular ever since, including a well-known 1961 film. A new remake seemed unnecessary until Steven Spielberg’s version proved there was more to explore. The core story of Tony and Maria’s forbidden love amidst the conflict between the Jets and Sharks remains, but this adaptation delves deeper into the social issues and racial tensions that were always present, yet largely unaddressed in the original. This new version stands out because it’s more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful message conveyed through music and dance.

The movie is faithful to the original story, but it doesn’t feel like a rigid recreation. The dancing is still fantastic, the music is as good as ever, and the changes made actually enhance the film’s message. While West Side Story wasn’t a huge box office success, that doesn’t define its quality. It’s already clear this remake is a standout musical of the 21st century, proving that remakes work best when they have a strong, unique vision and connect with modern audiences.

2) La La Land

For anyone who loves movies and music, La La Land is hard not to enjoy. The film begins like a classic romantic story: it’s set in Los Angeles, where people go to pursue their dreams, and focuses on a very talented couple trying to succeed. We see Mia (Emma Stone), an actress struggling with endless auditions, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a musician dedicated to keeping traditional jazz alive. They bond over their shared passion. However, the movie quickly shows it’s not about creating a fairytale. While the music is fantastic, it always reflects difficult decisions, disappointments, and emotional challenges—it’s a powerful emotional outlet. What makes the film so good is its honesty: chasing your career goals often means letting go of the person you thought you’d become.

La La Land is remarkably genuine. It understands what makes classic musicals so appealing, but it doesn’t shy away from exploring their complexities. The film both honors the musical genre and questions whether stories like these always need happily-ever-after endings, which is a key reason why it resonates so strongly and feels like it could endure for years to come. This balance makes the film both relatable and grounded, as the characters’ struggles feel very real. It manages to appeal to both devoted musical fans and those who typically avoid the genre, offering a fresh experience that’s both challenging and enjoyable.

1) Moulin Rouge!

Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! is a truly groundbreaking musical film that immediately grabs your attention and confidently sets its own path. It feels like a seasoned pro in a crowded field, and represents musical filmmaking at its very best. The film tells the story of Christian, a writer, and Satine, a cabaret performer, and their ill-fated love affair, set against a backdrop of artistic passion and financial struggles. The filmmakers aren’t afraid to be bold, extravagant, and deeply emotional – and they embrace it fully. It’s no wonder the film resonated so strongly with audiences and remains a beloved classic of the genre.

Similar to Chicago, Moulin Rouge! appeared at the start of the 2000s, a time when audiences were ready for something different. The film’s success lies in its ambitious blend of visuals, historical context, pop music, energy, and performance – all without feeling overwhelming. It’s a carefully constructed work of art that explores a love story and genuinely conveys the inner lives of its characters. It also perfectly demonstrates Baz Luhrmann’s distinctive style before he made The Great Gatsby and Elvis. In many ways, the film set the standard for modern musicals, and even now, it still feels more daring and innovative than many recent releases – which is a huge compliment.

What are your thoughts on these musicals? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-20 17:15