Lock down may be upon us but that is all the more reason to break out some classic musicals. As shown by people singing from their balconies in Italy, singing is a much needed way to connect, have some fun and let off steam. Check out these ten great musicals and sing your way through lock down.
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Footloose
- 2011 Movie
- 4/5
For those times when you just have to cut loose there is no better film that ‘Footloose’. The iconic tale of Ren McCormack who moves to a tiny town where dancing has been banned, determined to bring it back Ren is prepared to shake up the town to bring music and dancing into everyone’s lives. A much loved, feel good musical, ‘Footloose’ at its core still has some real heart. Complete with incredible choreography and songs that you can not help but sing along to, Ren and his pals will get you up and dancing before the first musical number is ended. A 2011 remake of the classic 1980s hit, ‘Footloose’ is one that is bound to get you singing and dancing.
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Happy Feet
- 2006 Movie
- 3.3/5
‘Happy Feet’ is a beautiful musical for the whole family to enjoy. Meet Mumble, an adorable emperor penguin who is outcast because unlike the rest of his colony, he cannot sing, instead Mumble dances when he is happy. When the food starts to run out, Mumble journeys out into Antarctica with his Adelie penguin friends, ‘The Amigos’ to discover what has happened to the food. With the incredible voices of Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman and featuring an array of classic hits this movie is sure to get you singing. ‘Happy Feet’ exemplifies the idea that all of us are special and we all have something to offer and gives a fun musical experience for kids and adults alike.
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Pitch Perfect
- 2012 Movie
- 4.2/5
The first in the very popular ‘Pitch Perfect’ series, sing your way through this hilarious acapella based musical. With an all star cast led by the amazing Anna Kendrick, this movie is one that is a lot of fun to watch and features a whole lot of laugh out loud moments. Following the story of Becca a loner college student who unwillingly joins an acapella group. A largely dysfunctional group whose highly competitive leader is hoping for them to sing their way to glory, this great musical is packed with well known musical hits and comedic drama. Each character is flawlessly acted and totally believable, making a lighthearted and fun movie with underlying messages of self-belief and the importance of friendship.
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Annie
- 2014 Movie
- 3.5/5
This 2014 remake of the classic story of Annie is one not to be missed. Fun for the whole family, it skilfully tells the classic tale set in modern New York. With a re-imagined Daddy Warbucks in Jamie Foxx’s character, a millionaire businessman turned political candidate, Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan, a failed pop star turned bitter foster parent with a secret soft side and knockout performances by Quvenzhane Wallis and the rest of the cast this is a wonderful, feel good re-imagining of a classic tale. The well known songs from the original musical have been modernised by still maintain their original charm and the choreography is seamlessly worked in to look almost perfectly unplanned, creating an organic, charming and fun musical to enjoy with the whole family.
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The Wizard Of Oz
- 1939 Movie
- 4.5/5
Starring the incredible Judy Garland and iconic songs such as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ there are few musicals as well known and as much loved as ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Originally released in 1939, this classic movie has endured the test of time and is still a household name today. The iconic story of Dorothy being sucked up by the tornado and journeying through the magical land of Oz to find the wizard is one that is sure to delight, thrill and bring back warm memories. When you are stuck inside there is no better remedy than singing along to the timeless songs of the Wizard of Oz. So slip on your ruby slippers and follow the yellow brick road as your sing your way through this all time classic musical.
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The Sound Of Music
- 1965 Movie
- 4.4/5
There are few musicals more recognisable than ‘The Sound of Music’, the story of Maria and the Von Trapp children is one that has continued to thrill, entertain and delight audience for over half a century. With timeless and instantly recognizable songs such as ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Sixteen going on Seventeen’ and ‘Do-Re-Mi’, this musical has remained an all time favourite since its release in the 1950s. An incredible story of resilience, family, and looking for the bright side of even the darkest situation, set against the back drop of the Second World War, ‘The Sound of Music’ is a timeless tale that will help you get through even the darkest of times. Starring the legendary Julie Andrews and filled with incredible music, this is one not to be forgotten.
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West Side Story
- 1961 Movie
- 3.9/5
With amazing musical numbers, flawless choreography and a passionate story what is there not to love about ‘West Side Story’? The fiery tale of lovers Maria and Tony, from rival gangster families is the New York City, 1950s answer to the classic tale of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. A passionate, enchanting and at times heartbreaking movie, ‘West Side Story’ has been captivating audiences for decades. With remake of 'West Side Story' set for release later this year, this is an ideal time to pull out this classic musical. Filled with vibrant costuming, incredible voices and a compelling story this is one musical that should always be in the top ten.
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Into The Woods
- 2014 Movie
- 3.4/5
‘Into the Woods’ is a 2014 musical with an all star ensemble cast and following the story of a baker and his wife, who desperate to have a child but are cursed by a witch, they must collect a variety of magical items to try and lift the curse to grow their family. ‘Into the Woods’ features a motley crew of classic fairy tale characters in this re-imagined version of classic fairy tales. The musical boasts an incredible cast including the legendary Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden and Anna Kendrick. ‘Into the Woods’ is filled with catchy tunes and is a fun and quirky tale that is a modern spin on the legendary Brother’s Grimm classic stories.
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Les Misérables
- 2012 Movie
- 4/5
Complete with love, heartbreak and revolution Les Miserables is definitely one of the top musicals out there. An adaption from the classic Victor Hugo novel, the story is one of redemption, love, freedom and faith set again the backdrop the Paris uprising of 1832. Starring Hollywood heavyweights such as Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe, this phenomenal musical is flawlessly acted, highly acclaimed and well worth your time. With incredible singing, stunning filmography the film has won a number of Academy Awards in various categories. Encompassing moments that will make you want to laugh and moments that will make you want to cry, this is a rousing and inspiring story and an incredibly well crafted musical.
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Mamma Mia!
- 2008 Movie
- 3.7/5
Featuring the timeless songs of Abba, Mamma Mia is a fun loving, must see musical. Set amongst the romance of the Greek islands, Sophie discovers her mother’s old diary not long before her wedding. Wanting to invite her unknown father to the wedding, but unsure which of the three men in her mother’s diary is her biological father, she invites all three. As Sophie tries to hide her potential fathers from her mother and discover which one is her biological father, an array of chaos, mayhem and mishaps are created. Filled with laughs, well choreographed dance numbers, fantastic music and led by an all star cast, Mamma Mia will have you singing along in no time.
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