‘Sound of Music’ to ‘Rocketman’: Classic musical movies streaming across OTT platforms

When we speak about musicals, there is a sense of nostalgia for some, while for some it is an excuse to sing their lungs out in the bathroom once again. Whichever might be the motivation, there has got to be at least one musical that you absolutely love and if there isn’t, I have just the list for you to make you have one!

Even though classic musicals like Singin’ in the Rain, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Chicago, Funny Girl, Once, Enchanted, The Wizard of Oz, An American In Paris, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story or Cabaret might not be streaming across OTT platforms right now, here is a list of my favorite memorable musicals that are currently streaming across OTT:

1. The Sound of Music

Can you hear the halo forming over your own head as you sing the title track of this musical or do you need another viewing of this 60’s classic? In one of the most prolific musical films to date, Julie Andrews plays a governess who wins the hearts of the Von Trapp family in Nazi-era Austria. The result is a beloved film that's both epic and heartwarming, complete with some of the most iconic musical numbers of all time. After all, the hills are alive with the sound of music...

2. Mamma Mia

If you’re an ABBA fan, this marvelous musical is just what you need to cheer you up on a bad day or pick you up even further on your best ones. This Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried musical is an absolute joy to watch. It has moments that will leave you yearning for your mom and some which will make you put on your dancing shoes and jump around. It will make you miss friends you grew up with and friends you haven’t seen in forever. This is the film to watch if you’re looking for a light-hearted movie to catch on a sunny afternoon in the comfort of your own home.

3. La La Land

You either might have already watched this film or might be aware of the whole fiasco surrounding Best Picture and this film at the Oscars 2017. This Damien Chazelle film starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is a soulful musical whose songs will ring in your ears even after you’ve finished watching it. Emma Stone took away the Academy Award for Best Actress even though the film was outed by Moonlight for Best Picture. An absolutely brilliant score, cinematography as well as prolific production and costume design make this film an absolute must-watch.

4. Pitch Perfect

Have you got some tickets for the long way run? Two bottle whiskey for the way? Would you like some sweet company, because this film is a brilliant musical so what do you say? I am quoting ‘Cups’, probably the most popular song from the film full of musical anecdotes and refreshing covers of old classics. Anna Kendrick and her Barden Bellas are a treat for the ears as they compete in their university’s Acappella competition and go on to win the national championship. The film depicts female friendships, the animosity of high schoolers, along with a quirky romance between the lead pair. If Rebel Wilson’s comic timing doesn’t leave you in splits, Anna Kendrick’s singing will leave you in awe. Get streaming, now!

5. Begin Again

If you’re a fan of the Hulk or Ms. Swan from the Pirates of the Caribbean series, you’ll probably want to see them become each other’s friends in this brilliant musical. Featuring Adam Levine’s best song yet, ‘Lost Stars’ (don’t come for me); this musical follows the path of a romantic comedy with Kiera Knightley’s singing debut and Adam Levine’s acting debut. The music director Gregg Alexander musically interlaces the story of Dan (Ruffalo), a once-famous music producer who is down on his luck. Eventually, Dan meets Gretta(Knightley) in a club where she sings and their mutual love for music helps them with their careers.

6. Rocketman

Gritty, adulterous and as close to the real story as possible, Rocketman is Elton John’s biopic (a label rejected repeatedly by its creative team) which he found difficult to watch given its deep dive into the darker moments of his life. The film follows John, played by Taron Egerton, on his journey to become a world-renowned pop star. From a shy child in London through his stratospheric rise and addiction-fueled lows, Rocketman tells the story of Elton John and his manager Reid as well as his best friend Bernie Taupin with whom he has worked for over five decades now. The film also intimately details his childhood growing up with a strict dad and an argumentative mother.

Others that are definitely worth mentioning:

7. The Greatest Showman

Inspired by the true story of P. T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman dazzles with its enchanting performances from a star cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya, taking the audiences through a high-flying tale of show business.

8. Into The Woods

Based on the legendary Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim, this fantasy movie from Disney riffs on the classic fairy tale genre with imaginative creativity and an epic sense of adventure — not to mention memorable performances from a truly stellar cast.

9. Les Miserables

Thematically powerful as it is emotionally stirring, this 2012 film adaptation of the classic musical Les Misérables (based on the Victor Hugo novel) has everything from an epic, multi-character story to actual live performances from the cast. Warning: You'll definitely want to keep your tissues handy while watching this one.

10. Moulin Rouge

Set in early 19th century bohemian Paris, this vibrant, eclectic musical film from director Baz Luhrmann follows the secret romance of a young writer (Ewan McGregor) and a cabaret actress (Nicole Kidman) — all the while featuring popular songs from modern artists such as Madonna, Elton John and The Police.

11. Annie

There's no other musical that will remind you that "the sun will come out tomorrow" than this charming, feel-good flick centered around Little Orphan Annie, who embarks on a mission to find her parents as she's chosen to live at the home of America's richest billionaire.

12. Marry Poppins

Julie Andrews stars as our favourite magical nanny in her first feature film debut, enchanting viewers with flying umbrellas and the reminder that "a spoonful of medicine makes the medicine go down." A more recent sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, has Emily Blunt in a respectable reprisal.

13. Bohemian Rhapsody

For fans of the legendary rock band Queen, this extraordinary music biopic follows Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) on his inspiring rise to stardom — and truly enthralls audiences with its electrifying performances and music sequences.

Many more like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Beauty and the Beast (2017), A Star Is Born, Dreamgirls, High School Musical, and of course, Hamilton are also legendary musicals in their own right. Others like A Week Away, Footloose, Prom, Feel the beat, School of rock, to name a few, will also get your feet tapping!