What’s On? For The Music Majors
In this installment, we compile a list of the movie musicals available on Netflix. You don’t have to have starred in your high school play to enjoy these iconic numbers.
- Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
We don’t know if we have the authority to say so, but we’re gonna call this the best musical movie of all time, and it’s waiting on Netflix for you to watch it. It tells the story of a Jewish man, Tevye (Topol), eking out a living for his family in early 20th-century Russia. As they battle against poverty and religious persecution, three of his daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, struggle to stay true to their culture and their hearts as they search for love. Heavy as all this is, Fiddler knows a thing or two about the concept of balance, ensuring that Tevye handles his lot in life with humor and grace. Besides the engaging story, the music and choreography is utterly enchanting. This one will definitely make you laugh and cry, but what makes it so good is that you walk away knowing a lot more than you did before—about family, love, culture, and how you can juggle them all.
- Les Miserables (2012)
Okay, so Russell Crowe doesn’t sing that well in this movie. And neither does Hugh Jackman. That may not be a good lead-in, but don’t let the occasionally underwhelming vibrato stop you from watching what is, ultimately, a great film. It’s got production design out the wazoo, and we wouldn’t expect any less from director Tom Hooper (who has Oscar-winning The King’s Speech (2010) on his resume, and, unfortunately Cats (2019)). It’s beautiful to look at and a very moving story, which follows former convict Jean Valjean (Jackman) as he seeks to overcome his past and escape the unforgiving police inspector, Javert (Crowe), that constantly pursues him. The musical is populated by a circus of side characters, ranging from the fragile Fantine (Anne Hathaway) to the ludicrous Thenardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter) that serve to make the story more enriching.
- Grease (1978)
There’s nothing less convincing than 28 year-old Olivia Newton John playing high school senior Sandy, and the rest of the cast is similarly aged. However, since Grease is roughly the campiest movie to ever be released, it all works out in the end. If you haven’t had the chance to enjoy this iconic musical, know that it’s a lot of fun. It tells the story of preppy Australian student, Sandy (Newton John), who comes to an American high school and attempts to pair off with ultra-greaser Danny (John Travolta), to the great interest of the two cliques they’re a part of: the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies. The production makes no effort at hiding the fact that it was made in the 70s, but you can trust us when we assure you that it’s set in the 50s. The plot may be about as weak as any high school romance, but it will do your soul good if you’re looking for something cheesy.
- West Side Story (1961)
We hope you’re not tired of Romeo and Juliet, because this is one of the best iterations of the story ever put on film. It sets the story in New York instead of Verona, and highlights the racial tensions of the late 50s by centering the story around two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, the former of which is white and the latter Puerto Rican. This freshens up the story and gives it more purpose than with the original contentions between the Capulets and Montagues. As Maria (Natalie Wood, in the Juliet role) and Tony (Richard Beymer, in the Romeo role) try to connect despite their rival affiliations, the gangs try to stake their claim on the territory while avoiding getting arrested by the police that patrol the neighborhood. By making the story as much about the side characters as it is about the lovers, West Side Story really does itself a favor. The result is a deeply layered narrative, which discusses about racial profiling, police violence, and gang wars to achieve a meaningful, heartwrenching ending. This message is spread across a variety of songs and dance numbers, but it’s still a spectacular drama when it comes down to it.
- Shrek the Musical (2013)
Let’s clear this out of the way: this is not an ironic suggestion. Shrek the Musical actually holds up as an effective song-and-dance show, despite what you may think about the movie not translating well to the format. The thing that keeps it so fun is its willingness to commit to the silliness: there’s jokes galore, the most ridiculous tap number ever choreographed, and the way they achieve Farquaad’s short stature on stage is delightful. Beyond the humor, however, there are genuine emotional aspects that make the material feel very fresh. Always willing to tackle tropes, Shrek the Musical doesn’t shy away from Fiona’s loneliness as she grows up alone in her tower, or Shrek’s inferiority complex due to being abandoned as a child. It’s details like that that deepen their love story, making it more compelling and giving the audience more to root for. If the idea of a singing Shrek doesn’t completely disgust you, then we really recommend giving this a try.
