This past year saw the release of many incredible films in theaters and on streaming services. One genre that audiences particularly connected with was musicals. Some titles were adaptations of well-known works, while others were new properties entirely. In any case, many audiences enjoyed these movie musicals for their gripping storytelling, fantastic soundtracks, lovable characters, etc., and some of them will likely become classics of the genre moving forward.
With the upcoming release of the highly-anticipated remake of West Side Story, viewers may be looking to watch some of the most well-renowned musicals from this year. IMDb users have rated what they believe are the best movie musicals of 2021, which will entertain fans for years to come.
Roberrt – 6.6
Roberrt is about a man with a violent past who has been trying to live a peaceful life with his son. When aspects of his past come back to haunt him, however, he must face them to protect his family.
The film is intense at various points but lighthearted at others, and it features a fantastic soundtrack. The action sequences are very well done, and great performances help to propel this film to one that excels in a variety of directions.
Vivo – 6.7
With fantastic computer animation, Vivo is a fun family musical featuring some of the most iconic songs Lin-Manuel Miranda has ever written for stage and screen. The film centers on a kinkajou named Vivo who, after his owner, Andrés, passes away, takes it upon himself to deliver a love letter to Andrés’s old friend. With the help of his owner’s young relative Gabi, Vivo attempts to make the trek to fulfill Andrés’s wish.
With incredible vocal talents from the stellar cast that includes Miranda, Zoe Saldaña, and Gloria Estefan, Vivo is sure to tug at the heartstrings and entertain audiences of all ages.
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power – 6.8
Featuring the music of Halsey’s album of the same name, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is a companion film piece that centers on the character of Queen Lila and her experiences with social expectations, childbirth, and various other pressures. The piece also incorporates paranormal elements that blend together well with the tone of the project.
The film excellently complements the music, but each also stands tall on its own. Halsey gives an incredible performance in If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, helping to make the film a compelling and entertaining experience.
My Little Pony: A New Generation – 6.9
My Little Pony: A New Generation focuses on the character of Sunny Starscout, who seeks to restore the magic that has been lost in Equestria. By doing so, she can help to mend the tensions that have existed between the earth ponies, the pegasi, and the unicorns.
With a star-studded cast and heartfelt messages about friendship and standing up for what is right, My Little Pony: A New Generation is fun for the whole family that can be enjoyed by fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
In The Heights – 7.4
In the Heights, the screen adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s beloved stage musical, connected with many audiences when it came out in June 2021, though there were certainly some big changes from the Heights musical to the movie. The story is about a community in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City, and more specifically, several characters who grew up together and now, as adults, seek to achieve their dreams.
The music is stellar and, in some cases, lives up to its musical inspiration, especially in the performance of Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia, which she also originated on Broadway in 2008.
Downfalls High – 7.4
Downfalls High is about a high school outsider named Fenix who begins a romance with a popular student named Scarlett, and it shows Fenix’s life as he navigates love and heartbreaking loss. Set to the music of Machine Gun Kelly and various other musical artists, Downfalls High features a narrative that is paired with music performances from the artists involved.
The piece feels deeply personal and adds another layer to the album it is based on. The music works well with the scenes it accompanies, making an exciting and emotional ride for fans of the artist.
Encanto – 7.7
The latest Disney animated feature film, Encanto, has some incredible musical numbers, written once again by Lin-Manuel Miranda, that fans of the studio will certainly enjoy. Growing up in a family with magical abilities is Mirabel, who has never had powers of her own.
However, when the magic of the house from which her family’s power derives is in danger, Mirabel discovers that she may be the only one to save it. With lovable characters and the charm that audiences have come to expect of Disney releases, Encanto is a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
Tick, Tick… BOOM! – 7.7
Based on Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical one-man show that was reworked into a musical with more actors after his death, the film adaptation of tick, tick… BOOM! was directed by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda during an incredibly busy couple of years for him.
The movie features Andrew Garfield playing a partly fictionalized version of Jonathan Larson as he attempts to become a successful composer. The film has received extensive acclaim, with Garfield’s performance and the best songs in tick, tick…BOOM! being some of the most beloved features. Miranda has also proven his talents in his feature film directorial debut.
The Box – 7.9
With excellent performances and a compelling story, The Box is one that music fans will likely want to check out. It centers on a no-longer-successful music producer who finds a young talent that will help him to reignite his career. The problem is that the musical artist has stage fright.
The jukebox musical film features popular songs from recent years that have been remade in a way that keeps them fresh and exciting. Coupled with the gripping journey the two characters take as they pursue success, The Box has a lot to offer.
Come From Away – 8.7
Though it is different from many other movie musicals in that this one is a filmed version of a live performance, Come From Away is one of the most emotionally compelling films of the year. It is based on the true story of the kindness that took place in Gander, a small town in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, following the events of September 11, 2001.
When planes must quickly land after the attacks, thousands of passengers find themselves in a town that is not large enough to accompany all of them. Local citizens take it upon themselves to house and feed the stranded passengers. A heartwarming and heartbreaking story about the generosity and humanity people can show, even in times of chaos, Come from Away is worthy of its legendary status in the theatre world, and it can now reach a wider audience thanks to the incredible filmed production.
