Get your dancing shoes on with these movie musicals on Netflix

With In the Heights having just made its cinematic debut, everyone seems to be in the mood for a good movie musical. Sometimes the best way to tell a story, whether it be drama, comedy, or something in between, is through song. Movie musicals are on the verge of making a major Hollywood comeback, so there’s never been a better time to start exploring them.

Luckily for you, Netflix has a number of musicals, some originally produced by the streaming giant, that you can turn on when you get home tonight. Don’t stress over deciding what to watch. Check out our picks for the best movie musicals on Netflix right now.

Les Misérables

This is the film adaptation of the classic stage musical. The movie was stuck in “production hell” since the early 1980s, but producer Eric Fellner finally got it off the ground. Released in 2012, Les Misérables stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway. The film won three Golden Globes, four BAFTAs, and three Oscars.

The movie takes place in the 19th century, in the years leading up to the Paris Uprising of 1832. Jackman stars as Jean Valjean, a man hunted by ruthless police officer Javert, played by Crowe. Hathaway’s character, Fantine, has her life disrupted when the foreman she works under fires her for having an illegitimate daughter. Les Misérables is a beautiful and moving musical, and the film is a great substitute for a stage production.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Let’s take a step away from the drama for a moment. Will Ferrell wrote & stars in this Netflix-produced movie musical directed by David Dobkin. Ferrell’s costar is Rachel McAdams. The two of them play a pair of Icelandic singers who represent their country at the annual Eurovision Song Contest. The film was scheduled to release at the beginning of Eurovision in 2020, but the contest was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Eurovision Song Contest struggled critically, but fans of the contest on which the film was based loved the movie. Despite its struggles, the movie did win an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. If you’re looking to relax & laugh with a low-key musical, then this Netflix movie is just what you need.

The Prom

Apparently, Netflix was in the mood for musicals in 2020. The Prom is adapted from a Broadway musical of the same name. The film is directed by Ryan Murphy (of Glee and American Horror Story fame), and it boasts a star-studded cast. Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, and Keegan-Michael Key, among many others, make an appearance in this upbeat movie musical.

Dee Dee Allen (Streep) and Barry Glickman (Corden) are down-on-their-luck Broadway stars. The two are looking for some good publicity when they discover the story of an Indiana school shutting down their prom to prevent Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman) from bringing her girlfriend. The stars decide to travel to Indiana to support Emma and find a change of heart along the way.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

This Netflix musical was adapted from the classic stage play written by all-star playwright August Wilson. The movie, produced by Denzel Washington, features the last film appearance of beloved actor Chadwick Boseman. Alongside Boseman, Viola Davis stars as the famous blues singer Ma Rainey.

The film takes place in Chicago in the 1920s. Levee (Boseman) is a hot-headed but ambitious trumpeter playing in Ma Rainey’s band. The entire movie takes place over the course of a single, turbulent recording session. Tensions among the band rise and build to an unforgettable confrontation. You don’t want to miss this stellar film starring some of the most talented actors of the generation.

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Which of these musicals will you be watching next? Let us know in the comments!