Music is the universal language, and when combined with the visual medium, it can often create something quite special. Themusical genrehas certainly had its ups and downs over the years following its heyday throughout the 1950s and 60s, but you may always count on aresurgencefollowing a fallow period. And, of course, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Second Golden Age throughout the 1990s was defined by adding a musical element back into its films. So if you’re looking for something to sing along to, tap your feet to, or maybe just something to make youfeel happy, below we’ve assembled a list of the best musicals onNetflixright now.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the bestshowsandmovies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated February 2024 to include Mamma Mia.
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Based on the jukebox musical written by British playwrightCatherine Johnsonand the music of the Swedish pop groupABBA,Mamma Miais the story of a young bride (Amanda Seyfried) who invites three men to her destination wedding with hopes of figuring out which of them could be her father. The film is a whacky good time with great musical sequences, and every single one of the huge cast of stars gives their all to keep each scene light and full of momentum.Meryl Streep(The Devil Wears Prada) as the mother of the bride who slept with these three men played byPierce Brosnan(The Misfits),Colin Firth(The King’s Speech), andStellan Skarsgård(Andor) gives a standout performance, bouncing between lushy wreck and devoted mother.
Watch Trailer
Watch on Netflix
tick, tick…BOOM!
Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Tick, Tick…Boom!
Lin-Manuel Miranda, in his directorial debut, crafts a love letter to the life ofJonathan Larson, a brilliant playwright lost too soon. Based on Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical of the same name,Andrew Garfieldimmerses himself as Jonathan Larson during a period of his life where he’s struggling to finish a musical and his relationship with his girlfriend (Alexandra Shipp) is on the rocks. What’s even more impressive is that Garfield learned how to sing for this role, and you’d never know based on how well his performance is. The rock music is catchy and foreshadows the type of music found in Larson’s most famous musical,Rent. While this musical focuses on Larson before he turns 30, it serves as an inspiration for other creatives struggling to make their big break and how to keep going in the midst of it. —Meredith Loftus
Watch TrailerWatch on Netflix
Matilda the Musical
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Based onRoald Dahl’s book, which was beautifully adapted to a stage play by comedianTim Minchin(Californication),Matilda the Musicalbrings to life the charming story of a young girl whose sharp wit and blossoming supernatural powers allow her to defend herself and others against bullies. Wrapped in a wonderful message of friendship and inner strength,Matilda the Musicalis highlighted by toe-tapping and catchy original songs. StarringAlisha Weiras the miraculous Matilda, withLashana Lynch(Captain Marvel) stepping into the beloved role of Ms. Honey,Matilda the Musicalis an enchanting vision of the Tony-winning show.– Yael Tygiel
Jingle Jangle
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 6.4/10
An irrefutably beautiful family film,Jingle Jangleis a gorgeous and delightful musical from writer/directorDavid E. Talbert.Jingle Jangleis led by Oscar winnerForest Whitaker(BlackPanther) and features an undeniably talented cast, includingKeegan-Michael Key,Phylicia Rashad, andRicky Martin.InJingle Jangle, an eccentric but disillusioned toymaker (Whitaker) and his precocious granddaughter (Madalen Mills) find themselves on an adventure to reclaim a magical invention stolen by the toymaker’s former mentee, now rival (Key). Through vibrant costumes, spellbinding sets, and energetic choreography,Jingle Jangleis a whimsical film bursting with miraculous charm and wonder. – Yael Tygiel
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 6.7/10
Vivois an adorable and beautiful story about love, music, family, and passion. Featuring the incomparableLin-Manuel Miranda(Hamilton), who voices the titular character and provides all-new original songs, this joyous and colorful family film follows a delightfully cute kinkajou named Vivo, who journeys to bring Marta (Gloria Estefan) a love song from her former bandmate and secret admirer, Andrés (Juan De Marcos González). The first-ever musical from Sony Pictures Animation,Vivoreveals gorgeous animated locations and vibrant scenes in an unforgettable epic adventure.– Yael Tygiel
Christmas on the Square
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 5.2/10
Brilliant actress, musical genius, and kindhearted philanthropistDolly Partonbrings together an elite cast of incredible stars inChristmas on the Square, a festive celebration of music and cheer. Along with Parton,Christmas on the SquarestarsChristine Baranski(The Good Fight) andJenifer Lewis(Black-ish) in a scrooge-inspired tale about a woman who intends to sell her small town, indifferent to the townsfolk that will be affected. Featuring an angelic role for Parton,Christmas on the Squareincludes 14 new, original songs from the maestro, plus all the beloved holiday movie tropes audiences expect and love.– Yael Tygiel
Diana the Musical
Rotten Tomatoes: 12% | IMDb: 4.4/10
Live from the Broadway stage,Diana the Musicalstars Broadway stapleJeanna de Waal(Iron Fist) as the late and beloved princess. Based on the heartwrenching book by Joe DiPietro, Waal’s performance as the incomparable Diana Spencer is breathtakingly elegant while also devastating. Celebrate a beautiful and tragic life that was cut too short by experiencing Diana’s vivacious spirit through the music from Tony Award winner David Bryan (Memphis the Musical) and the direction of Tony Award-winnerChristopher Ashley(Come From Away).Diana the Musicalis a gorgeous tribute, ideal for any millennial musical lover. – Yael Tygiel
The 40-Year-Old Version
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Winning awards at festivals around the nation, including Sundance,The Forty-Year-Old Version, stars Radha Blank as a playwright who was considered up and coming but never arrived. Written and directed by Blank herself,The Forty-Year-Old Versionis also produced by the talentedLena Waithe(Ready Player One). InThe Forty-Year-Old Version,the fictional Radha is approaching her forties. Attempting to achieve her goal, she merges her worlds, melding theater and hip hop and reinventing herself as a rapper named RadhaMUSPrime.The Forty-Year-Old Versionis a touching and honest comedy, relatable to any creative who struggles to find their voice, regardless of age.– Yael Tygiel
A Week Away
Rotten Tomatoes: 56% | IMDb: 5.7/10
Bailee Madison(The Fosters,Once Upon A Time) stars inA Week Away,Netflix’s musical teen drama about standoffish bad boy Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn), who is sent to a Christian camp where he falls for the camp owner’s daughter (Madison).A Week Awayis a feel-good coming-of-age movie that blends upbeat jams with a wholesome message about family, trust, and home. Helmed by experienced music video directorRoman White,A Week Awayexposes audiences to catchy musical numbers and trend-worthy choreography, combining the peppy vibes ofTeen Beach Moviewith aNicholas Sparksromance.– Yael Tygiel
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Will FerrellandRachel McAdamsare the musical comedy duo we didn’t know we needed!Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Sagais about two best friends who dream of winning the Eurovision Song Contest and becoming global stars. While Lars (Will Ferrell) has his eyes on the prize, Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) is secretly in love with her best friend. Together, the two face on stage mishaps and high stakes that threaten to shake their bond and their chances to win.
In addition to being a fun musical,Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Sagaalso acts as a loving tribute toABBA, since the band famously won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 and went on to superstardom; the movie features their winning performance and includes “Waterloo” in a musical medley midway through the film. The ABBA connection doesn’t stop there:Mamma Mia!starPierce Brosnanalso stars in the movie as Lars’ disapproving father. —Meredith Loftus
