Top 10 Favorite Movie Musicals

1. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

Starring: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant
Favorite musical number: a tie between “I Got Rhythm” and "An American in Paris Ballet"
Why I love it: The finale of this movie is in the top three of my favorite dance sequences of all time. The other two are the "Dancing in the Dark" sequence from The Bandwagon and the barn building number from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, but overall those movies aren't strong enough to make my Top Ten List.

2. THE MUSIC MAN

Starring: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett
Favorite musical number: "Ya Got Trouble"
Why I love it: I think this is some of the best music written. I love Meredith Wilson's use of counterpoint. There are a couple of weak numbers, but overall the music is terrific. Robert Preston is brilliant as the con man that gets caught by love.

3. GIGI

Starring: Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan
Favorite musical number: “Gigi”
Why I love it: Ah, Louis Jordan. Isn't he fabulous? And when he sees Gigi is all grown up? Sigh.

4. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor
Favorite musical number: “Broadway Rhythm Ballet”
Why I love it: One of the first movie musicals I ever saw, this one holds a special place in my heart. I fell in love with Gene Kelly (with whom I share a birthday!) and his generous smile. The story is terrific as are the performances. Cyd Charisse is the lead female dancer in the Broadway Rhythm Ballet and the two of the together are magic.

5. THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
Favorite musical number: “The Sound of Music” - when the kids are singing to the Baroness and the Captain comes in.
Why I love it: It's the Sound of Music! I love the movie, the music, the romance, but truthfully, the stage version is better. When they made the movie, most of the politics were cut out. Regardless, I saw this on the big screen last year and was completely swept away to Austria.

6. WHITE CHRISTMAS

Starring: Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye
Favorite musical number: “Sisters” performed by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye
Why I love it: I love any performance where it looks as if the performers are having as much fun doing the show as I am watching it. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye look like they are having a splendid time on this film.

7. HOLIDAY INN

Starring: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds
Favorite musical number: “White Christmas”
Why I love it: The end of this movie makes me cry every time. I love going from the amusing bits between Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire to the weepy moment when Marjorie Reynolds realizes that Bing is nearby.

8. GYPSY

Starring: Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood, Karl Malden
Favorite musical number: “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”
Why I love it: This is a show with a great story line and fabulous music. I can sit and watch this movie over and over and not get tired of it.

9. SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT

Starring: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Isaac Hayes (Voices)
Favorite musical number: "La Resistance (Medley)"
Why I love it: I find South Park funny to begin with, but Marc Shaiman's music was directly influenced by musicals. The Les Mis-like medley had me in stitches.

10. SHOW BOAT

Starring: Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel
Favorite musical number: “Make Believe”
Why I love it: I like the story of Showboat. The stage play is a little stronger, with more emphasis on the flowing of the river and time, but the movie still gives some of that. I love the characters, the actors and the music.