5 Forgotten Movie Musicals That Are Amazing Start to Finish

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Musicals aren’t for everyone, which means they often don’t reach as wide an audience as other types of movies. While some become beloved classics, many quickly fade away, and unfortunately, this isn’t always about how good they are. Plenty of fantastic movie musicals were overlooked when they first came out, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth rediscovering.

Musicals like Phantom of the Paradise and Repo! The Genetic Opera aren’t as well-known as hits like Moulin Rouge! and Little Shop of Horrors. They often get overlooked, even by musical fans, despite being really enjoyable and worthwhile films. These movies deserve more attention.

Anna and the Apocalypse Is A Unique Story

Ella Hunt plays Anna Shepherd in Anna and the Apocalypse, a Christmas-set zombie story. The film follows Anna, a teenager in a small Scottish town, as she navigates a zombie outbreak with her friends and father. And, in a unique twist, the characters occasionally burst into song!

Critics love Anna and the Apocalypse because it successfully balances engaging characters, witty humor, and catchy songs – a rare feat for movie musicals, which often prioritize one element over the others. Plus, the film’s unusual idea – a zombie Christmas musical – makes it a truly unique and worthwhile watch for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet.

Repo! The Genetic Opera Embraces Its Weirdness

The year is 2056, and a deadly disease has caused widespread organ failure. In this world, the powerful company GeneCo provides organ transplants, but with a catch: they require a payment plan. The story centers on Shilo, a sick and sheltered girl who runs away from home to experience life for herself.

Repo! The Genetic Opera is a wild ride of a movie. It’s a gothic rock opera filled with unique songs and a strangely timeless dystopian story. The film fully embraces its oddness, and it just gets weirder and more over-the-top as it goes on. It won’t appeal to everyone, but those who connect with it will likely find it a hidden treasure, starting with the very first song.

Pennies From Heaven Is An Emotionally Complex Musical

In the movie Pennies From Heaven, Steve Martin plays Arthur Parker, a struggling sheet-music salesman. He begins an affair with a teacher despite being married, and things quickly become complicated. Arthur ultimately finds solace only in escaping into daydreams inspired by the songs he sells.

Though it appears to be simply a nostalgic musical celebrating classic Hollywood, Pennies From Heaven delves deeper into the realities of the Great Depression and what it means to be human. The film skillfully blends fantasy and reality, creating a viewing experience that can shift from heartwarming memories to genuine sadness in an instant.

Phantom of the Paradise Is A Cult Movie Now

Phantom of the Paradise is about Wilson Leach, a talented musician who transforms into a mysterious figure known as the Phantom after a ruthless producer steals his songs and dreams. While the movie didn’t do well in theaters, it has since gained a dedicated following as a cult classic and is widely considered to be underrated.

Brian DePalma’s Phantom of the Paradise playfully combines elements from timeless stories like The Picture of Dorian Gray, resulting in a delightfully over-the-top movie. Paul Williams’ music is a perfect match, shifting styles to suit each scene without ever sounding jarring. In fact, the songs enhance the emotional impact, creating a truly chilling and memorable experience for the audience.

Sing Street Is A Beautiful Coming-Of-Age Story

Sing Street tells the story of Conor Lalor, a teenager growing up in Dublin whose parents are separating. To deal with the stress at home, Conor starts a band with his classmates, hoping to win the attention of a girl he likes, Raphina. The band plays a mix of popular rock songs and their own original music.

The movie Sing Street is powerfully sincere and heartfelt. It follows Conor as he uses music to cope with a difficult time – facing a bully headmaster, experiencing first love, and growing up in 1980s Ireland. Though the film doesn’t feature all original music, the soundtrack perfectly complements each scene and is incredibly memorable.

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2026-05-17 23:37