The MoFo Top 100 Musicals Countdown
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21
Rob Marshall, 2002
Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Ekaterina Chtchelkanova
17lists184points
Chicago
Director
Rob Marshall, 2002
Starring
Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Ekaterina Chtchelkanova
Even though I gave Pinocchio a slightly higher rating, Aladdin is probably top ten desert island for me. You Never Had a Friend Like Me and A Whole new World are two of my top five Disney songs.
Chicago was a great one, but I didn't vote for it.
Chicago was a great one, but I didn't vote for it.
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Aladdin was my #13. It is a lot of fun with wonderful songs and great characters. Chicago is a little overrated, in my opinion. It has some style and good moments, but I have always found it somewhat lacking.
Seen: 78/80
Seen: 78/80
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Aladdin would probably have made a top 40 for me. Excellent songs, well performed and well animated.
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I've seen an enjoyed Fiddler on the Roof several times. Topol is a wonder in the film and although he was in a few other movies already mentioned, this will be the one he's remembered for and that's not a bad thing.
I love A Hard Day's Night. It's so much fun with great music and comedy. Wilfrid Brambell is a hoot as Paul's "very clean" grandfather who tries to take advantage of his relationship to Paul by making money off the group and basically getting in trouble all the time. The dialogue is non-stop cleverness and helps fill the gaps between classic Beatle songs. That said, I think Help! is my favorite Beatles film.
Aladdin I didn't vote for, though it's great. Chicago is a fine film but again, not vote from me.
I voted for neither of today's movies, and I'm getting a bad feeling about the rest of the countdown as I haven't hit any numbers lately, I'm running out of cash, and I feel like the casino may be kicking me out.
#1. On the Town #93 (list proper)
#6. Easter Parade #78 (list proper)
#8. Meet Me in St. Louis #33 (list proper)
#9 Yankee Doodle Dandy #32 (list proper)
#10. Gigi #85 (list proper)
#12. Calamity Jane #84 (list proper)
#14. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers #71 (list proper)
#18. The Muppet Movie #45 (list proper)
#25. Neptune's Daughter (one-pointer)
I love A Hard Day's Night. It's so much fun with great music and comedy. Wilfrid Brambell is a hoot as Paul's "very clean" grandfather who tries to take advantage of his relationship to Paul by making money off the group and basically getting in trouble all the time. The dialogue is non-stop cleverness and helps fill the gaps between classic Beatle songs. That said, I think Help! is my favorite Beatles film.
Aladdin I didn't vote for, though it's great. Chicago is a fine film but again, not vote from me.
I voted for neither of today's movies, and I'm getting a bad feeling about the rest of the countdown as I haven't hit any numbers lately, I'm running out of cash, and I feel like the casino may be kicking me out.
#1. On the Town #93 (list proper)
#6. Easter Parade #78 (list proper)
#8. Meet Me in St. Louis #33 (list proper)
#9 Yankee Doodle Dandy #32 (list proper)
#10. Gigi #85 (list proper)
#12. Calamity Jane #84 (list proper)
#14. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers #71 (list proper)
#18. The Muppet Movie #45 (list proper)
#25. Neptune's Daughter (one-pointer)
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I'm not sure what possessed me to watch Chicago the first time. I already knew that I hated musicals at that point and I certainly wasn't expecting to like this one. But somehow I did like it. I've watched it several times since then and I've continued to like it. I had it at #13 on my ballot.
Here's what I wrote when I rewatched it for the countdown:
Chicago
(Rob Marshall, 2002)
I've seen this movie a few times now and it's always been something of an anomaly for me. As I've stated countless times, I generally hate musicals. It is hands-down my absolute least favorite movie genre. Yet I've always liked this one. I also generally dislike or straight up avoid movies with mainly female casts or that focus on a female perspective, yet I've always liked this one.
So what's the difference? What sets this apart? I think with the music the biggest difference is context. Characters don't just break out in song and dance in the middle of conversations, not really anyway. All of the musical numbers happen either in main character Roxie's imagination or on a stage. This helps tremendously with my ability to buy into what's happening on screen. But also even my musical-loathing self can't deny that these particular songs are catchy and their accompanying dance numbers are flashy and fun. Being based around vaudeville acts, it also helps that there's a fair amount of humor in the songs and the dialogue.
As to that female led cast, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Queen Latifah fully commit to their roles, as do the remaining cast. It also helps that I have a bit of soft spot for Richard Gere. John C. Reilly also does a great job as Zellweger's dopey husband, Amos. I really can't think of a single weak performance.
But to be clear, I don't think this is a great movie. It's fun and enjoyable - if only on a very superficial level - and I genuinely like it, but I don't think it's great. However, compared to the majority of other live-action musicals I've subjected myself to, it's damn near a masterpiece.
Aladdin was never a favorite of mine, but I liked it well enough as a kid. I've seen it a few times as an adult and it has not held up for me at all.
I expect three more movies from my ballot to show.
My Ballot:
2. Charlotte's Web (#79)
4. Stingray Sam (#46)
6. Walk the Line (#95)
11. Les Misérables (#34)
12. Corpse Bride (#61)
13. Chicago (#21)
15. The Jungle Book (#63)
20. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (#66)
21. Alice in Wonderland (#48)
23. Sing Street (#40)
25. Joe's Apartment (One Pointer)
Here's what I wrote when I rewatched it for the countdown:
Chicago
(Rob Marshall, 2002)
I've seen this movie a few times now and it's always been something of an anomaly for me. As I've stated countless times, I generally hate musicals. It is hands-down my absolute least favorite movie genre. Yet I've always liked this one. I also generally dislike or straight up avoid movies with mainly female casts or that focus on a female perspective, yet I've always liked this one.
So what's the difference? What sets this apart? I think with the music the biggest difference is context. Characters don't just break out in song and dance in the middle of conversations, not really anyway. All of the musical numbers happen either in main character Roxie's imagination or on a stage. This helps tremendously with my ability to buy into what's happening on screen. But also even my musical-loathing self can't deny that these particular songs are catchy and their accompanying dance numbers are flashy and fun. Being based around vaudeville acts, it also helps that there's a fair amount of humor in the songs and the dialogue.
As to that female led cast, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Queen Latifah fully commit to their roles, as do the remaining cast. It also helps that I have a bit of soft spot for Richard Gere. John C. Reilly also does a great job as Zellweger's dopey husband, Amos. I really can't think of a single weak performance.
But to be clear, I don't think this is a great movie. It's fun and enjoyable - if only on a very superficial level - and I genuinely like it, but I don't think it's great. However, compared to the majority of other live-action musicals I've subjected myself to, it's damn near a masterpiece.
Aladdin was never a favorite of mine, but I liked it well enough as a kid. I've seen it a few times as an adult and it has not held up for me at all.
I expect three more movies from my ballot to show.
My Ballot:
2. Charlotte's Web (#79)
4. Stingray Sam (#46)
6. Walk the Line (#95)
11. Les Misérables (#34)
12. Corpse Bride (#61)
13. Chicago (#21)
15. The Jungle Book (#63)
20. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (#66)
21. Alice in Wonderland (#48)
23. Sing Street (#40)
25. Joe's Apartment (One Pointer)
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Twofer for me. Aladdin was my 6. Chicago my 22.
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Haven't watched Aladdin or Chicago. Have watched 24 of 80 with 10 so far on my ballot. 20 entries yet to be revealed and 15 spaces left on my ballot. Not looking good at all. I'll be lucky if I get 15 right.
A Hard Days Night (#1)
Pinocchio
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (#13)
That Thing You Do
Yankee Doodle Dandy (#7)
Fantasia
Phantom of the Paradise
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Wall
The Muppet Movie
Alice in Wonderland (#20)
Inside Llewyn Davis (#8)
Corpse Bride (#24)
The Jungle Book
Duck Soup
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Yellow Submarine
Purple Rain (my #9)
White Christmas
The Burden
Gigi (#17)
Tommy (#15)
Amadeus
Cinderella (#5)
A Hard Days Night (#1)
Pinocchio
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (#13)
That Thing You Do
Yankee Doodle Dandy (#7)
Fantasia
Phantom of the Paradise
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Wall
The Muppet Movie
Alice in Wonderland (#20)
Inside Llewyn Davis (#8)
Corpse Bride (#24)
The Jungle Book
Duck Soup
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Yellow Submarine
Purple Rain (my #9)
White Christmas
The Burden
Gigi (#17)
Tommy (#15)
Amadeus
Cinderella (#5)
One vote. A hundred bad guys with swords...
Probably Robin Williams finest hour.
Probably Robin Williams finest hour.
Love Aladdin. It's my favorite Disney animated film and just a joy to watch from start to finish. Like John said, Williams is at the top of his game, but then again, so is Jonathan Freeman who is wickedly good as Jafar, and Lea Salonga who portrays Jasmine as a smart, strong and confident co-lead instead of just a damsel in distress.
I've been watching Aladdin since it came out and have seen it dozens of times, so it's a film I know the dialogue AND songs by heart. From the ominous opening of "Arabian Nights" to the energy of "One Jump Ahead" and "Friend Like Me", from the joyful pomp of "Prince Ali" to the beauty of "Whole New World", there's not a single weak song on the repertoire so it was obvious it would make my list. I had it at #6.
Chicago is one I came to see rather late. I saw it for the first time back in 2021, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Despite some minor issues in execution, I found the performances and the songs to be quite good with "Mister Cellophane" and "We Both Reached for the Gun" being my two favorites. For anyone interested, you can read my whole review here, but I had it at #18.
A twofer for me, so here's where I stand...
SEEN: 27/80
MY BALLOT: 11/25
My ballot
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My ballot so far
1. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
2. Should show up
3. Odds on favorite
4. Likely?
5. Cinderella (1965)
6. One of my personal favorites but not much chance
7. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
8. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
9. Purple Rain (1984)
10. Hmm. You would think so but ...
11. Maybe
12. Probably
13. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
14. Only if there's room for a second entry from these guys
15. Tommy (1975)
16. I hope so but probably not
17. Gigi (1958)
18. There's a good chance this one will show up
19. Nope
20. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
21. Only if there's room for a second entry from these guys
22. Looks like I picked the wrong one of the two
23. Probably not
24. Corpse Bride (2005)
25. No way
1. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
2. Should show up
3. Odds on favorite
4. Likely?
5. Cinderella (1965)
6. One of my personal favorites but not much chance
7. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
8. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
9. Purple Rain (1984)
10. Hmm. You would think so but ...
11. Maybe
12. Probably
13. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
14. Only if there's room for a second entry from these guys
15. Tommy (1975)
16. I hope so but probably not
17. Gigi (1958)
18. There's a good chance this one will show up
19. Nope
20. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
21. Only if there's room for a second entry from these guys
22. Looks like I picked the wrong one of the two
23. Probably not
24. Corpse Bride (2005)
25. No way
Disney's Aladdin was #15 on the MoFo Top 100 Animated Films list.
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"Film is a disease. When it infects your bloodstream it takes over as the number one hormone. It bosses the enzymes, directs the pineal gland, plays Iago to your psyche. As with heroin, the antidote to Film is more Film." - Frank Capra
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Aladdin was my #16. I don’t know what to say. It’s classic Disney at a high level. Good and fun animation, good songs and a great Robin Williams. What’s not to like.
Haven’t seen Chicago.
Haven’t seen Chicago.
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I think Aladdin is fine, but it always feels to me like Robin Williams's genie overwhelms the rest of the film. Did not make my list.
Rob Marshall has had a hit-or-miss career, but Chicago was a hit, and my #6. It's a musical that really benefits from the modern treatment--kinetic and jazzed to the nines.
Rob Marshall has had a hit-or-miss career, but Chicago was a hit, and my #6. It's a musical that really benefits from the modern treatment--kinetic and jazzed to the nines.
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OK, I am taking my stab at the Top 20. Not going for any kind of order, just my guess for the titles. Alphabetically...
Beauty and the Beast
The Blues Brothers
Cabaret
The Commitments
Dancer in the Dark
Grease
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
La La Land
The Lion King
Little Shop of Horrors
Mamma Mia!
Mary Poppins
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Singin' in the Rain
The Sound of Music
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
West Side Story (1961)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The Wizard of Oz
I am super confident about seventeen of those. Some of the prominent/popular titles that would not make it if those are the twenty include My Fair Lady, Almost Famous, Dreamgirls, All That Jazz, School of Rock, The Rose, CODA, Fame, Pitch Perfect, Coal Miner's Daughter, Victor/Victoria, Guys & Dolls, Across the Universe, Newsies, Bye Bye Birdie, Sister Act, High School Musical, Bohemian Rhapsody, Hustle & Flow, The Court Jester, Hairspray, The Producers, In the Heights, and there would be no Elvis movies (Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas!, King Creole, etc.).
Beauty and the Beast
The Blues Brothers
Cabaret
The Commitments
Dancer in the Dark
Grease
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
La La Land
The Lion King
Little Shop of Horrors
Mamma Mia!
Mary Poppins
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Singin' in the Rain
The Sound of Music
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
West Side Story (1961)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The Wizard of Oz
I am super confident about seventeen of those. Some of the prominent/popular titles that would not make it if those are the twenty include My Fair Lady, Almost Famous, Dreamgirls, All That Jazz, School of Rock, The Rose, CODA, Fame, Pitch Perfect, Coal Miner's Daughter, Victor/Victoria, Guys & Dolls, Across the Universe, Newsies, Bye Bye Birdie, Sister Act, High School Musical, Bohemian Rhapsody, Hustle & Flow, The Court Jester, Hairspray, The Producers, In the Heights, and there would be no Elvis movies (Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas!, King Creole, etc.).
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I liked Chicago enough but at the time and since I didn't think it held a candle to the classics that had come before it so it wasn't in consideration. It felt, to me, like a great musical for a time when there were few other musicals and everyone was taking themselves very seriously.
Aladdin didn't make it since no animated movies were eligible for my list except in the one-point slot.
Aladdin didn't make it since no animated movies were eligible for my list except in the one-point slot.
Isn't it great that we're still talking about Chicago, and not anything else currently happening in the world? What a delight!
Chicago was my #17. I absolutely adore its songs and musical numbers. The rest of the movie doesn't quite live up to the stage play, but with music and dancing like this, who cares?
Aladdin fell just short of my list, somewhere between 26 and 35. It's a wonderful story with great animation and songs, but as others have already said, the Genie manages to be its best and worst feature. Best because Robin Williams and the animation team nails it so hard. Worst because his randomness and modern references don't fit the story of the film. He's the life of the party that gets almost all of the attention, but the movie is called Aladdin for a reason. He's so big and popular, he turns the titular character into a sidekick.
This may be a controversial statement, but this is where the live action version surpasses the animated one. That Aladdin was a far better developed character.
Chicago was my #17. I absolutely adore its songs and musical numbers. The rest of the movie doesn't quite live up to the stage play, but with music and dancing like this, who cares?
Aladdin fell just short of my list, somewhere between 26 and 35. It's a wonderful story with great animation and songs, but as others have already said, the Genie manages to be its best and worst feature. Best because Robin Williams and the animation team nails it so hard. Worst because his randomness and modern references don't fit the story of the film. He's the life of the party that gets almost all of the attention, but the movie is called Aladdin for a reason. He's so big and popular, he turns the titular character into a sidekick.
This may be a controversial statement, but this is where the live action version surpasses the animated one. That Aladdin was a far better developed character.
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La La Land
Wizard of Oz
Cabaret
Singin in the Rain
West Side Story
Beauty and the Beast
Lion King
Sound of Music
My Fair Lady
Grease
Hedwig
Little Shop of Horrors
Rock Horror Picture Show
Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Willy Wonka
Mary Poppins
All That Jazz
Nightmare Before Christmas
Blues Brothers
Dancer in the Dark
I'm 95% confident on this as the last 20
Wizard of Oz
Cabaret
Singin in the Rain
West Side Story
Beauty and the Beast
Lion King
Sound of Music
My Fair Lady
Grease
Hedwig
Little Shop of Horrors
Rock Horror Picture Show
Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Willy Wonka
Mary Poppins
All That Jazz
Nightmare Before Christmas
Blues Brothers
Dancer in the Dark
I'm 95% confident on this as the last 20
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