Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked!
After seeing the memorable group numbers in Wicked: Part 1, one song ranks among the best ensemble scenes in movies based on Broadway musicals, raising the question of what other songs fall into that category. When it comes to notable Broadway musicals, Wicked is one of the best-known and longest-running shows, giving the movie adaptation a built-in audience. Unsurprisingly, the show became a hit with audiences thanks to the acting, visual effects, and the music.
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Like the stage show, the Wicked movie’s soundtrack includes a mix of solos, duets, and group numbers that allow various actors in the cast to shine. The songs with the biggest appeal include “Defying Gravity” and “ Popular” – which feature the two Wicked main characters. However, some of the best moments in Wicked and other Broadway musical adaptations include groups singing and dancing rather than individuals. These scenes often showcase the best elements of the movie –including the choreography, cinematography, and acting – with each piece of the puzzle falling together to make a beautiful picture.
12 “Gee, Officer Krupke” From West Side Story
A Song That Calls Out The Failing Systems
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West Side Story PG-13DramaCrimeMusical
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*Availability in US Director Steven Spielberg Release Date December 10, 2021 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Tony Kushner Cast Mike Iveson , Ansel Elgort , Ariana DeBose , Yassmin Alers , Iris Menas , Rachel Zegler , Annelise Cepero , Corey Stoll , Josh Andrés , Josh Andrés Rivera , Rita Moreno , Jamila Velazquez , Brian D’Arcy James , David Alvarez , Rory Curtiss Cook , Jamie Harris Runtime 156 minutes Budget $100 million Expand
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In the 1961 movie adaptation of West Side Story, the song “Gee, Officer Krupke” is played off as comedic relief, but the 2021 version elevates the song with the acting, choreography, and cinematography. The West Side Story actors bring simmering anger and hostility to their vocals and acting, making the social commentary more powerful.
Adding to the scene’s success, the choreography makes perfect use of the set pieces, with the characters slightly altering the direction of the benches to create a therapist’s office, a prison, and a judge’s quarters within the same room. This goes back to the roots of Broadway shows, where many set pieces will serve multiple purposes. To maintain the musical theater feel, the scene also uses mostly wide shots with few cuts, which makes it feel more like watching a stage show.
11 “It’s The Hard Knock Life” From Annie
The Group Number That Establishes Life In Annie’s Orphanage
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Annie PGComedyDramaFamily
Director John Huston Release Date June 18, 1982 Writers Carol Sobieski , Thomas Meehan , Martin Charnin , Harold Gray Cast Albert Finney , Carol Burnett , Ann Reinking , Tim Curry , Bernadette Peters , Aileen Quinn , Geoffrey Holder , Roger Minami Character(s) Daddy Warbucks , Miss Hannigan , Grace Farrell , Rooster , Lily , Annie , Punjab , Asp Runtime 127 Minutes Main Genre Drama YouTube Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I78xulb-l0s Expand
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“It’s The Hard-Knock Life” from the 1982 version of Annie is a masterpiece group number even without considering the fact that the actors involved in the scene are all children – which makes it even more incredible. In almost every moment of this scene, the dancers perform gymnastic and acrobatic moves like double cartwheels, backflips, layouts, and swinging off the lights. Every child’s timing is impeccable, especially when flipping onto the beds sequentially.
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Every Onscreen Version Of Annie |
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Annie (1982) |
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Annie 2: Miss Hannigan’s Revenge (1989) |
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Annie Warbucks (1992) |
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Annie: A Royal Adventure! (1995) |
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Little Orphan Annie’s A Very Animated Christmas (1995) |
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Annie (1999) |
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Annie (2011) |
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Annie (2014) |
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Annie Live! (2021) |
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Even when they aren’t doing acrobatics, the kids give off a tired and frustrated energy that perfectly fits the song’s message. Ultimately, the actors, dancers, and acrobats are the heart of this musical number, making it one of the best group performances in a movie based on a Broadway musical.
10 “Ya Got Trouble” From The Music Man
A Group Number Led By A Con-Man Named Harold Hill
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The Music Man GComedyFamilyMusicalRomance
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*Availability in US Director Morton DaCosta Release Date June 19, 1962 Writers Meredith Willson , Franklin Lacey , Marion Hargrove Cast Robert Preston , Shirley Jones , Buddy Hackett , Hermione Gingold , Paul Ford , Pert Kelton Runtime 151 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
There’s a level of truth to the cliché that “acting is reacting,” and the excellent group performance in “Ya Got Trouble” provides a perfect example of this. Watching the scene from the 1962 movie The Music Man, the choreography isn’t ornate and complicated, like some of the best group numbers. Instead, most of the choreography involves raising and lowering hands, crouching down, and pointing at the right time.
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However, the characters’ shocked and horrified facial reactions to Robert Preston’s Harold Hill are hilarious. It’s entertaining to see the residents of River City, Iowa buy into the mass hysteria created by a fast-talking conman. Luckily, this scene will be available for generations to come as the Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry.
9 “Seize The Day” From Newsies: The Broadway Musical (2017)
A Motivational Song About Rebelling Against The Man
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Newsies PGRomanceMusicHistoryDrama
Director Brett Sullivan Release Date February 16, 2017 Cast Jeremy Jordan , Kara Lindsay , Ben Fankhauser , Andrew Keenan-Bolger , Steve Blanchard , Aisha de Haas , Ethan Steiner , Tommy Bracco , Joshua Burrage , Ben Cook , Michael Dameski , Julian DeGuzman , Nico De Jesus , J.P. Ferreri , Sky Flaherty , David Guzman , Jacob Guzman , Stephen Hernandez , Devin Lewis , Nicholas Masson , Anthony Norman , Andy Richardson , Michael Rios , Jordan Samuels , Jack Sippel Character(s) Jack Kelly , Katherine , Davey , Crutchie , Joseph Pulitzer , Medda Larkin , Les , Spot Conlon , JoJo , Race , Tommy Boy/Scab , Smalls , Romeo , Hot Shot , Albert , Ike , Mike , Vince/Myron , Morris Delancey , Mush/Bill , Oscar Delancey , Kid Blink , Henry , Specs , Darcy/Kenny Runtime 134 minutes YouTube Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFaiZI_UCVc Expand
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Newsies’ history is just as complicated as Wicked’s connection to The Wizard of Oz. Newsies: The Broadways Musical is a 2017 movie recording of the 2011 Broadway musical based on the 1992 Disney movie based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899. Though the 2017 movie has multiple phenomenal group numbers, “Seize the Day” takes the cake because of the incredible choreography and performance.
The dance style in this number fuses together musical theater dance with ballet and jazz, throwing in a dash of gymnastics as well. Rather than having them in sync the entire time, the dancing switches back and forth between staggered moves, multiple different routines happening at once, and unison dancing. This makes the scene where they are all united even more impactful, solidifying the song’s message of “all for one, and one for all.”
8 “Tradition” From Fiddler On The Roof
The Introductory Song From A Classic Musical
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Fiddler on the Roof GDramaRomance
Director Norman Jewison Release Date November 3, 1971 Writers Joseph Stein Cast Norma Crane , Topol , Leonard Frey , Molly Picon , Paul Mann , Rosalind Harris , Michele Marsh , Neva Small , Paul Michael Glaser , Ray Lovelock , Elaine Edwards , Candy Bonstein , Shimen Ruskin , Zvee Scooler , Louis Zorich , Alfie Scopp , Howard Goorney , Barry Dennen , Vernon Dobtcheff , Ruth Madoc , Patience Collier , Tutte Lemkow , Stella Courtney , Jacob Kalich , Brian Coburn Character(s) Golde , Tevye , Motel , Yente , Lazar Wolf , Tzeitel , Hodel , Chava , Perchik , Fyedka , Shprintze , Bielke , Mordcha , Rabbi , Constable , Avram , Nachum , Mendel , Russian Official , Fruma Sarah , Grandma Tzeitel , Fiddler , Shandel , Yankel , Berl Runtime 179 minutes YouTube Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsDP-90j9x8 Expand
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Fiddler on the Roof is widely regarded as one of the best musicals of all time, and unsurprisingly the opening number ranks among the best group numbers in a movie based on a Broadway musical. The “Tradition” scene from Fiddler on the Roof immediately sets the tone for the film by using a mixture of establishing shots of the village of Anatevka, the synagogue, and the characters.
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The scene might not use much traditional dance choreography, but each action, like the cutting of the meat and the kneading of the dough, is perfectly timed with the music. Tevye also serves as a strong focal point for the number, thanks to Chaim Topol’s incredible performance. By the end of the group number, there’s a strong understanding of Fiddler on the Roof’s culture and main characters.
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7 “The Cell Block Tango” From Chicago
A Group Number About The Murderers In Jail With Roxie
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Chicago PG-13ComedyCrimeDrama
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*Availability in US Director Rob Marshall Release Date December 10, 2002 Studio(s) MiraMax , Kalis Productions GmbH & Co. Zweite KG , The Producer Circle Co. , Zadan / Meron Productions Writers Bill Condon , Fred Ebb , Bob Fosse Cast Renée Zellweger , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Richard Gere , Ekaterina Chtchelkanova , Queen Latifah Runtime 113 Minutes Budget 45000000.0 Main Genre Comedy Expand
Chicago is a brilliant musical with a stellar soundtrack, and “Cell Block Tango” is the best group number thanks to the incredible choreography, lighting, cinematography, humorous lyrics, and powerful vocals. The music immediately draws the viewer in because the sounds are diegetic, such as the dripping water, footsteps, and fingernails tapping. The closeup shots of the characters are enticing, setting the sensual tone of the song. Each character does tango moves while telling their portion of the story through movement just as much as words.
The red scarves and lighting are used strategically to show the turning point where each character becomes murderous. The humorous lyrics can be attributed to lyricist Fred Ebb, but the actors’ execution of the lines makes them even funnier than they would have been otherwise. Ultimately, every part of the “Cell Block Tango” scene comes together to form a memorable scene.
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6 “One Day More” From Les Misérables
A Battlecry Song That’s Harrowing In Retrospect
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Les Misérables PG-13MusicalDrama
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*Availability in US Director Tom Hooper Release Date December 25, 2012 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Victor Hugo , William Nicholson Cast Helena Bonham Carter , Anne Hathaway , Hugh Jackman , Sacha Baron Cohen , Russell Crowe , Amanda Seyfried Runtime 158minutes Budget $61 million Expand
Some of the actors in the movie adaptation of Les Misérables may not be the most technically skilled singers, but “One Day More” still lands among the best group numbers in a movie based on a Broadway musical. Much of the credit must go to Claude-Michel Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer, Alain Boublil, and Jean-Marc Natel – the geniuses who wrote the song. It’s hard to hear any rendition of “One Day More” without feeling emotional. However, the success of this particular version primarily comes from the passion and emotion that the actors put into their performances.
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The acting in this sequence makes up for the musical shortcomings, adding to the sense of urgency and justice that the song calls for. By the end of the song, the tension has built for the impending battle. The cinematography and editing also play a role in the strength, effectively balancing Les Misérables’ large cast. Each singer has a closeup so they can express their fear, anger, and sorrow, bringing together an epic battle cry.
5 “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” From Hello Dolly
A Musical Number Featuring The City Of Yonkers
It’s impossible to put together a list of musical “bests” without including something starring Barbra Streisand – the first EGOT winner, a coveted achievement that Cynthia Erivo could gain after Wicked. Luckily, her song “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” from Hello, Dolly wins its place among the best group numbers because of more than just the iconic actor. One of the best parts of “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” is that it starts as a sung conversation between two young men and grows to the point that almost every member of Yonkers is singing, making the number a massive affair.
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The scene also has fantastic choreography, starting from the moment when the Yonkers citizens go down the street towards the train station and ending with them leaving for New York City. The costumes also feel luxurious, with pops of color that mesh perfectly together.
4 “La Vie Boheme” From Rent
An Anthem The Shows It’s Okay To Be Different
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Rent PG-13DramaRomance
Director Chris Columbus Release Date November 17, 2005 Writers Stephen Chbosky , Jonathan Larson Cast Anthony Rapp , Adam Pascal , Rosario Dawson , Jesse L. Martin , Wilson Jermaine Heredia , Idina Menzel , Tracie Thoms , Taye Diggs , Julia Roth , Porscha Radcliffe , Stephen Payne , Darryl Chan , Ken Clark , R.C. Ormond , David Fine , Mackenzie Firgens , Eleanor Columbus , Matthew McCollum , Jason Foster , Brendan Columbus , Austin Shea Character(s) Mark Cohen , Roger Davis , Mimi Marquez , Tom Collins , Angel Dumott Schunard , Maureen Johnson , Joanne Jefferson , Benjamin Coffin III , Rent Tenant , Homeless Squeegee Man , Thug Runtime 135 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
The song “La Vie Boheme” has become an anthem for outcasts, LGBTQ+ people, and theater kids alike. However, the Rent scene is just as influential as the song itself. The sequence involves a bunch of misfits bursting out in song and disrupting the social norm in a restaurant, a physical manifestation of the song lyrics.
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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the cast revealed that the filmmakers didn’t want the choreography to look polished and perfect, a decision that actually enhances “La Vie Boheme.” With everyone doing slightly different moves, the scene feels much more like a spontaneous moment of joy and rebellion among friends, making it more emotionally impactful. The actors also give incredible performances, which isn’t surprising considering the Broadway cast reprised their roles for the movie.
3 “Masquerade” From The Phantom Of The Opera
The Most Memorable Group Number From Phantom
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The Phantom of the Opera PG-13ThrillerDramaRomance
Release Date December 8, 2004 Writers Andrew Lloyd Webber Cast Emmy Rossum , Gerard Butler , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , Minnie Driver , Ciarán Hinds , Simon Callow , Victor McGuire , Jennifer Ellison , Murray Melvin , Kevin McNally , James Fleet , Imogen Bain , Miles Western , Judith Paris , Halcro Johnston , Paul Brooke , Oliver Chopping , Alison Skilbeck , Lee Sellers , Ramin Karimloo , Chris Overton , Jesika Cannon , Annabel Porter , Laura Hounsom Character(s) Christine , The Phantom , Raoul , Madame Giry , Carlotta , Firmin , André , Piangi , Meg Giry , Reyer , Buquet , Lefevre , Carlotta’s Maid , Carlotta’s Wigmaker , Carlotta’s Seamstress , Passirino , Auctioneer , Porter , Nun / Nurse , Chauffeur , Christine’s Father , Young Phantom , Young Christine , Young Meg , Young Madame Giry Runtime 143 minutes YouTube Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N91AL8sAh9o Expand
Musically, “Masquerade” is far from the best song in The Phantom of the Opera, but it’s high on the list when considering the accompanying scene. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne shows off her incredible skill with the intricate designs, which include dresses, capes, suits, and masks. The costumes lean into the time period while adding elements that almost feel inspired by jesters and circus performers.
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The song also thrives due to the perfectly executed ballroom dance choreography, which has a theatrical flair. This is particularly noteworthy when everyone is dancing in unison halfway through the song. The set design also has a grandiose feeling, which is perfect for the story.
2 “Time To Dance” From The Prom
The Rousing Conclusion To Netflix’s LGBTQ+ Musical
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The Prom PG-13MusicalComedy
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*Availability in US Director Ryan Murphy Release Date December 11, 2020 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Bob Martin , Chad Beguelin Cast Kerry Washington , Keegan-Michael Key , James Corden , Nicole Kidman , Meryl Streep , Andrew Rannells Runtime 130 minutes Expand
The song “Time to Dance” is the best song on The Prom’s soundtrack, and it’s a perfect ending for Emma and Alyssa’s fight to attend prom together. The music and lyrics include beautiful callbacks to the songs “Dance With You” and “Unruly Heart” without feeling like a reprise. The cast gives moving performances that tug at the heartstrings, allowing the audience to invest in their joy. The interaction between Alyssa and her mom feels particularly emotional – a healing moment for many LGBTQ+ viewers.
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Kerry Washington, who plays Alyssa’s mother, wasn’t originally supposed to join the final dance number, but she convinced Ryan Murphy to let her participate (via
CTV
).
The choreography rises to the showstopper level required for a finale song. It’s powerful to see people of all genders, sexualities, ages, and races dancing in unison to a song about building a more accepting world. The costuming also furthers this message, showing suits and dresses of all styles and colors. The kiss between Emma and Alyssa seals the deal, adding a cherry on top of the already moving group number.
1 “Dancing Through Life” From Wicked
A Solo Song That Turns Into A Group Musical Number
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Wicked PGAdventureFantasyMusical
Director Jon M. Chu Release Date November 22, 2024 Studio(s) Marc Platt Productions Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum Cast Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd Character(s) Elphaba Thropp , Glinda Upland , Madame Morrible , The Wizard , Fiyero Tigelaar , Boq , Nessarose Thropp , Pfannee , ShenShen , Miss Coddle , Doctor Dillamond (voice) , Avaric Tenmeadows , Gilligan , Professor Nikidik , Glinda’s Father , Governor Frexspar Thropp , Melena Thropp , The Midwife Runtime 160 Minutes Main Genre Musical Expand
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The Wicked: Part 1 soundtrack and movie include three major group numbers, but “Dancing Through Life” shines above the rest, with each element of the scene contributing to its success. Choreographer Christopher Scott created this scene using a large number of dancers, martial artists, parkour performers, and circus performers (via Entertainment Today). Many of them performed on the set piece called the tornado wheel, which involves three spinning wheels with books and ladders. Though incredibly dangerous, the individuals involved executed the choreography on the Tornado wheel perfectly.
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The cinematographer used many prolonged shots without cuts, giving the scene a very Broadway feel. The use of wide shots furthers the theatrical aura of “Dancing Through Life.” Whenever the scenes were closer up, they used pans and tilts, minimizing the cuts, which makes it almost feel like the audience is dancing along with the characters. Of course, Jonathan Bailey’s incredible performance serves as the focal point for the group number, and he captures the roguish charm of his Wicked character perfectly.
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