Top 10 Best Songs from Musicals

The Top Ten
1 Defying Gravity - Wicked

Defying Gravity is my favorite musical theatre song because it's the Act 1 finale in Wicked, and it does everything an Act 1 finale should do. It has serious character progression for both Elphaba and Glinda. The music is incredible, the lyrics are astoundingly clever, and it builds up to arguably the most epic musical theatre moment of the 21st century: when Elphaba takes the broomstick and flies away, declaring her independence and freedom from the Wizard's corrupt regime. This song is just perfection in every sense of the word. (Not to mention Idina Menzel's voice on the original cast recording fits Elphaba perfectly here.)

2 A Little Priest - Sweeney Todd

Yes, Sweeney Todd! I love all of the songs from Sweeney Todd, especially A Little Priest and Epiphany. They are just so well-constructed and so well-sung that they are a gift to listen to. I personally prefer Epiphany more than A Little Priest, but both songs are wins in my book!

Awesome song, I love it, couldn't get it out of my head after listening just once. I love Helena's voice. Even if you haven't seen the musical, you get what they're doing to the customers. It's definitely my favorite musical next to The Phantom of the Opera.

3 Anthem - Chess

Heart-rending song. The choir I belong to sang it at our last show. Amazing feeling and amazing reception from the audience.

The most moving musical number I've ever heard. It gives me more patriotic thoughts than my own national anthem!

Passionate, rousing, and a patriotic song that stirs up emotions in my entire body. Brilliant!

4 One Day More - Les Misérables

Unbelievably powerful song that I can't hear without crying. Manages to balance multiple moods in quick succession and even simultaneously. Shows an incredibly powerful arc through a few lines. Literally one of the greatest songs ever written. How is this not number one?

I'm sorry, but have you heard this song? It's ten times better than Defying Gravity, which is good but delivers nowhere near the same hair-raising effect as One Day More. I've seen Les Mis four times, and each time this song was the highlight of the show. It's a genius song. It combines all the melodies present throughout the show into one dramatic piece, making the audience feel as if they are actually part of the revolution. (And the choreography in the London production is way more impressive than Elphaba rising into the air.)

5 (Ya Got) Trouble - The Music Man

It's unfair to try to speculate the "best" numbers of all time. Having said that, "Trouble" must be in the conversation. It's brilliant, upbeat, and Robert Preston's delivery is impeccable.

Tell me if this song doesn't get stuck in your head after listening. This is Harold Hill's indoctrination of the people in the city and has a political tinge to it.

I was in The Music Man production at school and I enjoyed all the numbers! The ones I enjoyed the most were Shipoopi and Wells Fargo Wagon, but I did love Trouble.

6 Seasons of Love - Rent

A classic sad musical theater song, and when you play it, all theater nerds internally cry. But seriously, so much emotion and love are put into one song, and it has so many meanings other than singing to a friend who has passed. Love this song.

Should be higher. Great song.

Also, like this if you sang this during chorus or choir class when you were in high school!

This is a heartfelt and serious song, and the melody is so catchy.

7 The Music of the Night - The Phantom of the Opera

The perfect song for Phantom to sing to Christine. The way the song is written allows for many different interpretations, which have ranged from more commanding and down-to-business Phantoms to the more traditional, seducing, and mysterious Phantom, portrayed well by Michael Crawford and Ramin Karimloo most notably. Overall, this is the perfect song to fit the scene and is amazing in all aspects.

There's just something about this song. I'm a musician, composer, and singer, and this is just so beautiful to me. The pain, the sorrow, the beauty, the melody, everything about it. The story of a man who writes the wonders only music can tell in the dead of night because no one will care enough to listen to it, despite the fact that it's perfection. It's a twisted lullaby, and it's perfect.

8 Seventy-Six Trombones - The Music Man

The song that you must have heard somewhere, but you don't know where...

I was in The Music Man 2 years ago, and I still sing "seventy-six trombones in the big parade."

9 Non-Stop - Hamilton

I love Hamilton, and Non-Stop is by far the best song in the show after My Shot. How is My Shot not on this list?

I've always felt so drawn to this song. I love the melodies and just really the way it feels.

I don't think Non-Stop is the best song in Hamilton, but it's good.

10 I Belong to Me - Elisabeth

The Newcomers

? My Favorite Things - Julie Andrews
The Contenders
11 I Dreamed a Dream - Les Misérables

This song is the pivotal moment from where you are questioning whether the musical is good or not. This song shows it will be great.

Beautiful. At least in the top three Les Mis songs, along with One Day More and Do You Hear the People Sing.

This is my favorite song in the entire world, and Patti LuPone's original version always brings tears to my eyes.

12 I'll Make a Man Out of You - Mulan

I love this song. It is absolutely one of my favorites. I was obsessed with it for the longest time, ask anybody!

So much fun to sing while hanging out with friends!

Love this song. It's so empowering and fun!

13 Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story - Hamilton

Sung by Alexander's wife, Eliza, after her husband's tragic death, at the end of the show. She tells the audience that instead of wasting her remaining time on tears, she will continue her husband's work to make the world a better place. By her death at the age of 97 (wow), she had spoken out against slavery, funded the Washington Monument, and founded the first private orphanage in New York City. I looked it up on Wikipedia, and it's all true. She was an incredible woman, and this song is so, so moving. Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genius.

14 On My Own - Les Misérables

On My Own is one of those songs that everyone can relate to. The raw emotion of the song makes it definitely my favorite from Les Miserables, and my all-time favorite musical song too. Frances Ruffelle's version is my favorite, but Samantha Barks is really good too.

On My Own has the same exact melody as I Dreamed a Dream. On My Own has such great sound quality. The Broadway actors and actresses do a great job expressing emotion and true feelings. This song is truly inspiring.

On My Own is one of the greatest songs from any musical ever! When you can hear the pure tragedy in Éponine's voice, well, let's just say, your eyes become Niagara Falls. Samantha Barks. That's all that needs to be said.

15 Think of Me - The Phantom of the Opera

Why isn't this song in the top ten? It is art! It is the heart of this story! Not just any buffoon off the street can sing it! It is excellently composed. I could listen to just the instrumental any day. The fact that the composer had the successful idea of adding lyrics proves he knew what he was doing. A true masterpiece! I live for this play, movie, song, and, of course, the Phantom!

This song is perfect for anyone who loves a good high E! How can you not love how powerful it is? Not to mention the orchestra in the background. It is simply one of the greatest.

16 The Phantom of the Opera - The Phantom of the Opera

A beautifully intrinsic piece, this song carries itself like a machine, especially with the bass line. It has a haunting beauty that no other song has, particularly when Christine starts vocalizing. This is no ordinary pop ballad that one finds in any musical. The Phantom of the Opera is a different type of music: a type that makes any in-depth description laborious to think about, as one can never stop thinking of this song's wonder.

The exchange between The Phantom and Christine during this duet is exquisite. Christine is terrified of this man in a mask, yet she's also entranced. Sing once again with me, our strange duet. My power over you grows stronger yet. Christine is falling in love and is powerless to resist. It's just beautiful the way this song grabs at your heart. Wonderful!

17 It's Your Wedding Day - The Wedding Singer
18 He Lives in You - The Lion King

It should have been included in the movie. I don't care if it wasn't written yet. Was it? I have no idea. It's beautiful, tragic, inspirational, and the song that motivates Simba to save Pride Rock.

I remember my dad once grabbing my arm while listening to the Lion King soundtrack, and this song had just ended, his eyes kind of teary. "I never want you to forget that. Make it my funeral song if it helps." If that's not a reason to vote, I don't know what is.

Great song telling the story of how, when you lose someone, they live on in your memory where they will remain, especially a family member. As many people will say, they look like you. Hence the words, He lives in you.

19 Over & Done With - Sunshine on Leith
20 All I Ask of You - The Phantom of the Opera

This song is the definition of love. Although I wish Christine could have gone away with the Phantom, because Gerard Butler and Michael Crawford are amazing, this song is true beauty. It is the art shown in this movie and play. Why you would rank any song over this one completely bewilders me! It is a matter of opinion, but anyone with a brain loves this song.

I saw the musical, and to be honest, I was sort of underwhelmed. But nothing can change how much I love this song, not even how whiny and annoying Raoul is in the book. It's just so beautiful, and you can really see the love they have for each other.

21 Let's Get Married - Sunshine on Leith
22 Sky Takes the Soul - Sunshine on Leith
23 Alexander Hamilton - Hamilton

The song the entire cast sings at the beginning of the story is about the main character after the main character is already dead. Is anyone else thinking The Ballad of Sweeney Todd?

Hamilton wouldn't have been the King of Musicals without a song like Alexander Hamilton, as well as the record-breaking Tony Awards!

One of my top 3 songs. My favorite part? "And there's a million things I haven't done, but just you wait, just you wait!"

24 Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Les Misérables

So beautiful and sad. Maybe I shouldn't say this since I don't know a lot about Les Mis, but I disagree with all the Les Mis fans calling Marius a fop since he sings this incredibly moving song about his friends who died fighting for freedom.

Agreed, this song should be in the top ten without any question. I still get chills every time I listen to the song. The dynamics are incredible! 10/10

Saw the show and have never loved this song as much as I did then. I now have a new appreciation and love for this song.

25 Dancing Queen - Mamma Mia
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