Top 10 Best Songs from Musicals
Musicals have given us some of the most unforgettable songs in entertainment, blending story, emotion, and incredible performances. These are the tunes that make us feel like we're right there on stage, swept up in the moment. Whether you're a fan of classic Broadway hits or more modern shows, there's a song for every kind of listener.In this list, you'll find some of the greatest musical numbers ever written - songs that have stuck with audiences long after the curtains close. They're the ones that bring the house down, move you to tears, or have you singing along with every word. Some are emotional ballads, others are energetic show-stoppers, but all have left their mark on musical theater history.
Defying Gravity is what everyone thinks about when going to see Wicked. The way different actors make it their own while still delivering an amazing end to the song is what makes it so remarkable.
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.
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 Misérables 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.
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.
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!
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.
A classic sad musical theater song. 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.
The perfect song for the 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.
The song that you must have heard somewhere but you don't know where.
I was in The Music Man two years ago, and I still sing "seventy-six trombones in the big parade."
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.
The Newcomers
This song is the pivotal moment when 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.
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 Misérables, 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. It 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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 of 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!"
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. 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
I 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.
This is one of my favorite songs ever, and it is constantly stuck in my head, but I love it! I love singing and dancing around to its catchy lyrics. I cannot believe it's not ranked higher.
It's hard to find a catchier song. One of the only songs I enjoy having stuck in my head!
This song is so energetic and catchy! I can't believe it's not ranked higher!
This song is over twelve minutes long but sets up the story beautifully. I love the continuous theme that runs through the whole thing, and I think that the lyrics are very clever - classic Stephen Sondheim!
This should have already been on the list, or at least something else from this musical. It is a beautiful work of art, and this song is the most defining for the whole thing.
Perfect setup for the musical. Weird to read, I know, but once you hear it, it makes sense.