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. These are 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.

The Top Ten

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.
One Day More - Les Misérables

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.

I played in the pit for my school's production of Les Mis, and nothing brought more emotion to me than this song. This song and The Confrontation were the two songs I took the time to learn all the words to, and I still remember this as the epic ending to the first act, leaving me even more satisfied than the finale of the second act.
Seasons of Love - Rent

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 Music of the Night - The Phantom of the Opera

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.
I Dreamed a Dream - Les Misérables

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 - 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 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.
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.
And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going - Dreamgirls

This song has so much meaning. For most people, it symbolizes the love one has for another. I, however, find that not only does it have this effect on me, it makes me think about what I would do if the shoe was on the other foot and if someone was telling me this. I find that Jennifer Hudson's rendition of the song makes me much more excited than Jennifer Holliday's, but still, hats off to both.

One of the most powerful ballads I believe ever written. It is purely beautiful from start to finish, depending on how it is performed, of course. In other words, Jennifer Holliday performing this = PURE GOLD.
Popular - Wicked

It's a fun upbeat song! What's not to love? I am auditioning for a play and this is the perfect song.

The best song from Wicked. It is so fun and I love the little twists all the different Glindas have put on the song!

It's amazing showing off Galinda's (otherwise known as Glinda) amazing voice and I get to sing this with my best blonde friend.
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!

The Newcomers

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Legendary - Epic: The Musical

This is the best Epic: The Musical song ever.
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Good Kid - The Lightning Thief

Percy truly opens up in this one. I have no complaints about this song at all.

The Contenders

(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.
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.
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 two years ago, and I still sing "seventy-six trombones in the big parade."
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.
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.
Over and Done With - Sunshine on Leith
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!

This song is the best Disney movie song hands down. It is so catchy and I love the meaning behind it!

So much fun to sing while hanging out with friends!
I'm Here - The Color Purple

This song is the core of musical theatre. It is simply Celie finally seeing she is worth much more than she ever knew. TOP TEN!
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!
I Belong to Me - Elisabeth

I have never seen Elisabeth. I have no idea what it's about, who wrote it, what era it's a part of, or where it originally premiered. But what I do know is that this song is amazing, and it makes me want to learn more.
Let's Get Married - Sunshine on Leith
He Lives in You - The Lion King

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.
Sky Takes the Soul - Sunshine on Leith
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.

R.I.P. Alexander Hamilton. He died so young. Eliza and Angelica were full of grief. I always get emotional around the parts, "But when you're gone, who remembers your name, who keeps your flame, who tells your story?" and, "Every founding father's story gets told. Every founding father gets to grow old."
This emotional musical is amazing. It tells you about war and explores history. There will always be a place for Hamilton in my heart.
Cell Block Tango - Chicago

Definitely the best song from Chicago. Also, the "ah ah" Hungarian lady says:
"What am I doing here? They say I killed my husband, but I didn't. I keep trying to tell them, but they don't understand. I should not be here!"
But did you do it?
Ah ah. Not. Guilty!