12 Best Musical Movie Openings
In the dazzling world of musical cinema, the opening sequence is more than a mere prelude—it’s a thunderous declaration of intent, a whirlwind of song, dance, and spectacle that sweeps audiences into the film’s heart. These meticulously crafted moments establish tone, introduce worlds, and often deliver the first unforgettable punch of emotion or energy. From sweeping alpine vistas to gritty urban streets, the finest musical openings fuse choreography, cinematography, and melody into pure magic.
Ranking these openings demands a blend of criteria: sheer spectacle and innovation in staging; how effectively they hook viewers and foreshadow the narrative; cultural resonance and lasting memorability; and technical prowess in production. We’ve prioritised sequences that not only dazzle but redefine what a musical can achieve right from the start. Drawing from classics to modern gems, this list celebrates 12 openings that stand as masterpieces in their own right, each analysed for its artistry and impact.
What follows is our curated countdown, from solid contenders to the pinnacle of cinematic euphoria. Prepare to revisit these gateways to musical bliss—and perhaps queue them up for a rewatch.
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The Sound of Music (1965) – ‘The Sound of Music’
Robert Wise’s adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved stage hit launches with one of cinema’s most iconic shots: an aerial glide over the Austrian Alps, culminating in Julie Andrews twirling atop a mountain meadow, her voice soaring through the title number. This five-minute prelude, shot on location in Salzburg, instantly immerses viewers in a world of pastoral serenity and unbridled joy. The sequence’s genius lies in its simplicity—vast landscapes dwarfing the human figure, yet Andrews’ performance radiates warmth and freedom.
Production notes reveal Wise’s commitment to authenticity; the helicopter shots, though nauseating for the cast, yield breathtaking 70mm vistas that exploit Todd-AO widescreen glory.[1] Thematically, it foreshadows Maria’s rebellious spirit against the von Trapp rigidity, while culturally, it’s etched into collective memory—parodied endlessly, yet undiminished. No musical opening captures nature’s grandeur as symphonically as this.
Its influence echoes in films like La La Land, proving that less choreography can mean more when paired with sublime scoring.
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West Side Story (1961) – ‘Prologue’
Jerome Robbins’ choreography erupts on New York’s blistering streets in this Leonard Bernstein-stunned opener, a 12-minute ballet of rival gangs Jets and Sharks clashing in balletic fury. Robert Wise’s direction, blending jazz syncopation with Shakespearean tragedy, uses vertical compositions—fire escapes, chain-link fences—to evoke urban claustrophobia. The wordless sequence, punctuated by biting brass and urgent percussion, builds tension like a storm.
Shot amid real West Side locations, it faced rain delays but emerged triumphant, winning Oscars for Robbins’ staging.[2] This opening not only sets the Romeo-and-Juliet stakes but innovates musical form, prioritising dance as narrative driver. Its raw physicality and social commentary on gang violence remain potent, influencing Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake.
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La La Land (2016) – ‘Another Day of Sun’
Damien Chazelle detonates the screen with a freeway pile-up turned joyous dance number, over 100 performers leaping across cars in golden-hour LA haze. Justin Hurwitz’s score pulses with jazz-infused pop, while Linus Sandgren’s cinematography—one continuous shot illusion—captures dreamer’s desperation amid daily grind. It’s a meta-love letter to Hollywood musicals, bursting with colour and kineticism.
Filmed guerilla-style on the 101 Freeway (with LAPD shutdowns), the sequence’s ambition mirrors Mia and Sebastian’s aspirations.[3] Culturally explosive, it netted Oscar nods and revived the genre, proving modern musicals can thrive in blockbuster eras. Few openings match its infectious optimism laced with underlying melancholy.
Chazelle called it ‘the hardest day of shooting’, a testament to its seamless execution.
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Moulin Rouge! (2001) – ‘The Spectacular Spectacular / Nature Boy’
Baz Luhrmann hurtles viewers into Belle Époque Paris via a kaleidoscopic montage: Ewan McGregor’s narration overlays elephant ascents, can-can kicks, and David Bowie’s haunting ‘Nature Boy’. The editing frenzy—operatic arias smashing into pop mash-ups—embodies the film’s postmodern excess, scored by a blitz of contemporary hits.
Shot in soundstages with digital enhancements, it cost a fortune but hooked global audiences.[4] This opener promises intoxicating romance and tragedy, redefining musicals as jukebox fever dreams. Its visual opulence influenced Burlesque and beyond.
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Chicago (2002) – ‘All That Jazz’
Rob Marshall’s adaptation kicks off in a smoky vaudeville spotlight: Renée Zellweger’s Roxie dreams of stardom via Catherine Zeta-Jones’ razor-sharp Velma, belting Kander and Ebb’s sardonic anthem. Stylised like a Busby Berkeley fever dream, the black-and-white sheen (with red accents) drips cynicism over jazz-age glamour.
Bill Condon’s script weaves murder fantasy seamlessly, while Danny Elfman’s orchestration amps the sleaze.[5] Box-office smash and Oscar sweep followed, cementing its satirical bite on fame. This opener’s sultry strut sets the razor-edge tone perfectly.
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Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – ‘Singin’ in the Rain’
Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s evergreen opens with Hollywood’s glitzy premiere parade, morphing into Kelly’s joyous puddle-splashing solo amid monsoon Gene Kelly defiance. Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed’s ditty, shot in one take despite Kelly’s 103-degree fever, radiates pure delight.
A meta-nod to talkie transitions, it captures silent-to-sound chaos with buoyant choreography.[6] Timeless emblem of musical joy, parodied in A Clockwork Orange, it ranks for unadulterated exuberance.
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The Greatest Showman (2017) – ‘The Greatest Show’
Michael Gracey’s P.T. Barnum biopic ignites with Hugh Jackman’s ringmaster rallying a circus troupe in a thunderous ensemble stomp. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s score booms with percussive flair, Jerry Mitchell’s choreography exploding in arena-scale spectacle.
Filmed live with 1,500 extras, its underdog energy propelled the film to billion-dollar phenomenon.[7] Foreshadowing themes of spectacle over substance, it hooked families worldwide.
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Mary Poppins (1964) – ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’
Robert Stevenson’s Disney pinnacle sweeps from rooftops: Dick Van Dyke’s Bert chalks a sidewalk fantasia, ushering Julie Andrews’ Mary earthward. The Sherman Brothers’ cockney waltz blends live-action whimsy with animation tease, shot via sodium-vapour process.
Oscar-laden production magic sets supernatural nanny tone amid Edwardian London grit.[8] Enduring family staple, its charm endures.
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Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – ‘Skid Row (Downtown)’
Frank Oz’s cult gem blasts off with Ellen Greene, Levi Stubbs, and chorus decrying urban decay in Alan Menken-Howard Ashman rocker. Rick Moranis’ Seymour amid puppeteered pandemonium, the number’s doo-wop drive skewers capitalism.
Low-budget Off-Broadway roots yield high-energy opener, influencing horror-musicals like Repo! The Genetic Opera.[9]
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Grease (1978) – ‘Grease’
Randal Kleiser’s sock-hop sensation revs up at Frosty Palace diner: Frankie Valli narrates as John Travolta’s Danny preens amid pink Cadillacs. Bronte McAllister Woodard’s lyrics nod nostalgia, Jim Jacobs’ book igniting summer romance vibe.
Blockbuster choreography hooks teens eternally.[10]
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Beauty and the Beast (1991) – ‘Belle’
Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise’s animated triumph opens in provincial France: Paige O’Hara’s Belle navigates villagers’ gossip in rousing Howard Ashman-Alan Menken opener. Hand-drawn bustle foreshadows fairy-tale rupture.
Disney Renaissance launchpad, Oscar-nominated.[11]
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Enchanted (2007) – ‘Happy Working Song’
Kevin Lima’s postmodern fairy tale starts animated: Amy Adams’ Giselle leads sewer rats in whimsical ditty, Alan Menken-Stephen Schwartz score parodying classics. Seamless 2D-to-live shift delights.
Post-Shrek gem, reviving princess musicals.[12]
Conclusion
These 12 openings exemplify musical cinema’s power to enchant from frame one, each a microcosm of the genre’s evolution—from Golden Age grandeur to contemporary reinvention. They remind us why musicals endure: in an instant, they transport, provoke, and exhilarate. Whether through sweeping landscapes or streetwise swagger, the best set an unbreakable spell. Which opening spins you into song? Revisit these, and let the overtures inspire.
References
- Lacey, Liam. The Sound of Music: The Making of… (2007).
- Laurents, Arthur. West Side Story: Original Screenplay (1961).
- Chazelle, Damien. La La Land Director’s Commentary (2017).
- Luhrmann, Baz. Moulin Rouge! DVD Extras (2002).
- Elfman, Danny. Interview, Variety (2003).
- Kelly, Gene. Singin’ in the Rain: 50th Anniversary Edition (2002).
- Gracey, Michael. The Greatest Showman Behind-the-Scenes (2018).
- Stevenson, Robert. Mary Poppins Supercalifragilistic DVD (2004).
- Oz, Frank. Little Shop of Horrors Commentary (2006).
- Kleiser, Randal. Grease: Director’s Notebook (1998).
- Trousdale, Gary & Wise, Kirk. Beauty and the Beast Diamond Edition (2010).
- Lima, Kevin. Enchanted Audio Commentary (2008).
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