Nothing has the power to stir your emotions quite like a musical.
They can make you laugh, cry and, for a couple of hours, feel like anything is possible. And whether you need a bit of quick-fix escapism or you want to relive that giddy feeling of first love, there’s a musical for you.
Here are five of our favourites. Stream them all on NOW TV.
When you want to be inspired
Adapted from the Tony award-winning Broadway play, Dreamgirls follows the story of The Dreams, a female trio who rose to fame in the 1960s. While Whitney Houston was originally considered for the role, it was Beyoncé who landed the lead alongside the amazingly talented Jennifer Hudson. Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy co-star, but it’s the women and their powerful voices who totally steal the show.
When you need a happiness boost
It's hard not to love a movie that features a whole load of Abba classics, boasts a cast of national treasures and unashamedly celebrates funny, feisty and independent women of all ages. Watching Meryl Streep living her best life as she belts out tunes on a Greek island is all the encouragement you need to follow your dreams. Even better, its sequel, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again — with Lily James playing a young Donna — will premiere on NOW TV on April 21.
When you want to feel all the emotions
The Greatest Showman is already firmly part of the pop culture conversation, with a soundtrack that topped the chart for months and legions of fans who know every word. Why the huge love? Because it’s a slice of pure, unadulterated joy. Hugh Jackman stars as real-life legendary circus founder PT Barnum in a movie that's about finding your tribe and believing in the impossible. The songs also happen to be magnificent. As well as the original movie, there's a sing-a-long version available too — you can stream both on NOW TV, so there's no excuse not to join in the fun.
When you want to remember your teenage years
The film that made pink satin bomber jackets seem like the epitome of cool, Grease never gets old. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John may have been the leads, but this classic is made by its supporting characters — Frenchie with her pink hair and heart of gold, tough-but-tender Kenickie and rebel Rizzo, played by a then 33-year-old Stockard Channing. Capturing the agony - and elation - of being in high school, this musical will give you all of the nostalgic feels.
When life needs some old-school razzle-dazzle
There are musicals, and then there’s Singin’ in the Rain. Released in 1952 but set in late 1920s Hollywood, we're treated to the dynamite combination of Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds in her breakout role. Want to know a secret? Reynolds couldn’t actually dance when she landed the part - not that you’d tell from her incredible performance. Stream this to put a similar spring in your step.
Warmed up your vocal chords? Stream a load more musicals plus over 1000 movies on NOW TV
