Romantic musicals combine love stories with song and dance, often featuring couples overcoming obstacles to be together. 1. La La Land (2016) This modern musical follows the romance between an aspiring actress and a jazz musician in Los Angeles. Why it’s great: 2. Moulin Rouge! (2001) Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant musical set in 1900Paris tells the […]

Rock documentaries, or “rockumentaries,” offer behind-the-scenes looks at musicians, bands, or significant moments in rock history. 1. This Is Spinal Tap (1984) This mockumentary about a fictional British heavy metal band set the standard for the genre. Why it’s great: 2. The Last Waltz (1978) Martin Scorsese‘s documentary captures The Band’s farewell concert. Why it’s […]

Hip-hop films showcase rap music, urban culture, and often the struggles and triumphs of artists in the genre. 1. 8 Mile (2002) Semi-autobiographical film starring Eminem as an aspiring rapper in Detroit. Why it’s great: 2. Hustle & Flow (2005) A Memphis pimp tries to turn his life around by becoming a rapper. Why it’s […]

Folk musicals incorporate traditional music and often focus on rural or working-class stories. 1. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) The Coen Brothers’ Depression-era retelling of Homer’s Odyssey features a soundtrack of traditional American folk music. Why it’s great: 2. Once (2007) This Irish musical follows the relationship between two struggling musicians in Dublin. Why […]

Fantasy musicals blend magical or supernatural elements with song and dance, creating whimsical and often visually stunning experiences. 1. The Wizard of Oz (1939) This classic follows Dorothy’s journey through the magical land of Oz, featuring iconic songs and characters. Why it’s great: 2. Mary Poppins (1964) Disney’s beloved musical about a magical nanny combines […]

Comedy musicals blend humor with song and dance numbers, often featuring lighthearted stories and memorable tunes. 1. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) Set during Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies, this classic follows a studio dealing with the change while a chorus girl rises to stardom. Why it’s great: 2. The Producers (1967) Mel […]

These films adapt popular Broadway musicals for the big screen, often expanding the scope while maintaining the core story and songs. 1. West Side Story (1961) This adaptation of the Broadway musical updates Romeo and Juliet to 1950s New York City, focusing on rival street gangs. Why it’s great: 2. The Sound of Music (1965) […]

Musical biopics dramatize the lives of famous musicians or composers, often featuring performances of their most iconic works. 1. Amadeus (1984) This Oscar-winning film explores the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of his rival, Antonio Salieri. Why it’s great: 2. Ray (2004) This biopic chronicles the life and career of rhythm and […]

Beach party films, popular in the 1960s, typically feature carefree teenagers enjoying sun, surf, and romance, often with musical numbers. 1. Beach Party (1963) This film kicked off the beach party genre, starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello as teenagers enjoying summer romance. Why it’s great: 2. Gidget (1959) While not strictly a beach party […]

Terror films focus on creating a sense of dread and fear, often through psychological means rather than graphic violence. 1. The Blair Witch Project (1999) This found-footage film follows three student filmmakers investigating the legend of the Blair Witch in the Black Hills Forest. Why it’s great: 2. The Babadook (2014) This Australian horror film […]