10 Heaviest Musical Movies, Ranked

These musical films aren’t the feel-good kind. Some are bittersweet, others are outright heavy, and many end without much comfort, so expect few neat happy endings. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) stages Jesus’s final days and centers on betrayal and death, offering a daring reimagining.

Better Man (2024) follows Robbie Williams through addiction, self-hatred and insecurity, delivering an emotional roller-coaster and — surprisingly — portrays Williams as a chimpanzee. Les Misérables (2012) sings every line while exploring hardship, crime, justice and the struggle for redemption, though its inconsistent quality blunts some of the drama.

All That Jazz (1979) is intensely focused on dying: an overworked protagonist faces worsening health and the big musical numbers mostly arrive at the end. Phantom of the Paradise (1974) blends camp with horror and musical elements, drawing on Faust and The Phantom of the Opera and mixing tragic bloodshed with absurdity.

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