The world is a scary place right now. We’re all looking for ways to stay positive, even while we’re stuck indoors. Which is why we’re turning to one of our favorite genres to keep our spirits up: musicals. A great show tune never fails to make us smile. So whether you want to veg out on the couch dance in your living room, here’s a selection of live-action musicals you can stream right now.
Netflix
Hairspray (2007)
We wish the original 1988 movie version were also available, but there’s still lots to love about this adaptation of the great Broadway musical. It’s still full of hope, love, and spectacular songs.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Don’t tell your kids what this classic 1968 musical starring Dick Van Dyke is actually about. Just show them the title and observe their confusion (and then their delight).
Sweeney Todd
Sure, this tale about the perils of greed and revenge is full of murder and blood and cannibalism. But the songs are still delightful!
The Lonely Island Presents Bash Brothers Experience
This “visual poem” might only be a 30-minute special, but that’s fine because you’ll want to watch it four times in a row.
HBOGO
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell’s beloved stage musical that became a great movie will offer plenty of rock, pathos, and catharsis at a time when we need all of the above.
Hello, Dolly!
The legendary Gene Kelly directed the legendary Barbra Streisand in this legendary version of one of Broadway’s most legendary musicals. It even features the legendary Louis Armstrong. Wall-E knew what was up!
Moulin Rouge!
If you want a musical that will transport you to another place and time, but with songs you know and love, then join Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman in France at the start of the 20th century.
Les Misérables
Okay, maybe the overall setting of pre-Revolution France isn’t exactly an Eden of hope, but the soundtrack still makes us happy.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s version counts as a musical, because all the songs contribute to the plot. But even if you don’t agree, who cares? It’s great!
Disney+
Mary Poppins
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, and Julie Andrews’ iconic performance helps an afternoon with the kids fly by. Especially when you make it part one of a double feature…
Mary Poppins Returns
Let Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda complete the second half of your magical, musical nanny double screening.
High School Musical 1, 2, and 3
We really are all in this together, and a triple feature of the classic Disney Channel franchise is one way to all get through this together.
Aladdin (2019)
Both versions of Disney’s beloved story are available on the streaming site, including last year’s billion-dollar box office hit starring Will Smith as the Genie.
Lady and the Tramp (2019)
One of the Mouse House’s best live-action remakes features an all-star voice cast, including one of our favorites, Janelle Monáe. Things can never be that bad when we hear her sing.
The Lion King (2019)
Speaking of all-star voice casts, Disney’s stunning “live-action” version of its animal kingdom answer to Hamlet features a stellar soundtrack.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppets make literally everything better. (That’s just science.) And their musical take on Charles Dickens’ classic story always makes us smile, no matter which time of year we watch it.
The Sound of Music
What’s the single greatest musical of all time? We don’t know, but this makes the short list for that conversation.
Amazon Prime
Funny Face
It stars Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. What else do you need to know? If you like pure joy, give it a watch!
Yentl
Do the youths realize Barbra Streisand is one of the most talented performers of all time? Now’s the perfect time to teach them.
Babes in Toyland (1986)
There are many versions of Babes in Toyland, but only one features Keanu Reeves singing. And we can’t think of anything that can cheer us up more.
What did we miss? Are there any other great live-action musicals you can also stream for free right now? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image: 20th Century Fox/Disney Channel