8 Musical Numbers That Are Truly Iconic

Whether it's cheesy high school flicks, romantic comedies or campy horror, there is no shortage of iconic movies that have kept moviegoers entertained through the years. More specifically though, what this post is about are those stellar musical numbers that had us swooning, laughing or just giving us unrealistic expectations about high school.

With well-choreographed dance moves and some catchy bops to accompany them, it's these scenes that have helped build some of the most iconic moments in some of our favourite movies and keeps them so memorable to this day. So with that, grab some popcorn and enjoy this list of eight of my favourite musical numbers in film.

This 1999 adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew was the moment that undoubtedly left so many of us falling in love with Heath Ledger. In this one scene, Patrick Verona is on a mission to win over Kat Stratford, played by Julia Stiles. So, how does one go about doing this? Well with a little help of Frankie Valli and The Four Season's "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You.” Thus, Kat and, frankly the rest of us, were left serenaded by Patrick as he danced and sang his way throw the high school bleachers. This was, and will always remain a quintessential 90s movie moment.

Ah, Beetlejuice, where would we be without this amazing character and stellar supporting cast? This 1988 classic starring Michael Keaton, Gena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Winona Rider and, directed by the mastermind that is Tim Burton, gave audiences an abundance of memorable quotes, scenes and characters. One of them being this magical moment when Delia and Charles Deetz along with Otho and their dinner guests become possessed into an impromptu performance of “Day-O.”

On a side note: For me, Catherine O’Hara will always be the queen of this scene.

Look at those hips go!

If I were asked to list my number one Jim Carrey movie, The Mask would for sure be it and the above video is Exhibit A as to why. Admittedly, it had been years since I had last seen The Mask but when I stumbled upon it playing on TV a few nights ago, I was reminded just how much I had loved the movie as a kid — even if Jim Carrey with a green face and large teeth did scare me at four years old.

Okay, so I really loved Heath Ledger movies growing up, and A Knight’s Tale was definitely no exception. This movie was just all around cool. It had jousting, comedy, romance, and an awesome soundtrack in the form of more modern tunes such as Queen’s “We Will Rock You” being the movie’s title track for the trailer. What I love most about this particular scene is how it starts off as a typical medieval dance scene, paired with proper time period music and choreography until the audience is treated to a modern day dance party. It broke the rules of what a time period movie should be.

What can I say about She’s All That other than it being a movie ghost written by M. Night Shyamalan and gave us the iconic term, “Busy Wiggin.” It also offered a dreamy Freddie Prinze Jr. and Paul Walker at the start of their success, but I digress. While many will now look at this scene and ask questions like “Wait, did all these students choreograph and practice this routine before the prom?” “Why does everyone look so professional?” and “Why is Usher the DJ?” (even though he was the school’s announcer throughout the movie) for me, it’s all of these that make the scene that much better and unexpected.

This musical number from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off truly speaks for its self. We have Matthew Broderick dancing around like some rock ‘n roll legend while lip-singing to The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” — what more could you want? While many adults may look this movie as an elaborate way to give kids ideas to ditch school, its’ whole essence is to encourage us to enjoy life and not stress over work or things we have no control over. And in Cameron's case, to stop striving for perfection and acceptance. This scene does just that as we see people in the streets smiling and dancing along, just enjoying the day. It’s actually quite pure.

Yet another screenplay by John Hughes (because no one did high school drama better in the 80s,) number seven is all about Pretty in Pink. More specifically, Jon Cryer’s well-structured quiff, Ottis Redding and, one of the best iconic moments in 80s film. Here we have Ducky storming into a record store, trying to impress his high school crush, Andie, played by Molly Ringwald, in one powerful lip-synch renditions of “Try A Little Tenderness.”

Finally, this list would not be complete without one of my all-time favourites: Donald O’Connor’s performance of “Make ‘Em Laugh” from Singing in the Rain. Everything about this is spectacular, from the song which is, in itself, a fun and a knee-slapper, to the way Donald just throws himself around during the entire performance which leaves you wondering, “How?” They truly do not make them like this anymore.