50 Greatest Musical Numbers In Film History

14. Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat - Guys And Dolls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N281kdM6Zew Guys and Dolls should have been amazing, if you look at it on paper. But then you factor in the weird power play between Sinatra and Brando, and the wasted opportunity of having Frank Sinatra act in a film where Luck Be a Lady is being sung but not let him sing it, and it's safe to say that things went awry. It's still a good film, of course, but there were definitely some serious missteps. The practical result of all of this is that Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat ends up being the film's standout number. Ever the consummate professional, Stubby Kaye as Nicely Nicely Johnson steals the show in this surprisingly energetic performance of a reformed gambler who has a dream about riding on a boat to heaven.

13. Falling Slowly - Once

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhN5zX4U7oA Musicals have a long history of featuring huge, extravagant sequences with opulent trimmings and an army full of backup dancers. But sometimes it€™s refreshing to see a simple, bare bones musical number, and let its merits speak for themselves. That€™s what Once offers audiences with Falling Slowly. Set in a humble music store, Glen Hasgard is teaching his new friend/love interest a song that he€™s written. The shy chemistry between the acquaintances and the beauty of the song fill the space, and there€™s an honesty to the scene that makes most other musicals feel empty and false.
Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.