8 Film Musicals For People Who Don't Like Musicals

5. Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)

As long time composer and lyricist for the Disney studios, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman have created some of the most memorable tunes ever sung by an animated character, including a patronising crab, a suave candelabra with a French accent, and a shapeshifting genie voiced by Robin Williams. But before that time, Menken and Ashman worked on a dark musical comedy called Little Shop of Horrors. The plot follows the story of a nerdy florist, Seymour, who discovers a mysterious fly-plant that he names Audrey II. When he realizes that the plant feeds on blood, at first he panics. But then, he finds out that the girl he loves is being abused by her sadistic boyfriend, and decides to take care of the plant after all... There are terrific performances from the whole cast, but the real star here is the evil and profane man-eating plant Audrey II, voiced with gusto by baritone rock singer Levi Stubbs, and animated by master pupetteer Frank Oz, mostly known as the voice of Yoda in the original Star Wars trilogy. Thanks to Oscar-nominated special effects, Audrey II can move, talk, sing and interact seamlessly with other actors in a way that leaves you guessing how they pulled it off. The song "Mean, Green Mother from Outer Space" also received a nomination, and proved right from the start of their career that Menken and Ashman were destined to great things. However, the two men were not working for Disney yet and it shows. The songs are filled with dark humour and tongue-in-cheek innuendos, that tell you this wasn't meant for kids. Oh, and if you are left dissatisfied by the happy ending, there's always the director's cut...