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We debate the best musical movie numbers

NPR | By Stephen Thompson,

Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Aisha Harris, Hafsa Fathima, Mike Katzif, Jessica Reedy

Published November 19, 2024 at 9:03 AM EST

Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. — Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

If you've ever loved a movie musical, then you've probably got a favorite movie musical number — a song that makes you want to sing along, swoon, celebrate, or simply dance with the nearest lamppost. But what makes these moments great? With Wicked hitting theaters, there's never been a better time to debate the best movie musical numbers.

For even more of our favorite movie musical numbers, check out our list at Letterboxd — at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture.

Copyright 2024 NPR

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Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.

See stories by Stephen Thompson

Linda Holmes

Linda Holmes is a pop culture correspondent for NPR and the host of Pop Culture Happy Hour.

See stories by Linda Holmes

Glen Weldon

Glen Weldon is a host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast. He reviews books, movies, comics and more for the NPR Arts Desk.

See stories by Glen Weldon

Aisha Harris

Aisha Harris is a critic and host of Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of Wannabe: Reckonings With the Pop Culture That Shapes Me.

See stories by Aisha Harris

Hafsa Fathima

See stories by Hafsa Fathima

Mike Katzif

[Copyright 2024 NPR]

Jessica Reedy

[Copyright 2024 NPR]

See stories by Jessica Reedy

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