Sometimes, people feel compelled to break out into song and dance. Here are the top films that demonstrate the best blend between terrific music and narrative. And no, "The Sound of Music" is not on this list.
1. Moulin Rouge
The most spectacular extravanganza of 2001. Nicole Kidman absolutely wrecked her knees dancing in those high heels, but the results were worth it. Plus, Ewan McGregor can sing. These stars have both the looks and the voice, and Baz Luhrman provides the fireworks!
2. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Jacques Demy's candy-colored love story is sung all the way through, but don't let that turn you off. Catherine Deneuve is so young, beautiful, and innocent, it's enough to make the toughest musical hater's heart melt. A romance for the ages.
3. Dancer in The Dark
Björk goes blind in Lars von Trier's musical melodrama. The film that took Cannes by storm features the most exhilerating postmodern song-and-dance numbers ever.4. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell's rock opera is not to be missed. Hedwig plays Midwestern buffets, changes wigs, searches for true love, and in the end goes for it all. Fabulous music, fabulous performance.5. Everyone Says I Love You
The actors can't sing and it doesn't matter. This unheralded Woody Allen musical, a homage to the Marx Brothers, is an absolute delight.6. Cabaret
Put down the knitting, the book and the broom -- come hear the music play! Bob Fosse's dark and decadent panorama of pre-Nazi Berli is based on Christopher Isherwood's stories.7. Little Shop of Horrors
Granted, this one's more camp than art house, but you can't beat Steve Martin as insane, nitrous-huffing dentist being fed to a giant plant from outer space. And the soundtrack rocks.