10 Movies That Will Have You Singing And Dancing

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Baz Luhrmann’s triumphant jukebox musical is a sumptuous display of passion and a celebration of a deep and abiding belief in true love. Starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as the star-crossed, secret lovers of cabaret venue, the Moulin Rouge – she is a celebrated courtesan, while he is a struggling writer.

Events and ill-intentioned individuals conspire to keep them apart, as he becomes ever more desperate, and she suffers disastrously deteriorating health. The supporting cast features Jim Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh and John Leguizamo – all performing roof-raising musical numbers amid a range of award-winning production design.

It is the music that carries this film, however. Delivered with fiery emotion – particularly by the two leads – the entire troupe dance their way through hits such as “Lady Marmalade,” “Material Girl,” “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” and “The Show Must Go On.” Nowhere else in the history of cinema will you find a scene in which Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh turn “Like A Virgin” into a sinister and disturbing plan of action.

The highlight, however, is “The Elephant Medley” – so called, because it is a heartfelt mash-up of 12 famous songs, mixed with original lyrics, performed atop a giant elephant-shaped construction – leading to an explosive finale. The success of Moulin Rouge! is in the way its musical choices bond us to the characters, giving us the overwhelming urge to sing and dance along with those onscreen.