Top 10 Musical Episodes in Animated Shows

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#10: “What’s Opera, Arnold?”

“Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)

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First, this episode’s title deserves bonus points for paying homage to “What’s Opera, Doc?” Like that classic Bugs Bunny short, “What’s Opera, Arnold?” manages to be silly while also being surprisingly epic. In addition to “Looney Tunes,” the episode draws inspiration from the 1875 French opera, “Carmen.” Instead of Carmen and Don José, though, we get Carmhelga and Don Arnold. Even if you’ve never seen an opera, you’re bound to recognize the musical compositions here, which are given lyrics to better suit these characters. Since many of the voice actors on “Hey Arnold!” were actual kids, there’s a genuine “school play” vibe to it.

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#9: “Elementary School Musical”

“South Park” (1997-)

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Airing a couple weeks after “High School Musical: Senior Year” hit theaters, this episode satirized the musical phenomenon at its peak of popularity. Almost all of South Park Elementary is obsessed with the Disney franchise, sporadically breaking out into song and dance. The four main boys, however, just don’t understand the appeal. Part of what makes the episode so hilarious is that the musical numbers practically sound tailor-made for Disney Channel. The story additionally puts a clever spin on the first “High School Musical,” as Bridon Gueermo, clearly modeled after Zac Efron’s Troy Bolton, stands up to his dramatic father to pursue his true passion: basketball. Also, did Kyle steal Chad Danforth’s hairdo?

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#8: “The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Playthings”

“Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13)

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At the time of airing, it looked like this musical episode might be the series finale of “Futurama.” While we fortunately got more episodes later down the line, “The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Playthings” certainly would’ve sent the Planet Express crew out on a high note. Trying to win over Leela by playing the holophonor, Fry swaps hands with the Robot Devil to sharpen his skills. It all works up to a majestic opera in which Fry and the Robot Devil clash with Leela’s hand in marriage on the line. While Fry is forced to cut his musical short to save the woman he loves, there’s still time for a bittersweet final curtain.

“My Little Pony” has done a couple musical episodes, even enlisting the talents of "Weird Al" Yankovic. However, music was put to use best in the Season 3 finale, “Magical Mystery Cure,” which gets its name from the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour.” Waking up one morning in Ponyville to find her friends have all inexplicably traded cutie marks, Twilight tries to set things right on an adventure full of catchy songs and game-changing revelations. It all culminates with Twilight showing everyone what it means to be a true, true friend, thus earning her wings. This episode is arguably series composer Daniel Ingram’s tour de force, delivering a soundtrack worthy of a Disney animated feature.

As a longtime fan of musicals, Seth MacFarlane frequently works original and classic production numbers into his shows. While the “Hot Water” episode of “American Dad!” earned an Emmy nomination, we couldn’t deny this spot to “Family Guy” and its ongoing “Road to…” series. Stealing a page from the film franchise starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, these episodes center on Stewie and Brian Griffin taking a road trip, complete with screwball hijinks, fourth wall breaks, and lavish musical numbers. Season 9’s “Road to the North Pole” notably scored three Emmy nominations, with the song “Christmastime Is Killing Us,” receiving a Grammy nomination. Maybe Stewie and Brian should follow the road to Broadway next.

This “Simpsons” episode catches the viewer off-guard as it suddenly becomes a musical towards the end of the first act. In need of a nanny, Marge turns to the magical Shary Bobbins, who was originally going to be voiced by Julie Andrews before seasoned voice actress Maggie Roswell stepped in. Like Mary Poppins, Shary is practically perfect in every way, but even she can’t save a family this dysfunctional. The episode hilariously parodies moments and songs from the 1964 Disney film. It even works in some more obscure music references, such as the unique soundtrack choices of Quentin Tarantino. Speaking of violence, Shary’s grim fate is something of a perfect contrast to Mary Poppins’ optimism.

From “Hairspray” to “Legally Blonde,” a lot of popular movies have been adapted into stage musicals as of late. This “Phineas and Ferb” episode does something similar, recreating the pilot with a show tune twist. The opening number alone works in more musical references than a Tony Awards ceremony, paying homage to “Cats,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and “West Side Story,” among others. The standout number, however, has got to be the finale of “Carpe Diem,” which features virtually every character from the series, plus Kenny Ortega. At the musical’s heart is a meaningful message that inspires kids everywhere to make the most of their summer vacation, even if they can’t build a rollercoaster.

Almost every word that comes out of Daria Morgendorffer’s mouth is spoken in the same monotone voice. So… casting her as the lead in a musical couldn’t be more out of left field. With off-key singing and songs that center on mundane topics, it’s almost as if the creators were trolling fans. In a strange way, however, that’s largely what makes this episode so fascinating and fun. It may stick out like a sore thumb, but the witty lyrics and deadpan delivery still feels 100% “Daria.” The episode is the complete opposite of what we’ve come to expect while somehow remaining true to the show’s tone. The results are sarcastically engaging, much like Daria herself.

Deviating from the darker interpretations of Batman, “The Brave and the Bold” shared more in common with “Super Friends” and the Adam West series. The show’s delightful campiness was taken into overdrive with this musical episode though, which is honestly good enough to make Broadway envious. You can’t go wrong with Neil Patrick Harris voicing the Music Meister, who channels the Phantom of the Opera in a plot to seduce the world with singing. The songs range from humorous, to rousing, to simply lovely, evoking more emotions than we ever expected from a Batman musical. Earning a standing ovation upon debuting at Comic-Con, this episode even manages to make Black Canary’s scream sound heavenly.





Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:



“LABretto”

“Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)





“School’s Out!: The Musical”

“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-)





“The Sensitive Male!”

“Johnny Bravo” (1996-2004)

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#1: “Mr. Greg”

“Steven Universe” (2013-)

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Top 10 Musical TV Episodes

Where a lot of musical episodes can come off as gimmicky, “Mr. Greg” masterfully utilizes original songs to tell a powerful story, which is exactly what any musical should do. Reminiscent of 1930s musicals like “Top Hat” and “42nd Street,” this Emmy-nominated episode explores the complicated dynamic between Greg and Pearl. While not enemies, Pearl has always resented Greg for stealing Rose’s affection. Although she tries to remain civil, Pearl can’t let go of her heartbreak and grief. These emotions are beautifully conveyed through the number, “It’s Over, Isn’t It?,” which series creator Rebecca Sugar actually wrote. Pearl’s feelings are both complex and relatable, never hitting a false note.