Top 10 Underrated Love Songs in Movie Musicals
#10: “Far Longer than Forever” “The Swan Princess” (1994)
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In the ‘90s, the Disney Renaissance reigned supreme, but other animation studios were working hard to keep up. And “The Swan Princess” did a great job, boasting one of the best non-Disney soundtracks of the era. From the moment Derek and Odette meet - or get pushed together - the music lets us know that we’re in for some fun. But one of the film’s stand out numbers, “Far Longer Than Forever,” is often overlooked. The song sees the separated couple professing their love for each other, and vowing to never let go of their love. Their voices work in perfect harmony, making it clear that the distance won’t keep them apart. The heartfelt duet is sure to hit you in the feels every single time!
#9: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” “Across the Universe” (2007)
This jukebox musical does some really creative things with Beatles songs. For instance, it transforms “Let it Be” into a soulful gospel number, and even allows smaller hits like “I’ve Just Seen a Face” to shine. But one of the most memorable scenes shows cheerleader Prudence singing a plaintive rendition of “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” At first we assume she’s thinking about one of the jocks. But as the song goes on, it becomes apparent that she’s pining after another girl. In this context, the light-hearted tune takes on a deeper meaning. After all, the film’s 1960s setting makes Prudence's longing extra poignant, since LGBTQ+ relationships were still incredibly taboo. The number deserves twice the credit for its flawless vocals and crucial message.
#8: “If I Were a Bell” “Guys and Dolls” (1955)
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“Guys and Dolls” sees Marlon Brando’s high-stakes gambler Sky Masterson take a bet that changes everything. He wagers that he can convince Sarah Brown, of the “Save a Soul” Mission, to go on a date with him. She only agrees to a dinner because he promises to provide her mission with a few “genuine sinners” to save. But is that really why she says yes? In this joyful drunken love song, Sarah, played to perfection by Jean Simmons, expresses some newfound romantic feelings. Meanwhile, Sky watches on, amused yet attracted against his will. It’s not the movie’s best known song, but it’s the one that makes us smile the most. You know what they say: it’s all in the chemistry!
#7: “Falling Slowly” “Once” (2007)
This gentle musical drama follows Guy and Girl, who connect through their love of music and longing for companionship. In an incredibly powerful scene, she takes him into a music shop, and together they try out one of his original songs. The world seems to stop around them as they play and sing. Their performance creates an isolated moment of peace and creativity and slowly reveals the promise of something more between the two musicians. The song isn’t full of bells and whistles. Instead, it relies purely on the strength of its lyrics and melody, which are greatly amplified by the couple’s connection. Without outside distractions, it’s easy to see – and hear – just what a special piece this is.
#6: “You’re Awful” “On the Town” (1949)
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Here, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin play three sailors in New York, making the most of their shore leave and falling in love. Sinatra is Chip, playing opposite Betty Garrett’s cab driver Hildy, who takes a shine to him. Their pairing is a playful one, but they’re also very sweet together. And their duet definitely deserves more love than it gets. With lyrics by renowned songwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green, it’s full of clever word play that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Garrett gets the laughs in all the right places, and Sinatra brings his usual charm. It’s a winning combination, to say the least.
#5: “Love You I Do” “Dreamgirls” (2006)
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The “Dreamgirls” movie is probably best remembered for Jennifer Hudson’s Oscar winning turn as Effie White. Her powerhouse performance of “And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going” obviously blew us away. But the oft-forgotten “Love You I Do” serves the dual purpose of setting us up for a later heartbreak while standing on its own as a feel-good love song. Here, Effie sings about her love for Curtis - played by Jamie Foxx - and her happiness in the relationship. You really believe every melodic word that comes out of her mouth. And though it’s already being signposted to the audience that things won’t end well, witnessing Effie’s joy really helps us understand her eventual pain. Plus, it’s just a great song!
#4: “Ten Minutes Ago” “Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella” (1997)
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Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” was broadcast as a TV special in 1957, starring Julie Andrews as the eponymous heroine. But for millennials, the title will forever conjure the image of Whitney Houston’s fabulous Fairy Godmother, and Brandy in her sparkly blue eyeshadow. The protagonist’s duet with Prince Christopher - the angel-voiced Paolo Montalbán - epitomizes everything a Cinderella story should be. Its elegant rhythm provides the perfect backdrop for their lovely dance. What’s more, the song’s lyrics beautifully capture the feeling of a fast-growing love, seamlessly verbalizing an experience that’s typically hard to define. For all that it accomplishes from a narrative perspective, as well as its enchanting nature, we really should be talking about it more.
#3: “Till There Was You” “The Music Man” (1962)
The romance in “The Music Man” takes place between con-man Harold, who comes to town and Marian, the local librarian who finds him suspicious. Robert Preston’s antihero eventually succeeds in winning her over, and she confesses her feelings through song. Such outward declarations of love are often reserved for male protagonists, while the women tend to offload their secret feelings to the audience instead. So it’s nice to see the heroine taking the lead in this number. “Seventy-Six Trombones” may be the most famous number from this Oscar-winning movie, but “Till There Was You” deserves its day in the sun. Covered by a slew of artists including The Beatles, the number has universal appeal thanks to its simple, romantic lyrics and very pretty tune.
#2: “One Hand, One Heart” “West Side Story” (1961) & “West Side Story” (2021)
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There are so many great songs in these films that some gems are bound to fall to the wayside. “One Hand, One Heart” isn’t one of the big showstoppers, but it marks a pivotal moment in the story. Just as “Tonight” parallels the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet”, this intimate and moving duet seemingly echoes the marriage vows. In the original movie, the scene is set in the dress shop where Maria works. In the 2021 remake, the wedding imagery is further heightened as the young couple sing to each other in church. Both versions of the scene feature an innocence and simplicity that tug at our heartstrings, making the beautiful harmonies all the more touching. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Sandy”, “Grease” (1978) Danny Is Stranded at the Drive-In, Branded a Fool “Some Enchanted Evening”, “South Pacific” (1958) Emile Recalls Falling in Love at First Sight “If I Loved You”, “Carousel” (1956) There’s No Question That Julie & Billy Are Already in Love “Lost in the Woods”, “Frozen II” (2019) Kristoff Finally Gets His Big Romantic Ballad “In My Life/A Heart Full of Love”, “Les Misérables” (2012) Éponine’s Heart Breaks as Marius & Cosette Fall in Love
#1: “I Won't Say (I'm in Love)” “Hercules” (1997)
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Megara may not be an official Disney Princess, but of all the studio’s love songs, this is one of our favorites. Written by the legendary Alan Menken with lyrics by David Zippel and a Motown-inspired sound, “I Won't Say (I'm in Love)” breaks the mold. Megara isn’t a wide-eyed innocent, but a woman who’s been hurt before and doesn’t want to admit she’s falling in love. That’s precisely why this song is so perfect. From the moment it starts, you can feel her experiences influencing her word choice. The iconic Muses aren’t having any of her denial, though! By the end of the song, Meg starts to accept how she really feels. We’re not afraid to say we’re in love with this underrated number.
