Top 20 Best Movie Musical Duets
#20: “My House” “Matilda the Musical” (2022)
Matilda the Musical: How to Do a Movie Musical RIGHT
This musical fantasy primarily focuses on the spunky Matilda and how she uses her telekinetic powers for justice. One of her allies is her shy, caring teacher Miss Honey. In this touching song, we’re given an emotional look into the traumatized educator's past. She opens up to Matilda about the importance of finally finding a space that is fully hers. Lashana Lynch’s initial vocals are beautiful, but when Matilda realizes how Miss Honey fits into her imagined story, the number transforms. Revealed as her father, the escapologist's song is woven through Miss Honey’s in an emotional flashback that always pulls at our heartstrings.
#19: “A Little Fall of Rain” “Les Misérables” (2012)
Top 10 Best Movie Musical Duets
This musical is perhaps best known for epic songs delivered with gusto by crowds of performers. However, one of its most devastating moments involves a quiet death and duet between two friends. Throughout the film, Éponine longs for Marius’ love. However, he only sees her as a companion, and instead falls for Cosette. Marius joins the rebellion against the monarchy, and a heartbroken Éponine is shot during the first battle. As she’s passing away, the pair sing “A Little Fall of Rain.” Eddie Redmayne and Samantha Barks deliver haunting vocals with devastating emotion. Éponine is happy to finally be in his arms, and Marius is devastated to learn of her feelings far too late.
#18: “When the Sun Goes Down” “In the Heights” (2021)
Top 10 Differences Between In the Heights Movie & Musical
Benny and Nina have a few duets that perfectly frame their story. One is an upbeat, nostalgic song about home. It starts with joy and ends with distress as Nina begins to wonder where she truly belongs. Throughout the film they both struggle to find their path, and this final duet is the perfect closure. The sun paints the fire escape in warm colors as the couple’s voices weave together over simple percussion. Then, the music kicks in and inspires a surreal dance expressing trust and connection. This is a Benny and Nina who know where they’re going, and that their future is together.
#17: "Rewrite the Stars" “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
Although the main couple in this musical drama is P. T. Barnum and his wife Charity, it’s the romantic subplot that delivers one of the best duets. From their first moment together on screen, the chemistry between Zac Efron and Zendaya’s characters seems to stop time. Their love story is made more difficult by prejudice. But in one gentle instance at the circus, they can truly be themselves and explore their situation. The result is a song that soars musically and physically. As Anne and Phillip manipulate rings, ropes, and literally crash together mid-air while singing, their magnetic attraction is on full display.
#16: "Lay All Your Love on Me" “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
Top 10 Underrated Love Songs in Movie Musicals
The wacky antics of Young Donna and Young Harry in “Waterloo” make a good case for the best ABBA duet. However, the intense chemistry between Sky and Sophie in "Lay All Your Love on Me" just can’t be topped. The plot of the first film centers largely on the young couple’s imminent wedding. This musical moment where they finally get to be alone is exactly what the audience has been waiting for. The pair come together in this electrifying number, making a very convincing song for why they’re meant to be together. Sophie might not know who her real father is, but she definitely knows who she wants as her life partner. And he clearly feels the same way.
#15: “Gotta Go My Own Way” “High School Musical 2” (2007)
Despite the sweetness of Gabriella and Troy’s relationship in the first installment of “High School Musical”, there was bound to be trouble in the sequel. As they work together over the summer, a lack of trust starts to form due to his behavior, and she eventually gets tired of it. In this catchy duet, she tearfully explains her decision to break up with him. Although it’s based on a dramatic teen moment, the underlying message is pretty profound. Gabriella declares that she’s done with the toxic environment and is going to choose what’s best for herself. Meanwhile, his responses underscore how painful the moment is, as he realizes what he’s losing. The number isn’t a favorite of “High School Musical” fans for nothing!
#14: “Ten Minutes Ago” “Cinderella” (1997)
Top 10 Best Kisses in Movie Musicals
Brandy and Paolo Montalbán are both stunning in this duet from Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic musical. Their characters look so blissfully happy to see each other at the ball that breaking into song while they dance seems only natural. The romantic imagery of the lyrics creates a beautiful picture, and captures the giddy lightness of new love. Youthful charm pours out of the two, and they can’t seem to stop grinning. Montalbán’s voice wraps around Brandy’s in a unique and truly gorgeous harmony. It’s the perfect representation of the joyous realization that you’ve found your person.
#13: “Fit as a Fiddle” “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
Top 10 Facts About Singin' in the Rain That Will Ruin Your Childhood
We’re ready for lovin’ this! Dance legends Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor star in this iconic lighthearted movie filled with classic musical and dance performances. This flashback scene features a duet between the two stars in snappy green checked suits as one of the first songs in the film. The pair perform an impressive multitasking feat as they appear to sing, play the fiddle, and perform complicated choreography all at the same time. It’s a spectacular musical number that showcases the outstanding talents of the film’s stars, even if the audience they’re performing for doesn’t seem to agree! Kelly and O’Connor are such a terrific duo, it would be hard for anyone else to compare in trying to recreate this fantastic number.
#12: “(You’re) Timeless to Me” “Hairspray” (2007)
Top 10 Most Rewatched Movie Musical Moments
All you need to know about this song is that it’s a surprisingly romantic duet between Christopher Walken and John Travolta, which is absolutely iconic. Travolta plays protagonist Tracy Turnblad’s mother, Edna, and Walken plays Tracy’s father, Wilbur, with the two of them making up one of the best married couples in movie musical history. Wilbur’s slightly misguided, but still romantic attempts to convince his wife of his unconditional love for her is one of the sweetest and most memorable moments of the film. Their mutually reaffirmed love is so touching, you almost forget Edna is played by the same actor who played Danny in “Grease”, which is a testament to Travolta’s acting abilities.
#11: “A Lovely Night” “La La Land” (2016)
Top 10 Best Movie Musical Endings
Although “City of Stars” was the duet from this film that took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song, “A Lovely Night” is a more underrated duet that showcases the incredible chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Their playful flirting transitions seamlessly into this charming musical number, where we see the two unsuccessfully trying to deny their feelings for each other. The song’s dance break is especially impressive, considering neither Gosling or Stone are typically featured as dancers, but they perform the simple yet captivating choreography like it comes naturally to them. This scene feels just like the old Hollywood musicals that inspired it, interrupted only by the shocking modernity of a cell phone ringing.
#10: “Falling Slowly” “Once” (2007)
In this Irish musical, a flower seller/musician is drawn to a street busker by his music. They eventually end up in a music shop and begin something of an impromptu duet. If you’ve ever spent time with musicians or are one yourself, you know that this is a pretty realistic outcome when instruments are readily available. The chance to share a love of music with someone else is too good to pass up, and together they create something beautiful. The captivating vocals tell the story of this couple who from this point on will slowly fall for each other. Although a true romance isn’t in the cards for the pair, in this moment of longing they have a meeting of minds and hearts through harmony.
#9: “Shallow” “A Star Is Born” (2018)
This duet changes the course of the two main characters’ lives. After seeing her perform, Jack encourages Ally to pursue a music career. When he later persuades her to sing alongside him, her decision to do so reflects something deep. As Ally slowly commits to the ballad, Lady Gaga artfully expresses fear, stunned disbelief, and pure exuberant joy. The pair’s lyrical conversation solidifies their bond and the decision to move forward together. They end by belting into the same microphone mere inches apart. In that moment, you realize that it’s the chemistry between the two leads that truly makes “Shallow” an instant classic.
#8: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” “Mary Poppins” (1964)
The talented and charming Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke make every moment of this colorful duet a delight. Set in Bert’s colorful chalk drawings, the cheeky Mary Poppins is accused of being speechless after her racing win. But of course, she has the perfect response up her sleeve. Her choice of a word that fits any situation will forever be remembered as both tongue-twister and particularly tricky spelling bee question. The lyrics are fast-paced and filled with fun elements for children and adults alike to enjoy. Andrews’ and Van Dyke’s voices are always divine, and we love watching them act goofy together in this deeply memorable number.
#7: “Take Me or Leave Me” “Rent” (2005)
Top 10 Movie Musicals We Want to Be Remade
The small core cast of “Rent” made for many different dynamic combinations within its various duets, from the power ballad between best friends Mark and Roger in “What You Own” to the romantic duet with a devastating reprise “I’ll Cover You” The movie’s best and most unique duet, however, has to be this breakup song between Joanne and Maureen. Prompted by an argument caused when Maureen flirts with another woman at her own engagement party, this powerful song, featuring the amazing voices of Idina Menzel and Tracie Thoms, is one of the most entertaining arguments ever seen on the big screen.
#6: “Come What May” “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
The Untold Story of Moulin Rouge
This jukebox musical is filled with showstopping covers of popular songs, but it’s this original that lies at the romantic heart of the film. The forbidden romance between Christian and Satine imbues this song and allows the couple to declare their love for each other. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor were perfectly cast, and this number wonderfully showcases their wide range of talents, especially in the reprise. Interestingly, the song was originally written for another film with a tragic romance, Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet”, which disqualified the song from consideration for a Best Original Song Oscar nomination. “Come What May” definitely deserved more recognition twenty years ago, and is still underrated today.
#5: “Sisters” “White Christmas” (1954)
This short-and-sweet duet between sisters Betty and Judy is a charming number about sibling rivalry that any real sisters watching can totally relate to. Their big blue 1950s dresses are absolutely classic, but the massive feathered fans really steal the show in this performance. They even come back in the most hilarious way when protagonists Bob and Phil perform the duet as a reprise. Still, the original song with Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen is definitely the better of the two, and would make the perfect karaoke duet for two classic movie musical-loving sisters.
#4: “Tonight” “West Side Story” (1961)
This set-in-the-‘50s song is, of course, a take on the famous balcony scene from... Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”! Maria and Tony, having met at a neighborhood dance, are eager to set aside the fact that they’re involved with two rival street gangs, as they’ve essentially fallen in love at first sight. Their starry-eyed hopefulness is absolutely infectious, and the risk of being caught adds just the right amount of tension to make audiences feel exactly how the two lovers feel in this moment. It’s a scene full of pure romance, and it only makes this film’s trajectory even more heartbreaking.
#3: “Something Good” “The Sound of Music” (1965)
Top 10 BEST Sound of Music Songs
This quiet, reserved duet is actually filled to the brim with romance, even down to lighting of the scene. While the most well known duet from “The Sound of Music” is definitely Liesl and Rolf’s “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” in the gazebo, “Something Good” is certainly the film’s true love song. Maria and Captain Von Trapp are lit from behind so their faces are completely hidden by shadows, making the scene feel all the more intimate and romantic. The song itself is short and simple, but the lyrics tell a beautiful love story, and say so much about how the couple feel about each other. It’s an underrated song from a classic musical, and the kiss they share after the song is absolutely magical.
#2: “Suddenly, Seymour” “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
When shy and nerdy Seymour Krelborn comforts his coworker — and longtime crush — Audrey after the mysterious disappearance of her sadistic boyfriend, the two admit their feelings for each other in this iconic duet. Seymour finally has a chance to show Audrey he can be the kind of person she needs, and Audrey realizes she deserves someone who will treat her with the respect and kindness she’s never truly received. Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the renowned Disney duo, this song was destined to be a classic from the beginning. Throw in an unconventional but sweet romance, and “Suddenly Seymour” is not-so-suddenly an iconic fan favorite. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. "Well, Did You Evah!”, “High Society” (1956) Bing Crosby & Frank Sinatra Goofing Around with a Fast-Paced Comedic Number “Agony”, “Into the Woods” (2014) An Epic & Hilarious Duet from Two Pampered Fairytale Princes “If I Loved You”, “Carousel” (1956) A Gorgeous Ballad “Not” About How Much They Love Each Other “A Little Priest”, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007) Disturbing Subject Matter, but Super Fun Delivery “Dance with You”, “The Prom” (2020) A Sweet Modern Song of Love & Acceptance
#1: “You're the One That I Want” “Grease” (1978)
Top 10 Musical Movie Adaptations of All Time
This classic duet between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy is one of the most iconic songs in movie musical history - but we do also love “Summer Nights.” Sandy debuts her new rebellious look for Danny, who has been attempting to soften his own image a bit by trying to be more sporty. Ultimately, though, this song proves that, although they show their commitment to each other by changing their appearances and actions — and Sandy has expectations — they do actually really love each other as their authentic selves. The song is also super fun, and the carnival setting makes for some really visually interesting choreography that pairs perfectly with the catchy vocals.
