Moulin Rouge. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Frozen. Grease. These movies often receive recognition and praise for being great sing-alongs, but here are a few less obvious choices for your consideration:  

1. Donnie Darko

This isn’t even a musical, but every time I watch Donnie Darko I just can’t resist singing along to all the great 80s music that makes up the soundtrack. Songs by INXS, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, and Joy Division are all integral in setting the mood for this psychological sci-fi thriller.

2. The Last Dragon

It was only a couple months ago that I was exposed to the totally bananas Motown kung fu musical, The Last Dragon. Discover “the power of the glow” with music from various Motown artists, including one of the film’s stars, Vanity, fresh off her gig in Prince’s Purple Rain.

3. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Who doesn’t love Dolly? Take a trip to the Chicken Ranch with Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds in this raunchy musical featuring a locker room line dance number and chart-topping songs like “Hard Candy Christmas” and “I Will Always Love you.”  

4. Muppet Christmas Carol

I dare you not to sing-along to this Walt Disney Jim Henson adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Songs like “Scrooge,” “Marley and Marley,” and “When Love is Gone” are sure to get stuck in your head all year round.   

5. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Starring Whoopi Goldberg and featuring a young Lauryn Hill, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit takes you to church with catchy uplifting medleys that mix gospel and pop tunes.

Honorable mention - Josie and the Pussy Cats

Josie and the Pussy Cats has it all – quirk, catchy pop-punk, and an anti-capitalist message (In my mind, an obvious predecessor to the excellent, yet ironic, Lego Movie.) The only reason it’s not in my top 5 is because the library doesn’t own a copy. So, if you too have a deep appreciation for this underrated super fun gem, log into your account and submit a purchase suggestion!