Old Hollywood movies, or those from the "Golden Age" of film, are known for their incredible performances, ornate productions, and the genres they launched—from rom-coms to noirs to movie musicals. Though on-screen musicals aren't as common as nowadays, they once ruled La La Land and the best Old Hollywood musicals remain certified classics that have inspired many of today's hits.
You may have only seen "the greats" (such as The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, or The Sound of Music), so if your viewing history is limited to those, you're missing out. Musicals made between the 1930s and 1960s are more varied than you might expect. They can be sweet and simple, with improbable plot points and even more improbable songs, but they can also have smart ideas about economic hardship and women's roles in society. Below, find the best Old Hollywood musicals worth watching if you want to watch them for the first time or simply expand your repertoire.
