If no one has figured this out by now, I'd argue that the 2010's decade has been the resurgence of the movie musical. There have been plenty of great numbers, but here are the 10 that have made the biggest impression on me over this decade.
NOTE: Please note that when I mean "musical numbers", I'm not talking pop/musical songs over end credits or soundtrack songs. I'm talking songs that take place in the movie, are sung by the characters, and help advance the story. Please keep in mind that this also involves songs from movies in the year 2010 and later.
#10: "The Backson Song" from Winnie the Pooh (2011)
A fairly simple ensemble number but very effective, catchy and memorable. It combines some interesting beats with strong orchestral moments. Narrated in tune by Craig Ferguson (who voiced Owl in the movie), this song also combines the hand-drawn animation (rare today) with a very fun chalk-like animation. The song's very stage-like feel stands out more than Carly Simon's songs from the earlier Pooh movies from the early-2000's. It's important to note that this (along with the movie's 6 other songs) made up the first musical work from Robert and Kristen-Anderson Lopez for Disney. The studio responded very favorably to their work here, as they later would utilize the married musical duo for Frozen.
#9: "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman (2017)
The most traditional number in a sometimes overly-pop soundtrack. The overall setup is stunning (and simple), a stage with a grand piano and orchestra while Jenny Lind (acted by Rebecca Ferguson but sung by Lauren Allred) belts out the song. It's a memorable moment with simplistic lyrics that also hint at a main character's struggle with his desire for fame. Pasek and Paul avoid the trap of making the song too modern by instead aiming for a number that soars the old-fashioned way, with vocals and orchestral musicality.
#8: "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" from La La Land (2016)
Speaking of Pasek and Paul, they know how to write songs that have quite a bit of meaning behind them. As with the case here with this Oscar-nominated tune. Hinting at the more brutal-than-expected world that struggling actors, actresses and musicians work with in Hollywood, this unique and interesting number succeeds at tugging at the heartstrings. It's the film's most memorable and terrific song thanks to this, subtle arrangements, simple staging, as well as a realistic, honest performance by Emma Stone (who would go on to win Best Actress at the Oscars for this movie).
#7: "Last Midnight" from Into the Woods (2014)
Perhaps the most vocally-impressive of the list, Meryl Streep (who would be nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars for playing "The Witch" here) is one of the most talented actresses I've seen to date on screen. She stuns in this late-in-the movie number with impressive vocals and a sassy/theatrical persona. It's also the best number of the movie, with quite a bit of meaning as well as really bringing some closure to some of the story. Steven Sondheim's musical beats played here are without a doubt one of the most impressive I've ever seen.
#6: "The Big House" from Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
An old-fashioned group number that plays and mocks a jail exprience. Tina Fey gives a fantastic performance here, the choreography is deliciously Broadway-worthy, and it even boasts a surprising vocal cameo from the amazing Josh Groban. Catchy, fun, and memorable just the same, while introducing the setting very effectively, "Big House" represents another fantastic number from Flight of the Conchord's Bret McKenzie.
#5: "Evermore" from Beauty and the Beast (2017)
The new songs were definitely the best thing about the otherwise somewhat mixed bag of a remake of the 1991 animated classic. The best song of the bunch, and definitely one that might would have fit in the animated movie also, is the Beast's number. Set after he lets Belle go free, the song does an excellent job generating stronger development for the character himself. From the soaring music to Dan Steven's very good performance, Alan Menken shows he's still got what it takes to make a great song.
#4: "How Far I'll Go" from Moana (2016)
There's a lot to love about this number. From its clever combination of stage music with island music, to Auli'i Cravalho's memorable performance, its' one of Disney's finest "I want" songs. Earning an Oscar nomination later for Best Original Song, Lin Manuel-Miranda gets the Disney style down pat, while also introducing a few unique elements here for this character. The ending long note is also memorable in itself.
#3: Mother Knows Best (Reprise) from Tangled (2010)
The shortest number on this list is an effective reprise that works miles better than quite a few Disney villain songs. Mother Gothel (voiced by a fantastic Donna Murphy) incites some doubt and conflict into Rapunzel to add more suspense and intrigue to the story. Old-fashioned, memorable orchestrations (reminiscent of 50's and 90's Disney) meets strong vocals and excellent animation timing to create one of Disney's best musical moments from the past decade.
#2: Life's a Happy Song from The Muppets (2011)
Another old-fashioned number that is equal parts Muppet Show and 50's musical classics such as Singing in the Rain, White Christmas and Mary Poppins, "Life's a Happy Song" is a giddy and very memorable opening number that sets up our three main characters very nicely. Some humor and mockery play a part, but as do some fantastic choreography, fantastic staging, and an amazingly fun finale. Bret McKenzie gives this movie some much-needed classic musical roots.
#1: Let it Go from Frozen (2013)
The song everyone was singing for at least a couple of years. Idina Menzel adds heart, soul, and relatability to Elsa through this dynamite number that brings to mind "Defying Gravity" from the musical Wicked. A unique, different and interesting number for a Disney film, "Let it Go" is so impressively-timed, staged and memorably played out that it's almost impossible to think of a song or number that can equal it in those areas. The music soars, and Menzel's vocals are indeed fantastic (particularly the impressive high note at the end).
Before I finish this post, lets' take a look at a few honorable mentions that barely missed the cut....
"Let it Grow" from The Lorax (2012) - A fun and entertaining closing number to this Dr. Seuss adaptation. It may not necessarily add to the story besides helping rally up support for Ted's tree, but it's still very nicely-scored and it gets stuck in your head. John Powell co-writes this song along with a couple of other solid tunes. Only problem is that you know Zac Efron and Taylor Swift can sing, so why not use them here at all?
"Master of the Seas" from Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) - This was an underrated moment, and perhaps the most memorable moment in probably my favorite of the Ice Age movies. Peter Dinklage hams it up in a very fun sea shanty, that also provides excellent support from Jennifer Lopez. It's a nice little introduction to the setting involved, as well as Dinklage's Captain Gutt.
"Opportunity" from Annie (2014) - Nominated for a Golden Globe, this new song added to 2014's far-from-perfect but entertaining remake gets the job done. Quevenzhane Wallis (also nominated for a Golden Globe for her work here) gives rock-solid vocals in a scene that also includes an orchestra and a twist on the old-fashioned "stage" setting.
"For the First Time in Forever" from Frozen (2013) - Not the best "I want" song that Disney has done, but it's still very good. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel end the song very strongly with an impressive vocal and musical display. The animation in the sequence is terrific too, with moments that reference 90's Disney, 50's Disney and other classic musicals.
"When Will My Life Begin?" (Reprise) from Tangled (2010) - A short reprise that improves dramatically on the pop-sounding predecessor. Rapunzel's number upon leaving her tower perfectly expresses her feelings on being out in the world, while strong orchestrations and cinematography follow her around. I only wish it could have been a little longer.
"I See the Light" from Tangled (2010) - Nominated for an Oscar, "I See the Light" is an undeniably sweet, yet somewhat formulaic love song. It takes place in the movie's most stunning scene visually, and it gives a bit of background for the characters. Alan Menken's music is beautiful, and the vocals from Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi are very sincere. A familiar closing note in the song that brings to mind 90's Disney makes it even more sweet.
"Man or Muppet" from The Muppets (2011) - The Oscar-winning song from The Muppets brings to light a major conflict between two characters in a unique and sometimes hilarious way. Jason Segel and Peter Linz lead with strong vocals, and the music does resemble old-fashioned Broadway and Muppet movies too. Another clever composition from Bret McKenzie.
