Top 20 Best Musical Finale Songs

[Music] welcome to ms mojo and today we're counting down our picks for the top 20 best musical finale songs [Music] [Applause] [Music] for this list we'll be looking at the most entertaining and powerful musical send-offs that were worthy of a standing ovation which of these tunes is your favorite let us know in the comments number 20 being alive company [Applause] [Music] fleshing out the ending of this musical was no easy feat for steven sondheim in fact he first went through three other potential finale songs including a much darker one called happily ever after happily ever after someone to need you too much someone to read you too well but they didn't work for various reasons so he's said to have somewhat begrudgingly settled on being alive someone to hold you too close someone to hurt you [Music] too deep nevertheless after reflecting on relationships throughout the show this is the moment where bobby's cynicism fades away thus the character finally comes to terms with what he really wants somebody sit in my chair and ruin my sleep and make me aware of being alive being alive it might not be as upbeat as some of the other songs on our list but it's a powerful ending that hits us right in the feels [Applause] [Music] number 19 you'll never walk alone reprise carousel the world belongs to you as much as to the next fella so don't give it up basing this musical on ferenz molnar's 1909 play lilium rogers and hammerstein decided that their adaptation needed a happier ending the finale takes place during louise's graduation where billy is finally successful in his last attempt at redemption [Music] led by dr selden the characters sing this beautiful final tune together as billy ascends to heaven the lyrics reportedly came easily to hammerstein but finding a suitably rousing melody apparently took rogers a little longer i love you julie no i loved you admittedly the ending is rather outdated and has plenty of issues nevertheless you'll never walk alone has transcended carousel to become a universal symbol of hope [Music] oh [Applause] number 18 light next to normal we need some light first of all we need some light you can't sit here in the dark when next to normal opened on broadway its groundbreakingly honest depiction of mental illness caused quite a stir the show took the immense responsibility of tackling such a heavy topic in its stride though and made sure to end on a message of hope much like our last entry [Music] diana leaves the family so that she and dan can each begin to process their own grief he's devastated but is finally able to reconcile with the past [Music] meanwhile natalie comes to terms with the situation too and gabe is also relieved of his otherwise dark role as the family unites to sing this moving melody about new beginnings number 17 finale in the heights lin-manuel miranda's first masterpiece in the heights is a touching tale that cuts to the core of what it means to follow your dreams lean into your family and figure out where your home is the hydrants are open [Music] this is all perfectly encapsulated by the latin-inspired hip-hop finale sung by usnavi and the cast with gentrification taking over the residents of washington heights prepare to leave but after a beautiful mural is revealed usnavi realizes what home means to him thus he vows to continue sharing the hundreds of stories from his neighborhood and miranda himself has since adhered to that promise by bringing in the heights to international audiences [Applause] number 16 children will listen into the woods look tell him the story of how it all happened be father and mother you'll know what to do alone it goes without saying that most fairy tales carry moral teachings in into the woods the general lesson is that actions have consequences hold him to the light now let him see the glow this song sees the cast reunite one final time as the characters reflect upon what they've lost and what they've learned a sad young lady [Music] it's a hauntingly beautiful tune that encourages its audience to always lead by example the bittersweet ending marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another [Music] it also demonstrates stephen sondheim's genius by bringing us full circle the baker starts to tell his baby of the events that led to this moment all while we the captivated audience watch on [Applause] number 15 finale for good reprise wicked [Music] reminding us that the events seen in wicked are actually a flashback the finale picks up with a familiar melody and lyrics from the opening number the citizens of oz are still celebrating the apparent demise of the wicked witch but this time it's interjected with melancholy as glinda reflects upon the loss of her friend sharing one final song the pair sings in stunning harmony creating a powerful dissonance from the joyous crowds [Music] however their tune is drowned out by the ensemble reminding us that it was the labels of good and wicked that ultimately determined these characters fates [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] number 14 rose's turn gypsy here she is boys here she is well here's rose [Music] it could just be one of the most iconic songs in all of musical theater but would you believe that it almost never existed according to sondheim the track came about when choreographer jerome robbins ran short of time to stage a ballet that had originally been meant to signify rose's breakdown [Music] to replace it sondheim penned a song featuring bits and pieces from earlier numbers and so the protagonist finally abandons all pretenses as an overflow of emotions pour out of her through this fiery showstopper [Music] now it's gonna be my turn get away well get off of my runway an emotionally charged number it's held as one of the best musical soliloquies of all time and is all but guaranteed to earn its leading lady a well-deserved standing ovation [Music] [Applause] [Music] number 13 raise you up just be kinky boots capping off a stellar soundtrack written by cindy lauper raise you up just b is the epitome of a spectacular finale once i was afraid but then you came along you put your face in me and i was challenged to be strong the characters reunite at a footwear show in milan as they celebrate what makes each of them so special we're treated to some of the flashiest costumes a fabulous catwalk from the angels and the entire cast dancing in killer heels plus the song's message of being kind to yourself and others will likely resonate with audiences everywhere change [Music] [Applause] with an uplifting moral hook catchy music and a spirited performance you'll still be dancing long after the curtain call now that's how you send off an audience [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] number 12 finale the phantom of the opera [Music] paper faces on parade masquerade hide [Music] after being shown some compassion by christine the phantom accepts her happiness lies elsewhere and frees raoul as the two leave together we see the tear-jerking contrast of their love song set against the phantom's loneliness the soft build-up of the music conveys his despair and the emotive melody leaves us all choked up [Music] as the tune hits its crescendo we can almost feel the phantom's overwhelming sorrow [Music] yep the enigmatic finale shrouds him in mystery once more as he suddenly disappears from sight it may not be the grandest ending but it definitely leaves a major impact number 11 17 reprise heather's the musical listen up folks war is over brand new sheriffs come to town we are done with acting evil we will lay our weapons down following a rather explosive altercation with jd veronica pleads with her classmates to show each other more kindness in this final number she urges them to leave their hate and prejudices behind and focus on the joys of being young and free while they can [Music] [Music] starting softly as an intimate moment between two friends the song builds into a celebration as the students get behind veronica's message and embrace being free-spirited teens [Music] this reprise is one to appeal to all audiences whether they're 17 or 70 and it reminds us that no matter how old we are we should always strive to make life beautiful [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] number 10 spread the love around sister act the musical all things being even here's what i believe in nothing matters more than love their methods might be different but by the end of sister act both mother superior and dolores find that they have more in common than they initially realized when all said and done both just want to spread a little love around and music is an ideal way to get their mutual message across [Music] the grand finale is as heavenly as it is funky with an entire chorus of nuns decked out in glittery habits performing for the pope [Music] this number combines the glitz of a las vegas show with the rousing spirit of a gospel choir whether you're a church-goer or not it's hard not to clap along and then break out in applause [Music] number nine one reprise a chorus line one singular sensation a lot of popular stories seem to be about aspiring artists seeking super stardom this long-running musical shines a spotlight on broadway's unsung heroes however the chorus [Music] a chorus line centers on several individuals who all stand out with colorful personalities when everyone's brought together for the final number though they all blend into each other as one singular sensation [Music] the fact that all the dancers are wearing matching outfits only makes it harder to distinguish one person from another as toe tapping as the finale might be it's also kind of melancholy considering that all of these talented performers will forever be part of an ensemble never shining as stars such is the nature of showbiz number eight king of pride rock circle of life reprise the lion king [Music] beauty and the beast was the first in disney's long line of enchanting broadway productions ending on a high note [Music] [Applause] however it was the lion king that redefined just how ambitious and spectacular a broadway show can be like the 1994 animated feature it's based on this musical commences and closes with the triumphant circle of life both literally and figuratively bringing the story full circle [Applause] [Music] as jaw-dropping as the opening number is the finale packs an even greater punch since we formed such a strong connection with our heroes [Music] seeing the entire cast reunite a simba and nala's cub is presented is the ultimate celebration of unity destiny and of course life [Applause] number seven the flesh failures let the sunshine in hair [Music] touching on peace sexual freedom and hippie subculture this controversial rock musical did such an exceptional job at encapsulating the 60s that many of the songs would become anthems used for protesting the vietnam war the finale in particular is a tragic yet inspiring anti-war number that still resonates in today's political climate [Music] [Applause] as a young free spirit prepares to ship out in a military uniform his fate is sealed with a swan song the grim fate of this character gives the song the sentiment of something you'd hear at a funeral at the same time the soulful choir injects a hopeful and even blissful essence that encourages us to let the sun shine in [Music] number six happiness you're a good man charlie brown well i don't know linus it looks like an airplane to me the way the lights are blinking on and off schroeder is that an airplane or a star i believe that is a star but it could be a planet you know like its source material you're a good man charlie brown isn't exactly driven by plot but is heavy on character atmosphere and charm the ending is appropriately simple while also being profound as the peanuts gang reflects on the little things in life that make them happy happiness [Music] [Applause] [Music] with a soothing melody and pleasant lyrics happiness is a song that can appeal to audiences of all ages reminding us that even during bleak times you can still find a silver lining for happiness is anyone and anything at [Music] charlie brown may be a blockhead but he ultimately learns that making the most out of what life gives you is the key to being a good man thus earning lucy's respect you're a good man charlie brown [Music] number five tomorrow is a latter day the book of mormon don't worry little body know this much is true tomorrow is a latter day and i am here for you as much as the satirical musical makes fun of the mormon religion and religion in general it also encourages people to never let go of their faith as long as they're channeling it towards something positive [Music] tomorrow is a latter day is a surprisingly optimistic number motivating us to work towards a better world by doing good to others as for what the future holds for our protagonists it's entirely possible people will be preaching the book of arnold one day the teachings may be out there but it's the message that really counts in addition to being clever and hilarious this is a life-affirming show tune that leaves us feeling hopeful exiting the theater [Applause] number four finale b rent there is no future there is no past thank god this moment's not the last at the heart of this musical is a message about living life in the now as any day could be your last [Music] [Music] [Applause] this moral is only made more meaningful knowing that creator jonathan larson died before rent made it off broadway the finale perfectly embodies the show's underlying themes as mimi pulls through and everyone celebrates [Applause] although finale b combines several prior songs it still stands out as a wholly unique number that leaves every listener uplifted and the final appearance from the deceased angel is especially joyous [Applause] [Laughter] rent is such a powerful story that at the end of an early off-broadway production it actually left one young audience member saying thank you jonathan larson it seemed like an eternity until this young voice spoke out [Music] thank you jonathan larson number three you can't stop the beat hairspray [Music] every song in hairspray is a treasure but the composer saved their absolute best song for last simply put you can't stop the beat as everything you could possibly want out of a grand finale for starters it makes impeccable use of the entire ensemble with each major player getting a solo or duet [Music] it also wonderfully sums up the show's overarching themes of acceptance and embracing the changing times [Music] [Music] with infectious instrumentals and energized lyrics the whole finale is like a party you never want to end while the song itself may come to a close the catchy melody will never leave your head you literally can't stop the beat number two who lives who dies who tells your story hamilton let me tell you what i wish i know when i was young and dreamed of glory you have no as the curtain closed on in the heights it seemed like lin-manuel miranda had forever topped himself he somehow managed to reach even greater heights with hamilton however which continues to enthrall audiences from beginning to end [Music] the play depicts alexander hamilton as a founding father who doesn't want to miss his shot at going down in history ironically his ill-fated duel with aaron burr would overshadow many of his achievements [Music] the finale which is primarily helmed by hamilton's widow not only explores hamilton's life but also contemplates the concept of time and how history portrays us all we all live we all die but the story plays out much differently depending who tells it [Music] before we unveil our top pick here are a few honorable mentions superstar jesus christ superstar an upbeat number where judas reflects on the events that led to this moment [Music] nowadays hot honey rag chicago always leave them wanting more [Music] [Applause] [Music] for now avenue q which lyric change in this song was your favorite [Music] finale ultimo the impossible dream reprise man of la mancha it may not be a happy ending but it sure is powerful [Applause] [Music] the addressing of cats cats a positively emotional ending sure to get the audience on their feet [Music] before we continue be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos you have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them if you're on your phone make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications number one do you hear the people sing reprise les i wait miserables the shadows i count the hours till i can sleep i dreamed a dream because that's divine les miserables musical theater at its most epic and calls for an especially magnificent final curtain this finale starts off on a slow heartbreaking note as jean valjean reunites with cossette one last the time that once was [Music] accompanied by fantine and eponine valjean ventures to the afterlife where a choir of other departed souls are waiting for him building and building with each passing verse this production number encompasses a sense of loss while also being victorious [Music] do you hear the people sing demonstrates that even when people die the ideals they fought for live on outside of the show it's taken on a second life as a political anthem that many use as a form of protest [Music] [Applause] [Music] do you agree with our picks check out this other recent clip from msmojo and be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos you

Channel: MsMojo

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Keywords: a chorus line, best final musical songs, best finales, best musical finale songs, best musical finales, finale, hair, hairspray, hamilton, les miserables, list, mojo, msmojo, music, musical, rent, sister act the musical, songs, the book of mormon, the lion king, the phantom of the opera, top 10, watch mojo, watchMojo, you're a good man charlie brown

Id: mcgK5Jxbocw

Length: 33min 14sec (1994 seconds)

Published: Wed Feb 02 2022