Movie musicals have experienced a resurgence in recent years, and leading the charge is the sensational 2017 hit, The Greatest Showman. More than just a visually stunning film, its enduring appeal lies in its incredibly infectious, pop-infused soundtrack crafted by the award-winning duo Pasek and Paul. As audiences eagerly anticipate Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, an immersive experience set to launch in London, there’s no better time to revisit and rank the iconic songs that made the film a global phenomenon. This spectacular event promises to bring the magic of these songs to life with breathtaking circus performances. So, ahead of the show’s grand opening, let’s dive into the soundtrack and rank all nine original songs (excluding reprises), starting with the one that, while not bad, lands at the bottom of our list.
Promotional poster for The Greatest Showman musical film featuring Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Zac Efron, and Keala Settle, highlighting the film's vibrant and energetic circus theme, and promoting the movie soundtrack songs.
9. ‘Come Alive’
To be absolutely clear, labeling any song from The Greatest Showman as “bad” would be a mischaracterization. The brilliance of Pasek and Paul’s work here is in the soundtrack’s impeccable construction. Every track serves a purpose, contributing to the film’s brisk 105-minute runtime, a remarkable feat for a musical packed with so many memorable hits. ‘Come Alive’ is undeniably functional; it effectively sets the stage for the nascent Barnum circus, showcasing the performers as they begin to discover their stage presence and confidence. However, when placed alongside the film’s other electrifying ensemble pieces, ‘Come Alive’ simply lacks the same punch and memorability. It’s a solid song, but within the context of this exceptional soundtrack, it’s the least impactful.
8. ‘The Other Side’
The duet between Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, ‘The Other Side’, is undeniably entertaining. The song thrives on the dynamic interplay between the two vocalists, with verses that feel like an urgent, persuasive negotiation. This conversational style keeps the listener engaged, eager to hear the back-and-forth. However, while the verses are strong, the chorus doesn’t quite reach the anthemic heights of the soundtrack’s best moments. Visually, in the film, Ashley Warren’s choreography elevates this number to a standout scene, but as a standalone audio track, ‘The Other Side’, while enjoyable, doesn’t quite compete with the album’s top-tier offerings. A particular highlight is the bridge section, where Jackman and Efron’s vocal sparring adds a playful, haggling charm that’s unique to this track.
7. ‘The Greatest Show’
As an opening number, ‘The Greatest Show’ is undeniably effective in setting a grand, celebratory tone. It serves its purpose perfectly: to prepare the audience for the spectacle to come. Hugh Jackman’s vocal performance is a powerhouse, injecting immense energy and momentum into the song. The chorus is undeniably catchy, an earworm that stays with you long after the song ends. While ‘The Greatest Show’ may not reach the emotional or musical complexity of later songs in the film, it’s a fantastic introduction to the world of P.T. Barnum and his extraordinary vision. It’s a vibrant and exciting track that successfully ignites the film’s narrative and musical journey.
6. ‘Rewrite The Stars’
‘Rewrite The Stars’, performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya, is arguably the most overtly pop-infused song on the entire Greatest Showman soundtrack. It’s a shimmering, romantic duet that showcases the impressive vocal talents of both performers. The lyrics are intentionally simple and direct, which works perfectly to the song’s advantage. This simplicity allows the emotional core of the song to shine through as the characters, Phillip and Anne, openly confront the societal barriers challenging their relationship. The song is further enhanced in the movie by its breathtaking aerial choreography, but even without the visuals, ‘Rewrite The Stars’ stands strong as a captivating and emotionally resonant track on the album. Its contemporary pop sensibility broadened the soundtrack’s appeal, making it a favorite for many.
5. ‘Tightrope’
In contrast to the bombastic numbers that surround it, ‘Tightrope’ offers The Greatest Showman’s most introspective and tender moment. Sung by Michelle Williams, it’s a delicate exploration of love, vulnerability, and the sacrifices inherent in relationships. The chorus melody is quietly powerful, and Williams delivers a beautifully nuanced vocal performance that perfectly captures Charity Barnum’s emotional depth. The orchestration is exquisite, seamlessly blending lush strings with subtle pop production elements. ‘Tightrope’ beautifully exemplifies the soundtrack’s overall success in bridging the gap between traditional musical theatre and contemporary pop, creating a unique and emotionally resonant soundscape. This song is a testament to the soundtrack’s range and emotional intelligence.
4. ‘A Million Dreams’
‘A Million Dreams’ is a quintessential “I want” song, a classic musical theatre trope executed to perfection. In the film, it anchors a heartwarming montage depicting Barnum’s early life and burgeoning romance. Even divorced from the visuals, the song is remarkably strong, primarily due to its simple yet deeply affecting chorus melody. Ziv Zaifman, as the young P.T. Barnum, delivers a captivating and emotive vocal performance, and Hugh Jackman seamlessly takes over as the song progresses, adding another layer of emotional resonance. ‘A Million Dreams’ is undeniably sentimental, but in the best possible way. It draws the listener into the optimistic and aspirational heart of the story, embodying the feel-good escapism that defines The Greatest Showman.
3. ‘Never Enough’
‘Never Enough’, sung by Loren Allred (voicing Rebecca Ferguson’s Jenny Lind character), is presented in the film as a grand, operatic performance. While it requires a degree of suspension of disbelief within the film’s narrative, Pasek and Paul masterfully capture the grandeur and emotional intensity of an operatic aria within a dramatic pop ballad framework. Loren Allred’s vocal performance is, simply put, spectacular, showcasing incredible power and control. The orchestration is lavish, saturated with sweeping strings, yet it never feels excessive. The result is a dazzling and emotionally charged musical experience. ‘Never Enough’ stands out for its sheer vocal prowess and its successful fusion of pop and operatic styles.
2. ‘From Now On’
‘From Now On’ boasts the most sophisticated and emotionally resonant lyrics on the entire soundtrack. Yet, it finds itself in the second-place spot, narrowly edged out for the title of “best chorus” by our number one pick. Despite not being quite as instantly infectious as ‘This Is Me’, ‘From Now On’ is undeniably anthemic in its own right. The instrumental arrangement, with its folk-inspired touches, offers a refreshing sonic departure from the rest of the soundtrack. The song’s powerful build and the rousing closing chant – “And we will come back home, home again” – are incredibly compelling and foot-tappingly irresistible. ‘From Now On’ is a song about redemption, community, and the enduring power of home, making it deeply resonant and emotionally impactful.
1. ‘This Is Me’
There was really no other choice for the top spot. ‘This Is Me’ has transcended the boundaries of The Greatest Showman, becoming a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Since the film’s release, it has been embraced as an anthem of self-acceptance and empowerment by diverse individuals and communities worldwide, and for very good reason. It is, quite simply, one of the most powerfully uplifting self-love anthems ever written. Keala Settle, a Broadway luminary, delivers a vocal performance for the ages, particularly hitting a note in the bridge that has become legendary, attempted by many but never truly replicated. ‘This Is Me’ perfectly embodies the central ethos of The Greatest Showman: it doesn’t just bridge the gap between pop and musical theatre; it confidently occupies both worlds. It’s pure, unadulterated joy and a testament to the power of music to inspire and unite.
You can experience your favorite songs from The Greatest Showman live at Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular. Find tickets here
