Movie musicals have seen a resurgence in recent years, and leading the charge is the spectacular 2017 film, The Greatest Showman. More than just a visual feast, the movie boasts an unforgettable, pop-infused soundtrack crafted by the award-winning duo Pasek and Paul. As audiences eagerly anticipate immersive experiences like Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular in London, there’s no better time to dive deep into what makes this soundtrack so beloved. Ahead of experiencing these incredible songs in a brand-new circus setting, we’re ranking every song from The Greatest Showman soundtrack (excluding reprises) to determine which tracks truly shine the brightest. Let’s explore the magic behind these memorable tunes, starting with our number nine pick.
9. ‘Come Alive’
To say there’s a weak track on The Greatest Showman soundtrack would be a disservice. Pasek and Paul created a remarkably tight collection of songs, each serving a distinct purpose within the narrative. This efficiency is partly why the film clocks in at a concise 105 minutes—impressive for a musical packed with such impactful numbers. ‘Come Alive’ is tasked with introducing Barnum’s burgeoning circus and allowing the ensemble cast to find their rhythm on stage. While it effectively sets the scene and builds energy, compared to the soundtrack’s other powerhouse ensemble pieces, ‘Come Alive’ simply doesn’t reach the same soaring heights. It’s a solid song, crucial for the film’s progression, but in a ranking of The Greatest Showman songs, it naturally lands at the start.
8. ‘The Other Side’
The duet between Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron in ‘The Other Side’ is pure entertainment. The song thrives on the dynamic and rapid-fire verses, mimicking a captivating negotiation. While the chorus might not possess the explosive impact of some of the soundtrack’s other anthems, the on-screen choreography by Ashley Warren elevates this number to a visual spectacle. However, when focusing solely on the audio experience of The Greatest Showman songs, ‘The Other Side’, while enjoyable, doesn’t quite reach the top tier. A standout moment is undoubtedly the bridge, where the vocalists playfully haggle, adding an extra layer of charm to this memorable duet.
7. ‘The Greatest Show’
Opening the movie with a bang, ‘The Greatest Show’ serves as the ultimate introduction to Barnum’s world of spectacle. While it might not fully ascend to the heights of later tracks on The Greatest Showman soundtrack, it perfectly fulfills its role: setting the stage for an extraordinary show. Hugh Jackman’s vocal performance is brimming with energy, propelling the song forward with infectious enthusiasm. The chorus is undeniably catchy, embedding itself in your mind and preparing you for the theatrical journey ahead. It’s a powerful opening that captures the essence of what The Greatest Showman is all about – a celebration of the spectacular.
6. ‘Rewrite The Stars’
Zac Efron and Zendaya perform Rewrite The Stars in The Greatest Showman
‘Rewrite The Stars’ is arguably the most overtly pop-infused song on The Greatest Showman soundtrack. This duet by Zac Efron and Zendaya is a shimmering, romantic ballad, showcasing strong vocal performances from both artists. The lyrical simplicity is a key strength, allowing the raw emotions of the characters to shine through as they openly address the obstacles in their relationship. While the film’s breathtaking aerial choreography undoubtedly enhances ‘Rewrite The Stars’, the song stands firmly on its own as a captivating track on the album. Its modern pop sensibility makes it a standout and widely loved song from The Greatest Showman.
5. ‘Tightrope’
In contrast to the bombastic numbers, ‘Tightrope’ offers a moment of quiet reflection in The Greatest Showman. This delicate song explores themes of love and sacrifice, featuring a subtly powerful chorus melody that Michelle Williams delivers with grace and depth. The orchestration is exquisite, seamlessly blending lush strings with contemporary pop production elements. ‘Tightrope’ beautifully exemplifies the soundtrack’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional musical theatre and modern pop, creating a unique and emotionally resonant listening experience. It’s an often-underappreciated gem within The Greatest Showman songs.
4. ‘A Million Dreams’
‘A Million Dreams’ is a quintessential “I want” song, perfectly encapsulating childhood dreams and aspirations. In the film, it anchors a heartwarming montage depicting the blossoming love story. Even outside the visual context, ‘A Million Dreams’ remains a powerful song, largely due to its simple yet profoundly moving chorus melody. Ziv Zaifman, as young P.T. Barnum, delivers a captivating and emotive vocal performance, before Hugh Jackman seamlessly takes over, embodying the character’s grown-up dreams. The song leans into sentimentality, but in the most uplifting way, drawing listeners into the feel-good escapism that The Greatest Showman so effectively provides. It’s a song that captures the hopeful heart of the entire movie.
3. ‘Never Enough’
Loren Allred’s stunning vocals bring Rebecca Ferguson’s character, Jenny Lind, to life in ‘Never Enough’. Presented as a grand opera performance within the film, the song demands a degree of suspension of disbelief, yet Pasek and Paul masterfully capture the grandeur and emotional intensity of an aria within a pop ballad framework. Allred’s vocal performance is, without a doubt, spectacular. The orchestration is rich with strings, creating a dramatic and opulent soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s powerful emotions. Despite its dramatic flair, ‘Never Enough’ avoids becoming overwhelming, achieving a dazzling and memorable effect among The Greatest Showman songs.
2. ‘From Now On’
‘From Now On’ boasts arguably the most poignant and mature lyrics on The Greatest Showman soundtrack. Despite its lyrical depth, it narrowly misses the top spot in terms of chorus impact, edged out by our number one pick. Still, while it might not be quite as immediately infectious as the top song, ‘From Now On’ is undeniably anthemic. The folk-inspired instrumental arrangement offers a refreshing sonic departure from the rest of the soundtrack. The closing chant, “And we will come back home, home again,” is irresistibly foot-tapping and creates a powerful sense of unity and homecoming. It’s a song that resonates deeply, solidifying its place as a fan favorite from The Greatest Showman.
1. ‘This Is Me’
It was always going to be ‘This Is Me’ at number one. The impact of ‘This Is Me’ transcends The Greatest Showman itself. Since the film’s release, this song has become an anthem of self-acceptance and empowerment for diverse individuals and communities worldwide. It is, quite simply, one of the most uplifting self-love anthems ever written. Broadway star Keala Settle delivers a vocal performance for the ages, particularly the iconic, soaring note in the bridge that has been widely attempted but rarely matched. ‘This Is Me’ perfectly embodies the core message of The Greatest Showman, effortlessly blending pop and musical theatre elements. It’s pure, unadulterated joy and the definitive number one song from The Greatest Showman soundtrack.
