Promotional poster for The Greatest Showman movie showcasing Hugh Jackman and the ensemble cast, highlighting the musical film's vibrant and theatrical essence.
Movie musicals have seen a resurgence in recent years, and leading the charge is the spectacular 2017 film, The Greatest Showman. Beyond its captivating story and stellar performances, the film’s enduring legacy lies in its phenomenal, chart-topping 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, offering a fresh take on these beloved songs, it’s the perfect time to delve into what makes this soundtrack so iconic. Every song in The Greatest Showman is a gem, but some shine even brighter than others. Join us as we rank every song (excluding reprises) from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, counting down to the ultimate showstopper. Let’s begin the countdown of the Greatest Showman Songs!
9. ‘Come Alive’
To be clear, labeling any song from The Greatest Showman as “bad” would be a disservice. Pasek and Paul constructed a near-perfect soundtrack, where each song serves a distinct purpose in propelling the narrative forward. This tight composition is partly why the movie maintains a brisk and engaging pace at just 105 minutes, a remarkable feat for a musical. ‘Come Alive’ is crucial for its role in the film, marking the exciting genesis of Barnum’s circus. It’s an energetic ensemble piece that allows the performers to discover their confidence and stage presence. However, when placed against the backdrop of the soundtrack’s other powerhouse anthems, ‘Come Alive’ understandably lands at the bottom of our ranking. It’s a solid song, but simply doesn’t possess the same soaring impact as the rest.
8. ‘The Other Side’
The dynamic duet between Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron in ‘The Other Side’ is undeniably a high-energy, entertaining number. The song thrives on the rapid-fire, almost argumentative verses, creating a compelling and theatrical dialogue. While the chorus is catchy, it lacks the explosive impact that characterizes many of the soundtrack’s standout moments. Visually, the choreography by Ashley Warren elevates this scene to new heights, making it a memorable cinematic moment. However, when focusing solely on the audio experience of the album, ‘The Other Side’, while enjoyable, doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of the soundtrack. A particular highlight is the playful haggling during the bridge, showcasing the vocal chemistry between Jackman and Efron.
7. ‘The Greatest Show’
As an opening number, ‘The Greatest Show’ is a masterclass in setting the stage. It’s an exhilarating introduction that perfectly prepares the audience for the spectacle to come. While it might not ascend to the emotional peaks of later songs, ‘The Greatest Show’ achieves its primary objective flawlessly: it builds anticipation and excitement for the unfolding story. Hugh Jackman’s vocal performance is brimming with charisma and energy, injecting the song with irresistible momentum. The chorus is instantly memorable, making it a quintessential earworm that embodies the grandiosity of the film. ‘The Greatest Show’ successfully captures the essence of Barnum’s ambition and showmanship.
6. ‘Rewrite The Stars’
‘Rewrite The Stars’ is arguably the most explicitly pop-infused track on The Greatest Showman soundtrack. This romantic duet between Zac Efron and Zendaya shimmers with a contemporary pop sensibility, showcasing strong vocal performances from both actors. The lyrics are intentionally straightforward, a simplicity that works perfectly to amplify the song’s emotional core. It’s in this song that the characters finally articulate their desires and confront the obstacles in their relationship with striking clarity. The aerial choreography in the film undoubtedly enhances the song’s impact, adding a layer of visual poetry. However, even as a standalone audio track, ‘Rewrite The Stars’ stands strong as a testament to their burgeoning romance and the yearning to overcome societal barriers.
5. ‘Tightrope’
In a soundtrack filled with bombastic anthems, ‘Tightrope’ offers a moment of quiet introspection. It’s The Greatest Showman‘s most understated song, a tender exploration of love, vulnerability, and sacrifice. Michelle Williams delivers a beautifully nuanced vocal performance, perfectly capturing the delicate emotions of Charity Barnum. The chorus melody, often underrated in discussions of the soundtrack, is genuinely gorgeous and emotionally resonant. The orchestration is exquisite, seamlessly blending lush strings with subtle pop production elements. ‘Tightrope’ beautifully embodies the soundtrack’s overall musical identity – a harmonious balance between contemporary pop and traditional musical theatre sensibilities. This song is a testament to the quieter, more reflective moments within the film’s vibrant tapestry.
4. ‘A Million Dreams’
‘A Million Dreams’ serves as the quintessential “I want” song, a classic musical theatre trope executed with modern pop flair. In the film, it anchors a heartwarming montage depicting Barnum’s childhood dreams and burgeoning love story. Even removed from the visual narrative, ‘A Million Dreams’ remains a powerful and captivating song, largely thanks to its simple yet profoundly moving chorus melody. Ziv Zaifman, as young P.T. Barnum, delivers a charming and emotive vocal performance, imbued with youthful hope and ambition. Hugh Jackman seamlessly takes over the vocal lead as the song progresses, representing Barnum’s dreams taking flight. ‘A Million Dreams’ is undeniably sweet, bordering on saccharine, but in the most comforting and uplifting way. It encapsulates the feel-good escapism at the heart of The Greatest Showman.
3. ‘Never Enough’
‘Never Enough’ is the dramatic power ballad of The Greatest Showman, performed by Loren Allred, lending her incredible voice to Rebecca Ferguson’s character, Jenny Lind. Framed within the film as a grand opera performance, the song demands a degree of suspension of disbelief, given its pop ballad structure. However, Pasek and Paul masterfully capture the grandeur and emotional intensity of an operatic aria within this contemporary framework. Loren Allred’s vocal performance is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing breathtaking range and power. The orchestration is lavish, saturated with sweeping strings, yet it never feels excessive. ‘Never Enough’ is a dazzling display of vocal prowess and dramatic musical storytelling, capturing the allure and the inherent emptiness of fame and fortune.
2. ‘From Now On’
‘From Now On’ boasts arguably the most poignant and mature lyrics on the entire Greatest Showman soundtrack. Despite its lyrical depth and emotional resonance, it narrowly misses the top spot, yielding to the sheer anthemic power of our number one pick. Nevertheless, ‘From Now On’ is an undeniably infectious and uplifting song. The instrumental arrangement incorporates a subtle folk influence, offering a refreshing sonic texture compared to the more overtly pop-leaning tracks. The closing chant, “And we will come back home, home again,” is irresistibly catchy and foot-tappingly rhythmic, building to a powerful and unifying crescendo. ‘From Now On’ is a song about redemption, community, and the enduring power of home, striking a deeply emotional chord.
1. ‘This Is Me’
There could be no other number one. ‘This Is Me’ transcends the boundaries of The Greatest Showman; its impact has resonated globally since the film’s release. It has become an anthem of self-acceptance and empowerment, adopted by diverse individuals and communities worldwide. This widespread embrace is entirely understandable – it’s simply one of the most rousing and uplifting self-love anthems ever written. Keala Settle, a Broadway luminary, delivers a vocal performance for the ages. Her iconic note in the song’s bridge has become legendary, attempted by many but never quite replicated with the same raw power and emotion. ‘This Is Me’ perfectly embodies the central message of The Greatest Showman: celebrating individuality and embracing who you are. It effortlessly bridges the gap between pop and musical theatre, existing triumphantly in both realms. ‘This Is Me’ is pure, unadulterated joy and the definitive greatest showman song.
