30. Cats (1981-2002)

Probably the most famous of all Lloyd Webber's musicals, Cats played to packed audiences in London for over 20 years, making it the longest running stage musical ever. Based on TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book Of Practical Cats, it follows the fortunes of the Jellicle Cats clan as they prepare for the Jellicle Ball. Rumpleteazer, Grizabella, Rum Tum Tugger et al dance and sing their way through numerous show-stoppers, including Memory, Macavity: The Mystery Cat and Mr Mistoffelees.

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29. Fame (1980)

Another Alan Parker classic, this time the hugely successful tale of a group of five would-be stars at New York's prestigious High School For The Performing Arts. The film was so popular that it spawned a hit TV series and stage musical, and propelled its young cast to real-life superstardom. The film is packed with outstanding songs, including Out Here On My Own and Red Light, but it's the theme tune, Fame, that'll get any child of the 80s singing at the top of their voice. "Baby remember my name....".

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28. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Melvyn Bragg were the forces behind this massively successful stage to screen translation. Director Norman Jewison plonks a load of hippies in the desert, and lo! it's a play-within-a-play as they put on their own musical out of the back of a camper van. Movie afficionados like to watch out for a fleeting appearance by porn star Ron Jeremy among the film's unwashed masses!

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27. Jungle Book (1967)

Back in the day, Disney used to make animated films on the right side of cute, and this is the perfect example. A firm family favourite, it's got insanely catchy tunes, loveable heroes and terrifying villains, slapstick humour and an engaging slacker philosophy. All together now: "Look for the bear necessities...".
Image copyright: Disney.

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26. Annie (1982)

Aileen Quinn is Annie, a fiery young orphan girl whose miserable orphanage existence is ended when she is selected to spend time at the luxurious home of a rich industrialist. Albert Finney is her stony-hearted benefactor, gradually won over by her warmth, energy and spirit. Spadefuls of sentimentality make this a musical to watch with a big box of tissues handy, particularly when the film's diminuitive lead belts out the anthemic 'Tomorrow'.

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