The Greatest Showman makes me happy every single time. It follows P.T. Barnum, a poor kid with big dreams who builds a circus out of people the world would rather not look at. Is it a history lesson? Not even close. The real Barnum was far messier. But nobody presses play for accuracy. You press play to feel good, and it delivers.
Hugh Jackman was born for this role. He sings, dances, and sells every line. Barnum makes some terrible choices, and Jackman keeps you rooting for him anyway. When ambition starts costing him, you see it on his face. It hurts.
Michelle Williams is the film’s heart as his wife, Charity. Their rooftop dance through hanging laundry in “A Million Dreams” is one of the sweetest moments I’ve seen in any musical. Zac Efron and Zendaya bring their own spark, and their trapeze number in “Rewrite the Stars” is stunning.
Then there’s Keala Settle. Embarrassed by his performers, Barnum shuts them out of a fancy party. They don’t wait for permission. They march straight through the crowd, singing “This Is Me.” Chills, every time.
The songs come from Pasek and Paul, the lyricists behind La La Land, and they’ll live in your head for weeks. The colors pop, the camera never sits still, and the whole thing feels like a party you never want to leave.
Love musicals? This is a must. Need a pick-me-up? Press play and let the music do the rest.
See The Greatest Showman on TMDB
