The Power of Movie Musicals During the Holidays

The latest Netflix releases of “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” and “The Prom” remind me of why movie musicals are perfect for the holiday season.

Even as an enthusiast of the movie musical genre, I remember feeling surprised when NBC, back in 2013, announced they would be airing a live television presentation of The Sound of Music. It was surprising because in my mind movie musicals have not gained back the popularity it once had during the Golden Age of Hollywood. And while more recent film releases like Moulin Rouge (2001) and Chicago (2002) has paved the way for a resurgence in filmed musicals, NBC seemed to be taking a risk in a live musical presentation. A risk that was rewarded by a huge ratings boost for the network, and a somewhat short-lived trend of live musicals on TV.

But at the moment, musicals do seem to be enjoying a higher profile at film studios, and given the current trend of new movies made from familiar properties with appealing visual effects, epic storytelling, and blockbuster potential, it is understandable. Musicals fill that position admirably. Yet it feels more fitting to watch a musical around the holidays. Something I think is supported by the increase of musical film releases in November and December.

It is telling that Netflix has just recently released two new musicals on their platform— Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, and the adaptation of the Broadway musical The Prom. This is the perfect time for these movies since musicals easily encompass important touchstones of typical holiday films, and I find myself yearning more for this kind of storytelling during this season, regardless of the inclusion of traditional “Christmas” themes. Of course, Jingle Jangle is a full-blown Christmas movie, but The Prom is its own story — a simple tale of inclusion, hope, and love.

Reflecting on the touchstones of a traditional holiday film, musicals can easily embody these standards. For…

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