[2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!
Many of the songs used in musicals are quite famous, and you often hear them in various places—on TV, in commercials, or as background music in videos.
These pieces often include tracks that pump you up or grand, moving numbers that give you chills, touching not only musical fans but a wide range of people.
In this article, we’ll introduce a whole selection of such musical numbers!
We’ve picked broadly from a variety of shows, so you might find a tune you once heard and wondered about, or a song from one of your favorites.
Take this opportunity to give them another listen!
- Famous songs recommended for musical beginners
- [2026] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended classics
- The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.
- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- [2026] Fired Up! Go-To Anthems: Famous Western Songs That Get Everyone Pumped
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [2026] A Compilation of Cool Western Songs That Hype Up Karaoke
- The appeal of large ensembles! Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of big bands
- A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)
- [2026 Edition] Classic Western songs with great lyrics: beautiful messages that resonate with the heart
- [2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!
- Japanese gospel: recommended Japanese songs with a gospel-like style
- [Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
[2026] Musical Masterpieces: From the Newest Works to Timeless Classics! (41–50)
My favoriteHirahara Ayaka
It’s one of the songs from a musical filled with many famous tunes such as “Edelweiss” and “Do-Re-Mi.” It was also adapted into a film, where Maria sings it to children who are afraid of thunder, while in the stage musical it is sung by the Mother Abbess and Maria.
It is also beloved as a jazz standard and is frequently used in Japan as background music for commercials and other media.
TomorrowLilla Crawford
This song, one of the signature numbers from the musical Annie, is sung when Annie’s dream of finding her parents seems about to fade, and it’s filled with hope that inspires her to keep trying without giving up.
The musical itself was originally based on a newspaper comic strip, with its first tryout in 1976, and it has remained a popular show with many revivals since then.
It’s also been adapted into films multiple times, so many of you have probably seen it.
It’s a lovely song that conveys Annie’s earnest, unwavering spirit.
(Just a) Simple SpongeEthan Slater, Ensemble
A song from the musical SpongeBob SquarePants, staged in 2017 at the Palace Theatre, one of Broadway’s venues.
Of course, it’s based on the famous animated series SpongeBob SquarePants.
This production is set in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom, featuring a stage design evocative of the sea.
The song expresses SpongeBob’s bright, positive spirit along with an ocean-inspired elegance.
Because there is loveMori Keaki, hoka
A song performed in the musical adaptation of Riyoko Ikeda’s manga The Rose of Versailles.
Needless to say, The Rose of Versailles has been staged many times by the Takarazuka Revue, and “Ai Areba Koso” has been sung by numerous celebrated actresses.
The Rose of Versailles is also extremely popular in France, where the story is set—so much so that there are even people who cover it in Japanese.
Whether you know the historical facts about Marie Antoinette or not, please lend your ear to this bewitchingly aesthetic song and music.
Look downLes Misérables (10th Anniversary)
The globally popular musical Les Misérables (10th Anniversary) is based on Victor Hugo’s novel and has been performed multiple times in Japan.
The song that opens this production is Look Down.
It depicts a scene in which a large group of prisoners sings while hauling in a rope connected to a ship.
Accompanied by the message “Do not meet the inspector’s eyes,” the solemn melody resounds.
It’s a piece memorable for its powerful male chorus set against a weighty orchestration.
