[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!
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[2026] Iconic Musical Numbers: From the Newest Hits to Timeless Classics! (31–40)
Singin’ in the RainGene Kelly
Many of you have probably heard this extremely famous intro and first verse.
There are numerous versions of this historic classic composed by the prestigious musical studio MGM, and the rendition in which Gene Kelly sings it while tap dancing in the film “Singin’ in the Rain” is still loved worldwide.
In Japan, you’re almost certain to hear it at least once a year on TV or radio.
Try listening to it side by side with Kyu Sakamoto’s historic Japanese classic “Ue o Muite Arukou” (“Sukiyaki”) and see what similarities and differences you can pick up!
My PetersburgOlivia Hill
The theme song from the masterpiece “Anastasia,” which portrays the life of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, who survived the turbulent Russia of the 20th century.
I can’t hold back tears at Anastasia’s nobility and strength as she’s buffeted by the times and the adults around her yet strives to find herself and her path in life.
Though it’s a Broadway musical with American-style arrangements, the work’s charm—embellished by a grand orchestra—transcends eras and borders, endearing it to many people, and it has been staged several times in Japan as well.
Do-Re-MiDame Julie Elizabeth Andrews
If we’re talking about songs known by people around the world, from children to adults, this one surely comes to mind.
Although it may seem like a children’s song, it’s actually a classic in the truest sense, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rodgers.
It was sung in the 1959 musical The Sound of Music, which was also a huge hit in Japan.
In Japan, the Japanese lyrics are more famous and are very well crafted, but the original lyrics do not mention donuts or lemons.
Let It GoKristen Anderson-Lopez,Robert Lopez
A song used in Disney’s musical film Frozen.
It’s featured right after Elsa’s magic is revealed to the public and she flees the kingdom.
In the Japanese version, Takako Matsu sang this song.
Since it was often used as background music, many people have likely heard it—and quite a few have probably sung it at karaoke as well.
TonightNiizuma Seiko, Inoue Yoshio
A song from a musical that is also popular in Japan, depicting two days of love and death for a young man and woman who become victims of a gang rivalry among delinquent youths.
It is a duet sung by the two victims, Maria and Tony.
The beautiful harmonies resonate with lyrics overflowing with their love for each other.
[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.