With "Dreamgirls" and "Happy Feet", it seems that movie musicals are back in favour. But then, that's what we all thought a few years ago when "Moulin Rouge" and "Chicago" were doing so well. No matter. For those who want to see more of the genre, let's present a (truly subjective) list of the five greatest-ever movie musicals...

1. "Singin' in the Rain"

Yes, it's a predictable choice, like saying that "Citizen Kane" is the best film ever. But "Singin' in the Rain" has not only a great selection of songs, but a terrific story (rare for musicals), fine performances and a general feeling of joy. Quite simply, everything came together perfectly to create a masterpiece. BEST NUMBER: Either Gene Kelly's famous rendition of the title song (yes, another predictable choice) or Donald O'Connor's incredible (and hilarious) acrobatics of "Make 'Em Laugh". MOST UNDER-RATED SONG: Almost everything else - take your pick!

2. "The Wizard of Oz"

The favourite musical of almost everyone who isn't a great musicals fan, and up there with "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Casablanca" among Hollywood's best-loved films. BEST NUMBER: Even though it's not colourful and fantasy-based like the other songs, Over the Rainbow is still one of the sweetest songs every written for a movie. MOST UNDER-RATED SONG: The hummable, amusing "If I Only Had a Brain" (reprised later in the film as "If I Only Had a Heart" and "If I Only Had the Nerve"). How could you not love a song with that title?

3. "A Hard Day's Night"

Still the best rock 'n' roll musical ever made... which isn't saying much, but it's still a wonderful piece of Beatlemania. BEST NUMBER: "Can't Buy Me Love", sung over scenes of the boys fooling around on a sports field. A terrific early rock video! MOST UNDER-RATED SONG: "I'll Cry Instead", so under-rated that it wasn't considered strong enough for the initial release. Later releases, fortunately, have rectified that. A catchy, bittersweet song that shows the Beatles of 1964 at their best.

4 "The Sound of Music"

Confession: This writer is no fan of this film. Still, I know so many people who love it to death that - to show how fair-minded I am - I'll include it. Satisfied? BEST NUMBER: "Do Re Mi" is sweet, likable, energetic, full of kids, and allows Julie Andrews to shine. In short, it encompasses the true appeal of this film. MOST UNDER-RATED SONG: "Edelweiss". OK, it's not exactly obscure, but the movie is so popular that, if anything is "obscure", it probably deserves to be. This, however, is sublime.

5. "Top Hat"

This list has to include a Fred Astaire - Ginger Rogers movie. It's the law! This is the best Astaire-Rogers movie, with a great soundtrack of Irving Berlin songs. BEST NUMBER: "Cheek to Cheek", Fred and Ginger's anthem. MOST UNDER-RATED SONG: Ginger's solo "The Piccolino", a popular dance number at the time.

Mark Juddery is a member of Sri Chinmoy Centre in Australia. He is a freelance journalist and has published a book: "1975 - Australia's Greatest Year". He writes on movies, music and many other areas of interest.