By definition, a musical must obviously contain music. Unlike in typical films, where the soundtrack normally plays in the background as a complement to the narrative, in musicals the songs are an integral part of the narrative. The songs are performed by the characters, often accompanied by elaborately choreographed dance numbers. These performances can either occur as a logical part of the plot, or as an unrealistic interruption in which the characters spontaneously erupt into song and dance, which is often the case.

Chicago(2002)

Rent (2005)