This post contains the best self-love musical songs from various musicals, movies, TV shows, and animated movies. They are beautiful, and moving, and will help you cultivate self-love.
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Musicals and the songs in those musicals are beautiful and moving. It’s a wonderful way to support a narrative and express and portray emotions more deeply.
Musicals, movies, and TV shows can be powerful artistic mediums to encourage self-love, self-discovery, self-empowerment, and everything in between.
Musical songs are no different. You can uniquely connect to musical songs. It is an unmatched experience when compared to other music.
These Self-Love Musical songs are from an eclectic assortment of musicals and movies. Various years, styles, some live-action and some animated. You’ll undoubtedly find something you love!
These would be great songs to sing in the car or the shower! Here’s the Best Shower Routine for Mindfulness, Connection, and Self-Love.
Or, listen to this playlist while you journal! Here are the Best Self-Love Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Self-Compassion.
The Best Self-Love Musical Songs from Movies and Musicals
I’ve put the musical songs in the order of how I would listen to the playlist. I started with the more upbeat musical songs, and transitioned to slower and more emotional songs. I love curating playlists and going a certain vibe and story along the way.
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**Please note, the playlist on the corresponding Spotify link may have more songs on it than this original post. Songs may be added to the playlist as they are discovered.**
1. Could Have Been Me – Halsey (from Sing 2)
What an unexpected gem in Sing 2. This song is all about not wanting to look back on your life and think “it could have been me”. Wanting to live life as much as possible, the good and the bad. The line, “don’t want to wake up on a Monday morning, the thought of work’s getting my skin crawling,” gets me every time. This song is a must!
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2. Get Back Up Again – Anna Kendrick (from Trolls)
A ridiculous amount of doubts and obstacles get in the way of our dreams. We start all shiny and bright, but life can put you through the wringer. It is important to keep creating your dream life, remember your strength and resilience, and to, “get back up again.” I also love Poppy’s optimistic attitude, it’s a good reminder.
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3. This is Me – Keala Settle, The Greatest Showman Ensemble (from The Greatest Showman)
Undoubtedly one of the most influential musical songs. Society tries to shame us for our differences and flaws if we don’t fit into some “perfect” picture. We all go through our journey of hitting our low points but learning to accept and celebrate ourselves for who we are. You are the only you. That is incredibly beautiful and powerful, and you don’t have to ever apologize for being who you are.
4. Strut – The Cheetah Girls (from The Cheetah Girls 2)
Not too long ago, I re-watched The Cheetah Girls 2. I used to love that movie growing up, I would listen to the CD on my CD player all the time. Now watching as an adult, I’m so grateful that the themes of the movie and musical songs helped form who I am today. In the movies, The Cheetah Girls dreamed big and they worked incredibly hard for that dream. In this song in particular, they’re also open to new inspirations, cultures, experiences, and backgrounds. You’ve got to own your power, know your worth, and “strut like you mean it.”
5. Not My Fault (with Megan Thee Stallion) – Renee Rapp, Megan Thee Stallion (from the 2024 Meal Girls)
Honestly, this song is just catchy. It’s fun to dance to, and you can’t help but feel like a badass when you listen to it.
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6. Queen of the Night – Whitney Houston (from The Bodyguard)
I watched The Bodyguard for the first time a couple years ago, and I fell in love with this song. I had obviously heard I Will Always Love You from the movie, but never this song before. Self-empowerment is the theme of this song. You may not be an angel, or people may have a problem with the way that you are, but at the end of the day you love and accept yourself for the queen that you are.
7. Step Up – The Cheetah Girls (from The Cheetah Girls 2)
My love for The Cheetah Girls will be revealed with this musical songs playlist. I have no shame. As mentioned, The Cheetah Girls worked hard to achieve their dreams. Sometimes in life you need to step up, work hard, and show the world your greatness. Because you are more than capable, and can do anything you put your mind to.
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8. Cinderella – The Cheetah Girls (from The Cheetah Girls)
I absolutely love the narrative of this song. Anyone who identifies as a woman can be independent, accepting of themselves, and strong enough to rescue themselves. Additionally, it’s important to note the lines, “…I’m gonna find someone that wants somebody’s soul, heart, and mind. Who’s not afraid to show that he loves me. Somebody who will understand I’m happy just the way I am.” Although we are strong and independent, we still deserve love. And to find someone who loves us wholeheartedly as we are.
9. What Else Can I Do? – Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz (from Encanto)
Exploration is important for everyone. There are numerous expectations put on us by society, family, or peers. To be perfect, pretty, etc. It’s important to create, get messy, be adventurous, move your body, and be imperfect. We do not have to stay in that restrictive box of expectations. Always ask, “What else can I do?”
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10. Who Will I Be – Demi Lovato (from Camp Rock)
It’s up to you who you want to be. You can be anything you dream to be and have the power to do so. Although she’s a teenager in the movie, it’s important to remember that we can decide this in any phase of life! Try everything so you can truly discover who you are.
11. Why Wait – The Cheetah Girls, Belinda (from Cheetah Girls 2)
Last The Cheetah Girls’ song, promise lol. This musical song reminds us to seize the day and take a chance. Why wait? The future is whatever you make it to be, and this is the life you’re living. Don’t let doubts or obstacles get in your way. Be scared and do it anyways.
12. Just Around the Riverbend – Judy Kuhn (from Pocahontas)
There is nothing wrong with choosing the life that you want. If you want to be safe and comfortable and love that life, go for it. However, don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from living your dream and going after the life that you want. You never know what’s around the Riverbend. The smoothest course isn’t always the right one for you.
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13. Surface Pressure – Jessica Darrow (from Encanto)
Did anyone else relate to this unexpected musical song from Encanto? I swear it felt like someone looked into my soul and wrote it for me and my experiences. Did anyone else feel that way? I am guilty of looking strong and put-together on the outside, but under the surface I am afraid to show my insecurities, to ask for help, and feel worthless. More and more pressure is put on us and eventually we explode and can’t carry it all ourselves. Just because we’re strong doesn’t mean that we have to grin and bear everything all the time. Trust me, take care of yourself.
14. Almost There – Anika Noni Rose (from The Princess and the Frog)
Don’t get me wrong, it is important to take breaks and take care of yourself. But it also important to never give up on what you truly want and to keep going, especially when you’re almost there. You’ve been through a lot on this journey, don’t give up on yourself.
15. I’m The Greatest Star – Barbra Streisand (from Funny Girl)
Sometimes you just have to believe in yourself, own your greatness, and put yourself out there.
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16. Come Alive – Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Daniel Everidge, Zendaya, The Greatest Showman Ensemble (from the Greatest Showman)
Ever need a pick me up, listen to this song. It pulls me out of a funk every time. You have the power to change your life at any time. You don’t have to go through life on auto-pilot, or hide away from life. Be brave and come alive.
17. I’m Still Standing – Taron Egerton (from Sing)
Hardships and heartbreak are inevitable. But you know what, you’re still standing.
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18. Don’t Rain On My Parade – Barbra Streisand (from Funny Girl)
Life really can be beautiful. It can be incredibly hard to believe that at times. But when you see that beauty, don’t let anyone rain on your parade. Shine your light and live your life to the fullest.
19. Keep It Movin’ – Halle, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (from The Color Purple)
We all go through hardships and try to break you down, but at the end of the day you just have to keep on moving. There are so many things to see and discover, and you have the power to live life how you see fit. “Life can never break your soul.”
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20. Into the Unknown – Idina Menzel, AURORA (from Frozen 2)
I was genuinely shocked when Frozen 2 was just as good if not better than Frozen. It is such a rare occurrence with sequels. Elsa’s story arc of self-discovery and self-acceptance in Frozen 2 is amazing. It is okay to have loved ones who care for you, and have a good life on paper, but still know deep down you’re meant for more. You can be grateful while still wanting more out of life.
21. Where You Are – Christopher Jackson, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger, Auli’i Cravalho, Louise Bush (from Moana)
Similar to Elsa in Frozen 2, Moana can respect her people and the expectations bestowed upon her. She has to discover for herself what is right for her. But, it is also true that you can find happiness where you are.
22. Chip on My Shoulder – Christian Borle, Lauren Bell Bundy, ‘Legally Blonde’ Greek Chorus (from Legally Blonde The Musical)
Sometimes it can be helpful to have a chip on your shoulder. Remember where you came from, and what you’re working toward, and take advantage of the chances you’ve been given in life.
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23. Brand New Eyes – Bea Miller (from Wonder)
What you have right now, right in front of you, flaws and all, is enough. Sometimes we need brand new eyes and new perspectives to truly see yourself for who you are. Pretty damn amazing. Don’t let society, family, or peers get in the way of that.
24. Million to One – Camilla Cabello ( from Cinderella – Amazon Original Movie)
If going for your dream is a million to one shot, who says you won’t be the one in a million? Fears, doubts, and obstacles may try and stop you, but deep down you know exactly who you’re going to be in the future. Happy, proud, and stronger for it.
25. How Far I’ll Go – Auli’i Cravalho (from Moana)
Sometimes you cannot deny your destiny. If it calls to you in every aspect of your life, you have to follow your heart. You never know how far you’ll go.
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26. This is Me – Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas (from Camp Rock)
You have to believe in yourself. No one else can do that for you. You have to follow your heart and go through your journey of self-discovery, then you’ll know who you truly are.
27. Blue Side of the Sky – Sofia Carson (from Purple Hearts)
I absolutely love this movie and love the music in it. Highly recommend! As someone with depression, I truly related to this song. Fighting through mental illness and trying to get better can feel like a battle. But at the end of the day, I won’t stop fighting because I know that I am worth it and I will get better. And you will too.
28. They Just Keep Moving the Line – Megan Hilty, SMASH Cast (from SMASH)
Megan Hilty’s voice in this song gets me every time. I love it. Although this song is about the struggles of Hollywood that performers face, it is so relatable. To so many aspects in life. Career. Relationships. Adversities. No matter how hard you try, and get everything right, they someone keep moving the finish line.
29. Speechless – Naomi Scott (from the live-action Aladdin)
Did anyone else have a similar experience with the live actions of Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast where the love-interest song that was added became your favorite song of the movie? Evermore from Beauty and the Beast and Wild Uncharted Waters from The Little Mermaid cannot go unmentioned because they’re glorious.
That being said, I love that Jasmine had her shining moment with this song. Princess’s are meant to be seen and not heard, stay in their lane, etc. This showed that Jasmine will no longer be silenced. We can be strong, stand up for ourselves, and speak up for ourselves.
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30. The Next Right Thing – Kristen Bell (from Frozen 2)
When you’re in a darkness you don’t think you’ll ever escape from, whether it be from grief or depression, it can feel impossible to get out of. This song is a reminder that the only thing you need to do is the next right thing. Only one.
31. Stand (SMASH Cast Version) – SMASH Cast, Leslie Odom Jr. (from SMASH)
In addition to the previous musical song, when you have fought, been beaten down, have done every single thing you can, what do you do? You stand.
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32. I Know Where I’ve Been – Queen Latifah, Cast of Hairspray (from the 2007 Hairspray Motion Picture)
This song is so beautiful. It shines light on the Black experience beautifully. It also reminds us that while it is important to keep moving forward, it is equally important to respect and remember your story. And when you have found brighter days, you’ll appreciate them because you know where you’ve been.
Side note, I will also add the Jennifer Hudson version of this song to the Spotify playlist, because both versions are amazing.
33. Listen – Beyoncé (from the 2006 Dreamgirls Motion Picture)
There are times in your life when it is your turn. Your turn to be heard, to follow your dreams. People in your life may claim to be the “reason” you are where you are, or you would be “nothing” without them. Well, honey, you are your own person. You deserve to be listened to and respected. And to find your own way in life.
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34. Part of Your World – Halle (from live-action The Little Mermaid)
No one can truly know who you are and what you want. People may make assumptions, but you’re the only one who knows what you want. And it is okay to want more out of life. You are not stuck in a world that you were brought up in. You have the power to get anything you want in life.
Side note, I will also add the version from the animated movie with Jodi Benson to the Spotify playlist.
35. Show Yourself – Idina Menzel, Evan Rachel Wood (from Frozen 2)
I genuinely teared up in the movie theater the first time I saw this movie and heard this song. It was the first song in my experience that the woman went searching for the answer, or a partner, or something in her life trying to find her purpose and happiness, and the answer was herself. It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I related to it immensely.
I always work hard, strive for perfection, want someone to love me, and try and find the one thing that will make me happy. But I am the answer. It is so deep and beautiful, and I tear up every time I hear it.
This is the epitome of self-love musical songs for me. This is the #1 song I want you to get from this playlist.
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36. I’m Here – Fantasia (from The Color Purple)
This song is the perfect example of discovering your self-love, gratitude, and strength after going through hardships. You have and will go through a lot in life, but you are beautiful and you are here.
37. Here I Am (Singing My Way Home) – Jennifer Hudson (from RESPECT)
Y’all, a little piece of your soul will be healed after you listen to this song. You will find your strength, find your voice, and become the person you are meant to be. You will “hold [the world] in your hands and say, Here I Am.”
BONUS: Still Holding My Hand – The Cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (from Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical)
I had to add this song because it is just beautiful and it made me cry the first time I heard it. This one is for anyone in your life who loved you, quietly stood by your side, and held your hand while you were trying to find your way out of the darkness. My boyfriend is that person for me.
There you go, the best Self-Love Musical Songs from Movies and Musicals
What is your favorite song in this Self-Love Musical Songs playlist? Are there any other songs you would add? Do you also feel like the connection you have with musical songs is different than other music? I’d love to know!
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