11 Reasons ‘Moulin Rouge’ Was The Absolute Freakin’ Greatest Movie Ever

There is no wrong time to watch Moulin Rouge. It’s a classic and always the right choice, no matter the context. Just put it on and strap yourself in for one of the greatest films ever made.

Yes, big claim! I know. But I wouldn’t claim that Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical drama was “one of the greatest films ever made,” without plenty of proof to back my case. And while we can all probably just agree that it is, in fact, worthy of such a title, let’s dive into some of the things that make it just so damn fantastic.

May this act as a primer to your next viewing of Moulin Rouge, which should be ASAP because this is peak cinematic magnificence.

1. Nicole Kidman is stunningly perfect.

Her MR glamour is absolutely 10/10 Nicole Kidman’s peak aesthetics. She was the real MVP.

Sparkling Diamond 4eva.

2. Satine’s struggle is the realest.

She just wants ownership of her life and body.

And her escapist fantasies are so tragic, because we know where this is headed. 🙁

3. Ewan McGregor’s voice.

Ewan is out here just melting us all into a puddle.

Honestly, I reckon the Moulin Rouge version of ‘Your Song’ is better than Elton John’s original.

4. ‘El Tango De Roxanne.’

ONE OF THE BEST SCENES AND SONGS IN CINEMATIC HISTORY.

5. Meanwhile, this scene is ridiculous.

But man, does it get the adrenaline PUMPING. Talk about improv skillz.

6. If you’re into romantic poetry…

Christian is your boy and he will HOOK you the fuck UP.

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.”

YES.

7. Talk about an ICONIC love ballad.

‘Come What May’ is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. Especially the impromptu reprise Satine starts singing to win Christian back. Oooft.

This is actually the only original song in the entire film, it was actually written for Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, but after being scrapped during production it was repurposed in Moulin Rouge. 

Fun fact: when I was 13, I insisted to my singing teacher that I must sing ‘Come What May’ and saw no problem with singing both parts of the duet. Still don’t.

8. Because you know the Duke doesn’t win in the end.

And it feels damn good.

Boy bye.

9. Kylie Minogue as the green fairy.

Kylie, teaching us the dangers of drinking since 2001.

10. Lady Freakin’ Marmalade.

This song is straight fire and it would not exist if it wasn’t for Moulin Rouge. Imagine life without this spectacular collaboration of female artists.

And they brought us some valuable life lessons.

Words to live by.

11. Moulin Rouge is a great outlet for emotions.

Sometimes it’s good to have a solid cry.

Moulin Rouge has you covered.