This is an impressive list of shows, entertaining for both the seasoned Broadway fan and a wonderful entry to musical theater for younger ages. What’s equally (if not more) impressive, however, is the number of musicals that inspired movies.
Movies Based on Musicals
Just as musicals are based on movies, the opposite is also true – successful musicals are often adapted into movie musicals, and this trend continues to rise in popularity. Movie musicals like My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, Hello Dolly! starring Barbra Streisand, and Guys and Dolls starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons are classics. But more recent examples include:
Tick, Tick…Boom! is directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and stars Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, and Robin de Jesús. It is adapted from the original musical of the same name by the late Jonathan Larson, who also created the hit musical Rent. The semi-autobiographical show follows a musical theater composer as he nears his 30th birthday.
Dear Evan Hansen stars Ben Platt, who also starred in the original Broadway production about a teenager struggling to belong.
In the Heights by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by John M. Chu is based on the Broadway musical from 2008 about the Washington Heights neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City.
Sweeney Todd starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter and directed by Tim Burton is based on the Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. This musical film is about a murderous barber and his business partner, Mrs. Lovett, who turns his victims into meat pies.
West Side Story directed by Steven Spielberg with screenplay by Tony Kushner, is based on the famous Broadway musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. Steven Spielberg was nominated for Best Director in the 2022 Academy Awards for this film adaptation.
Mamma Mia! The Movie is based off the Broadway jukebox musical and features the songs of ABBA. It is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and stars Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Amanda Seyfried.
The Phantom of the Opera, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is the longest-running show in Broadway history. The movie adaption stars Gerard Butler in the titular role along with Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, and Minnie Driver.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is based on the West End musical of the same name and follows a 16-year-old who dreams of being a drag queen.
Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore, Maryland as she lands a role on a local dance tv show and fights against racism and campaigns to integrate the show. While the original Broadway musical is based on the John Waters 1988 film of the same name, the musical was later adapted into this movie musical starring John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Zac Efron, and Queen Latifah.
Original Movie Musicals
Original movie musicals aren’t as common, though they used to be with films like Singin’ in the Rain, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Mary Poppins, Meet Me in St. Louis, White Christmas, The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland, Top Hat starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and For Me and My Gal starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. But original movie musicals have seen a resurgence in recent years with hits like:
La La Land stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and is written and directed by Damien Chazelle. This movie musical follows the romantic relationship between an aspiring actress and jazz musician.
High School Musical starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu became the most successful Disney Channel Original Movie ever produced.
Enchanted stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, Timothy Spall, James Marsden and Susan Sarandon. This movie musical follows Princess Giselle and her quest for true love from the animated world of Andalasia to the live-action world of New York.
The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Michelle Williams follows the life, family, and career of P.T. Barnum.
Jingle Jangle starring Keegan-Michael Key, Forest Whitaker, Phylicia Rashad, Ricky Martin, and Anika Noni Rose follows a toymaker and his granddaughter who helps him rediscover his joy and passion in this holiday soon-to-be classic.
Broadway’s continued mass appeal as live and recorded broadcasts of stage shows are streamed into homes - particularly with Disney’s Hamilton viewership and popular adaptations like Tick Tick…Boom! and West Side Story - is driving even more production dollars into rich stories with crossover appeal.
