1) La La Land (2016), starring Emma Stone as Mia and Ryan Gosling as Sebastian, is a romantic movie-musical about a couple drawn together by their common desire to follow their dreams and do what they love. As the story progresses, their dreams and lives begin to conflict. It’s told in four parts, in line with the four seasons. The music used in the film is crucial to the story, focusing on elements of jazz. Lively coloring and using color as a metaphor are heavily prevalent throughout La La Land, from the bright wardrobe and lively music transitioning into dimmer costumes and piano ballads. This all ties back into the four seasons, and these minute, ever-connected details make the movie so spectacular.
2) Wicked (2024), a stage production that debuted in October 2003, was not released as a movie until November of last year, over two decades later. It became the top-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical, making more than $750 million worldwide. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, better known as the Wicked Witch of the West. The story of Wicked is based on the Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which was released in 1995. It offers a new perspective on the witch’s life from the iconic 1939 film, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, specifically her relationship with Glinda and how she received the reputation she did. Part two of the Wicked film will be released later this year on November 21st, titled Wicked: For Good.
3) Rent (2005), directed by Chris Columbus, is a musical drama set in New York City’s East Village, capturing the lives of a group of friends navigating love, loss, and the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. The film follows Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, and his roommate Roger, a musician grappling with his past and his health, as they confront personal and collective struggles. Jonathan Larson created the original production of the musical, and it became his big break, though he never lived to see it, as he passed away just before its first off-Broadway preview, only to have the show later revolutionize musical theater and achieve worldwide success.
4) Chicago (2002) is a film adaptation of the 1975 Broadway musical, based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The film takes place in 1920s Chicago, where two women are both accused of murder and fight for fame through their lawyer. The film contains jazz-infused songs, sharp choreography, and dark humor. Chicago is a prime example of a jukebox musical, using pre-existing songs to drive the narrative. The film’s success, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture, helped bring the Broadway hit to a wider audience while maintaining its satirical take on media, fame, and the criminal justice system.
5) Across The Universe (2007) is a visually stunning movie-musical that blends the music of The Beatles with a story of love, war, and social change during the 1960s. The film follows Jude, a young man from Liverpool, as he travels to America in search of his father and becomes entangled in the lives of a girl named Lucy and her friends, all set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement. With its use of iconic Beatles songs reimagined for the film’s narrative, Across the Universe serves as a modern-day jukebox musical. It offers a unique cinematic experience, even if it’s considered a bit abstract by some viewers.
6) Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021) is a movie-musical adaptation of American playwright and composer Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical, Tick, Tick… Boom, and is directed by songwriter and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. It blends Larson’s staged performance with dramatized scenes from his life, with everything unfolding all at once. The film stars Andrew Garfield as Larson, who, as his 30th birthday approaches, feels the pressure to create something meaningful before time runs out. His story unfolds in a rush of music, memories, love, and emotion. At its core, the musical is deeply human, exploring what it means to chase a dream before it slips away.
7) Hamilton (2020) is a groundbreaking musical that reimagines the story of Alexander Hamilton through a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical styles. Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hamilton, the musical chronicles his journey from an orphaned immigrant to a pivotal figure in the American Revolution. The historical narrative comes to life through diverse musical influences and a dynamic cast, with the powerful music driving the story forward. With its innovative style and thought-provoking themes, Hamilton has become a cultural sensation, making a significant impact in the world of movie musicals.
8) Hairspray (2007), directed by Adam Shankman, is a vibrant musical set in 1962 Baltimore, following Tracy Turnblad, a teenager with dreams of dancing on a local TV show. As she rises to fame, Tracy challenges societal norms, advocating for racial integration and body positivity. The original Hairspray (1988) had a more rebellious tone, while the 2007 version has a more upbeat tone, making it more family-friendly and focused on entertainment. Hairspray (2007) became a commercial hit with its catchy songs, lively choreography, and feel-good themes, grossing over $200 million worldwide.
9) Les Misérables (2012), directed by Tom Hooper, is an emotionally driven movie-musical drama based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel. Starring Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway as Fantine, the film follows Valjean’s journey of redemption while caring for Fantine’s daughter, Cosette. The powerful performances, particularly Hathaway’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Fantine and live-sung music, add immense emotional depth to the story, captivating viewers for its nearly 2.5-hour runtime.
10) Mamma Mia (2008) is the second jukebox musical on the list, meaning its soundtrack is made up of popular, pre-existing songs rather than original compositions. Mamma Mia is told through songs by ABBA, a famous pop group that debuted in the 1970s. The film takes place on a Greek island, where Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, a young woman about to get married, invites three men from her mother’s past to discover which one is her father. As secrets are revealed, chaos and romance ensue, all set to the music of ABBA.
