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35 Most Famous & Successful Musicals

Over the years we’ve witnessed some amazing musical theatre performances that undoubtedly rank among the greatest ever produced. The twenty-first century is still in its early stages. But in that brief period, we’ve witnessed some magnificent musical theatre performances that undoubtedly rank among the greatest ever produced.

These musicals provide more than just lovely music or captivating characters. They raised the bar with their uniqueness, inventiveness, and topics. One can only speculate as to what the rest of this century will bring given the impact of the works on this list. Some of these songs might be ones you already know and adore, while others might be ones you’ve never heard before.

Here is our selection of the 35 most famous & successful musicals

1. Hercules

The musical Hercules is based on a similar Walt Disney Animation Studios production from 1997, which was written by Alan Menken and David Zippel with a screenplay by Kristoffer Diaz. The show, which was created by Disney Theatrical Productions, is likewise partly based on the ancient Greek hero of the same name. The musical received mixed to favourable reviews from the critics during a tryout at the Delacorte Theater in August 2019.

2. God Help the Girl

“God Help the Girl,” which expands on Murdoch’s delicate pop album of the same name and intensifies its sombre undertones, stars a note-perfect Emily Browning as a Glaswegian waif who meets the right people after being released from a facility where she was receiving treatment for a severe eating disorder. Her performance is a cross between Anna Kendrick and Anna Karina.

God Save the Girl captures the feeling of existence just before the world starts closing its doors on you, and it crystallises those final days of limitless possibility so perfectly that you might never forget them again.

3. A Woman Is a Woman

Songs from “A Woman Is a Woman” aren’t well-remembered because of its deliberately sloppy sound mix and silly out-of-time dancing. In an effort to capture the humorous, inherent fakeness of a stagy movie musical, Godard’s go-to DP Raoul Coutard fills the film’s Â鶹APPian backdrop with trendy neon light in a way that appears grounded in the city but purposefully manufactured elsewhere.

The song “Chanson D’Angela” is one of the most famous Anna Karina performances ever, and is among the album’s musical highlights. She has a seductive and sexy aura, but she is ultimately out of reach. She also has a mischievous smirk.

4. The Sound of Music

Julie Andrews portrays a governess who wins the Von Trapp family’s affection in a timeless musical movie set during the Nazi era in Austria. As a result, it is a loved musical with some of the most well-known musical sequences ever, one that is both epic and heartwarming.

5. Hamilton: An American Musical

A performance portraying the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, is titled Hamilton: An American Musical or just Hamilton. Hamilton’s early life, marriage, and political career are all portrayed in the two-act play. The majority of discussions are sung or rapped throughout the majority of the musical’s sparse dialogue.

Hamilton is one of the greatest Broadway musicals ever created.  When the musical got 16 nominations and won 11 of them at the 70th Tony Awards, it set new milestones. Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Choreography are some of the awards they received. 

6. The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera is a popular musical. The story revolves around a masked “Phantom” and Christine Daaé, an opera diva he develops a crush on, and is based on Gaston Leroux’s novel of the same name.

Before it launched on Broadway, the musical had its world premiere on London’s West End. The original shows in London and on Broadway both won praise from critics. A Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical was given to the London production of The Phantom of the Opera in 1986. The Tony Award for Best Musical went to its Broadway production in 1988 as well.

7. The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is probably something you’ll like if you like animated television series like South Park! This musical comedy was also written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Kevin and Arnold, two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, are the subject of the satirical play The Book of Mormon. Sent to Uganda, the two are required to address various problems the region suffers, such as famine, war, and HIV/AIDS. The Book of Mormon is a huge hit and is among the greatest Broadway musicals ever. The Book of Mormon won nine Tony Awards in 2011, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. At nearly 4,000 performances, it is also the 14th longest-running Broadway production.

8. Les Misérables

Les Misérables is among the top Broadway musicals, according to most people who watch musicals(including me). The Victor Hugo novel of the same name served as the inspiration for the musical Les Mis, sometimes known as Les Miz.

The two-act play tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who takes on a new identity after adopting the orphan Cosette. He basically wants to start a new life, but once Valjean violates his parole, police inspector Javert pursues him determinedly. Â鶹APPian Republicans set up a barrier to overturn the government while they are on the prowl. Les Mis garnered eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, during its initial Broadway run. Since then, there have been countless revivals, tours, and performances of the play.

9. West Side Story

William Shakespeare fans will definitely enjoy West Side Story. It is a modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Tony and Maria, who are members of two competing gangs, have their love affair at the centre of the play.

The musical got six nominations for the 1958 Tony Awards. Sadly, it only took home two prizes for Best Choreography and Best Scenic Design. Despite this, West Side Story continues to rank among the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. Numerous revivals and even two film adaptations resulted from its popularity and vast fan following.

10. Wicked

If the focus is not on romance or friendship, is it even a Broadway musical? It’s the same with Wicked. The story and characters from The Wizard of Oz (1939) are used in the Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which is the basis for the film Wicked.

Before Elphaba turned into the Wicked Witch of the West, the story centres on their friendship with Galinda. It takes place before the events of The Wizard of Oz (1939). Their dissimilar personalities work against their friendship throughout the entire play.

11. La La Land

La La Land, a heartfelt tribute to Hollywood and the musical film genre, centres on the fanciful relationship between a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) in Los Angeles. You’ll be left speechless by this intensely moving movie, especially by the stunning soundtrack and moving ending.

12. Kinky Boots

The British movie Kinky Boots has a musical version called Kinky Boots (2005). The story centres on Charlie Price, who collaborates with Lola, a drag performer. They work together to create a line of high-heeled boots in an effort to keep his father’s shoe factory open.

Kinky Boots received little publicity upon its opening compared to other well-liked Broadway musicals. Kinky Boots, on the other hand, went from underdog to triumph after taking home six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Since then, Kinky Boots has seen multiple revivals, a West End staging, and a UK tour.

13. Fiddler on the Roof

Tevye the Dairyman and his family are the main characters in Fiddler on the Roof. Tevye was a Jewish guy whose religious convictions went against what his daughters wanted. He fights to sustain his relationship with them while maintaining his commitment to his beliefs.

Fiddler on the Roof was nominated for 10 Tony Awards in 1964. The production took home nine awards, including Best Musical. A successful film adaptation was produced in 1971 as a result of its critical success.

Furthermore, Fiddler on the Roof was the first musical to have more than 3,000 performances. The fact that the musical maintained this record for ten years shows how great a Broadway production it truly is.

14. Chicago

A two-act play called Chicago is about rising singers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Roxie ends up in the same prison as Velma after killing someone. The two women start to compete with one another for the sympathy of the public and Billy Flynn, their attorney.

Chicago still stands out among the Best Broadway Musicals even though its initial Broadway staging was not Tony Award-winning. Several Tony Awards were given to its revival, including one for Best Revival of a Musical. Chicago additionally received a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album in 1998.

15. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Broadway musicals with outstanding original scores are often considered the best ones. Contrary to most, Moulin Rouge is unique.

A jukebox musical that includes pre-existing songs is what this Broadway is all about. Famous musicians including The Beatles and the Rolling Stones have songs in the musical. Even a song by Madonna and Beyonce mixed together is included.

Even though most listeners have already heard the tunes, these mash-ups give the music a new and original sound. Despite receiving poor reviews, Moulin Rouge managed to win multiple Tony Awards. Of its 14 nominations for Best Musical in 2020, the Broadway production took home 10 of them.

16. Aladdin

Aladdin is likely to be mentioned by many Disney fans when asked to select the greatest Broadway production ever. Aladdin is a musical set in Agrabah, a made-up city in Arabia, and is based on Disney’s Aladdin (1992). The main character of the story is Aladdin, a beggar who discovers Genie’s lamp and a magical carpet. Aladdin receives three wishes from the genie, and he utilises them to win over Princess Jasmine and get the better of the Sultan’s villainous advisor, Jafar.

Despite the production’s popularity, it only received one Tony Award that year. The award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical went to James Monroe Iglehart, who played Genie.

17. The Lion King

Disney launched the animated movie The Lion King in 1994, and The Lion King musical made its premiere on Broadway three years later. The storyline of the musical is the same as that of the movie, which is about the journey that the lion Simba takes to recover the throne from his usurping uncle, Scar, and ultimately become the ruler of the Pride Lands.

The musical, as opposed to the movie, features brand-new songs including “Morning Report. The Lion King got 11 nominations for Tony Awards in 1998. Six of the ten nominations were won, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical.

18. Into the Woods

Favourite classics have been turned into some of the best Broadway musicals. On the other hand, Into the Woods includes themes from many different kinds of fairytales. The couple trying to conceive a family is the main subject of the story. The Baker’s father was sadly cursed by The Witch years ago, leaving his family infertile. Characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel appear in the couple’s attempt to break the curse.

The names of the majority of the characters are never given in the play. The characters are simply referred to as “The Baker,” “The Baker’s Wife,” and “The Witch,” depending on what they do. Three Tony Awards, including the one for Best Original Score, were given to the Broadway version in 1988. The Best Production of a Musical Award was given to its Broadway production in 2002.

19. Rent

Fantasy and fairytale tales aren’t usually the focus of the best Broadway musicals. Some happen in less luxurious settings. For instance, the Lower Manhattan streets are where the plot of the musical Rent took place. It focuses on a group of teenage friends who fight for survival in a neighbourhood where there is a high rate of drug use, poverty, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The hit song “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical Rent is usually performed on New Year’s Eve. “Seasons of Love” is a popular selection for graduation anthems due to its themes of love and hope. The first Broadway show took home four Tony Awards in 1996, including Best Musical. The actor who played Angel, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, was also awarded Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical.

20. Hairspray

Following its launch, Hairspray received a lot of positive reviews. The dancing and upbeat music were praised by fans. Viewers especially admired the show’s approach to tackling issues of racial injustice and discrimination.

Hairspray won nine Tony Awards in 2003, out of the show’s 13 nominations. The categories Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Musical Direction are all included in this.

21. Little Shop of Horrors

A poor florist named Seymour finds a plant that resembles a Venus flytrap in the musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” In the future, Seymour learns that the plant sucks human blood and flesh. “Suddenly, Seymour” and “Skid Row (Downtown)” are only a couple of the 1960s rock and roll tunes played during the show. Little Shop of Horrors, one of the greatest Broadway musicals, is often seen in local theatres. It is the perfect cast for small shows because there are just nine characters in it.

22. In the Heights

Usnavi de la Vega and his Washington Heights neighbours, who all long to go back to the Dominican Republic, are what this musical is all about.  This is the second Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda to be included on this list. Miranda didn’t only compose the song’s melody and lyrics. In the original Broadway cast, he also took on the part of Usnavi. For In the Heights, Miranda received a Tony Award for Best Original Score, just like he did for his earlier musical, Hamilton.

23. Pitch Perfect

The Bellas make their first appearance in Jason Moore’s witty, giddily crowd-pleasing teen comedy, which got favourable reviews and became a hit at the box office. Many of its young, highly gifted cast members, including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Adam DeVine, found it to be a Hollywood success.

24. Moana

Disney Studios’ musical comedy adventure movie is about a Hawaiian girl who sets out to save her island from an invasion with the help of a demigod and has breathtaking 3D sceneries and foot-tapping earworms as highlights. The audiovisual beauty is captivating despite the fairly predictable plot.  It got a nomination for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

25. The Jungle Book

If you haven’t watched The Jungle Book then you’ve missed a very important part of your childhood. The Jungle Book was the last movie that Walt Disney worked on, it’s a remake of Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 novel featuring amazing characters such as  Baloo the bear, Mowgli the human boy and other exciting characters.  The musical has songs that will keep ringing in your mind and not in annoyance but the kind that gets you bouncing up and down right after watching it. 

26. The King and I

Many of the most famous musicals ever produced were co-written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, who also created a tonne of earworm show tunes. Their fifth musical, a love story involving the King of Siam and the governess Anna Leonowens, is one of their most well-known works.

It was made into a lavish movie starring Yul Brynner, who won an Oscar for Best Actor, and Deborah Kerr. Despite certain aspects being sadly out of date, the enterprise has an undeniable and well-deserved position in history. In Promising Young Woman, (Emerald Fennell) viciously appropriated the fairly sexist “Something Wonderful” to stunning effect.

27. Cinderella 

The most well-known screen modification of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s French fairy tale musical (you probably know the plot) is a centrepiece episode of ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney, praised for its production values and ahead-of-its-time diverse casting (the actors include Brandy, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, and Whitney Houston—who of course steals the show). This still stands as one of the most costly television films ever produced with a $12 million production budget.

28. A Little Priest 

It’s always a gift to listen to Sweeney Todd’s songs because they are beautifully composed and sung. Todd and Mrs Lovett sing a charming song known as “Little Priest,” sometimes referred to as the “Pie Song,” as they explain what they would do to their clients. When the characters make fun of preparing meat pies with human flesh in the final act, the song is included.

29. Mulan

Mulan, a Disney movie from 1998, features the powerful song “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You.” It describes Captain Li Shang’s efforts to raise his troops to a powerful army that could protect Imperial China against invading Hunnic invaders.

30. The Music Man

“Ya Got Trouble” is a terrific and entertaining song with a positive message that stays in your head for a long time after listening. The song, written by Meredith Wilson in 1957 for Broadway, describes the struggles of the parents from River City. It was originally intended to be a dialogue but was changed to a musical.

31. MJ The Musical

Despite the fact that the King of Pop and one of the greatest performers ever may no longer be with us, his legacy remains, and MJ The Musical is a lovely tribute to the legend.

The multi-Tony Award-winning musical production, which was based on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, recreates the creation of this legendary tour while giving fans a taste of the icon’s signature dancing movements and top songs.

32. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

At least there were films to look forward to after the Harry Potter collection novels concluded. Potter fans were upset upon the release of the final movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in 2011. To the joy (and relief) of fans everywhere, the production made it to the large, live stage. However, when a cinematic experience is this wonderful, there’s a 50% chance it may end up on Broadway.

This journey takes place 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermoine’s last meeting, when they are all grown up, married with children, and working wizards, respectively. It begins in London in 2016 and moves to NYC two years later.

33. SIX

The musical takes a look at King Henry VIII’s six wives (Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr), but with a major twist.

Not only are all six spouses there at the same time, but each queen is also vying for leadership of the same popular pop girl group. SIX was written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss for a class project when they were still in college, and when the mega-hit opened on Broadway, it was an immediate success.  It won an astounding 23 awards during the 2021–2022 awards season, including Best Musical.

34. The Piano Lesson

The Piano Lesson, which stars Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks, a nominee for a Grammy and a Screen Actors Guild Award, John David Washington, a former professional football player, and Danielle Brooks, is as fascinating as it is a star-studded production.

American writer August Wilson created this unique drama in 1987; it is now playing on Broadway. It received the Pulitzer Prize in the same category in 1990, the year it made its Broadway premiere.

35. & Juliet

Have you ever thought about what could have happened to Juliet if she hadn’t woken up, realised Romeo had consumed the poison, and then suffered a similar end after stabbing herself? So, the writers of this musical did it for us and put it perfectly.

Juliet, however, realises that there won’t be a depressing conclusion this time and instead packs her bags and departs for Â鶹APP with her closest friends in order to rediscover both herself and love.

We know that not everyone has a knack for musicals but if you’re anything like me then you’re probably the type who enjoys a good voice and a good rhythm in a movie. I know that all the musicals I’ve mentioned above are totally worth watching and will definitely entertain you. Let us know if you’ve watched any and what you thought about it.