10 Best Broadway Movie Adaptations

The announcement of the CatsBroadway musical adaptation once had the internet in an uproar. The deeply unsettling CGI feline abominations made the rounds on social media. Those already exposed to the trailer spread it around to see their friends react in real-time to the furry nightmare. The cast is star-studded, the cats are naked, and everyone was left asking “why?” The answer is that Broadway adaptations are frequently very well-received, like 2024’s Wicked adaptation.

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Though there is something of a stigma attached to musicals, and some movie musicals are not even marketed as musicals in the modern day, there is still a deep love for those that are done well. There are a lot of good musicals out there that began their lives on the Broadway stage. The best Broadway musical adaptations range from those made in the 1960s about a nun and a widower to those in the modern day about friends coping with health and financial hardships. One thing they all have in common is impressive talent and an ability to bring the best parts of the stage to the screen.

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Mean Girls (2024)

Opened On Broadway In 2018

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5/10 6/10 Mean Girls (2024) Not Yet RatedComedyMusical

Mean Girls is a reimagining of the 2004 classic comedy film as a musical, directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. When Cady Heron and her family move from Africa to the United States; she experiences a culture shock when she enters the public school system for the first time. While trying to fit in, she is roped into the popular but superficial and cruel clique, the Plastics.

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*Availability in US Director Samantha Jayne , Arturo Perez Jr. Release Date January 12, 2024 Writers Nell Benjamin , Tina Fey Cast Angourie Rice , Auli’i Cravalho , Jaquel Spivey , Reneé Rapp , Jon Hamm , Ashley Park , Jenna Fischer , Tina Fey , Tim Meadows
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The movie is stacked with promising talent…

2004’s Mean Girls is an iconic part of pop culture, but it was not a musical. The movie was adapted into a Broadway musical, and then the stage show was adapted into a movie. Interestingly enough, Mean Girls was not actually marketed as a musical when it hit theaters in 2024, which might be part of the reason it did not land as well at the box office.

The truth is, compared to the 2004 movie, fans might have found it lacking, but comparing it to the Broadway musical, the movie is a great adaptation. It trims some of the music down and compresses the storyline to streamline the movie and get to the meat of the conflict. That works in the movie’s favor. Also working in the movie’s favor? Keeping the idea of Janis and Damien telling the story and providing the framework for the movie as they do the stage show.

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The movie is stacked with promising talent, many who haven’t had the chance to be in big-screen musicals before, and it’s a great showcase of who could be leading the way as double or triple threats in the industry.

Rent (2005)

Opened On Broadway In 1996

Rent PG-13DramaRomance

Rent, directed by Chris Columbus, is a rock opera film set in late 1980s East Village, New York. It follows a year in the lives of bohemians Mark and Roger, who experience love, loss, and personal growth as they navigate struggles and relationships in an artistic community.

Director Chris Columbus Release Date November 17, 2005 Writers Stephen Chbosky , Jonathan Larson Cast Anthony Rapp , Adam Pascal , Rosario Dawson , Jesse L. Martin , Wilson Jermaine Heredia , Idina Menzel , Tracie Thoms , Taye Diggs , Julia Roth , Porscha Radcliffe , Stephen Payne , Darryl Chan , Ken Clark , R.C. Ormond , David Fine , Mackenzie Firgens , Eleanor Columbus , Matthew McCollum , Jason Foster , Brendan Columbus , Austin Shea Runtime 135 Minutes Expand

When Rent was announced, there were mixed emotions from fans of the Broadway musical. Some did not think it should be brought to the screen, others were excited to see the cast, and others thought it needed an elaborate adaptation. While the adaptation does expand the stage show in some ways since the stage sets are very minimalist, it also contracts, eliminating some fan-favorite songs in favor of streamlining the story and not making it quite as dark as the source material.

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The story follows a group of friends trying to make a living in their respective arts in the 1980s in New York City. Their lives, however, are affected by the AIDS epidemic of the time, and they experience as much tragedy as they do happiness.

Though some critics complained about the idea initially, a point in the movie’s favor is that it reunited almost the entire original Broadway cast. Six of the eight main cast members that originated the show on Broadway reprised their roles. These were people who largely got their start on Broadway in Rent and already had perfect chemistry with one another, having lived their parts for so long. It helped to truly sell the performances.

Daphne Rubin-Vega was pregnant at the time of casting, so Rosario Dawson was cast as Mimi. Fredi Walker was older than the rest of the main cast and did not return to the role of Joanne, but asked that another Black actress be considered for the part, so Tracie Thoms was cast in the role.

Grease (1978)

Opened On Broadway In 1972

Grease

The Grease franchise is a beloved musical and romantic comedy series that began with the 1978 film Grease, based on the 1971 stage musical of the same name. The story follows greaser Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Olsson as they navigate their romance amidst the cliques and social pressures of Rydell High. The film became a massive success and a cultural touchstone, known for its hit songs and performances by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Over time, the franchise has expanded with sequels, a prequel series, and television specials.

Created by Jim Jacobs , Warren Casey , Allan Carr First Film Grease First TV Show Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Cast John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Stockard Channing , Jeff Conaway , Barry Pearl , Michael Tucci , Didi Conn , Maxwell Caulfield , Michelle Pfeiffer
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…the highest-grossing musical film ever at the time of its release…

The film adaptation of Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John has become the definitive version of the stage-to-screen musical. There are probably people out there who didn’t even know it was originally a Broadway play because its success has surpassed the stage with a movie sequel and a prequel series.

The movie follows high school greasers Danny and Sandy after they fall in love over summer vacation. Sandy transfers to Danny’s school but finds out he presents himself very differently to his friends. In the end, Danny wins Sandy back by way of winning a street race, and they fly away in his car. The movie was the highest-grossing musical film ever at the time of its release and is still considered one of the best films of 1978.

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Part of the reason the movie works, despite most of the cast being visibly much older than teenagers, is the chemistry between the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds as well as the decision for what to add to the movie.Some of the most memorable scenes in the movie are not in the stage musical, but they help to flesh out the story. The race at Thunder Road, for example, could not be done on a stage.

The movie was able to take the pieces of the show that would work well on camera and add to them in a way that worked for the musical rather than against it. It was added to America’s National Film Registry in 2015.

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Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)

Opened Off-Broadway In 2001

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5/10 8/10 tick, tick… BOOM! PG-13BiographyDramaMusical

Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his feature directorial debut with tick, tick…BOOM!,  an adaptation of the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent. The film follows Jon (Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. 

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*Availability in US Director Lin-Manuel Miranda Release Date November 12, 2021 Writers Steven Levenson Cast Alexandra Shipp , Joshua Henry , Judith Light , Bradley Whitford , Robin de Jesús , Vanessa Hudgens , Tariq Trotter , Andrew Garfield , Mj Rodriguez Runtime 115 minutes
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Tick, Tick… Boom! was originally a stage show crafted by Jonathan Larson that, like many of his projects, was inspired by his own life. When directors have retooled the musical in the years since Larson’s death, it’s become even more influenced by Larson’s life. Screenwriter Stevenon Levenson and director Lin Manuel-Miranda made the movie version a love letter to Larson, working in references to Superbia and RENT, arguably his most famous shows.

The movie follows a young playwright named Jonathan (meant to be Larson himself) as he writes a musical hoping to break into the theater industry. As he works to bring his vision to life, his personal and professional relationships are highlighted. The movie also provides numerous cameos from those who work in the theater industry and those who had worked with Larson during his career.

The movie also marked the first time most people had seen Andrew Garfield, known for his portrayal of Spider-Man, in a musical role. Garfield earned a Golden Globe for his work and was nominated for an Academy Award.

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Wicked: Part 1 (2024)

Opened On Broadway In 2003

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9/10 18 7.7/10 Wicked PGAdventureFantasyMusical

Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Director Jon M. Chu Release Date November 22, 2024 Writers Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum Cast Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd Runtime 160 Minutes Expand

Wicked is one of the latest Broadway musicals to be adapted for the screen, though the movie was in development for a decade before it finally made its way to the filming stage of the process. While the movie is based on the Broadway musical, it also takes inspiration from the novel that initially inspired the show, penned by Gregory Maguire. The Broadway musical also was not adapted in its entirety as there are actually two movies.

The first movie follows the first act of the Broadway play, ending with a showstopping rendition of “Defying Gravity.” It sees Elphaba and Galinda meet at university long before they become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North who would be at odds in Wizard of Oz. Wicked chronicles their initial animosity, friendship, and the circumstances that force them apart.

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It’s a great example of how to expand what is present on the Broadway stage, as the movie uses gorgeous overhead shots to show what Shiz University, the Emerald City, and Oz as a whole look like. It also features more elaborate dance sequences and set pieces than are possible on a Broadway stage, making for a feast for the audience’s eyes as much as their ears with the talented cast of Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey.

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Chicago (2002)

Opened On Broadway In 1975

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3/10 9/10 Chicago PG-13ComedyCrimeDrama

Chicago is a musical crime film directed by Rob Marshall, set in 1920s Chicago. It centers on Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), two women who find themselves on trial for murder. Both aspiring performers, they vie for the attention of a high-profile lawyer, Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), in their quest for fame and freedom. The film examines themes of celebrity, crime, and media influence.

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*Availability in US Director Rob Marshall Release Date December 10, 2002 Writers Bill Condon , Fred Ebb , Bob Fosse Cast Renée Zellweger , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Richard Gere , Ekaterina Chtchelkanova , Queen Latifah Runtime 113 Minutes

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Chicago was the first musical to win Best Picture since Oliver! in 1968. It stars Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones as two murderesses jailed together in Jazz-age Chicago. Richard Gere plays Billy Flynn, their smooth-talking lawyer whose plan is to turn his clients into celebrities and distract people from the crimes they have actually committed. The two women chase fame and try to reinvent their identities to win over public opinion and save their own lives.

When it was released, Chicago largely received mixed critical reviews. Many who reviewed the show negatively, however, were often, admittedly, not fans of musicals. The movie was a huge technical feat with impressive dance sequences, actors who were not known for their musical talents blowing the audience away, and the very same kind of “Razzle Dazzle” Billy Flynn would approve of.

Chicago won six Oscars, including Best Picture. The overwhelming success of Chicago (along with Moulin Rouge! and 8 Mile) is considered to be responsible for the resurgence of the musical genre in the 21st century.

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The Sound Of Music (1965)

Opened On Broadway In 1959

The Sound of Music GDramaMusical

The Sound of Music is a musical movie adaptation of the stage play from 1959, which tells the story of the Trapp Family Singers. The classic 1965 musical follows Maria, a young woman who becomes the governess for a family of seven children in Austria just before World War II. It features beloved songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things”.

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*Availability in US Director Robert Wise Release Date March 2, 1965 Writers Ernest Lehman , Howard Lindsay , Russel Crouse Cast Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , Charmian Carr , Elanor Parker Runtime 174 minutes

Perhaps the definitive movie musical, The Sound of Music was originally given only a limited theatrical release and received a mixed critical reception. However, it was an unprecedented commercial success. It was the highest-grossing film of 1965 and by November the following year had surpassed Gone with the Wind as the highest-grossing film of all time. It has since become a holiday season staple with it airing in November and December on television all over the world.

It stars Julie Andrews as Maria, a nun who has just been assigned to the villa of a retired naval officer (Christopher Plummer) to act as governess to his seven children. She then brings the joy of music into their lives and eventually marries the officer. The movie itself is set during the German Anschluss of Austria in 1938, making the lead-up to World War II part of the story.

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The film’s legacy speaks for itself, but if musical fans need even more convincing, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”

West Side Story (1961)

Opened On Broadway In 1957

West Side Story NRCrimeDramaRomance

West Side Story is a classic American musical film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. The film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, set in New York City’s Upper West Side. The story revolves around the rivalry between two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the tragic romance between Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks’ leader.

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*Availability in US Director Robert Wise , Jerome Robbins Release Date December 13, 1961 Writers Ernest Lehman Cast Natalie Wood , Richard Beymer , Russ Tamblyn , Rita Moreno , George Chakiris Runtime 151 Minutes

Rita Moreno became the first Latina to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as Anita.

A modernized (for the time) adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story follows Tony, a former member of the white American Jets gang, and Maria, the younger sister of a member of the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks. The two fall in love despite their friends’ and families’ feud. The love story, given its source material, is ultimately a tragedy.

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The movie musical was both a critical and commercial success with impressive dance sequences and acting. While some of the singing for the movie was dubbed by other actors, that was common practice at the time. It received massive critical praise for both its story and its technical design.

West Side Story won a whopping ten Academy Awards after being nominated for 11, breaking the record for most wins for a musical. Rita Moreno became the first Latina to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as Anita. The movie has also been added to the National Film Registry.

A new adaptation was made by Steven Spielberg starring Rachel Zegler in her big-screen debut as the new generation’s Maria. It was released in 2021. Though it was nominated for seven Oscars, it won one, for Ariana DeBose as Best Supporting Actress.

Hairspray (2007)

Opened On Broadway In 2002

Hairspray PGComedyFamilyMusicalRomance

Hairspray is a musical comedy film directed by Adam Shankman, based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Set in 1960s Baltimore, it follows teenager Tracy Turnblad, played by Nikki Blonsky, who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show. Featuring performances by John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Zac Efron, the film explores themes of racial integration and body positivity.

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*Availability in US Director Adam Shankman Release Date July 19, 2007 Writers Leslie Dixon , John Waters , Mark O’Donnell , Thomas Meehan Cast John Travolta , Michelle Pfeiffer , Christopher Walken , Amanda Bynes , James Marsden , Queen Latifah Runtime 115 minutes
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This is a movie based on a Broadway show that was itself based on a 1988 John Waters comedy of the same name. Still, in spite of going through a game of telephone, Hairspray is one of the freshest and most fun movie musicals out there. It was the record-holder for the biggest opening weekend for a movie based on a Broadway musical until Mamma Mia premiered in 2008. It was one of the most critically and commercially successful musical films of the decade.

Set in the early 1960s, the story follows “pleasantly plump” teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream of being a dancer and tries to make her debut on a local television show. However, Hairspray isn’t just a colorful campfest. It also tackles themes of racial segregation and inequality, and Roger Ebert said that there was “a lot of craft and slyness lurking beneath the … goofiness.”

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The movie’s casting is a big part of its success. Nikki Blonsky made her professional acting debut in the movie, but she was supported by tons of screen veterans. Michelle Pfeiffer, John Travolta, Zac Efron, and Queen Latifah were all musical veterans at the time of release. The movie also paid homage to the original movie with cameos from John Waters and Rikki Lake, as well as the Broadway show, with members of the Broadway cast singing songs for the movie.

A sequel was planned called
Hairspray: White Lipstick
, which would have featured the influence of the Hippie Movement and the British Invasion of the late 1960s with the Vietnam War as the backdrop, but it was never produced.

Cabaret (1972)

Opened On Broadway In 1966

Cabaret PGDramaMusical

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*Availability in US Director Bob Fosse Release Date February 13, 1972 Cast Liza Minnelli , Michael York , Joel Grey , Marisa Berenson
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This film musical is a much looser adaptation of the 1966 Broadway musical of the same name. Only a few of the show’s songs were kept for the film; however, the show’s original songwriters wrote the replacement songs. It differs from the stage production in that, rather than being a traditional musical, where characters sing to express their feelings, almost all the film’s songs take place in context inside the club. The only exception is “Tomorrow Belongs to Me.”

Critics praised the movie for daring to break the convention that musicals had to be bright and happy, and that Cabaret chose instead to embrace the darkness of its themes. It was also Liza Minnelli’s first chance to sing on screen, and she was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also took home seven additional Oscars, seven BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes.

Cabaret was added to the National Film Registry in 2015 and remains one of the best Broadway musical adaptations of all time.

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