8 of Our Favorite Film Adaptations of Musicals—Did Your Favorite Make the List?
From ‘Chicago’ to ‘Wicked,’ these movie musicals prove Hollywood can get Broadway right!
For musical theater lovers who haven’t been lucky enough to catch some of their favorite works on the stage, musical-to-film adaptations are a great way to travel to Broadway without leaving your living room. What’s better than a stage-to-screen musical adaptation? A stage-to-screen musical adaptation that’s actually good. While there have been plenty of movie adaptations of beloved musicals that missed the mark, there’s a good handful that nailed it and remain in our movie rotation to this day. Here, take a look at some of our favorite movie adaptations of beloved musicals.
In the Heights (2021)
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mastermind behind Hamilton, In the Heights tells the stories of those living in New York’s Washington Heights. The story is that of dreams, romance and community with music that once you hear it, you can’t get out of your head. Watch it on Max.
Les Miserables (2012)
The 2012 film adaptation of Les Miserables consisted of a star-studded cast that included faces like Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter and countless others. So impressive were these performances that the film earned countless Academy Award nominations, with Anne Hathaway taking home the trophy for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Fantine. Rent it on Prime Video.
Hairspray (2007)
A Baltimore teen gets the shot of a lifetime when she earns a spot on a local televised dance show, and her vibrant personality, wit and determination shake things up for some of the closed-minded cast members. Plus, with stars like John Travolta, Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer, this movie is one for the books. Rent it on Prime Video.
Annie (1982)
Red-headed orphan Annie made her voice heard in the 1982 film adaptation of the beloved musical, and it’s one we love to look back on. Aileen Quinn’s portrayal of the youngster was stellar, making this one of our favorite movie adaptations of a musical. Rent it on Prime Video.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Though many of us know Emmy Rossum for her rough-around-the-edges portrayal of Fiona Gallagher on the hit series Shameless, the actress showed off her classical training with her portrayal of Christine Daae in the 2004 film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. Plus, knowing that the hunky Gerard Butler is the man behind the mask in this film makes it all the better. Watch it on Tubi or rent it on Prime Video.
The Sound of Music (1965)
One of the most iconic film adaptations of a musical, Julie Andrews’ portrayal of Maria has gone down in history as one of the greatest. And rightfully so! Andrews’ talent makes this one of our favorites of all time. Watch it on Hulu and Disney+.
Chicago (2002)
Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones were a duo like no other in the 2002 film adaption of Chicago, and in 2003, the film even took home the Academy Award for Best Picture. Watch it on MGM+ and Paramount+.
Wicked (2024)
The latest and greatest addition to the world of musical-to-film adaptations, Wicked has become a worldwide phenomenon. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this duo has stunned audiences across the world—and a second part is on the way! Rent it on Prime Video.
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