Buster McDermottList RulesOnly stage musicals that cite films as their original source material - no adaptations directly from other mediums
List of musicals based on movies, ranked by fans and casual critics. Stage theatre has been a primary form of entertainment for thousands of years, in the forms of plays, operas, and musicals. Around the world, dozens of theatrical performances are brought to life on stages big and small. Most notably, the theatre districts of Broadway in Manhattan and the West End in London are home to the catchiest, most elaborate, most memorable musicals. Nothing is more inspirational than experiencing the art of actors who can also sing and dance with grace and style in front of a large audience of people. It’s no wonder that plays and musicals have remained so popular throughout the years! What are the best musicals based on films?
This list includes the greatest plays and musicals that were inspired by movies, ranked according to the opinions of voters. Which soundtracks have you played nonstop? Which lyrics have you memorized? Some of these plays on this list were smash hit successful Broadway productions that scored several awards and made the actors instant successes. Others are newer shows that are still in trial runs for smaller audiences in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.
In addition to direct adaptations from film to stage, this list includes musicals inspired by movies that weren't musicals to begin with. Wondering why you don't remember the songs from Billy Elliott or Sunset Boulevard? That's because there weren't any.1
270107The Lion King (1997)
Mark Mancina , Elton JohnCharacters: Scar, Simba, Mufasa, Pumbaa, Nala
The Lion King (1994)The Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios' animated feature... more2
23591Heathers (2010)
Heathers (1988)3
22287Newsies (2011)
Newsies (1992)4
230102Beauty and the Beast (1993)
Alan Menken , Linda WoolvertonCharacters: Belle, Gaston, Beast, Babette, Wardrobe
Beauty and the Beast (1991)Beauty and the Beast is a musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim... more5
20891Hairspray (2002)
Scott Wittman , Marc ShaimanCharacters: Velma Von Tussle, Edna Turnblad, Little Inez, Seaweed J Stupps, Motormouth Maybelle
Hairspray (2007), which was based on the movie Hairspray (1988), dir. by John WatersHairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and... more6
20087Little Shop of Horrors (1982)
Alan Menken , Howard AshmanCharacters: Orin Scrivello, DDS, Seymour Krelborn, Audrey II, Crystal
Little Shop of Horrors (1960)Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer... more7
19888Legally Blonde: The Musical (2007)
Heather Hach , Laurence O'KeefeCharacters: Elle Woods, Professor Callahan, Serena McGuire, Paulette Bonafonté, Margot
Legally Blonde (2001) and the novel by Amanda BrownLegally Blonde is a musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and... more8
18982Chicago
Bob Fosse , Fred EbbCharacters: Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn, Roxie Hart, Amos Hart, Matron "Mama" Morton
Chicago (Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville) is an American musical with music by John Kander,... more9
18891Mary Poppins (2004)
Richard M. Sherman , Robert B. ShermanCharacters: Mary Poppins, Michael Banks, Jane Banks, Bert, George Banks
Mary Poppins (1964) and the book series by P.L. TraversMary Poppins is a musical with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman... more10
17186The Little Mermaid (2007)
Alan Menken , Howard AshmanCharacters: Ariel, Ursula, Prince Eric, Flounder, Sebastian
The Little Mermaid (1989)The Little Mermaid is a stage musical produced by Disney Theatrical, based on the animated... more11
14980Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular (2003)
Aladdin (1992)12
14277Singin' in the Rain (1983)
Singin in the Rain (1952)13
15599Shrek: The Musical (2008)
Shrek (2001), which was based on the book Shrek! (1991) by William Steig14
4916School of Rock is a rock musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and... more15
9868Footloose (1998)
Eric Carmen , Sammy HagarCharacters: Rusty Rodriguez, Ariel Moore, Ren McCormack, Chuck Cranston, Vi Moore
Footloose (1984)Footloose is a 1998 musical based on the 1984 film of the same name. In 2011 there was a... more16
9567Billy Elliot: The Musical (2005)
Elton John , Lee HallCharacters: Billy Elliot, Debbie Wilkinson, Tony Elliot, Mr. Braithwaite, George Watson
Billy Elliot (2000)Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by... more17
8861Kinky Boots (2012)
Kinky Boots (2005)18
8361Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002)
Richard M. Sherman , Robert B. ShermanChitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a stage musical based on the 1968 film produced by Albert R.... more19
9272The Producers (2001)
Mel Brooks , Thomas MeehanCharacters: Carmen Ghia, Roger De Bris, Leo Bloom, Franz Liebkind, Max Bialystock
The Producers (1968), dir. by Mel BrooksThe Producers is a musical adapted by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan from Brooks' 1968 film of... more20
9680Spamalot (2004)
Neil Innes , John Du PrezCharacters: Patsy, Sir Bors, Brother Maynard, Sir Bedevere, The Strangely Flatulent
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)Monty Python's Spamalot is a musical comedy adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the... more21
7860Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002)
Jeanine Tesori , Richard MorrisCharacters: Miss Dorothy Brown, Mrs. Meers, Oriental #2, Millie Dillmount, Jimmy Smith
Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)Thoroughly Modern Millie is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan,... more22
6344A Very Potter Musical
StarKid ProductionsCharacters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasly, Ginny Weasly, Severus Snape, Professor Dumbledore
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7464Sister Act: The Musical (2009)
Alan Menken , Glenn SlaterCharacters: Deloris Van Cartier, Mother Superior, Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Patrick, Sister Mary Lazarus
Sister Act (1992)Sister Act is a musical based on the hit 1992 film of the same name with music by Alan Menken,... more24
6958Once (2011)
Once (2006)25
6656Carrie (1988)
Dean Pitchford , Lawrence D. CohenCharacters: Carrie White, Margaret White, Chris Hargensen, Sue Snell, Tommy Ross
Carrie (1976)Carrie: The Musical is a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford,... more
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