Movies That Should Be Made Into Broadway Musicals

Over 1.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Movies That Should Be Made Into Broadway Musicals
Voting Rules
Only movies that would work as musicals.

A list of movies that should be adapted for the Broadway stage. Each year, at least one or two popular Broadway shows are turned into films. 2012 alone saw the release of a film based on the stage show "Rock of Ages," along with plans to turn the "Wizard of Oz" prequel "Wicked" into a movie. But another trend has been also been kickstarted - adapting popular films into Broadway shows. Disney has been doing this for years with the successful runs of "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast" on stage, and other recent Broadway hits such as "The Producers," "Spamalot" (adapted from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"), "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" and "Shrek" have bolstered the idea that audiences want to see popular characters from other media turned into stage spectacles. ("The Producers" was even turned BACK into a new film after having tremendous success as a play.)

"Back to the Future" is the most recent iconic film to be discussed as a potential stage show. But what are some other movies that would work well presented live on a stage, with songs? Vote for the films you'd like to line up to see on the Great White Way, and if you have a brilliant idea for a new adaptation, suggest it at the bottom of the page and see what the rest of Ranker thinks of your pick! (For the flip side, vote on a list of Stage Musicals that Would Make Great Movies.)
Most divisive: Saturday Night Fever
Ranked by
  • Tangled
    1
    Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy
    580 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
    In the animated adventure Tangled, Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) is a spirited and determined young woman. Throughout her young life, she's dreamed of escaping her tower to experience the outside world. A thief named Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) climbs into Rapunzel's tower one day, she sees her chance to explore the kingdom. Together, they embark on a wild, hair-raising escapade. With the secret of her royal lineage hanging in the balance and her captor in pursuit, Rapunzel and her cohort find adventure with each turn. The film won several awards for its animation and musical score.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Princess Bride
    2
    Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
    781 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Rob Reiner
    The Princess Bride is a whimsical blend of adventure, romance, and comedy. Westley (Cary Elwes), a humble farmhand-turned-pirate, embarks on an epic quest to rescue his beloved Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the clutches of the villainous Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Alongside a colorful band of misfits including Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), who seeks revenge for his father's murder, and Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), a cunning Sicilian strategist, Westley must navigate treacherous terrain and outwit deadly foes. This timeless tale, peppered with memorable lines and unforgettable characters, won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Motion Picture in 1988. A film that transcends genre boundaries, it remains a classic in popular culture.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Hercules
    3
    Tate Donovan, Josh Keaton, Roger Bart
    620 votes
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
    Hercules (Tate Donovan), the son of Zeus (Rip Torn) and Hera (Samantha Eggar), is stripped of his godhood as an infant. Raised on Earth, he must prove himself a true hero to reclaim his place on Mount Olympus. With the help of his trainer, Philoctetes (Danny DeVito), and Megara (Susan Egan), a cunning woman with her own agenda, Hercules faces off against the vindictive Hades (James Woods).

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Enchanted
    4
    Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden
    548 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Kevin Lima
    Enchanted, a delightful blend of live-action and animation, introduces us to the world of Giselle (Amy Adams), a fairytale princess abruptly thrust into modern-day New York City by the conniving Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon). Struggling to navigate this strange new landscape, she crosses paths with Robert (Patrick Dempsey), a cynical divorce lawyer. As their worlds intertwine, they find themselves questioning their perceptions of love and happiness. A standout feature is its Oscar-nominated music score. Enchanted seamlessly weaves humor, romance and adventure into a film that appeals to all ages.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • The Nightmare Before Christmas
    5
    Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara
    765 votes
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: Henry Selick
    In the hauntingly whimsical film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town. Enchanted by its stark contrast to his eerie homeland, Jack decides to replicate Christmas in Halloween Town. But he struggles to grasp the true spirit of this holiday. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated musical has won numerous awards for its unique blend of horror and holiday cheer. Sally (voiced by Catherine O'Hara), a rag doll smitten with Jack, adds a tender element to this dark yet enchanting tale.

    Available On:

  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame
    6
    Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Tony Jay
    449 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
    In the heart of Paris, the beloved and majestic Notre Dame Cathedral takes center stage in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The movie introduces Quasimodo (Tom Hulce), a disfigured bell-ringer who calls the cathedral home. He is tormented by his cruel guardian, Frollo (Tony Jay), but finds solace in befriending the charming gypsy Esmeralda (Demi Moore). As tensions rise in the city, Quasimodo must decide where his loyalty lies. A tale of courage and acceptance, this film weaves together elements of drama, romance, and musical animation. An Oscar nominee for Best Music, it remains a notable entry in Disney's animated repertoire.

    Available On:

    subscription