In for 2024: Movie Musicals
Musical theater is alive and well both on the stage and on the big screen. With ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Color Purple’ taking over the box office recently, movie adaptations of musicals are all the rage right now. Who doesn’t love a little song and dance in the middle of a serious conversation? If you’re on a musical kick like the rest of the world, you should add these 10 movies to your weekend watchlist!
High School Musical
on Disney+
It wouldn’t be a movie musical blog post without the inclusion of ‘High School Musical.’ Its songs and moments have stood the test of time – so much so that they made three movies and four seasons of a TV spinoff.
Mamma Mia
on Netflix
The epitome of summer, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!’ are some of the most fun, carefree movies that are loved by all. And it features music written by ABBA! What more could you want?
Tick, Tick… Boom!
on Netflix
Andrew Garfield’s depiction of the talented playwright Jonathan Larson in ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ is breathtaking but heart-wrenching. It includes a powerful message about following your dreams even when life throws curve balls.
La La Land
on Netflix
Another fantastic musical about following your dreams is ‘La La Land!’ While there is a love story, it doesn’t have the happy ending you might be looking for. Regardless, it’s a visually stunning movie with incredible music and choreography.
Grease
on Max
‘Grease’ is arguably one of the most iconic and classic movie musicals. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “musical theater fan,” it’s a vital piece of pop culture history, in our opinion.
Dreamgirls
on Paramount+
Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose portray a showstopping Motown group… Do we need to say more? If you want to be blown away by killer vocals, ‘Dreamgirls’ is the way to go.
West Side Story
on Disney+
Based on the famous Broadway show, the new adaptation of ‘West Side Story’ featuring Rachel Zegler is just as captivating with the same noteworthy musical numbers. But with a modern twist.
Dear Evan Hansen
on Prime Video
Fans of all ages love this film’s heartwarming and relatable storyline that touches on topics of anxiety, navigating high school as an introvert, and losing a child. The fantastic music is just a bonus! TW: mentions of suicide.
In the Heights
on Max
You may know Lin Manuel Miranda from his hit Broadway show ‘Hamilton,’ but have you seen his Tony award-winning musical ‘In the Heights?’ It includes Miranda’s signature songwriting and a passionate love story that people gush over!
Into the Woods
on Disney+
If you want something more traditional, try ‘Into the Woods!’ It has a star-studded cast with actors such as Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Chris Pine, and features classic storybook characters like the Evil Witch and Cinderella.