Many Broadway classics have made their way to the silver screen. And there are some films in particular that I think all Broadway fans should see.
Chicago
Chicago is a great show already and the movie is also fantastic. The main reason it is on this list is because it has the coveted title of being the only modern musical movie to with Best Picture at the Oscars.
Moulin Rouge
We’ve seen a lot of shows go from the stage to the screen, but Molin Rouge is one of the few movie musicals to do the opposite. I also like to recommend Moulin Rouge because it is gorgeous, as all of Baz Luhrmann’s work is, and is probably the only jukebox musical I enjoy.
West Side Story
West Side Story is iconic on both stage and screen. The dancing alone is worth watching this movie for. And since a revival film is coming soon, it is worth watching the original to see the progression.
Les Misérables
Les Mis is one of the biggest musicals to ever exist. While its film adaptation has some mixed reviews, I still believe it is a good movie musical. Plus, the cast deserves props because they sang the movie live instead of pre-recording all the music.
Rent
The Rent movie may be a bit divisive, but I add it to this list since it is one of the few musicals that used the original Broadway cast for the film too. Plus it is iconic in it’s own right and every Broadway fan should see Seasons of Love’s origin show in some format.
What movie musicals do you think are must-watches? Share them with a comment!
Agree about Les Mis.
Now where to start about the others (this is coming from a musical fanatic)
I watched Les Mis at our local theater in Minneapolis when I was young. I don’t remember much of it because it felt way too long for an 8 or 9-year-old.
Singin’ in the Rain is my favorite musical, it’s a satire on Hollywood and their transition to “talkies” but much of the second half is dedicated to “The Broadway Singer” a film pitch made by the main characters. The music and sets are amazing, not to mention the dancing and humor. Great movie, too few people watch it anymore.
Mamma Mia is a favourite of mine! Also there’s a proshot of the Newsies musical that was on Netflix but I thiiiiink is now on D+.