Written by Brie Porter

Movies are often based on other source material, whether it be a play, a book, or a comic. It’s a bit more rare for a completely original movie to be adapted into another medium. Musicals are among the most labor intensive creative projects, so it only makes sense that Broadway producers would seek out the best stories.

Here’s our top picks of fantastic Broadway musicals based on groundbreaking movies:

Ghost

Patrick Swayze captured the hearts of women everywhere with his role as a deceased lover, who is powerless to communicate with the woman he left behind. If pottery fills you with longing, this musical may be your best bet to relive the magic. The tragic couple gets a full musical treatment, including an in-universe rendition of the single “Unchained Melody”. The romantic longing of songs like “With You” make this a worthwhile listen. If this show is for you, I think you already know.

The Band’s Visit

This breathtaking musical swept the 2018 Tony Awards, winning a grand total of 10 awards. Based on a 2007 Israeli film of the same title, we join eight musicians who mistakenly travel to an isolated desert town. The music is like no other, we highly recommend adding it to your Spotify diet. As an added bonus, the original Broadway cast includes Tony Shalhoub (famous for his roles in Monk, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).

Catch Me If You Can

No one quite plays a lovable scoundrel like Leonardo Dicaprio — or so we thought until we discovered this musical. Based on the unbelievable true story of a con artist, the Steven Spielberg directed film was a box office hit. The musical matches the thrilling journey with a soulful injection of introspective songs. Swanky jazz, informed by sixties aesthetic, lead to fun showstopping numbers like “Someone Else’s Skin” , and the antagonist’s anthem “Don’t Break The Rules”.

Mean Girls

Do you wear pink on Wednesdays? Does October 3rd fill you with the need to rewatch Tina Fey’s oh-so-quotable teen comedy for the umpteenth time? Maybe you just have a lot of feelings, and that’s okay. This musical adaptation brings your favorite plastics to the stage with fun Regina songs, like “Sexy”, “Meet the Plastics”, “Revenge Party”, and “World Burn”. If you’re looking for Katie’s eternal optimism, you’ll love “It Roars” and “I’d Rather Be Me”. Katie’s childhood in Africa influences the music in fun ways. Pretty sure it’s a crime not to love these characters. That’s just, like, the rules of feminism.

Shrek

It’s honestly hilarious that this 2001 animated hit, made fun of the sing-song Disney movies, was adapted into a full-fledged musical. Fiona harmonizes with her past and present self in the song “I Know It’s Today”, she and Shrek have a hilariously upbeat pity party in “I Think I Got You Beat”. Fair warning, “Don’t Let Me Go” will keep rattling in your brain days later.

Heathers

This 1988 cult-classic is infamous for its dark nature. Troubled teens (portrayed by Winona Ryder and Christian Slater) dream of revenge on the popular Heathers of the school, and a string of deaths ensue. If you’re already a fan of the film, the 2014 musical is a real treat. Ominous tracks like “Dead Girl Walking”, “My Dead Gay Son” and “Lifeboat” make for a fresh experience different from usual musicals.

Lion King

Did you know that Disney animators worried that Lion King would flop? Boy did it surpass expectations! The musical features all the songs you love from the feature film, with a few added gems like the energetic chant “One By One”, the prayerful “Endless Night”, and the hauntingly beautiful “They Live in You”. That last song was so good, that Disney pilfered it for the opening of their direct-to-video sequel!

Waitress

Did you know that Sara Bareilles (who will not write you a love song) composed an award-winning Broadway musical? Based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film of the same name, this musical bakes a fresh perspective on finding love in the most ordinary of places (like a diner). Love and comfort food are the name of the game, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We highly recommend listening to “She Used to Be Mine” or “What Baking Can Do” to get a feel for it.

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Did these musicals exceed your expectation? Or was the original movie untoppable? Let us know!

8 Broadway Musicals Adapted from Stellar Movies