Top 10 Musical Movie Adaptations of All Time
Script written by Nick Spake
Top 10 Musical Movie Adaptations
Every Single Upcoming Movie Musical
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Musical Movie Adaptations.
For this list, we’ll be looking at movie musicals that successfully brought their stage counterparts to the screen. We’re excluding recordings of live stage performances like 2020’s “Hamilton,” as phenomenal as that film is.
What’s your favorite movie musical adaptation? Let us know in the comments.
#10: “Dreamgirls” (2006)
After the Broadway production scored 13 Tony nominations, winning 6, there were multiple attempts to adapt “Dreamgirls” for cinema. At one point, Whitney Houston and Howard Ashman were even in talks. It took 25 years, but director Bill Condon finally brought “Dreamgirls” to the screen with an all-star cast, including Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy in an Oscar-nominated turn. An acting newcomer stole the show, however. Like Jennifer Holliday before her, Jennifer Hudson is a revelation as Effie White. Watching Hudson’s performance of “And I Am Telling You,” it’s hard to resist breaking into applause as if you were at a Broadway show. It’s no wonder that Hudson virtually swept throughout awards season, culminating with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
#9: “Grease” (1978)
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Ruling as the highest-grossing live-action movie musical for more than three decades, “Grease” arguably improved upon the stage musical that inspired it. The best numbers from the stage show remain present, including “Summer Nights,” “Beauty School Dropout,” and “Greased Lightnin’.” The film also introduced several new staples of the franchise, replacing “All Choked Up” with the infinitely catchier “You’re the One That I Want,” and giving Sandy an Oscar-nominated solo, “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” The film isn’t without its dated elements, especially pertaining to Danny and Sandy’s relationship. On the whole, though, “Grease” will always have its charms. It’s corny yet cool, lighthearted while still tackling relatable high school issues, and lovingly embraces its ‘50s setting through a pair of nostalgia goggles.
#8: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)
Although Tim Burton doesn’t come from a musical theater background, we can’t think of a better-suited director to adapt “Sweeney Todd.” The Tony-winning stage show by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler was draped in gothic imagery, tragic irony, and demented humor. All of this flawlessly translates to Burton’s version. While Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter lack the singing chops of their stage predecessors, both still bring a twisted passion to their performances. Depp is a menacing Todd, Bonham Carter is a lovably despicable Mrs. Lovett, and everyone has a ball in their respective roles. Equal parts musical and slasher flick, the film mixes several ingredients you wouldn’t expect to mesh. Like Lovett’s meat pies, though, you can’t argue that it tastes so good.
#7: “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
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From a little barbershop of horrors to a little flower shop of horrors. This musical is rooted in a 1960 horror-comedy from Roger Corman. Not many people would look at a B-movie about a blood-thirsty plant and see potential for a musical. Howard Ashman was a creative thinker unlike any other, though. The Off-Broadway show by Ashman and Alan Menken paved the way for this cult classic, which found the ideal director in Frank Oz. Ellen Greene reprises her role as Audrey, but the cast also assembles some of the decade’s biggest comedic talents, from Rick Moranis to Steve Martin. The film captures the whimsy, heart, and dark humor of its source material, although a happier ending is appropriately added for a mainstream audience.
#6: “My Fair Lady” (1964)
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Upon release, “My Fair Lady” broke records with its then-unheard-of $17 million budget. The rights alone cost $5.5 million, but the investment was worthwhile. “My Fair Lady” was a box office success and won eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Rex Harrison also won Best Actor for reprising his role as the sardonic Professor Henry Higgins. Julie Andrews didn’t get to bring her version of Eliza Doolittle to the screen, as Jack L. Warner wasn’t convinced she had the star power. Ironically, Andrews won Best Actress that same year for her debut film role: Mary Poppins. Eliza, meanwhile, was played by Audrey Hepburn. Although Marni Nixon dubbed most of her singing, Hepburn’s comedic timing and charisma are what make us want to dance all night.
#5: “Hairspray” (2007)
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John Waters’ 1988 cult comedy inspired the Tony-winning Broadway musical that would lead to this movie adaptation. “Hairspray” is a joyous cinematic experience, which may sound strange given the serious subject matter. While there are more thought-provoking films about the civil rights movement, “Hairspray’s” commentary on prejudice is respectful, inspiring, and still relevant. It gets these themes across through an uplifting soundtrack that we’d argue is on par with the Broadway version. From legends like John Travolta to newcomers like Nikki Blonsky, the film couldn’t ask for a more harmonious cast. The ensemble even scored a Screen Actors Guild nomination. We think the film deserved even more accolades, but like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Hairspray” only grows more beloved with age.
#4: “Cabaret” (1972)
“Cabaret” proved to be a smash on Broadway, but the film adaptation was a risky venture for a few reasons. The film made several alterations, most notably changing Sally Bowles from British to American. Director Bob Fosse was also fresh off a flop with his film adaptation of “Sweet Charity.” Every gamble paid off, however. Fosse’s direction gave the film a gritty atmosphere and adult edge, ushering the genre into a more sophisticated era. Liza Minnelli as Sally may be the finest casting decision in the history of movie musicals. Minnelli embodies this role, portraying Sally as the life of the party, treating every day like it’s her last. Fosse and Minnelli would both win Oscars for their efforts with “Cabaret” picking up eight overall.
#3: “Chicago” (2002)
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Following “Cabaret,” Bob Fosse eventually brought “Chicago” to Broadway. He wouldn’t live to see the film adaptation, which hit theaters fifteen years after his death. However, Fosse’s influence is felt throughout, especially when it comes to the jazzy lighting, staging, and choreography. Director Rob Marshall replicates the realism and the fantasy of the stage musical. Being a film, though, Marshall is able to delve even deeper into Roxie Hart’s daydreaming, resulting in several expertly crafted set pieces. If “Moulin Rouge!” brought the movie musical back a year earlier, then “Chicago” revived the movie musical adaptation. Becoming the first musical to win Best Picture in thirty-four years, “Chicago” reminded Hollywood that Broadway was ripe with material waiting to be adapted for the screen.
#2: “West Side Story” (1961)
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Based on the stage musical inspired by “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story” strikes a pitch-perfect balance between directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Although Robbins directed and choreographed the Broadway production, he was relatively new to film. Wise had a proven track record, but he had yet to direct a Broadway musical adaptation. By splitting duties, the film got the best of both worlds with Wise bringing a cinematic flare to the hard-hitting drama and Robbins masterfully choreographing the musical numbers. Their collaboration is only made more fitting considering that “West Side Story” is about two people from different backgrounds coming together in harmony. Although Tony and Maria don’t get the happiest ending, the movie did with ten Oscars, including Best Picture and Director.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
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“The Music Man” (1962)
Robert Preston Reprises His Tony-Winning Role In a Movie That’s Anything But Trouble
“Fiddler on the Roof” (1971)
The First Of Many Oscars for Arranger/Conductor John Williams
“Funny Girl” (1968)
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“Oliver!” (1968)
The Last Musical to Win Best Picture Until “Chicago”
#1: “Cats” (2019)
We know it bombed financially and was critically panned upon release, but looking back years later… yeah, it’s still a catastrophe. Here’s the real #1.
#1: “The Sound of Music” (1965)
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Robert Wise won another pair of Oscars for “The Sound of Music,” directing two of the greatest movie musicals ever. Once again, Wise remains faithful to the story’s theatrical background while taking full advantage of the film medium. For example, the opening where Julie Andrews sings the title song could’ve been a straight-forward number. Instead, the crew went all out with a camera zooming in on Andrews via helicopter. This establishes a grand tone that’s maintained throughout the remainder of the film. Everything about this musical feels epic in scale, from the romance to the dramatic tension. At its core, though, it’s a simple story about how music unites us all. And that’s precisely what every musical should do: bring people together.
