When most people say “I hate Broadway,” what they actually mean is: I hate the version of Broadway that lives in my head: jazz hands, three-hour runtimes, someone singing about their feelings in a cornfield.
But here’s the thing… the Broadway that exists right now? It barely resembles that. Some of these shows feel like concerts and some like prestige TV and indie films. Others feel like you accidentally walked into a life-changing experience.
We ranked them from pure crowd-pleaser to the ones that will quietly undo you.
1. MJ The Musical
For people who like: concerts, nostalgia, absolutely no homework.
You already know every song. You will not be doing any emotional labor. You are just… vibing.
2. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
For people who like: chaos, nightclubs, sensory overload as a lifestyle.
Big, loud, and sexy. If you get bored, you are actively resisting fun.
3. & Juliet
For people who like: Max Martin music, Shakespeare being humbled, surprisingly good cries.
Pop bangers, self-awareness, and just enough heart to catch you off guard.
4. Maybe Happy Ending
For people who like: quiet devastation, love stories that linger.
It’s two robots, but it’s one of the most human things you’ll ever see.
5. Six
For people who like: pop concerts, girl groups, history as a flex.
Short, punchy, and refuses to waste your time.
6. The Book of Mormon
For people who like: South Park, being slightly scandalized.
You’ll laugh so hard you forget you’re at a musical.
7. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
For people who like: blockbuster movies, “did that just happen?” magic effects.
It’s spectacle-first and theatre second. (Also now starring Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy!)
8. Stranger Things: The First Shadow
For people who like: Stranger Things, origin stories.
Feels like binge-worthy TV… but live. It’s huge spectacle and worth the dollars.
9. Hamilton
For people who like: hip-hop, history, crying later.
Still doesn’t feel like Broadway. Still hits.
10. The Outsiders
For people who like: grit, brotherhood, emotional damage
You don’t watch this one… you feel it.
11. The Lost Boys
For people who like: vampires, 80s energy, getting in early.
New, buzzy, and already building a cult following.
12. Death Becomes Her
For people who like: camp, chaos, big performances.
Knows exactly what it is… and commits.
13. Beaches: A New Musical
For people who like: weepies, comedies, big performances.
You bring your best friend to this and you leave holding them a little tighter.
14. Every Brilliant Thing
For people who like: unexpected crying, human connection.
It sneaks past your defenses… and suddenly you’re in it.
“Hating Broadway” is a vibe… not a fact. Shows vary from concerts to movies on a stage to emotional ambushes that you can’t get on your couch. All are exactly what you didn’t know you needed.