Broadway to musical movies have been popular for decades, and many of them have left an indelible mark on both Broadway and Hollywood And, there are far too many to count here. From Cabaret to The Music Man, let’s take a closer look at some of the best Broadway to movie musical adaptations of all time.
1. Cabaret
Set in Berlin during the rise of Nazi Germany, Cabaret is a classic Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1972. The film starred Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Actress for Minnelli. The film is known for its dark and gritty portrayal of pre-war Berlin and for its iconic musical numbers.
2. Oliver!
Based on the classic Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist, Oliver! is a beloved Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1968. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and starred Mark Lester and Ron Moody. With memorable songs like “Consider Yourself” and “Food, Glorious Food,” Oliver! is a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
3. The King & I
Based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who became the governess to the children of the King of Siam, The King & I is a beloved Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1956. The film starred Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner and won five Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Brynner. With its memorable songs and stunning visuals, The King & I remains a classic of the musical genre.
4. Grease
Set in the 1950s, Grease is a Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1978. The film starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless imitations and becoming one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time. With its catchy songs and memorable characters, Grease is a timeless classic that continues to be loved by audiences of all ages.
5. Chicago
Set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s, Chicago is a Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 2002. The film starred Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Known for its iconic songs and its dark and cynical portrayal of the criminal justice system, Chicago is a must-see for fans of both Broadway and Hollywood.
6. West Side Story
A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a beloved Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1961 and again in 2021. The film starred Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer and won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. in 2021, it was nominated for 7 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose for the win!).With its stunning choreography and unforgettable songs, West Side Story is a true classic of the musical genre.
7. The Sound of Music
Based on the true story of the von Trapp family, The Sound of Music is a beloved Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1965. The film starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With its iconic songs and breathtaking scenery, The Sound of Music is a timeless classic that continues to be loved by audiences of all ages.
8. The Music Man
Set in the early 1900s, The Music Man is a classic Broadway musical that was adapted into a movie in 1962. The film starred Robert Preston and Shirley Jones and was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations. With its memorable songs and charming characters, The Music Man is a must-see for fans of both Broadway and Hollywood.