Top 10 Best Broadway Musicals

What is the best musical ever to hit the stage in New York?
The Top Ten
1 Hamilton

What an I say? Even if it's maybe a little overrated, Lin Manuel Miranda is still a lyrical genius and all the songs are bangers.

It is so emotional and the songs are so creative! There are so many of them too, 46 songs! It teaches us so much of our history that we didn't even know. Some of the history they got wrong but it had mostly facts. If you only listen to the music then it may not make sense but it is so addictive. Hamilton makes you cry (Burn), laugh (Cabinet Battle #1), and you always want to sing along (My Shot)! The choreography is amazing and the mix of voices is beautiful. If you haven't seen it or even listened to the music then I'd suggest it, like completely! Hamilton is all my friends and I EVER TALK ABOUT!

Hamilton is the King Of Musicals and one of the voices of theater's angelic trumpets. Everyone around the world sings the songs and do all sorts of skits from the musical. The blockbuster theater song My shot to me tells everyone to be confident in yourself and never give up, and of course especially at schools, the excelling confidence in schools, many people past their history tests or exams. It's spectacular music and art is every piece of a musical you expect. Hamilton is the #1 musical in the world and deserves to be on the top spot.

2 Wicked

This popular musical is highly praised for its vocals, but that is about it. The performance by Idina Menzel is nothing short of amazing, but no songs other than "Defying Gravity" are quite memorable. They do, however, succeed in making a clear message. The theme of "perspective being everything" is evident through the story, and the whole play blends really well into the conflict of The Wizard of Oz. The problem is that the show's story is not told in any compelling or unique way through the music or predictably basic characters. There is a lack of suspense and compelling drama that the talented actors and singers unfortunately do not make up for. People still praise it today by calling it amazing, especially in the music. I'm here to say that it could have been, but it fell short with its tasteless plot.

It kills me to choose between Wicked and Les Mis, as they are undoubtedly my top two. I think Wicked takes the cake because it combines raw emotion with an incredible display of vocal virtuosity in a way which, I believe, slightly surpasses Les Mis. Additionally, the set and, especially, lighting are an incredible piece of art; it is simple an amazing visual spectacle from start to finish. There a lots of good musicals in the world and find that some theatre geeks write Wicked off because of its "newness" or mainstream popularity, but I really believe that it deserves to be ranked among the best of all time.

3 Les Misérables

Les Mis is so great! It's gives you perfect mix of different emotions... happiness, triumph, sadness, anger etc. There are so many great musicals: the lion king, matilda, rent, mamma mia, annie, wicked... but Les Mis beats them all, I'm sorry. There are so many great songs: my personal favourite, the emotional On my Own, the upbeat Master of the House, the desperate I Dreamed a dream, the sad Castle on a Cloud, the glorious Red or Black and so on. There is a whole great cast of characters who bring out different feelings in you and this play is humorous and heart-wrenching at the same time. Overall, I love Les Mis!

Have not seen live but I have the 25 anniversary DVD at home. Everyone (except Nick Jonas-sorry! ) was amazing. The characters in this story are amazing. My favorite is Eponine and it is my dream to play her. I can't even pick a favorite song, I guess it's a tie between One Day More, On My Own, I Dreamed a Dream, Stars, Do You Hear the People Sing, Bring Him Home (the first song I heard from this musical, sung by the amazing Josh Groban), Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, and A Little Fall of Rain.

4 Phantom of the Opera

I honestly cry every time I watch or listen to it. Erik is such a depressing and relatable character with his pain. Christine is "twisted every way" as so to speak between the two men, and Raoul is... Raoul.
It's such a unique musical (and books, and movies) because unlike most tales, the ugly, downtrodden protagonist (depending on the version, Erik IS the protagonist, like Susan Kay's Phantom and some other versions) doesn't get the girl, and ends up dying in most cases. While Erik doesn't die in the musical, he certainly doesn't get a happy ending.

Hamilton is climbing up this list, and that disappoints me. Hamilton has clever songwriting, definitely, but does it deliver on all levels? I think it is good, but not as amazing as people made it. It certainly has energy and charisma, though.

This musical has an amazing music score, which is why it is the longest running musical. They stay in your heart. They haunt you like the Phantom does the opera house. And it sweeps you off your feet and glides you along the song of the "Music of the Night,"

5 Newsies

Newsies on the surface might seem like 20 boys doing impressive dance moves and not much else. But it's much more than that. Jack Kelly is one of the most fascinating and best-written characters in the modern Broadway era. His love story with Katherine is definitely not forced, and he himself matches a wonderfully funny and snarky personality with true compassion for the other boys. The score is phenomenal, from rousing anthems like "Carrying the Banner", "World Will Know", "Once and for All", "Brooklyn's Here", "King of New York" and of course "Seize the Day" to beautiful songs like "Something to Believe in", "Letter from the Refuge" and "I Never Planned on You". It was wonderfully written, also features great villains like Pulitzer and Snyder, and is perfectly funny and inspiring. And who can resist good looking guys doing flips for 2 1/2 hours?

Best show in the history of the universe. I can't say enough about it, it hurts me physically how much I love this show. Move over Hamilton, Newsies is the best broadway production of american history ever. I like Hamilton, but how can it compare to this? How? I have watched it literally every single day this week and have yet to get tired of it. I listen to the soundtrack on a loop every waking moment of my day and know every word. And EVERY TIME, EVERY SINGLE TIME( Spoiler alert) the Delancys drag off Crutchie and Snyder hits him with his crutch, I GROSS SOB. Not even exaggerating. So emotional, so heroic and powerful and just the best written story line and characters. Plus, who can turn down the opportunity to watch hot guys dance ballet and tap dance for two hours straight?

6 West Side Story

It's a boring show if you watch it for mere entertainment, but knowing its historical background makes the message, that is still relevant today, truly powerful. This romantic tragedy reveals the struggling society in the 1950s, the Jets struggling to survive on the streets and the Sharks struggling to be welcome to America. It contrasts the hate between the Jets and Sharks with romance between the two opposing sides. I admire the show's ability to build on relationships such as Riff and Tony, Chino and Bernardo, and Tony and Maria to make the pain of loss all the more powerful. It is one of the very few shows that leaves you thinking and perhaps tearing up, and not tears of joy. Yet, with its emotional power, it still manages to entertain the audience throughout with truly unique and extremely catchy musical numbers, excellent choreography, and quirky characters such as The Jets. It is a genuine masterpiece and well improved modernization of Romeo and Juliet.

7 Into The Woods

How is this #10? Are you kidding? Into the Woods is quite possibly the best musical EVER. I had watched the movie before, then when I was eleven I listened to the original cast recording and I fell in LOVE WITH IT. Listening to Into the Woods is what got me into musical theater. I'd say that personally, this should at least be in the top five. I suggest that you watch or listen to Into the Woods (not the movie, it's pretty bad compared to the original)

I only saw the movie and liked it. I'd like to see the musical, though you do have to admit that into the woods is said A LOT. My favorite song from there is agony (probably because the two prince dudes were singing this while doing that hilarious scene at the waterfall when they ripped their shirts off).

If we're talking about movie musicals, then sure, Into the Woods would probably sit somewhere around Number 10, as the movie version was okay, but still not that great. In terms of the original stage version, however, this should be right up there at Number 2, only after Les Mis.

8 Rent

Such an original story line, and an amazing score. The songs are amazing and each song sets the tone for that scene. John Larson is truly a legend for creating such a work of art. When casting each part, they really found people who were fit for those roles, and I also love how Tracie Thoms was in both the movie and the final performance, and how Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp were also in both the movie and the Broadway show.

I enjoy the soundtrack so much, and I've watched the movie and 2008 filmed version a total of almost 10 times in the past few months. It was one of the first broadway musicals I really enjoyed, after Book of Mormon. I can't wait for the 20th anniversary tour.

I love Wicked, I really do. But RENT is better than Wicked and deserves the top spot. It deserved a better movie. Thank you John.

9 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sweeney Todd is a wild ride of a stage production, and makes you feel uneasy as it is supposed to. Almost all of the songs are bangers, and all the characters are very likeable (apart from the judge, but you aren't supposed to like him). It's story is very original and played out nicely. I am so glad that the Tim Burton 2007 adaption turned out a good film, and I highly recommend it to anyone who really likes musical theatre. It cuts down some of the unimportant songs from the stage production, and the story is a little tighter. Even so, I love both of the stage production and the movie.

This show is amazing and I can't get enough of it, it has to be my favorite show that I haven't been in. It's also so far the only show that's gory and I can still watch it and not care about it, I've always hated horror movies, musicals, and plays (like Feathers and Teeth, which you should never watch unless you can or love horror movies...) but this show was fun to watch and it's a realistic idea.

10 Lion King

I've seen plenty of musicals in time, and I adore Wicked, Hamilton, and Les Mis. But Lion King is hands down my favorite, and the musical I think deserves the most praise. The sets, the masks, the props, the costumes, the puppets, everything about the show is beautiful and incredible. Every character is amazing too. My personal favorite characters were Rafiki and Simba. They are both such unique and interesting characters. Plus their voices gave me chills.

I haven't seen many musicals (I think I would also enjoy Wicked a lot if I had watched it), I've only watched children's plays as a kid and The Phantom of the Opera, but I LOVED The Lion King. You can't go wrong with a great movie and a fantastic musical

Lion King is probably the most amazing shows I've EVER seen hands down. And the music is gorgeous and compelling.

The Contenders
11 The Sound of Music

This is a classic- can't be beat. I mean, I do admit that Wicked and The Phantom of The Opera were amazing, but The Sound of Music is simply brilliant. Beautiful music known all over the world, fantastic actors and whimsical fun! Unforgettable characters like Liesl, Gretel, and Maria- characters that any child can relate to. If any musical deserves to be Number 1, it's the Sound of Music!

Out of any play or musical I've been in, the Sound of Music is probably some of the most fun I've had in my LIFE. Playing Liesel was a dream come true and getting to know all of the cast, especially the little girls who played Marta and Gretl was amazing. The music in the broadway version is just as good as the movie and it is a genius musical none can beat.

Even though I'm into more complex stuff like Phantom and Les Mis now, this was my first musical and I will always love it.

12 The Book of Mormon

Why is this not higher? This was written by the greatest comedians of all time, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. It took them seven years just to finish it, and the end result is just fantastic. This musical deserves number 1 in my opinion.

I have never seen the show, but it is sometimes ranked as more successful than hamilton in terms of ticket sales. That has GOT to mean something. The soundtrack is electric and hillarious, the Tony performances were amazing, everything you want in a perfect musical is there.

This is the best musical I've seen in awhile. It has a great story with amazing songs and and even better plot. I recommend everyone to see this, this is the best musical in my opinion.

13 Grease

I don't really like the story (Rizzo is the only character who actually took more than a few minutes to develop) but the songs are awesome.

Grease is the best musical. It's timeless. I wasn't even born when it was first shown, but when I watched it several years ago, I loved it!

I hate Grease, there's too much drama and the songs do get kind of annoying. (I don't like movies or books with wayy too much drama over mundane things).

14 Chicago

My 3rd favorite musical (behind Wicked and Sweeney Todd). Really funny characters, great songs, interesting plot, and all the inappropriate lingerie clothing for that one creepy pervert in the audience (if you're into that). I'd definitely recommend it, just keep it away from children under the age of 13 (ESPECIALLY little boys).

This is absolutely amazing. Come on, the cell block tango and all that jazz were the best songs ever

Saw it, loved it, still love it- and all that jazz.

15 Matilda

The songs are really catchy, especially "Revolting Children"; It shows that kids have lives, too, and they're not just slaves. Matilda is also so smart and the characters are so charismatic, and it goes into one beautiful and enlightening Broadway musical.

I was in this musical and it was so much fun! I know it's not the most popular, but it has great music, a great plot, great dancing and more! It's also really funny! I definitely recommend it.

Why is this not higher?!?!? It deserves #1! My fave musical of all time! Definitely gets my vote!

16 Dear Evan Hansen

Be ready to CRY but in a good way. I don't like the trope that it relies on but the music and character dynamics make up for it tenfold.

I got into Broadway because of Newsies, and I really love Newsies, but Dear Evan Hansen really kept me hooked. The characters are amazing, the songs are beautiful, and the story is so unique and original. Ben Platt is literally an angel. He has one of the best voices I've ever heard. The rest of the original cast was amazing too. Their performances were real and emotional. I never got to see them, but watching clips and listening to the soundtrack on Spotify is gonna have to be enough for me. The songs have a lot of emotional power and I usually break down in tears when I listen to most of them. Especially "For Forever", "Waving Through a Window", and "Words Fail". This one time I thought that it would be a good idea to listen to some of the songs on my bus, and I actually started crying. Thankfully I'm a silent crier so I don't think anyone saw. DEH is just the best and it should be higher on this list. And Evan is such an endearing character. He's so sweet, awkward, relatable and shy and ugh I can't. I have a lot more to say but this is getting pretty long so that's it!

17 The Music Man
18 Beauty and the Beast

Great story, wonderful songs, interesting characters, a timeless tale.

How is this not higher?!

This is a classic, kids!

19 Guys & Dolls

This musical is great! Everybody loves a good New York themed musical, but this one knocks it out of the park. It tells a well paced, strongly developed story about a gambler falling in love with a mission worker after making a bet. While still utilizing all the silly, entertaining ideas of gambling, it teaches a strong message of redemption. It manages to stay lighthearted, funny, and enjoyable all throughout with its very likable characters (particularly the protagonist, Sky Masterson) and wonderful music. There is not one bad song in this musical. Just listen to "Luck Be a Lady" or "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat" or "Guys and Dolls". Overall, it's simple, charming, and will leave you with a smile on your face.

Love this musical. Especially the instrumentation, but I am extremely biased towards jazz.

I love this musical. Very deserving to be on this list.

20 Annie

This is the BEST family musical, hands down. (Let alone, a classic musical). Annie is NOT annoying, but it is powerful. From the trumpet solo at the beginning of the overture, to the dance breaks during Easy Street and Smile, and even the cuteness of the orphans, everything about this show is amazing!

And of course, we all know the song Tomorrow.

Classic Musicals 101: WATCH ANNIE!

Annie is such a beautiful masterpiece. The music is soooo good, with the most iconic ones being well known. If you haven't heard of Annie, that's... kind of sad. Watch it, and experience the life and happiness it brings through its monumental story.

Well this one I haven't seen it on Broadway or really much, but it's an okay musical. It's not my favorite, but it's not bad.

21 Legally Blonde: The Musical

How can you not love this show? It defies the stereotypes of blondes and gives young girls a role model; Elle Woods. She teaches young girls to be/believe in yourself, stick up for what you believe in, and follow your heart, no matter what anyone says.

I always look at this musical as a perfect example of character development. Elle woods starts up as one person and ends pup as someone completely different.

One of my all time favourites. I love the heroine theme in it. Oh, and the cute dog. To be honest, I didn't like Elle Woods at first: I thought see was a spoilt brat wanting to impress a boy. BUUUUUT I love how she changes into a brave, caring, smart woman. A must watch with your girls!

22 Spamalot

This is the stupidest and funniest musical I have ever seen. I was not bored for one second.

This is my favorite musical. It's amazing.

Played this in high school never had such a good time in my life. Music is amazing. Show is great and hilarious if u get the jokes.

23 Cats

This musical could have been a disaster turning a book of poems into songs and then adding choreography but it turned out beautiful, they even added some songs that weren't in old possums book of practical cats. By far this musical is my favorite. HAVE YOU PEOPLE EVEN SEEN CATS! Cats is the whole reason I started acting, dancing, and joining in choirs. (Hopefully see you while I'm someday performing this epic musical)

Every dance, every song, and every character sparkles with something that cannot be anything else but pure, wonderful genius and beauty. The memory WILL live forever.

Watched it today...WHAT A SHOW. Doesn't really have too much of a plot, and it doesn't need one. So much talent displayed on the stage, absolutely incredible.

24 Ragtime

I just saw this the most heart wrenching and beautiful play I've ever seen

25 Hairspray

Hairspray is so iconic!

The story is what everyone in the world needs to hear, and the songs are phenomenal!

This one is also stupid.

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