Movie Musicals You’ll Love After Watching Wicked

26 Nov

Written by Rosie for Theatre and Tonic

Let’s be honest, the world has been buzzing ever since Wicked hit the scene. With the movie musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo taking over, it’s hard to avoid the excitement! But fear not, there are plenty of other incredible movie musicals to enjoy. If you’re still riding the high from Wicked and need something to tide you over before your next viewing, here are some of our top picks for musical film adaptations that’ll fill that thrilling gap in your watchlist.

Hairspray (2007)

Starring: John Travolta, Zac Efron, Queen Latifa, Nikki Blonsky

Set in the 1960s at the height of the movement for integration, Hairspray combines a fight for justice with the joys of music and dance. An added bonus is that in the NBC Hairspray Live! broadcast, Ariana Grande played Penny Pingleton, a role played in the film by Amanda Bynes.

Chicago (2002)

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifa, John C. Reilly

Possibly one of the greatest movie musical adaptations, featuring iconic songs such as “All That Jazz”, “Cell Block Tango” and the recent viral “We Both Reached For The Gun”, focuses on another female-lead tale of power and manipulation. A must-see for all budding theatre nerds.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021)

Starring: Max Harwood, Richard E. Grant, Bianca Del Rio

Another celebration of difference akin to Wicked is the adaptation of the new British musical that hit the West End in 2017 and has successfully toured since. With cracking, uplifting songs sown in amongst the real story of a boy who dreams of being a drag queen, it’s a sure hit for fans of Wicked.

The Color Purple (2023)

Starring: Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Bailey

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker, this musical adaptation follows the story of a black woman documenting her life under an abusive power. Through its use of music, the movie highlights the stories of black women, comfort in queer relationships and the means to love yourself. The main role, Celie, won Cynthia Erivo the Tony Award in 2016 for Best Leading Actress in a Musical during the musical’s run on Broadway.

In The Heights (2021)

- Starring: Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace

For those who are familiar with Hamilton, In The Heights is the first Tony Award-winning musical by writer and lyricist Lin Manual Miranda. Wicked director Jon M Chu was also at the helm for the big screen adaptation of this love letter to Washington Heights, NYC. It has some visually stunning ensemble numbers and is full of Miranda’s trademark style, fusing hip hop and Latin beats.

Shall We Dance (1937)

Starring: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers

Thought Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero was a tad Fred Astaire-ish? Watch Astaire and Rogers dance through life to Gershwin’s beautiful score in a tale of affection, rumours and misidentity. A classic old Hollywood musical, it’s a delight for those wanting to disappear into the world of song and dance on screen.

Singin’ In The Rain (1952)

Starring: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor

Another old Hollywood musical film star that gives us major Fiyero vibes is the remarkable Gene Kelly. In a plot that follows the progression from silent movies to films that include sound, the movie soars in its iconic song and dance numbers as well as the beautiful colours that accompany the film. It’s a quintessential movie musical for all musical fans.

The Wiz (1978)

Starring: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, Lena Horne

Can’t get enough of retellings of the original Wizard of Oz, look no further than the cult classic soul musical “The Wiz”, which features legends such as Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow and Diana Ross as Dorothy - now a teacher in her 20s rather than a young girl. It breathes new life into the tale you think you know and love, reworking it into the context of black culture and music.

Rent (2005)

Starring: Idina Menzel, Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, Jesse L. Martin

The original Elphaba, Idina Menzel, reprises her role from the smash-hit, award-winning Broadway musical, which follows a group of young artists during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in NYC. This cult rock musical broke the boundaries of what musicals could be, and for any Wicked fans who enjoyed the darker side of the story or want to see the original Elphaba in another role, this is a perfect genre-defining classic for you.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Starring: Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes

For more light-hearted, whimsical musical joy look no further than this beloved musical about a flying car. Transporting you to an almost fairy-tale world with villains and flying objects, it’s the perfect film to watch to get more Oz-like wonder in your repertoire.

Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021)

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexandra Shipp

Fans of musical theatre Easter Eggs will love this semi-autobiographical story from Rent creator Jonathan Larson, released on Netflix to critical acclaim. Directed by Lin Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton and In The Heights fame), the movie includes a stunning central performance from Andrew Garfield (who learned to sing for the role!) as well as cameo performances from some of Broadway’s biggest stars.

Hamilton (2020)

Starring: Lin Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff

While I’m on the subject of Mr Miranda, the Broadway pro-shot of the musical theatre juggernaut that is Hamilton is well worth a look. Featuring the original award-winning Broadway cast, it shows you exactly why Hamilton is still the hottest ticket in town.

West Side Story (2021)

Starring: Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno

When Stephen Spielberg’s version of one of the greatest musicals of all time (and I will die on this hill) was released, there was a lot of debate as to whether or not it was better than the 1961 film. Well, it’s all a matter of personal taste but I think they are both masterpieces. Both films won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose in the role of Anita and Moreno’s cameo in the Spielberg version is a beautiful homage to the original. It’s a spectacular reworking of the visionary classic with its iconic songs, and makes Zegler shine in her break-out role as Maria.

The Prom (2020)

Starring: Ariana DeBose, Meryl Streep, Jo Ellen Pellman, Andrew Rannells

Before she did “the thing”, Ariana DeBose starred in the film adaptation of the cult stage hit. She’s part of a star-studded cast (that also includes James Corden) in a show about a High School prom that’s at risk of cancellation due to the homophobic views of the school’s PTA. It’s camp, colourful and a real celebration of inclusivitiy and love, making it a perfect pairing to the themes of Wicked.

Of course, there are more than five great movie musicals out there. So whether you love The Greatest Showman or The Sound of Music or maybe the OG film that took us “Over the Rainbow”, The Wizard of Oz, there’s plenty to keep you entertained before Wicked releases Part 2 next year!

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