We all love a good Broadway show—there’s something magical about seeing it live. But sometimes, movie adaptations bring that same magic to the big screen, and let’s be honest, they might just put their Broadway counterparts to shame. These film adaptations manage to capture the spirit of the stage, sometimes even enhancing the story, the performances, and the music. So, if you’re a Broadway lover looking for some movie musicals that outshine the live versions, here are 10 you might want to check out.

1. Wicked (2024)

About: Based on the smash Broadway hit, Wicked is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of how Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda (the Good Witch) became who they were.

Wicked has already made a massive impact on Broadway, but with the 2024 movie adaptation, we’ll likely get to see it in a whole new light. Movie musicals often have the advantage of amazing special effects and cinematic visuals that make things like flying monkeys and magical lands come alive in ways that can be harder to pull off live. Plus, the star-studded cast (think Ariana Grande as Glinda) will give it the performance power to rival anything on stage.

2. Phantom of the Opera: 25th Anniversary (2011)

About: This special film version of the famous Phantom of the Opera features the 25th-anniversary production at the Royal Albert Hall, with some incredible performances.

While the Broadway show is legendary, this live performance filmed for the screen brings the iconic musical’s lavish sets, amazing costumes, and jaw-dropping performances straight to your living room. The beauty of seeing Phantom in movie form is the ability to really focus on the details—like the hauntingly intimate moments between Christine and the Phantom—that might get lost in the grandeur of the theater.

3. Chicago (2002)

About: Set in the Roaring Twenties, Chicago tells the story of two women on trial for murder, all set to a jazz-infused score.

While the Broadway production has earned its fair share of accolades, the movie adaptation took things to a whole new level. With fantastic performances from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger, and musical numbers that bring the glitz and glam of 1920s Chicago to life, this film is sleek, sharp, and perfect for the big screen. It captured the edgy energy of the show while adding an extra layer of cinematic style.

4. Mamma Mia! (2008)

About: A heartwarming story of a young woman looking for her father, set against a soundtrack of ABBA’s greatest hits.

While the Mamma Mia! stage version has its own magic, the movie took the energy and joy of the show to a whole new level. The beachy setting, beautiful visuals, and catchy music (combined with the star power of Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan) make it a feel-good watch that Broadway might struggle to capture. And let’s be real—those dance sequences are just made for the screen.

5. La La Land (2016)

About: A romantic musical about two dreamers in Los Angeles—an aspiring actress and a jazz musician—who are caught between love and ambition.

Why It Might Put Broadway to Shame: La La Land is a love letter to classic Hollywood musicals, but it also brought something new and fresh to the genre. The stunning cinematography, the catchy jazz-inspired songs, and the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone make this film a modern classic. While Broadway can’t always capture the sweeping, cinematic scope of the film, La La Land manages to combine the magic of musicals with the charm of movie-making.

6. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

About: Set in Hollywood during the transition from silent films to talkies, Singin' in the Rain is a celebration of the power of song and dance in the face of change.

Often hailed as one of the greatest movie musicals of all time, Singin' in the Rain perfected the formula of combining humor, romance, and musical numbers. The way the film brings together dance sequences, songs, and the magic of early Hollywood just can’t be captured the same way on stage. It’s the definition of cinematic musical excellence.

7. Guys and Dolls (1955)

About: Based on the Broadway hit, this film adaptation tells the story of gamblers and showgirls in New York City.

With legendary performances from Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Jean Simmons, this movie brought the musical’s charm and energy to a global audience. The production quality and smooth cinematography helped elevate the stakes, making it one of the most stylish musical adaptations of its time.

8. The Sound of Music (1965)

About: A classic story of a young nun who becomes a governess to a widowed naval captain’s seven children, set against the beautiful Austrian Alps.

While the Broadway production was a huge success, the film version of The Sound of Music took the story to a whole new level. The sweeping shots of the Alps, the iconic songs, and the heartfelt performances (especially from Julie Andrews) are timeless. The film’s ability to blend stunning visuals with emotional depth gives it an edge that’s tough to match on stage.

9. My Fair Lady (1964)

About: The story of a poor flower girl who is transformed into a lady by a phonetics professor, all set to a memorable score.

While My Fair Lady was a huge hit on Broadway, the film adaptation with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison took the story’s charm to the next level. The costumes, sets, and performances are spectacular, and the film captures the sweeping grandeur that’s hard to replicate on stage. Hepburn’s elegance and Harrison’s wit shine through in a way that feels uniquely cinematic.

10. Funny Girl (1968)

About: The story of Fanny Brice, a comedian who rises to stardom while dealing with love, loss, and the ups and downs of her career.

Barbra Streisand’s performance in Funny Girl is legendary, and her role as Fanny Brice is one of the most iconic in musical film history. While the stage production of Funny Girl is still beloved, the movie adaptation benefits from Streisand’s voice, charisma, and star power, making it a standout. The songs, like "Don’t Rain on My Parade," are just so much more memorable when paired with Streisand’s incredible screen presence.

These movie musicals might have started as Broadway hits, but they managed to do something extra in their film adaptations—whether through stunning visuals, a star-studded cast, or bringing the magic of Broadway to the big screen. If you’re a musical theater lover looking for something that elevates the genre, these films are definitely worth watching.