The recently released Wicked is casting a spell on moviegoers, setting a record as the first musical adaptation to surpass $300 million (£235m) at the US box office. It’s also the highest-grossing release of 2024 that isn’t a sequel or part of a franchise.
As its leading stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, generate Oscar buzz for their show-stopping performances – read on to discover where Wicked ranks among the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time. Some of the entries on the list, as well as certain classics that didn’t make the cut, might just surprise you.
To determine which movies made our list, we've taken the global box office gross for each film on its initial theatrical run and adjusted the figure for inflation to give you an idea of how much they made in today's money. All dollar amounts in US dollars.
The gothic horror Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) is an adaptation of the acclaimed 1979 Broadway musical of the same name.
Directed by Tim Burton, the dark and gruesome movie stars Johnny Depp in an Oscar-nominated performance as the titular Demon Barber. The all-star cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter as the diabolical Mrs. Lovett and Alan Rickman as the sinister Judge Turpin.
A critical hit, the movie scored an Academy Award for Best Art Direction. It also achieved box office success, grossing $153.4 million globally, which works out at around $234 million (£185m) in today's money.
Loosely based on the rise of R&B group The Supremes, Dreamgirls (2006) is a screen adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name.
The star-studded cast includes Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. It's one of the most expensive films ever produced to feature a predominantly Black cast, with a budget of $80 million, or $125 million (£98m) today.
The film, which received particular praise for its show-stopping musical numbers, earned eight Academy Award nominations and won two, including Best Supporting Actress for Hudson. As for its box office performance, Dreamgirls grossed $155.4 million worldwide, or around $243 million (£190m) today.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004) is a screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name. It stars Gerard Butler as the titular Phantom, while Emmy Rossum plays the female protagonist, Christine Daaé.
Although the stage version has enjoyed incredible success and is the longest-running musical on Broadway, the film debuted to a mixed critical reception. Critics felt the movie lacked the romance and danger of the stage production but praised it as a visual spectacle.
Despite the challenges, The Phantom of the Opera earned three Academy Award nominations and grossed $154.6 million at the global box office, equivalent to around $258 million (£202m) today.
The musical biopic Evita (1996), based on the 1978 play by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, chronicles the rise of Argentinian politician Eva Perón. It stars pop star Madonna in a Golden Globe-winning performance.
A critical gem, Evita won an Oscar for the song You Must Love Me and received four additional Academy Award nominations.
As for its box office performance, the film grossed $141 million globally during its theatrical run, or approximately $284 million (£223m) when adjusted for inflation.
Stephen Sondheim's iconic Broadway musical Into the Woods landed a silver screen adaptation in 2014, boasting an all-star cast including the likes of Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Chris Pine.
Like many musical films, the production was well received at the Academy Awards, landing three nominations, including Best Costume Design and a Best Supporting Actress nod for Streep.
It also fared well at the box office, grossing $212.9 million against its $50 million budget. Adjusted for inflation, that’s a gross of $284 million (£223m) against a budget of $67 million (£52m).
Mary Poppins (1964) is one of the most iconic musicals of all time, thanks to its array of catchy songs and a showstopping performance from Julie Andrews.
Unsurprisingly, the musical earned 13 Academy Award nominations and won five, including a Best Actress award for Andrews and a Best Original Song win for Chim Chim Cher-ee.
Over the years, thanks to re-releases, Mary Poppins has achieved a handsome lifetime gross. Upon its initial release, it grossed $31 million at the box office, or a spectacular $316 million (£248m) in 2024 money.
Directed by Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge! (2001) is a romantic drama set in 1900s Paris. It stars Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman as the star-crossed lovers, Christian and Satine.
As a jukebox musical, Moulin Rouge! features beloved pop and rock classics instead of original tracks, including songs by Elton John, Madonna and The Police, making it the perfect sing-along watch.
A critical darling, the film earned numerous Academy Award nominations and won Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction. At the box office, it grossed over $179 million globally, or $320 million (£251m) when adjusted for inflation.
Oliver! (1968) is a movie adaptation of Lionel Bart's 1960 stage play based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist.
Famed for catchy tunes like Food Glorious Food and You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, the picture dominated the Academy Awards, scooping six Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture gong.
The cinematic classic grossed $37.4 million on its initial release, equivalent to $339 million (£266m) today.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) marked the first time Disney's hit musical franchise made its way to the big screen. The first two films in the series were released exclusively on the Disney Channel TV network and became instant hits with tween audiences.
In a savvy business move, Disney opted to release the third installment theatrically. The decision seriously paid off when the film grossed over $252.9 million globally, or around $371 million (£291m) when adjusted for inflation.
Part of the box office success was attributed to the release of sing-along versions, which allowed moviegoers to join in and belt out their favourite songs alongside the cast.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018) brought the beloved nanny back to the silver screen after a 54-year hiatus. Emily Blunt stepped into the shoes previously filled by Julie Andrews, joined by a talented cast featuring the likes of Ben Whishaw and Colin Firth.
The long-awaited sequel outperformed its predecessor at the box office, grossing $349.5 million globally, or an impressive $439 million (£344m) in 2024 money.
However, the film was less of a critical success than the original, failing to secure any Oscars despite receiving four nominations.
The recently released Wicked, a Hollywood adaptation of the 2003 Broadway show, is currently on track to become the highest-grossing musical movie of all time (not factoring in inflation). It reimagines the Wizard of Oz saga from the perspective of the Wicked Witch.
The film, which stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba respectively, is currently taking the global box office by storm. Since its late November release, it's grossed $457 million (£358m) globally.
While Wicked has enjoyed wicked success, you might be surprised to learn that The Wizard of Oz (1939) was considered a flop when it was first released, making a loss at the box office. Over time, however, the film has gained cult classic status and eventually turned a profit via numerous re-releases.
West Side Story (1961) brought the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name to life on the silver screen. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet but reimagined in 1950s New York, the film stars Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood as the star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria.
One of the most celebrated and enduring musicals in cinematic history, West Side Story dominated the Academy Awards, winning 10 Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award.
At the box office, West Side Story grossed $43.6 million, a spectacular $461 million (£361m) today.
Following the roaring success of the first Mamma Mia! movie (more on that soon), a highly anticipated sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, hit the silver screen in 2018.
The film reunited its all-star ensemble cast, including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters, who returned to belt out beloved ABBA hits such as Dancing Queen and Super Trouper. Meanwhile, Lily James joined the cast, portraying a younger version of Streep's character Donna.
Fans clearly couldn't resist the sequel, and it grossed $395 million worldwide, equivalent to $497 million (£389m) in 2024.
Chicago (2002) is a dazzling screen adaptation of the 1975 Broadway musical. The crime comedy, set during the Jazz Age, did not hold back on star power, featuring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the leading roles as murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Meanwhile, Richard Gere played smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn.
The critically acclaimed adaptation won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, while Zeta-Jones earned a Best Supporting Actress award for her sultry performance as Velma Kelly.
The film brought in over $306 million at the global box office, or $538 million (£422m) when adjusted for inflation.
The Greatest Showman (2017) is a biographical musical loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum, creator of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The star-studded ensemble cast includes Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Zac Efron and Michelle Williams delivering show-stopping performances.
The catchy soundtrack featured nine original songs, with the lead track, This Is Me, nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Other crowd-pleasing tunes from the movie include A Million Dreams, Rewrite the Stars and the power ballad Never Enough.
When the soundtrack exploded, audiences flocked to theatres to view the extravaganza. The Greatest Showman grossed $435 million at the box office, or around $560 million (£438m) today.
La La Land (2016) is a musical rom-com starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, directed by Damien Chazelle.
The film, featuring an array of beautifully composed original songs, became an awards season sensation. It scored six Oscars, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone.
A modern-day classic, La La Land has achieved a lifetime gross of $509 million, bolstered by re-releases in recent years. During its initial release, it grossed $447 million globally, or an impressive $588 million (£460m) today.
Les Misérables (2012) is a Hollywood adaptation of the 1980 French musical, which in turn was based on Victor Hugo’s famous novel.
The movie boasts serious star power, with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe as part of the ensemble cast. Unsurprisingly, the period epic did well during awards season, with Anne Hathaway winning an Oscar for her performance as Fantine. The film also scooped up awards for makeup and hairstyling and sound mixing.
A commercial success, Les Misérables grossed $443 million globally during its theatrical run, equivalent to $609 million (£477m) today.
Wonka (2023) is the latest reimagining of the beloved Roald Dahl classic, starring Timothée Chalamet as the cheeky chocolatier.
Directed by Paul King, renowned for his work on the Paddington film series, the musical was praised for its imaginative approach and captivating visuals. Meanwhile, Chalamet’s Golden Globe-nominated performance as a young Willy Wonka was a definite highlight.
Wonka was a resounding box office success, grossing $634 million. That's a hefty $657 million (£515m) in 2024 money.
Musicals are often zany, but perhaps none more so than The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).
The horror-comedy is based on the 1970s stage musical of the same name and stars Tim Curry in an infamous performance as the devious Dr Frank-N-Furter. Despite a lack of awards season, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has since achieved cult-classic status and is widely considered to be one of the most iconic musicals of all time.
The film grossed almost $113 million globally upon release, or around $663 million (£519m) today.
My Fair Lady (1964) is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. It stars Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, a modest flower seller who is transformed into an elegant member of high society via the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins, played by Rex Harrison.
The critically acclaimed musical landed eight Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award. With dazzling costume design and Hepburn and Harrison delivering iconic performances of songs such as I Could Have Danced All Night, the film cemented its place in cinematic history.
My Fair Lady grossed $72 million upon its initial release, an eye-watering $733 million (£574m) when adjusted for inflation.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp as the eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka.
In keeping with Burton's signature style, the musical fantasy is perhaps the most colourful and whimsical take yet on the Roald Dahl classic. Praised for imaginative visuals and set design, the film earned an Oscar nod for Best Costume Design.
While Wonka (2023) is the latest adaptation of the story, the 2005 release remains the highest-grossing. It pulled in $475 million globally, or approximately $768 million (£602m) in today’s money. In contrast, the 1971 version starring Gene Wilder managed just $4 million ($31m/£24m today) on its initial run.
Grease (1978) is a silver screen adaptation of the 1972 Broadway musical of the same name. It stars Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta as high school sweethearts Sandy and Danny.
The film became an instant hit, thanks to an irresistibly catchy soundtrack inspired by the stage musical, featuring songs such as Greased Lightnin and You’re the One That I Want. Meanwhile, the movie garnered an Oscar nomination for its original song, Hopelessly Devoted to You, performed by Newton-John.
While numerous sequels and spin-offs have been released over the years, the original remains the most successful, with a lifetime gross of $396 million due to re-releases. When it first hit cinemas, Grease earned $160 million worldwide, approximately $775 million (£607m) in today’s money.
The jukebox musical Mamma Mia! (2008) is inspired by ABBA’s greatest hits, making it the ultimate sing-along experience.
Although the film failed to secure any Oscar nods, it had a huge cultural impact, capturing the hearts of audiences with its catchy renditions of songs like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia and lively performances from stars such as Meryl Streep and Colin Firth.
Adjusting for inflation, Mamma Mia! is the second-highest-grossing musical ever, earning $610 million during its theatrical run, or $894 million (£700m) today.
Claiming the top spot is The Sound of Music (1965), a screen adaptation of Maria von Trapp’s 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
Starring Julie Andrews in the leading role, the musical was a critical darling, winning five Oscars upon its release, including the highly coveted Best Picture award. Songs such as Do-Re-Mi and My Favourite Things remain singalong favourites decades on, cementing the film's status as a timeless masterpiece.
As for the gross, the film pulled in over $158 million, or a staggering $1.6 billion (£1.25bn) today.
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