Musicals are one of the best forms of entertainment ever to be made- with uplifting and inspirational soundtracks and intriguing story plots, they are an excellent way to enjoy some time!
If you're looking for some of the best musicals to watch, you've come to the right place. As a musical enthusiast, I've compiled below the top 15 musicals that you really should watch- at least once!
1. Mamma Mia!
Set in the beautiful islands of Greece, Mamma Mia! follows the story of Sophie, a young girl who is determined to find her father before her wedding. She tracks down her mother Donna's past three lovers in hopes to know before the big day.
With catchy music from ABBA incorporated throughout, Mamma Mia! is a sure #1. This loved musical also recently had a paired movie come out- perfectly titled Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again!
2. The Sound of Music
Perhaps one of the most beautifully told musicals of all time- The Sound of Music follows a young nun, Maria, who is quite prone to much trouble. In hopes to help Maria gain an understanding of the world, the church sends her out to teach as a governess to 7 children who are strictly regulated under their military father.
With Maria, the children fall in love with music, and Maria too with them. Set in the time of World War II and based on a true story, this classic is an absolute much-watch.
3. LaLaLand
Ah, the classic tale of finding love... except with a realistic twist.
LaLaLand has been critically acclaimed and has won many prestigious awards for its wonderful choreography and storyline- which you must watch to find out!
4. Hairspray
One of the most underrated musicals of all time, Hairspray is for sure one that must go on your watch list.
Set in the times of 1960s in Baltimore, Tracy, a bubbly dance-loving teen, auditions for the "Corny Collins Show”, a local dance TV show, and is accepted! Bringing in together racial integration into the delightfully written storyline, Hairspray is complete with the ultimate uplifting bops.
5. The Greatest Showman
Set in the early 1800s, Mr. Barnum is determined to pave his own way with his circus. After banding together with people seen as “misfits and oddities”, the circus is here to prove the negative critics wrong.
With fantastic tricks, music of hope, and soaring imagination, The Greatest Showman is here to knock your breath away.
6. Les Misérables
Based on the book “Les Misérables”, prisoner Jean Valjean is endlessly pursued by the cold officer Javert. Valjean's efforts to become a better reinvented man is again and again discovered and hunted by the officer. Later on, Valjean adopts a young girl from a dying mother, and they must find peace in midst of war.
Set in the times of the French Revolution, not only is this a classic, but one you cannot miss.
7. Enchanted
An enchanting (no pun intended) fairytale you must watch- but with a special incorporation of both animation and live acting, Enchanted is the definition of a magical daydream.
An animated princess of a kingdom is cast into a well by her wicked stepmother, causing her to end up in none other than New York City. Skeptical lawyer Robert agrees to help Princess Giselle- who must get back to her true love, animated Prince Edward.
8. Legally Blonde
Elle Woods is here to prove that “blondes are dumb” is simply not true. A color pink enthusiast with a sharp eye for fashion and beauty, Elle embarks on a journey to become a lawyer at Harvard University- just to get back with her ex-boyfriend, Warner.
However, when Elle is on a case to prove a murder, things might just change how others view her...
9. Grease
Welcome to high school in the 1950s in America! Set in California, Australian exchange student Sandy gets to know leather-clad “greaser” Danny- what will follow after they meet?
10. Mary Poppins
A delightfully nostalgic tale based on the books by P. L. Travers, this follows the storyline of the magical babysitter Mary Poppins.
Two children from the wealthy Banks family are wonderfully supervised by the fantastical nanny who brings them along on adventures with her performer friend Bert.
This musical has recently been created again, which is titled “Mary Poppins Returns.”
11. Westside Story
What you could call a contemporary spin on the classic Romeo and Juliet, this features two rivalry gangs in New York City, who fight for control over their claimed land.
However, when a gang member falls in love with the rival's sister, things get complicated...
12. Wicked
It turns out that the Wicked Witch of the West of The Wizard of Oz was simply misunderstood. This will certainly give you a new light into how you view the story you thought you knew!
13. High School Musical
The beloved Wildcats definitely makes the list with enthusiastic fans that live for this musical.
When Troy Bolton, the head of his high school basketball team, meets shy Gabriella, the two bond over their love of music. However, there are many conflicts; Troy's love for singing may have to go due to his sport, Gabriella for her academics, and jealous Sharpay who's out to thwart any chances- will the Wildcats be able to get through high school?
This musical is somewhat of a beloved piece of nostalgia for the modern-day teens!
14. Beauty and the Beast
You know the story tale- and this 2017 live-action musical is exactly that, with an array of beautiful music, costumes, and so much more. Oh, to be Belle in the stunning yellow ballgown!
15. Phantom of the Opera
Set in an opera house (of course), in an obsessive manner, the Phantom makes plans to get closer to soprano Christine.... who instead falls for the arts benefactor, Raoul. The Phantom makes plans to be with Christine, but Raoul is close by...
Based on the famed literature piece Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, this must-see musical is breathtaking and filled with meanings.
