Despite what you may think, musicals aren’t just reserved for children or theatre kids who dream of making it big on Broadway. What’s not to love about lighthearted movies filled with singing people and a killer soundtrack? Sure, musicals can be a tad cringey at times because who on earth just starts singing in public, but if we can believe that John Wick survived a million bullets, we can stomach people randomly breaking into song. Interested in a little sing-along? Binge watch all of these new movie musicals — and place these upcoming ones on your watchlist.
Our Favourite Movie Musicals
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Recent Releases
1. Wonka (2023)
If both the musicals Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) feel dated to you, you’re in luck, as a more recent take on the novel written by Roald Dahl exists. 2023’s Wonka even stars Timothée Chalamet as the titular character, the whimsical chocolatier whose favourite colour seems to be purple, Willy Wonka. The movie serves as an origin story for the beloved character and has a star-studded ensemble cast including Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, and Olivia Colman. Much has been said about Wonka but one thing is undeniable; it’s a whole lot of fun.
2. Waitress: The Musical (2023)
A sure-fire way to tell that a story is good? When it was originally told as a movie, then a Tony-nominated stage musical, then as a movie of the stage musical. Waitress: The Musical tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, who works at a diner and has a passion for baking pies. She unexpectedly becomes pregnant and works towards getting away from her abusive husband by competing in a pie baking contest with a $20,000 cash prize. This musical-comedy drama movie is as touching as it is hilarious, with poignant music beautifully written and performed by lead actress and producer, Grammy-winning singer Sara Bareilles.
3. Mean Girls (2024)
Don’t let your love for the original trick you into missing out on this masterpiece! Mean Girls (2024) is similar to its iconic predecessor in every way, except for the brand new cast and, of course, the music. Originally a stage musical, Mean Girls was later developed into a hit movie released in theatres earlier this year, with both screenplays written by comedian and actress Tina Fey AKA Ms. Norbury. As Fey also wrote the original Mean Girls, there’s no chance you’d hate this new rendition. It’s so easy to fall in love with the talented young cast, specifically the new Regina George, singer Reneé Rapp. She’s the apex predator for a reason!
Upcoming Musicals
4. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
You read that right, the much-anticipated sequel to the billion-dollar blockbuster hit Joker (2019) is a musical. The teaser trailer for this psychological thriller-slash-musical is Warner Bros.’ biggest premiere yet, with 167 million views in just 24 hours, surpassing Barbie (2023). In Folie à Deux, Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his performance as the titular character, is joined by popstar-turned-actress Lady Gaga. Could Phoenix and Gaga sweep the awards for both Best Actor and Best Actress at the Oscars next year for their portrayals of the Joker and his equally insane lover, Harley Quinn? We can’t wait to find out!
5. Wicked (2024)
Unless you’re a theatre kid, you’ve probably never heard of one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time, Wicked. Thanks to the movie adaptation set to premiere in November this year, the whole world is bound to become obsessed with the untold story of the witches of Oz. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked chronicles the friendship (and later rivalry) between two women, Elphaba Thropp and Galinda Upland, set in the magical Land of Oz. It’s a good thing that this musical will have a sequel, Wicked Part Two, as we’re sure that we’ll never get enough of Erivo’s and Grande’s vocals.
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