Wicked, Rent, and More Film Adaptations of Musicals You Can’t Miss

Adapting musicals into films isn’t new – for years, it has been a way to breathe fresh life into beloved stage productions. From timeless classics to modern hits, turning musicals into movies opens the door to audiences who might not have the chance to experience the magic of live theater.
Take Wicked, for example, a musical based on a book that has captivated Broadway fans for more than two decades and is now enchanting moviegoers. Film adaptations blend unforgettable performances with the grandeur of cinema, adding layers to the storytelling. With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to revisit iconic musicals-turned-movies that radiate the Christmas spirit.
Get a front-row seat to these dazzling stories ever told:
Wicked
Wicked, a beloved musical that premiered on Broadway in 2003, explores the complex friendship between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda, set against the backdrop of societal pressures and power struggles in Oz.
The 2024 film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu and split into two parts, with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Part 1 includes all major songs from Act 1 and also delves deeper into character backstories, expanding certain scenes to offer a more detailed narrative experience compared to the stage production.
Running Time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? Currently in cinemas worldwide, check your local movie theaters!
The Sound of Music
The story of Maria and the Trapp family began as a 1959 Broadway production featuring music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Its 1965 film adaptation, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, elevated the musical to a timeless masterpiece. With iconic songs like “Do-Re-Mi” and cinematic charm, the film earned five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Running Time: 2 hours, 54 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV
Grease
Premiering in Chicago in 1971 before heading to Broadway, Grease captured the spirit of 1950s youth culture with its edgy themes and rock 'n' roll score. Its 1978 film adaptation, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time. While retaining the heart of the stage musical, the film introduced new songs and a suburban setting, solidifying its status as a beloved classic.
Running Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? AppleTV, Amazon Prime Video
Rent
Jonathan Larson’s Rent, inspired by Puccini's La Bohème, debuted on Broadway in 1996, portraying young artists navigating love, poverty, and the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Its 2005 film adaptation, directed by Chris Columbus, introduced the story to a wider audience and featured many original Broadway cast members. While the film retained the iconic songs like "Seasons of Love" and "La Vie Bohème," it adapted the story with cinematic techniques, added dialogue, and omitted some musical elements, creating a unique interpretation of the beloved stage production.
Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? Hoopla, AppleTV, Amazon Prime Video
Mamma Mia!
Launched in London’s West End in 1999, Mamma Mia! charmed audiences with its heartfelt narrative and ABBA hits. The story follows Sophie’s quest to uncover her father’s identity before her wedding.
The 2008 film adaptation, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, featured a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, bringing the sunny Greek island setting to life with stunning cinematography. While both versions share beloved songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia,” the film introduces visual flair and a Hollywood twist, making it a global sensation that even inspired a successful sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? MAX, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV
Chicago
Chicago, a satirical tale of crime and celebrity in the 1920s, debuted on Broadway in 1975.
The 2002 film adaptation, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, brought the story to the silver screen with dazzling cinematic techniques. Retaining iconic songs like "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango," the film reimagined musical numbers as dream sequences, earning critical acclaim and six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV
West Side Story
First premiering on Broadway in 1957, West Side Story was adapted into film twice. The 1961 version became an iconic classic, winning ten Academy Awards, while Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation modernized the story with authentic casting and expanded themes of gentrification and identity. Both films retain the musical’s unforgettable songs, such as “Maria” and “Tonight.”
Running Time: 2 hours, 36 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV
Les Misérables
Les Misérables, originally a musical that premiered in Paris in 1980 and later made its way to London's West End in 1985, tells the gripping story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption.
The film adaptation, released in 2012, stars Hugh Jackman as Valjean and features standout performances, including Anne Hathaway’s acclaimed portrayal of Fantine. Many of the musical’s iconic songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "One Day More" are retained, while the film introduces a new song, "Suddenly," and omits certain songs like "Dog Eat Dog."
Running Time: 2 hours, 38 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? AppleTV, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock
In The Heights
In The Heights, a musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, first premiered on Broadway in 2008, celebrating the vibrant culture of Washington Heights. The 2021 film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi and features a mix of hip-hop and salsa-infused songs from the original stage production.
While the film retains much of the musical's energy, it makes changes such as omitting certain characters and songs, and adds a framing device with an older Usnavi narrating the story from the Dominican Republic.
Running Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
Where Can You Watch the Film? MAX, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV
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