10 Movies That Should Be Made Into a Musical

By Ken Davenport

There’s a whole group of folks that just rolled their eyes when they saw the subject of this article.

But hear me out!

Broadway is an adaptation business. Almost 70% of what we do are adaptations. It’s only natural that we look to films as source material for what we do. Especially these days, when brands mean so much to a show’s success.

And when done right . . . a movie-to-musical adaptation can be glorious. The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Fully Monty, Kinky Boots, etc. So put your eyes back in their sockets and read on.

Because here are a few I’ve always thought would be fun . . . and some that are just frivolous. 🙂

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Come on, who doesn’t want to see the Sanderson Sisters belting out a witchy ballad? The movie has a magical atmosphere, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming story that would be perfect for a musical. Fantasy worked for Wicked, Harry Potter . . . and more. (And while it never made it to Broadway, I loved that score to Witches of Eastwick.)

2. The Princess Bride (1987)

Word is this is in the works. Thank goodness! This classic adventure film is already filled with memorable songs and witty dialogue. A musical adaptation would be a dream come true for fans of both the movie and theater. I predict this will be on Broadway before 2030.

3. That Thing You Do! (1996)

This is another one that has been on again and off again. It deserves a shot, even if the movie is now almost 30 years old. I can still sing that title tune. Can you? Stories with music already intrinsic to the plot always help make a musical more believable. So I believe this would work.

4. The Rose (1979)

This biopic about the life of a Janis Joplin-like megastar is already a musical in many ways. The movie is filled with iconic songs, and the story is both tragic and inspiring. Idina? Looking for something after Redwood?

5. Grease 2 (1982)

Truth time – I’ve tried to get the rights to this many times. I always wanted to do it like a Rocky Horror camp fest where audience members would come dressed like “cool, cool, cool riders” and dance along to “We’re Gonna Score Tonight” and more.

6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This Tim Burton classic is already a musical, but I think it would be even more magical on stage. We love a spectacle here on Broadway, and this one would have all the trimmings and trappings.

7. The Idolmaker (1980)

You’ve probably never heard about this one. It’s the story of a man behind the music – sort of a contemporary Phantom type of thing. Without the mask or murders. Watch it. The ending always makes me tear up.

8. Rocketman (2019)

Two words. Elton Effin’ John. Enough said.

9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

The theater succeeds when it has unique characters . . . enter MBFGW. Which was a one-person show to begin with. So now, let’s bring it full circle and make it a musical!