Musicals have always been one of the cornerstone of movie history. From the earliest MGM productions to classics like West Side Story and Singin’ in the Rain, to newer favorites like Moulin Rouge and Chicago, they never really go out of style.
With Cats, another legendary show is set to hit the big screen. The release of the star-studded trailer caused quite a reaction online, as most people found it bonkers, and the special effects for the cats a little disturbing. It’s not that we don’t love seeing Grizabella belt out “Memory,” but here are 10 musicals we want to see hit the big screen more than Cats.
HADESTOWN
This 2019 Tony winner for best musical is a fascinating take on Greek mythology. It uses well-known stories and characters to tell the doomed love story between Orpheus and Eurydice. It has a Great Depression setting, but keeps the aura of Greek tragedy, with amazing music.
It defies all the preconceived notions of what musicals usually are. It might be a little out there for traditional Broadway fans, but if we can get movies about giant robots, teenage wizards and half the world being snapped away, anything is possible.
AMERICAN IDIOT
The Green Day concept album seemed like an odd choice to turn into a musical, but the catchy nature of the band’s songs make it work. It’s not the most upbeat story, but underachieving young people trying to figure out the next phase of life is pretty universal.
A film version has been in development for a while, but so far we’ve seen no proof that it’s actually happening. It’s been 10 years since the show debuted, so it’s about time!
SOMETHING ROTTEN
This tale of how a small-time playwright does everything he can to get out of the shadow of hit writer William Shakespeare is hilariously over-the-top, with some very funny songs. Nick Bottom is fed up with the Bard, and his downward spiral is endlessly entertaining.
It may not be as popular as others on this list, but if done as an R-rated comedy with the right cast, it would definitely stand out from the crowd. A musical that makes fun of musicals is just what the genre needs.
AIDA
Aida is a star-crossed love story in Ancient Egypt that uses the music of Elton John and Tim Rice to make it feel modern. It opened to great acclaim, winning several awards for its production and music.
Once upon a time there were rumors of a movie version with Beyoncé, but nothing ever came of them. Aida is a Disney production, but we’re pretty sure the studio is busy with superheroes, classic remakes and a galaxy far far away to get interested in a musical from the early 2000s.
SUNSET BOULEVARD
Considering how extensive Andrew Lloyd Webber’s credits are, we’re surprised that Sunset Boulevard hasn’t made it to the big screen. It really deserves to get the full, old Hollywood silver screen treatment.
The musical pretty much follows the story of Billy Wilder’s 1950 classic, where silent film star Norma Desmond has gone increasingly insane as her fame has dissipated. As of writing this, a film starring Glenn Close is said to be in the works, but like many others on this list, we’ve heard that song before.
WAITRESS
Waitress is based on the movie starring Keri Russell as Jenna, a waitress with a talent for making pies. After she gets pregnant, she begins an affair with her doctor while trying to figure out how to get away from her abusive husband.
It may seem premature to remake a film so soon after it has come out, but that doesn’t seem to be a major concern nowadays. We’re not saying we didn’t like the original; we just think Sara Bareilles’ music adds a new depth to the story, which might attract a bigger audience.
NEWSIES
Disney is having a good time making updated versions of its classics, which means we’re really shocked they haven’t brought back Newsies yet. The 1992 movie starred Batman himself, Christian Bal,e as the leader of a newsboy strike in the early 1900s. It became such a cult favorite, the company made it into a Broadway musical.
Now, they could totally bring it back, using the story from the stage version, while capitalizing on the nostalgia fans still feel for the original. Perhaps, Bale could make a cameo appearance?
KINKY BOOTS
Yes, Kinky Boots the musical is based on Kinky Boots the movie, which brings things full circle. The journey of Charlie trying to save his family’s shoe factory by making boots for drag queens is inspiring, funny and heartwarming, with music by Cyndi Lauper.
The original cast featured Pose star Billy Porter as Lola in a Tony-winning performance. What better way for him to return to the role than on the big screen? It’s the sort of musical that’s tailor-made to be a movie.
WICKED
Fans have been waiting for a Wicked musical since day one. The belovedWizard of Oz prequel follows witches Glinda and Elphaba as they discover the true differences between good and evil.
Currently Universal owns the film’s rights and has announced that it will be released in December 2021, but we’ve heard this before so we can’t get our hopes up. We just really want to see Elphaba flying through the air singing “Defying Gravity” on the big screen.
HAMILTON
This Tony winner became a cultural phenomenon that took over the entertainment world, so naturally we need a movie version. Now seems like the perfect time for a diverse cast of actors to bring the story of America’s founding fathers to life with catchy, hip-hop musical numbers.
Lin-Manuel Miranda has said that there won’t be a movie version for a while, but it’s definitely on the horizon. But fans are impatient! Many of the original cast has become famous, so now is the perfect time to reunite them all for the big screen. Come on, don’t make us wait for it.
