8 Best Musicals to Watch if You Liked 'Kiss of the Spider Woman', Ranked by IMDb
Detective investigations, the choice between love and dreams, and the struggle against circumstances.
On October 10, Kiss of the Spider Woman, based on Manuel Puig's 1976 novel of the same name and starring Jennifer Lopez, finally hit theaters.
We've put together a guide to the captivating world of best musicals, where reality and fantasy intertwine and love blooms in the darkest circumstances.
8. '8 Women', 2002
IMDb Score: 7.0/10
On Christmas Eve, a family experiencing tensions gathers at a mansion in the French countryside. The situation escalates when the owner of the house is found murdered.
All eight women living under one roof are now under suspicion. Their attempts to secure alibis will reveal countless secrets and mysteries.
François Ozon's exquisite production features an all-star cast, including Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Isabelle Huppert, and Emmanuelle Béart. Each character completes the detective puzzle, revealing their true motives.
7. 'Chicago', 2002
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Fascinated by the world of music hall, Roxie Hart dreams of becoming as famous and beloved as her idol, Velma Kelly. However, it's not the spotlight that brings the two women together – it's the dock.
Their fate now depends on defense attorney Billy Flynn's cunning. He manipulates the news and newspaper reports to create the desired narrative for the accused.
Velma and Roxie begin a real battle, competing not only for a place on stage but also for Billy's attention.
6. 'The Greatest Showman', 2017
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
Phineas Taylor Barnum lived in poverty his entire life, watching others live beautiful lives. Even as an adult responsible for supporting his family, he never stopped dreaming of success.
Inspired by his young daughters, he created his own show featuring unusual performers who had previously been excluded from the profession.
Phineas put everything he had on the line, not only to gain self-confidence, but also to give it to those who joined his adventure.
5. 'Les Misérables', 2012
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
France at the beginning of the 19th century. The country's streets are overflowing with poor people with no place to live and little hope for a bright future.
Jean Valjean is one of them. He spent 19 years in penal servitude for stealing bread for a struggling family. Freedom was an even greater challenge for the former prisoner – he could not find work or shelter.
A benevolent bishop instills faith in humanity and the power of helping others in him by turning a blind eye to Valjean's attempt to steal silver from his home.
4. 'West Side Story', 1961
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
The world's most timeless and tragic tale comes to life on the streets of 1960s New York. After an evening of dancing, the daily clashes between two street gangs take a more serious turn.
That's where young Puerto Rican Maria first meets Tony, the best friend of the rival gang leader. The loving couple dreams of putting an end to the rivalry hindering their union forever.
The musical strongly influenced Steven Spielberg, who directed his own adaptation in 2021. If you're looking for a modern version of West Side Story, his work is also worth checking out.
3. 'Moulin Rouge', 2001
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Paris, late 19th century. Christian, a struggling writer, wanders the city in search of inspiration and finds himself at the Moulin Rouge cabaret – the epicenter of beauty, freedom, and debauchery.
One glance is enough for Christian to fall head over heels in love with Satine, the captivating courtesan whom all of Paris dreams of spending a night with.
However, Satine already has a wealthy and powerful suitor who believes that love can be bought and refuses to accept defeat.
2. 'Dancer in the Dark', 2000
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Selma is a shy and trusting immigrant from Czechoslovakia who moved to the American outback with her young son.
She works tirelessly at the factory, doing everything she can to hide her developing blindness. She saves all her earnings for her son's operation, as he is at risk of losing his sight like his mother.
On this difficult journey, Selma encounters compassionate, understanding people, as well as self-absorbed egotists.
1. 'La La Land', 2016
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Mia is an aspiring actress who rushes from casting call to casting call every day, searching for her big break. Sebastian is a virtuoso musician. His heart belongs to jazz, and he dreams of opening a club for like-minded fans.
Los Angeles brings these two dreamers together, but their desperate desire to share their creativity with the world can hinder their relationship.
Damien Chazelle respectfully and lovingly exploits all the clichés of the genre, achieving a balance between extravaganza and grounding reality.
