Not Only 'Les Misérables': 5 Best Adaptations of Broadway Musicals, Ranked by IMDb

In recent years, the musical genre has experienced a renaissance. Renowned directors are increasingly taking on musical productions, Hollywood stars are mastering singing, and the films themselves receive critical acclaim and awards.

Like their predecessors, many of these movies are based on legendary Broadway musicals – they are distinguished by their spectacular scope and ability to capture the magic of a live performance.

5. 'West Side Story', 2021

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

The movie transplants the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet to 1950s America. The streets of Verona become the slums of New York, the ivy-covered balcony becomes a fire escape, and two families of immigrants represent the Montagues and Capulets.

Puerto Rican María and Polish Tony meet and fall in love, but find themselves caught between two rival gangs and cannot be together. There is much singing and dancing, as well as brutal street fighting, but love ultimately triumphs over death.

Dedicated to the director's father, the film explores themes that are crucial to Steven Spielberg: emigration, recognizing oneself as part of a larger community, and the challenges of communication.

4. 'Hello, Dolly!', 1969

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

The musical is set in 1890. The widowed matchmaker Dolly Levi arrives in New York to find a wife for Horace Vandergelder, the next eligible bachelor and a millionaire.

After studying Vandergelder's income, Dolly decides to marry him herself – she uses all her professional skills and charm to achieve this. Meanwhile, the restless matchmaker arranges the love lives of several neighbors, including Vandergelder's niece.

Over half a century ago, Gene Kelly's iconic musical premiered, and it still sets the standard for the genre today. The film is based on one of the most successful Broadway productions of all time, for which Louis Armstrong recorded the song of the same name.

3. 'Grease', 1978

IMDb Score: 7.2/10

The story is set in 1950s California. Bustling streets are filled with convertibles and cool guys listen to rock 'n' roll and grease their hair.

Against this backdrop of carefree living, two opposites collide: good girl Sandy and troublemaker Danny. The couple spends an unforgettable summer together on the California coast. Afterwards, Sandy returns home to Australia.

Imagine Danny's surprise when a new girl arrives at his school on the first day – and it turns out to be Sandy. However, needing to maintain his reputation as the tough leader of the school gang, Danny now wants nothing to do with the exemplary student.

2. 'Cabaret', 1972

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Set on the eve of Hitler's rise to power, the movie takes place in Germany. It centers on Sally Bowles, an American performer at the seedy Berlin cabaret Kit Kat, and her complex relationships with men.

The main characters' lives unfold alongside musical numbers performed on the cabaret stage. The central conflict of the movie is built on the contrast between the festive and carefree world of the club and the political chaos that reigns beyond its walls.

1. 'The Sound of Music', 1965

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

This cult movie is set on the eve of World War II. The Austrian people are divided into two groups: some enthusiastically support the new Nazi ideology, while others are unwilling to give up their freedom.

Among the latter is Captain von Trapp, a patriot raising seven children alone. In an attempt to control the children, the widower uses military drills, resulting in the children growing up without joy or affection.

One day, Maria, a young nun, arrives at the von Trapp household, charged with bringing life and music to the gloomy mansion.