From silver screen to live on stage! Catch your favorite movies as plays on Broadway.

Broadway is where stories leap from the silver screen to the stage, transforming beloved films into electrifying live experiences. There's nothing quite like seeing your favorite movie moments come to life before your eyes—whether it's the nostalgia of reliving iconic scenes or the thrill of experiencing them with fresh creativity. Broadway, the pinnacle of theatrical artistry, has a knack for turning cinematic hits into unforgettable stage productions, blending familiarity with innovation in ways that surprise and delight audiences.

From the sweeping romance of West Side Story to the timeless tradition of Fiddler on the Roof, from the wild savannah of The Lion King to the rock-and-roll energy of Grease, the magic of film is reimagined with dazzling choreography, show-stopping music, and the raw energy of live performance. But what makes some movies perfect for Broadway’s spotlight? What elements of a screenplay allow it to leap from reel to stage with such flair?

In this guide, we pull back the curtain on the evolution of movie-to-stage adaptations, exploring how everything from animated classics to cult favorites are transformed for Broadway’s grand stage. Get ready to rediscover your favorite films in a whole new light—because when Hollywood meets Broadway, the result is pure theatrical magic.

From screen to stage

1. The Lion King

In 1997, unique puppets and graphics were brought to life for the stage adaptation of Disney's 1994 animated picture by Julie Taymor. The Lion King has since become one of the most successful Broadway musicals ever and received six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with the musical stylings of the unsurpassed Elton John and Tim Rice. One of the most breathtaking moments in the show is the unforgettable opening number, The Circle of Life. As soon as the first notes of the iconic song echo through the theater, the stage is transformed into the heart of the African savanna. Giraffes gracefully stride across the stage, birds swoop overhead, and elephants march through the aisles, all brought to life through Julie Taymor’s groundbreaking use of intricate puppetry and vibrant costumes. The sheer spectacle of the animal kingdom coming to life in such a vivid, immersive way is nothing short of mesmerizing. It's a moment of pure theatrical magic, reminding audiences why The Lion King continues to reign as one of Broadway’s most awe-inspiring experiences.The Lion King is literal Broadway royalty. The musical has been enthralling audiences for nearly twenty years, and it is still running strong in the Minskoff Theatre as of 2024.

2. Aladdin

This animated feature film by Disney from 1992 will take Broadway audiences on a magic carpet ride today! While the movie is a visual feast, the Broadway version adds new characters, songs (“Proud of Your Boy”), and a dash of the ol' razzle-dazzle with the Genie's 20(!) costume changes. The Broadway show includes incredible spectacular effects and a gravity-defying floating carpet. The stage version incorporates Alan Menken's new compositions as well as unreleased music from the film. Catch the show at the New Amsterdam Theatre!

3. Annie

The Little Orphan Annie comic strip from 1932 and the film from 1982 served as inspiration for the musical. Dorothy Loudon played the villainous Miss Hannigan in the original Broadway show, a role that's now reprised by none other than Sister Act's Whoopi Goldberg! There were many revivals and tours of the original performance over its almost six-year run. Rather than a hard-knock life, Annie has become one of the most beloved musicals on Broadway, so catch songs like "Tomorrow" in The Theater!

4. Moulin Rouge! The Musical

This glitzy, seedy musical is based on Baz Luhrmann's breathtaking 2001 feature film. Featuring an immersive stage design that whisks audiences away to the bohemian heart of Paris and more than 70 songs, the Broadway production takes it to the next level. More than thirty thousand rhinestones adorn the show's outfits, so sparkle is guaranteed. The critically acclaimed Broadway production is still going strong at the Al Hirschfeld Theater.

5. Cabaret

The 1931 book Goodbye to Berlin and the 1972 film starring Liza Minnelli are the inspiration for the musical Cabaret. Despite only running for three years in its first run, the show has become a Broadway mainstay because of many revivals, the most notable of which was in 1998 with Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming. Wilkommen and bienvenue to Cabaret at the August Wilson Theatre!

6. Death Becomes Her

Who could ever forget the rotation of Meryl Streep's head and the enormous hole in Goldie Hawn's stomach? Christopher Gattelli, who won a Tony for best director and choreography, is bringing Death Becomes Her to Broadway. Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child) appears in the production. This comedy on everlasting youth and vanity is on Broadway's Lunt Fontanne Theater. Your wait is over; here is the musical that will kill you!

7. Back to the Future

The time-traveling musical featuring a flying DeLorean debuted in theaters in 2021. The film's 1985 classic starring Michael J. Fox served as inspiration. The character of the quirky Doc Brown is played by Roger Bart, who brings his own humorous touch to the part. The score of the musical features both original compositions and covers of classic songs, such
Launched in London before making its way to Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre, Back to the Future is creating quite a stir with its cutting-edge visual effects.

8. Chicago

The 1996 revival of Chicago is still going strong, having been performed more than 10,000 times and counting! Based on a silent film from 1927, this timeless crime-and-jazz musical exploded on Broadway. The 2002 movie adaptation went on to win an Oscar for Best Picture. Bob Fosse's scorching choreography and the show's biting sarcasm has cemented its status as a must-watch in Broadway's Ambassador Theatre.

9. The Great Gatsby

Who can forget the iconic (and much-memified) picture of Leo DiCaprio raising his glass from the 2013 movie? The musical brings to life the dazzling story of love, ambition, and the American Dream by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set to evocative music and beautiful jazz-era images. Everything that defines Gatsby's world—the extravagant parties and the heartbreaking drama—is explored in depth in Broadway adaptation. The show's score combines elements of both traditional jazz and modern music to convey the story's enduring relevance. Swing into the roaring 20s with the show on Broadway Theatre.

Off-Broadway

1. Titanique

Titanique is a wonderfully irreverent spoof of James Cameron's Titanic, with a twist. Dee Roscioli as Céline Dion retells the story of the sinking ship via her popular songs. Thanks to its hilarious antics, excellent acting, and ironic tone, it has gained a dedicated fan base. Catch this icebreaker of a show at the Daryl L. Roth Theater!

Stage to screen

1. Wicked

A prequel to The Wizard of Oz (1939), this spellbinding musical explores the untold story of the Witches of the West. This Tony and Grammy-winning show has gone from the Gershwin Theater stage to onscreen in a 2024 two-part adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. One of Wicked’s most dazzling elements is its jaw-dropping set design, which transports audiences straight into the magical world of Oz. The stage is dominated by a massive mechanical dragon looming above, glowing gears and cogs spinning throughout, and an ever-changing landscape that seamlessly moves from the halls of Shiz University to the glittering Emerald City. The production’s stunning visuals, brought to life with elaborate lighting and projections, create an immersive experience—whether it’s Glinda’s bubble floating in midair or Elphaba’s gravity-defying ascent in Defying Gravity, the spectacle never fails to leave audiences spellbound. Featuring unforgettable songs like Popular, For Good, and the show-stopping Defying Gravity, the music by Stephen Schwartz perfectly captures the emotional highs and lows of this powerful story. The sweeping orchestrations, soaring melodies, and intricate harmonies make every moment feel grand, giving the show a timeless quality that continues to enchant fans worldwide.

A solid movie or musical adaptation? It's hard to resist. When nostalgia meets the craving for coziness, the stage and screen keep playing a delightful game of inspiration tag. Whether you're a cinema connoisseur or a stage enthusiast, Broadway's got a little something for all tastes!