Top 5 Modern Musicals That Should Be Made Into Films

There is a perceived hatred of musicals in modern cinema. To the point where trailers attempt to hide the fact that the advertised movie is a musical. Even for films like Willy Wonka (2023) and Wicked (2024). The first Wicked trailer famously did not have any footage of characters singing or dancing, despite it being one of the most successful Broadway musicals ever. So what gives?

Here atThat’s My Entertainment, we appreciate a good musical. In fact, there should be more! Here is my pick for the Top 5 Modern Musicals That Should Be Made Into Films:

5. Avenue Q (2003)

May seem like an odd choice with the cast being mainly puppets, but the soundtrack is just so dang good! Music and lyrics written by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Anybody who doesn’t feel tearful during ‘There’s A Fine, Fine Line’ is a dang liar!

With the right director, Avenue Q: The Movie would be a smash hit. Puppets and musicals can harmonise together nicely; The Muppets Christmas Carol, anyone? Also, it would be a chance to utilise the many talented voice actors, whether it be with the use of stop motion, or even animation. 

The question:  ‘What Do You Do With A B.A In English?’ needs to be answered cinematically. You write for an entertainment website I’ve found…personally…

4.  Six (2017)

Six is the incredibly popular musical about the lives (and deaths) of the wives of Henry VIII. At only 80 minutes runtime, the feature would need to be padded out, BUT luckily, there is plenty of material with these historical figures!

Though the productions ‘pop diva’ angle may seem trite, these six soulful siren songs are poignant and heartbreaking (not to mention catchy!).

A cinematic release of Six would also bring this historical narrative to new generations. And it would help the wives become heroines in their own right, not just victims of the tyrannical Tudor. Particularly with the heartbreaking story of young Katherine Howard. Justice for K Howard!

3. Hamilton (2020)

Surely any self-respecting musical theatre nerd would love to see this production made into a feature-length film? The only question is whether Lin-Manuel Miranda (who created the musical and starred in the original Broadway run) reprise his role as the fastidious founding father? Not to mention it would have to be a cast made up of POC’s. In order to honour Miranda’s vision of making the production relevant and inclusive. Showing that American history belongs to everyone. A film could also use aspects of modern life since the show’s original run to make Hamilton even more reflective of modern America.

Could they find anyone better to play ‘the mad king’: King George III, than Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff? Or would Groff have to reprise his Broadway role as well? I just know that I would love to be in the room when the roles are handed out. I want to be in the room where it happens (…sorry).

2. Blood Brothers (1981)

Being the oldest musical on this list, it’s amazing that a feature has not yet been made. The whole premise may sound a bit soap opera-esque. When a pair of fraternal twins are born to an abandoned single mother of seven children, the mother decides to give one of her twins to her rich employer, who can’t conceive. The twin, left with his destitute mother, falls victim to his socioeconomic status and eventually ends up in prison, resulting in chronic depression. While the twin who grew up in a well-to-do family goes to university and ends up as a local councillor. 

As unbelievable as the story seems, it does cleverly explore the class barriers that still exist in modern Britain and beyond. It tackles the uncomfortable truth that the socioeconomic level you are born into is (usually) where you stay.

The soundtrack may not be as catchy and memorable as previous entries, but the penultimate scene is so dramatic and powerful that it would be amazing to experience on the big screen with a stellar cast.

1. The Book of Mormon (2011)

Writer Robert Lopez’s second entry on this list! This time, Lopez teamed up with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, otherwise known as the creators of South Park. Now, many might not associate South Park with a Tony and Grammy Award-winning production. But with the duo’s background in musicals and cutting humour makes for a fantastic story and soundtrack. 

Much like Six, a movie based on The Book of Mormon would have to be reworked story-wise. Including subjects such as religious fundamentalism, white saviour complex, and imperialism, a film could be just as meaningful, hilarious, and current. Not to mention that Mormonism has been hitting the headlines for various reasons in recent years.

Andrew Rannells may have aged out of the leading role, but I believe that they could find someone just as perfect, and I believe that a film version would be a smash hit for a latter-day and I beeelieeeeve… (ok I’ll stop)

My reasons for makingBOM my number one is that it is an excellent musical with fun characters and a thought-provoking message.

And, yes, I want to see a cinematic rendition of ‘Spooky Mormon Hell Dream’!

Did I miss any of your favs? Let us know!