Movie musicals, as well as those written for the stage, are a divisive genre that not all audiences are going to connect with, but sometimes viewers are drawn in because the story is familiar to begin with. Taking a beloved film and transforming it into a musical can be a great way for fans and newcomers to remember the original work. Additionally, knowing that a large viewer base is going into the production with a knowledge and understanding of the narrative gives the writers and directors the opportunity to take risks and create boundary-pushing song and dance numbers.
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There are plenty of non-musical movies with great musical sequences that prove the diversity of stories that can hold up to the weight of songs. Altering the pacing and narrative structure to suit breaks for musical numbers can be difficult, but these projects all have enough action and tension that finding places to put songs and dance breaks wouldn’t be difficult. Though some musicals aren’t typically described as character-driven, each of these films has memorable and iconic characters that the audience would instantly identify with.
8 The Terminator (1984)
Directed by James Cameron
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9.6/10 The Terminator RActionSci-FiThriller
The Terminator is a sci-fi action film directed by James Cameron. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton, whose son will lead a resistance against machine domination. Michael Biehn portrays Kyle Reese, a soldier also sent back in time to protect Sarah. The film explores themes of time travel, artificial intelligence, and survival.
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*Availability in US Director James Cameron Release Date October 26, 1984 Writers James Cameron , Gale Anne Hurd , William Wisher Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger , Michael Biehn , Linda Hamilton , Paul Winfield , Lance Henriksen , Bess Motta Runtime 107 Minutes
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As one of the best time travel movies, The Terminator is the kind of film that comes to mind when discussing IP that would make an audience come to the theater. While making money and finding a viewership base isn’t everything, there’s no question that making The Terminator into a musical would be quite the spectacle, and people would be interested to see how the filmmakers achieved this. If anything, as time has passed, The Terminator is even more highly regarded than upon its initial release, proving its longevity.
Few sci-fi action movies are as well known as
The Terminator
.
Few sci-fi action movies are as well known as The Terminator. This alone would dictate success, as well as the trend of classic ’80s movies being made into musicals like Back to the Future. There are also many strong set pieces that could easily be used for kinetic dance sequences, as well as emotional climaxes that would spark intense feelings in the viewer. It also shouldn’t go unacknowledged that comedy is a large part of musical theater, and seeing a robot assassin sing would bring a smile to many faces.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Terminator (1984) |
100% |
89% |
7 The Princess Bride (1987)
Directed by Rob Reiner
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9/10 The Princess Bride PGFantasyFamilyAdventure
Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
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*Availability in US Director Rob Reiner Release Date October 9, 1987 Studio(s) 20th Century Writers William Goldman Cast Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Robin Wright , Cary Elwes , Christopher Guest Runtime 98 minutes Expand
Arguably the best movie that perfectly blends adventure and romance, The Princess Bride is frequently brought up in conversations about films that would make perfect musicals. Even if a musical iteration dropped the frame story and only told the narrative of Buttercup and Westley, it could work, but the storybook nature of the frame makes it even more magical. Similar satirical takes on the fairy tale genre have done well in musical format, like Shrek and Once Upon A Mattress.
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There are many places within the story where musical numbers could easily fit in. From the sword fight scene between Westley and Inigo to an early love scene between Westley and Buttercup, the opportunities are endless. The fact that it’s based on a book also means that the story could be built out if necessary, even though the script is already action-packed. Featuring an equal number of comedic elements as heartfelt scenes, The Princess Bride would have no trouble drawing an audience.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
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6 Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Directed by Mark Dindal
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10/10 The Emperor’s New Groove GAnimationAdventureComedy
The Emperor’s New Groove is an animated comedy film released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Mark Dindal, it follows the story of Emperor Kuzco, who is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor Yzma. Journeying with a humble villager named Pacha, Kuzco must reclaim his throne while navigating humorous and unexpected challenges. The film features voice work by David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, and Patrick Warburton.
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*Availability in US Director Mark Dindal Release Date December 15, 2000 Writers Chris Williams , Mark Dindal , David Reynolds , Stephen J. Anderson , Don Hall , John Norton Cast David Spade , John Goodman , eartha kitt , Patrick Warburton , Wendie Malick , Kellyann Kelso Runtime 78 Minutes
In some ways, it’s surprising that The Emperor’s New Groove isn’t a musical already. However, it joins the ranks of one of Disney’s best non-musical animated movies. With plenty of magic and heart, a live-action adaptation of The Emperor’s New Groove has likely crossed the minds of some executives, even if nothing has been confirmed yet. However, adding a musical element to a live-action iteration of The Emperor’s New Groove would increase the fantasy aspects and give audiences a reason to revisit the project.
While Kuzco, the budding emperor protagonist, is a great character, it’s the supporting characters, like Kronk and Yzma, who make it such an iconic project.
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Since there’s no real reason for The Emperor’s New Groove to be made again in an animated format, translating it to a musical would also be perfect for the stage. The pipeline of animated movies that are brought to Broadway and then end up getting remade in live-action hosts a long list of beloved franchises, like The Lion King. While Kuzco, the budding emperor protagonist, is a great character, it’s the supporting characters, like Kronk and Yzma, who make it such an iconic project.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) |
86% |
84% |
5 My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Directed by P.J. Hogan
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9/10 My Best Friend’s Wedding PG-13ComedyRomance
Upon hearing of her friend Michael’s engagement, Julianne Potter realizes she loves him and schemes to disrupt his wedding to win his heart.
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*Availability in US Director P.J. Hogan Release Date June 19, 1997 Studio(s) TriStar Pictures , Zucker Brothers Productions , Predawn Productions Writers Ronald Bass Cast Julia Roberts , Dermot Mulroney , Cameron Diaz , Rupert Everett , Philip Bosco , M. Emmet Walsh , Rachel Griffiths , Carrie Preston , Susan Sullivan , Christopher Masterson Runtime 105 Minutes Expand
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As one of Julia Roberts’ best movies, My Best Friend’s Wedding successfully subverts the rom-com genre by seeing the protagonist end up in an unexpected place. Roberts plays Julianne, a thoroughly unlikable main character who does everything she can to steal away her best friend from his fiancée on the eve of his wedding. While characterizing Roberts in this way might not sound like a premise that would appeal to a wide array of audiences, a divisive protagonist is an amazing asset for a musical.
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The biggest obstacle that My Best Friend’s Wedding would face would be finding actors to live up to the reputations and performances of the original actors. However, Julianne’s tortured and angst-filled development creates ample opportunities for songs about her feelings that would hit home for audiences. Additionally, My Best Friend’s Wedding has amazing name recognition with both older and younger viewers, making it likely that it would be an instant hit.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) |
74% |
73% |
4 Secretary (2002)
Directed by Steven Shainberg
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Secretary
Secretary (2002) explores the complex relationship between a dominative lawyer, played by James Spader, and his submissive secretary, portrayed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film addresses themes of power dynamics and self-discovery within an unconventional romantic setting. Directed by Steven Shainberg, the narrative delves into the psychological intricacies of the main characters, setting it apart from traditional romantic dramas.
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*Availability in US Director Steven Shainberg Release Date September 20, 2002 Cast James Spader , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Jeremy Davies , Patrick Bauchau , Stephen McHattie , Lesley Ann Warren Runtime 107 Minutes
While the mainstream popularity of a similarly erotic movie like Fifty Shades of Grey might seem more ripe for adaptation into a musical, the satirical and campy Secretary would be far better. Though Secretary pokes fun at the erotic film genre, it actually made great strides forward in bringing BDSM relationships to the big screen. Following the beats of a traditional romantic comedy, Secretary takes its subversive elements and makes it relatable to a wide range of older audiences. Overall, Secretary has been universally praised for its humor in the face of more delicate subjects.
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With plenty of opportunity for innuendo and fun hyper-stylization,
Secretary
would connect with fans of musicals.
Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader play E. Edward Grey and Lee Holloway, and while their chemistry is a large part of what makes Secretary work, the character’s dynamic is written into the script well. Additionally, the original visuals and set design of Secretary is a fun throwback to mid-century modern designs and gives a retro feel that’s only become more popular with audiences today. With plenty of opportunity for innuendo and fun hyper-stylization, Secretary would connect with fans of musicals.
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|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Secretary (2002) |
77% |
82% |
3 Top Gun (1986)
Directed by Tony Scott
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Top Gun PGDramaAction
In this classic action flick, Tom Cruise stars as daring young pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Among the other students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, he competes to be best in the class, and learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
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*Availability in US Director Tony Scott Release Date May 16, 1986 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Jack Epps Jr. , Jim Cash Cast Tom Cruise , Kelly McGillis , Val Kilmer , Anthony Edwards , Tom Skerritt Runtime 110 minutes Expand
Both Top Gun and the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, are rife with action and anticipation, and there have been many recent examples of action-oriented films becoming musicals. There is a brief musical number in Top Gun with Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Goose (Anthony Edwards) playing the piano together in one of the more emotionally uplifting moments of the movie. If Top Gun became a musical, focusing even further on the intense relationship between Goose and Maverick, which is already central to the story, would be ideal.
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While there are ways that the original Top Gun movie hasn’t aged well, there’s a reason that there are so many longtime fans of the franchise. Featuring many needle drops within the story, Top Gun understands that music is a great addition to an emotionally compelling scene. The biggest issue that Top Gun would face when entering the musical sphere would be weaving the flight scenes into the story. However, it would be amazing to witness the planes themselves being choreographed for in-air sequences along with songs.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Top Gun (1986) |
58% |
83% |
2 Showgirls (1995)
Directed by Paul Verhoeven
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Showgirls NC-17Drama
Showgirls follows the journey of a vagabond named Nomi Malone, who arrives in Las Vegas to pursue her dream of becoming a Vegas showgirl. Initially hopeful about her prospects, she soon realizes the world of showbusiness is ruthless – and she’ll have to play their rules if she wants to make it to the top.
Director Paul Verhoeven Release Date September 22, 1995 Studio(s) Carolco Pictures , Chargeurs , United Artists Writers Joe Eszterhas Cast Elizabeth Berkley , Kyle MacLachlan , Gina Gershon , Glenn Plummer , Robert Davi , Alan Rachins , Gina Ravera Runtime 131 Minutes Expand
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The style and spectacle of Las Vegas, coupled with the explosive nature of the story, make Showgirls an ideal choice for adaptation. With gorgeous set pieces, vivid colors, and already featuring dance numbers, Showgirls has everything that adds up to the tension and visual intrigue of a great musical. Theatrical overtones and melodramatic characters populate the world of Showgirls, and there’s reason to believe that becoming a musical would help the legacy of the project. Additionally, the role of Nomi is the perfect vehicle for a rising star in movie musicals.
There’s lots of room in
Showgirls
for restructuring and taking the dramatic moments scattered throughout the narrative to make an action-packed plot.
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Though panned by critics and audiences alike at the time of its release, Showgirls has become a cult favorite in the years since its release, largely thanks to its campy style. Though there’s plenty of controversy surrounding some of the overtly sexual themes and a particularly violent scene at the end of the film, many of these issues are in conversation with the sexualization that female dancers face. There’s lots of room in Showgirls for restructuring and taking the dramatic moments scattered throughout the narrative to make an action-packed plot.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Showgirls (1995) |
23% |
38% |
2:53 
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1 Election (1999)
Directed by Alexander Payne
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Election tv-maComedy
Directed by Alexander Payne, 1999’s Election is a Dark Comedy involving a high school election, focusing on the president of the student body. The film stars Matthew Broderick as a High School Social Studies teacher that ends up heading a scheme to disparage a popular girl (played by Reese Witherspoon) from winning the election.
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*Availability in US Director Alexander Payne Release Date April 23, 1999 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Alexander Payne Cast Reese Witherspoon , Matthew Broderick , Chris Klein Runtime 103minutes Expand
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Hilarious, star-studded, and one of the many reasons that 1999 is considered such a stand-out year for film, Election has all the elements that make for an ideal movie musical. The popularity of musicals set in high school has skyrocketed in recent years, with Mean Girls, Dear Evan Hansen, and Be More Chill. However, Election could successfully flip the script on the formulas of these projects because it features a conflict between a teacher and a student. Centering on two characters with such strong and memorable personalities is also a surefire way to keep audiences engaged.
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Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon are at their best as the disenfranchised teacher James McAllister and the over-zealous student Tracy Flick. Election takes place in the American Midwest, another well-tread setting for film and television. The film uses this region and its stereotypical social niceties as a strong contrast to the darkly humorous script. Though Tracy takes center stage in her bid to win the student council election, the story expands to touch upon the many different personalities and upbringings of the people at the school, making for a diverse and compelling cast.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Election (1999) |
92% |
79% |