7 Movie Musicals To Watch Before ‘Wicked’ Hits The Screens

Not everyone can hop on a plane to New York to catch a Broadway show, but movie musicals can fill that void. Wicked is the Broadway show that many have always wanted to see but never had the chance. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, dusting off their vocal chops in anticipation of the Wicked movie!

With the film set to premiere in Singapore on 22 November, the wait feels almost unbearable. Whether you're a theatre kid or just a fan of great entertainment, musicals are always a blast. So, if you’re trying to fill the time until Wicked hits the screen, we have your back. We’ve compiled a list of seven must-watch movie musicals that will keep your excitement soaring before you start defying gravity!

Add these 7 movie musicals to your watchlist

1. Tick, Tick…Boom!

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut, Tick, Tick…Boom is based on the autobiographical stage musical by Jonathan Larson, the brilliant mind behind Rent. Andrew Garfield shines as Larson, who juggles his dreams while the clock ticks down to his 30th birthday.

This film is bursting with energy, featuring catchy tunes and poignant moments that remind us turning 30 isn’t so scary after all. It beautifully illustrates that everyone is at different stages in life, and there’s no rush to have it all figured out.

Song stuck in our heads: 30/90 will have you dancing around your room and it's a perfect pre-birthday anthem!

2. Hamilton

Lin-Manuel Miranda knows how to craft an unforgettable musical, and Hamilton had everyone in a chokehold. This biographical tale of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is a brilliant mix of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical styles.

The film version brings the stage experience home, letting you soak in the live performance energy from your sofa. The best part? You can rap along with your friends or even solo!

Song stuck in our heads: The Room Where It Happens is an earworm that will have you feeling like Aaron Burr.

3. Mamma Mia! (Both Movies)

Both Mamma Mia! films deserve all the love, and it’s impossible to choose just one! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Greek island of Kalokairi, these films blend romance, friendship, and feel-good ABBA hits. The first movie’s drama revolves around Sophie (played by Amanda Seyfried), who invites three men from her mother’s past to discover her real father.

While Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again takes us back to Donna’s past, with Lily James portraying the younger version of Meryl Streep’s character. While it still leaves the mystery of Sophie’s father unsolved, the fun is so infectious that you’ll forget about the plot as you sing along.

Song stuck in our heads: Dancing Queen will always feel like you’re having the time of your life! They even reprised it in the second movie, no Mamma Mia! playlist is complete without it.

4. Hairspray

Set in the 1960s, Hairspray tackles issues of race and body positivity with a light-hearted touch and infectious tunes. The film follows Tracy Turnblad, a self-described 'pleasantly plump' girl whose dream is to dance on the Corny Collins Show, a local sensation. When an opportunity arises, Tracy fights against sizeism to secure her spot, supported by her loving parents and friends.

Once she’s on the show, the fight continues as she strives to integrate the Corny Collins Show, risking her dreams for a greater cause. Plus it has a young Zac Efron fresh off his High School Musical fame. So cute!

Song stuck in our heads: You Can’t Stop the Beat is the perfect closing number, guaranteed to get you up and dancing.

5. West Side Story

West Side Story is a timeless classic showcasing the power of love amid rivalry. With stunning choreography and unforgettable songs like Tonight and America, this modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet hits all the right notes. Rachel Zegler shines as Maria, and her voice will send shivers down your spine.

Meanwhile, Ariana DeBose steals scenes as Anita, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with — there’s a reason she was in Hamilton as the bullet and now she’s dazzling on her own!

Song stuck in our heads: America which Ariana delivers with such energy that it’s both catchy and utterly mesmerising to watch.

6. La La Land

As magical as its title suggests, La La Land takes viewers on an enchanting journey of love and ambition while confronting life’s harsh realities. The characters' choices lead to realistic and often heart-wrenching consequences, adding depth to the narrative.

While the plot may feel a tad old-fashioned, the film’s true beauty lies in the powerful performances of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Their chemistry and the emotional weight in their voices, as they sing about their dreams, make it a timeless watch.

Song stuck in our heads: The back-and-forth lyrical banter during A Lovely Night makes our hearts flutter, making us forget the bittersweet ending.

7. The Greatest Showman

Hugh Jackman is a man of many talents, and many forget his Broadway roots before he became Wolverine. The Greatest Showman is a charming and spectacular musical that showcases his musical skills.

The music, choreography, and production elements creatively convey the central themes of the movie through the stellar performances of top-notch talent like Zendaya and Keala Settle. It transports the world of P.T. Barnum's 19th-century world into a vibrant landscape that feels like a Broadway stage.

Song stuck in our heads: Rewrite the Stars will make you fall in love with Zac Efron and Zendaya, leaving you grinning like an idiot the whole time!

(Cover photo from: @ticktickboom and @greatestshowman)

Want more music? Check out these concerts coming to Singapore!