In November 2024, “Wicked” became one of the biggest films of the year. It ended its run in theaters with a total of $758 million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing adaptation of a Broadway musical. However, earlier that year in January, “Mean Girls” was released as an adaption of another hit Broadway show, but it only grossed a total of $104 million worldwide in comparison. It can leave viewers wondering, what was the reason for such a large disparity in the success rates of two films based on popular musicals? 

These movie musicals are very popular among viewers and have been for years. Examples of popular adaptations include “Hairspray” in 2007, and “Chicago” in 2002. Some musicals have even had multiple extremely successful films, such as “West Side Story” in both 1961 and 2021. These films were praised for their costuming, excellent casting, and how they honor the musical through the medium of film.

“My favorite movie musical is ‘In the Heights.’ I really love how they use the camera to its benefit. I think it transferred really well to the screen, and the music’s good in general,” says Gaucho senior, Annabelle Wiatrek Trum. They have become classics that many theater-goers can enjoy, but not all adaptations of musicals are as successful. 

Less than stellar performing musicals have emerged in late 2010s and early 2020s, to much criticism from the media. Films such as “Cats” and “Dear Evan Hansen” both faced heavy negative reviews upon their releases in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Casa Grande senior Will Post says, “The worst movie musical I’ve ever seen is ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’ They got rid of key songs, and the actors were way too old which overall affected the general vibe. It’s not good, and not at all faithful.” Even an iconic musical such as “Into the Woods,” with a notable cast and faithfulness to the stage show, faced scrutiny. “Some can be good, but they have to do it in a tasteful way. Some are pretty bad, and I’m in support of original stories,” Wiatrek Trum said. 

These movie musicals, as well as the frequent Disney live action films, and other such remakes of classic musicals stories have led to apathy and resentment towards the studios creating them. This can bring many important questions to theater fans: if movie musicals are hit or miss, should they continue being remade into films? Or should they stay on stage? And what makes some films succeed while others fail? 

A major reason why is the changes made for a modern audience or in adaptation to the screen. Some stories work best on a stage, live, and others shine more in a film. However, if there are too many adjustments made and it loses the soul of the original piece, then it is not a good version of a story in the eyes of the viewers. Musical theater is vibrant, joyful, and it requires a certain suspension of disbelief, especially considering all the singing and choreographed musical numbers.

Sometimes movies lean into realism, and that damages the original atmosphere created by the staged version. “Maybe future film musicals can learn a thing or two by looking back instead of lurching forward and embracing the magical imperfection that characterizes the musical,” says reporter Ciara Beale of Cherwell, student newspaper at Oxford University. 

There is such a wide debate on the subject because of the dichotomy of opinions. Some would love to see their favorite shows on screen, while others are worried they would not be adapted well. “My favorite musical is ‘Falsettos.’ It hasn’t been made into a movie yet, but if it were, I don’t think it would work. A lot of the show wouldn’t have the same charm. If you don’t adapt it correctly with the music, it just won’t work,” Post says.  

Although it seems that adaptations, sequels, and remakes of classic and beloved stories will continue, as they make money for these industries, musical theater will also continue. It is a beloved medium for a reason, with people travelling thousands of miles to see shows on Broadway, or on tour in their local cities. It is a community of people who appreciate the integrity and authenticity of the art form. “Musicals will never die; too many people love the genre for that to happen. Perhaps they will continue their trajectory as a small niche within the film industry,” says Daniel Parris for Broadway World. 

For lovers of musical theater, it can be disappointing or exciting to see a musical adaptation of a musical they love, but there is a bright side. The original is still there, and there are others in the same boat. People will continue to watch stage productions as the film industry goes on. Post puts it best: “Musical Theater isn’t just entertainment. It’s also an experience, and movies can’t replace the feelings of that.”