The 25 highest-grossing movie musicals of all time, ranked

The musicals that blew up the box office

Over the past year, the two Wicked movies have cast a spell on moviegoers, setting a new record for musical adaptations and, in the case of the first one, becoming the highest-grossing release of 2024 that wasn’t a sequel or part of a franchise.

Click or scroll on to discover where the films rank among the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time. Some of the entries on the list, as well as certain classics that didn’t make the cut, might just surprise you.

To determine which movies made our list, we've taken the global box office gross for each film on its initial theatrical run and adjusted the figure for inflation to give you an idea of how much they made in today's money. All dollar amounts in US dollars.

25. Dreamgirls: $250 million

Loosely based on the rise of R&B group The Supremes, Dreamgirls (2006) is a screen adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name.

The star-studded cast includes Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. It's one of the most expensive films ever produced to feature a predominantly Black cast, with a budget of $80 million, or $129 million today. 

The film, which received particular praise for its show-stopping musical numbers, earned eight Academy Award nominations and won two, including Best Supporting Actress for Hudson. As for its box office performance, Dreamgirls grossed $155 million worldwide, or around $250 million today.

24. The Phantom of the Opera: $265 million

The Phantom of the Opera (2004) is a screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name. It stars Gerard Butler as the titular Phantom, while Emmy Rossum plays the female protagonist, Christine Daaé.

Although the stage version has enjoyed incredible success and is the longest-running musical on Broadway, the film debuted to a mixed critical reception. Critics felt the movie lacked the romance and danger of the stage production but praised it as a visual spectacle.

Despite the challenges, The Phantom of the Opera earned three Academy Award nominations and grossed $154.6 million at the global box office, equivalent to around $265 million today.

=22. Evita: $292 million

The musical biopic Evita (1996), based on the 1978 play by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, chronicles the rise of Argentinian politician Eva Perón. It stars pop star Madonna in a Golden Globe-winning performance. 

A critical gem, Evita won an Oscar for the song You Must Love Me and received four additional Academy Award nominations.

As for its box office performance, the film grossed $141 million globally during its theatrical run, or approximately $292 million when adjusted for inflation.

=22. Into the Woods: $292 million

Stephen Sondheim's iconic Broadway musical Into the Woods landed a silver screen adaptation in 2014, boasting an all-star cast including the likes of Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Chris Pine.

Like many musical films, the production was well received at the Academy Awards, landing three nominations, including Best Costume Design and a Best Supporting Actress nod for Streep.

It also fared well at the box office, grossing $212 million against its $50 million budget. Adjusted for inflation, that’s a gross of $292 million against a budget of $69 million.

21. Hairspray: $318 million

20. Mary Poppins: $325 million

Mary Poppins (1964) is one of the most iconic musicals of all time, thanks to its array of catchy songs and a showstopping performance from Julie Andrews.

Unsurprisingly, the musical earned 13 Academy Award nominations and won five, including Best Actress for Andrews and Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.

Over the years, thanks to re-releases, Mary Poppins has achieved a handsome lifetime gross. Upon its initial release, it grossed $31 million at the box office, or a spectacular $325 million in 2026 money. 

19. Moulin Rouge!: $329 million

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge! (2001) is a romantic drama set in 1900s Paris. It stars Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman as the star-crossed lovers, Christian and Satine.

As a jukebox musical, Moulin Rouge! features beloved pop and rock classics instead of original tracks, including songs by Elton John, Madonna, and The Police, making it the perfect sing-along watch.

A critical darling, the film earned numerous Academy Award nominations and won Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction. At the box office, it grossed over $179 million globally, or $329 million when adjusted for inflation.

18. Oliver!: $350 million

Oliver! (1968) is a movie adaptation of Lionel Bart's 1960 stage play based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist. 

Famed for catchy tunes like Food Glorious Food and You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, the picture dominated the Academy Awards, scooping six Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture gong. 

The cinematic classic grossed $37.4 million on its initial release, equivalent to $350 million today.

17. High School Musical 3: Senior Year: $381 million

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) marked the first time Disney's hit musical franchise made its way to the big screen. The first two films in the series were released exclusively on the Disney Channel TV network and became instant hits with tween audiences. 

In a savvy business move, Disney opted to release the third installment theatrically. The decision seriously paid off when the film grossed over $252 million globally, or around $381 million when adjusted for inflation.

Part of the box office success was attributed to the release of sing-along versions, which allowed moviegoers to join in and belt out their favorite songs alongside the cast.

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16. Mary Poppins Returns: $452 million

Mary Poppins Returns (2018) brought the beloved nanny back to the silver screen after a 54-year hiatus. Emily Blunt stepped into the shoes previously filled by Julie Andrews, joined by a talented cast featuring the likes of Ben Whishaw and Colin Firth.

The long-awaited sequel outperformed its predecessor at the box office, grossing $349 million globally, or an impressive $452 million in 2026 money.

However, the film was less of a critical success than the original, failing to secure any Oscars despite receiving four nominations.

15. West Side Story: $474 million

West Side Story (1961) brought the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name to life on the silver screen. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet but reimagined in 1950s New York, the film stars Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood as the star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria. 

One of the most celebrated and enduring musicals in cinematic history, West Side Story dominated the Academy Awards, winning 10 Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. 

At the box office, West Side Story grossed $43.6 million, a spectacular $474 million today.

14. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again: $512 million

Following the roaring success of the first Mamma Mia! movie (more on that soon), a highly anticipated sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, hit the silver screen in 2018.

The film reunited its all-star ensemble cast, including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Julie Walters, who returned to belt out beloved ABBA hits such as Dancing Queen and Super Trouper. Meanwhile, Lily James joined the cast, portraying a younger version of Streep's character Donna.

Fans clearly couldn't resist the sequel: it grossed $395 million worldwide, equivalent to $512 million in 2026. 

13. Wicked: For Good: $529 million (£394m)

Released in November 2025, Wicked: For Good has so far grossed a spectacular $529 million (£394m) and counting. The movie set an opening-weekend record for a stage musical adaptation, grossing more than $226 million (£168m) worldwide and outperforming its predecessor in that respect.

However, it's yet to surpass the total gross of the 2024 movie, more on that soon...

12. Chicago: $553 million

Chicago (2002) is a dazzling screen adaptation of the 1975 Broadway musical. The crime comedy, set during the Jazz Age, did not hold back on star power, featuring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the leading roles as murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Meanwhile, Richard Gere played smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn.

The critically acclaimed adaptation won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, while Zeta-Jones earned a Best Supporting Actress award for her sultry performance as Velma Kelly.

The film brought in over $306 million at the global box office, or $553 million when adjusted for inflation. 

11. The Greatest Showman: $577 million

The Greatest Showman (2017) is a biographical musical loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum, creator of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The star-studded ensemble cast includes Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams delivering show-stopping performances. 

The catchy soundtrack featured nine original songs, with the lead track, This Is Me, nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Other crowd-pleasing tunes from the movie include A Million Dreams, Rewrite the Stars, and the power ballad Never Enough. 

When the soundtrack exploded, audiences flocked to theaters to view the extravaganza. The Greatest Showman grossed $435 million at the box office, or around $577 million today.

10. La La Land: $606 million

La La Land (2016) is a musical rom-com starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, directed by Damien Chazelle.

The film, featuring an array of beautifully composed original songs, became an awards season sensation. It scored six Oscars, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone.

A modern-day classic, La La Land has achieved a lifetime gross of $509 million, bolstered by re-releases in recent years. During its initial release, it grossed $447 million globally, or an impressive $606 million today.

9. Les Misérables: $628 million

Les Misérables (2012) is a Hollywood adaptation of the 1980 French musical, which in turn was based on Victor Hugo’s famous novel.

The movie boasts serious star power, with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe as part of the ensemble cast. Unsurprisingly, the period epic did well during awards season, with Anne Hathaway winning an Oscar for her performance as Fantine. The film also scooped up awards for makeup and hairstyling and sound mixing.

A commercial success, Les Misérables grossed $443 million globally during its theatrical run, equivalent to $628 million today.

8. Wonka: $677 million

Wonka (2023) is the latest reimagining of the beloved Roald Dahl classic, starring Timothée Chalamet as the cheeky chocolatier.

Directed by Paul King, renowned for his work on the Paddington film series, the musical was praised for its imaginative approach and captivating visuals. Meanwhile, Chalamet’s Golden Globe-nominated performance as a young Willy Wonka was a definite highlight.

Wonka was a resounding box office success, grossing $634 million. That's a hefty $677 million in 2026 money. 

7. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: $683 million

Musicals are often zany, but perhaps none more so than The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).

The horror-comedy is based on the 1970s stage musical of the same name and stars Tim Curry in an infamous performance as the devious Dr Frank-N-Furter. Despite a lack of awards, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has since achieved cult-classic status and is widely considered to be one of the most iconic musicals of all time.

The film grossed almost $113 million globally upon release, or around $683 million today. 

6. My Fair Lady: $755 million

My Fair Lady (1964) is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. It stars Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, a modest flower seller who is transformed into an elegant member of high society via the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins, played by Rex Harrison.

The critically acclaimed musical landed eight Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture award. With dazzling costume design and Hepburn and Harrison delivering iconic performances of songs such as I Could Have Danced All Night, the film cemented its place in cinematic history.

My Fair Lady grossed $72 million upon its initial release, an eye-watering $755 million when adjusted for inflation.

5. Wicked: $758 million

Wicked, a Hollywood adaptation of the 2003 Broadway show, is currently the highest-grossing musical movie of all time (not factoring in inflation!). It reimagines the Wizard of Oz saga from the perspective of the Wicked Witch.

The film, which stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba respectively, took the box office by storm. Since its November 2024 release, it's grossed $758 million globally.

While Wicked has enjoyed wicked success, you might be surprised to learn that The Wizard of Oz (1939) was considered a flop when it was first released, making a loss at the box office. Over time, however, the film has gained cult classic status and eventually turned a profit via numerous re-releases.

4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: $791 million

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp as the eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka.

In keeping with Burton's signature style, the musical fantasy is perhaps the most colorful and whimsical take yet on the Roald Dahl classic. Praised for imaginative visuals and set design, the film earned an Oscar nod for Best Costume Design.

While Wonka (2023) is the latest adaptation of the story, the 2005 release remains the highest-grossing. It pulled in $475 million globally, or approximately $791 million in today’s money. In contrast, the 1971 version starring Gene Wilder managed just $4 million ($32m today) on its initial run.

3. Grease: $798 million

Grease (1978) is a silver screen adaptation of the 1972 Broadway musical of the same name. It stars Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta as high school sweethearts Sandy and Danny.

The film became an instant hit, thanks to an irresistibly catchy soundtrack inspired by the stage musical, featuring songs such as Greased Lightnin and You’re the One That I Want. Meanwhile, the movie garnered an Oscar nomination for its original song, Hopelessly Devoted to You, performed by Newton-John.

While numerous sequels and spin-offs have been released over the years, the original remains the most successful, with a lifetime gross of $396 million due to re-releases. When it first hit cinemas, Grease earned $160 million worldwide, approximately $798 million in today’s money.

2. Mamma Mia!: $921 million

The jukebox musical Mamma Mia! (2008) is inspired by ABBA’s greatest hits, making it the ultimate sing-along experience.

Although the film failed to secure any Oscar nods, it had a huge cultural impact, capturing the hearts of audiences with its catchy renditions of songs like Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia and lively performances from stars such as Meryl Streep and Colin Firth.

Adjusting for inflation, Mamma Mia! is the second-highest-grossing musical ever, earning $610 million during its theatrical run, or $921 million today.

1. The Sound of Music: $1.6 billion

Claiming the top spot is The Sound of Music (1965), a screen adaptation of Maria von Trapp’s 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.

Starring Julie Andrews in the leading role, the musical was a critical darling, winning five Oscars upon its release, including the highly coveted Best Picture award. Songs such as Do-Re-Mi and My Favourite Things remain singalong favourites decades on, cementing the film's status as a timeless masterpiece.

As for the gross, the film pulled in over $158 million, or a staggering $1.6 billion today.

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