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Check out these musicals you can enjoy at home 🎶

Sing along to these classic musicals, all available to stream!

Author: Rhys Freeman & Iesha Mae ThomasPublished 15th Jul 2022
Last updated 19th Jul 2022

We all love a night in on the sofa, and definitely a good musical! But finding them isn't always straightforward, so we've done some of the hard work for you!

We've rounded up plenty of the musicals available on the big streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. From family favourites to tearjerkers, there's something for everyone.

Check out our list below:

Aladdin (Disney+)

Now we know that Disney+ contains the movie giants' entire back catalogue, which includes all the animated classics that we know and love. One of these iconic titles is Aladdin, a story of a young street urchin who discovers a magic lamp. There are two versions of this story to choose from, the 1992 animated version with Robin Williams as the genie or the 2019 live action version with Will Smith. Both films feature Alan Menken's beautiful score with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

Annie (Netflix & Disney+)

If you ever did theatre as a child there's probably no doubt that you had to sing 'It's a Hard Knock Life' as an ensemble number and know it like the back of your hand. Telling us the story of a young orphan who is adopted by a wealthy man, the 1972 musical Annie is an incredibly well known and has inspired multiple film adaptations over the years.

The good news is that at the three adaptations of the musical are available on streaming services. Columbia's 1982 version starring Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters as well as their 2014 version with Jamie Foxx are available on Netflix. The 1999 version of the film by Disney is available on Disney+ and stars Kathy Bates, Alan Cumming, and Audra McDonald.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (Disney+)

Starring Angela Lansbury, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a musical film based on the works of children's author Mary Norton. In this story Angela Lansbury plays a witch who with the help of three children fights against the Nazis in World War II and if that doesn't sound bizarre enough, they also travel on a flying bed!

A stage adaptation is also currently on UK tour, so now's a great time to check it out if you haven't already.

Better Nate Than Ever (Disney+)

If you are or were a theatre kid you'll love Better Nate Than Ever. In this film, 13-year-old Nate and his best friend Libby sneak away to New York so Nate can audition for the stage adaptation of Lilo and Stich in an attempt to fulfil his dream of becoming a Broadway star.

Burlesque (Netflix)

Burlesque tells the story of a small-town girl who moves to LA to follow her dreams and finds herself waitressing at the Burlesque Lounge. With a phenomenal line-up including Stanley Tucci from The Hunger Games and The Devil Wears Prada, Frozen's Kristen Bell, and Tony-winner Alan Cumming supporting the leads Christina Aguilera and Cher. With a soundtrack full of iconic numbers such as 'Show Me How You Burlesque' this film guarantees a fab night in.

Cats (Amazon Prime)

Have you ever wondered what Hollywood A-listers such as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Idris Elba and even Taylor Swift would look like if they were hybrid CGI cat people? Well look no further than Tom Hooper's adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats.

The original musical takes inspiration from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Elliot and was once the world's longest running musical!

Cinderella (2021) (Amazon Prime)

Another twist on the beloved classic, this re-telling of the Cinderella story stars Camila Cabello in the titular role alongside plenty of other big names such as Billy Porter, Idina Menzel, Pierce Brosnan, Minnie Driver and Nicholas Galitzine.

Come From Away (Apple TV+)

Come From Away has taken the world by storm with hit productions on Broadway and the West End. The musical tells the story of the people who found themselves grounded in Newfoundland after their flights were grounded following the 9/11 attacks.

This special performance was recorded for Apple TV+ on Broadway while their theatres were still closed due to the pandemic. The audience was made up of frontline workers and 9/11 survivors.

Diana the Musical (Netflix)

The story of Diana, Princess of Wales was given the musical theatre treatment which caused quite the stir. After the show was forced to close because of the pandemic, the musical was filmed and released on Netflix a month ahead of their Broadway return.

While some hated the musical, others saw it as a cult classic in the making. Regardless, thanks to this recording the original Broadway production can still be watched despite Diana the Musical closing a month after their Broadway return.

Dreamgirls (Netflix)

Based on the story of Motown Records and one of their most famous artists, The Supremes, Dreamgirls brought the 1981 musical to the big screen with a star-studded cast including Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Beyoncé. The film includes the muscial's stunning numbers such as 'I am Changing' and 'And I am Telling You I'm Not Going' as well as four new songs including 'Listen' sang by Beyoncé.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Amazon Prime)

Everybody's Talking About Jamie is the powerful story about a 16-year-old boy who stayed true to himself and went to prom in drag. The original musical is based on a true story and opened in 2017 and quickly became a huge hit so it's no wonder it got the film treatment so quickly!

Hairspray (2007) (Netflix)

The 2007 version of 'Hairspray' belongs to a small group of films that are based on a musical that is based on a film, confusing right? With a screenplay based both on the script of the original 1988 film by John Waters and the book of the 2002 stage adaption, 'Hairspray' tells us a story of those who want to embrace diversity and were able to help change history by fighting prejudice and racism.

The film includes some big names such as 'Grease' star John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, High School Musical's Zac Efron as Link Larkin, and Queen Latifah as "Motormouth" Maybelle Stubs. The film is a joy to watch and we just know you'll be singing and dancing along to 'You Can't Stop the Beat' at the end!

Hamilton (Disney+)

With a staggering 11 Tony Award wins, Hamilton is one of the most successful musicals of recent years and now the filmed version of the Broadway production is available on Disney+. With show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda in the titular role, Hamilton tells us the story of one of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton as he helps shape the United States of America.

The use of contemporary hip hop and R&B music styles and casting non-white actors to play the founding fathers has helped it reshape what a musical can do. Lin-Manuel has described the show as "America then, as told by America Now".

Hello Dolly (Disney+)

Telling us the story of matchmaker Dolly Levi who's trying to find the half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder a match, Hello Dolly is a fantastic film starring Barbra Streisand as Dolly. With an Academy Award-winning score, the music is phenomenal and there's a marvellous cameo by Louis Armstrong during the titular song. So put on your Sunday clothes and give this classic a watch!

High School Musical (Disney+)

Now this is one for the kids or those who grew up in the 00s and want to feel some nostalgia. High School Musical is exactly what it says on the tin, a musical about putting on a musical in a High School. The film became a phenomenon and helped transform the careers of its stars Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. The film is one of the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies with songs such as 'Breaking Free' climbing the charts back in 2006. The film got two sequels both of which are also available on Disney+.

Into the Woods (Disney+)

Based on Stephen Sondheim's 1986 musical Into the Woods takes us into the mystical world of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. The story combines the tales of Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood. With a fabulous cast including Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and Christine Baranski, mixed with direction by Rob Marshall who directed the film adaptation of Chicago, Into the Woods stands as a solid, well-made movie musical that complements its source material.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) (Amazon Prime)

Based on the Biblical tales of Jesus Christ, Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar brought a brand-new sound to the story. The musical originally started as a concept album which then developed into the rock opera we know today.
This first filmed version of the tale was directed by Norman Jewison and stars Ted Neeley as Jesus, Carl Anderson as Judas, and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene.

The Last Five Years (Amazon Prime)

The Last Five Years tells the story of a five-year relationship between Cathy (Anna Kendrick) and Jamie (Jeremy Jordan) from each of their perspectives. The film is based on Jason Robert Brown's musical of the same name which was inspired by his own relationship with Theresa O'Neill. In fact elements of the original show had to be changed as it was too close to reality!

What makes the show unique was the choice to have the characters' stories told in opposite chronological order. We meet Cathy as the relationship ends and we meet Jamie as the pair had just met. The pair meet at the halfway point for their wedding.

Les Misérables (Netflix & Amazon Prime with ads)

The 2012 film adaption of Les Misérables does justice to the beloved musical. Set in 19th-century France, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. With some emotional performances from Anne Hathaway and Samantha Barks, this is a must-see if you've been living under a rock for the past eight years!

Mary Poppins (Disney+)

Considered one of Walt Disney's greatest live-action pictures, Mary Poppins tells us the tale of a magical nanny who comes to take care of the Banks children.

This was the feature film debut for Julie Andrews who starred alongside Dick Van Dyke as Bert. The film is a timeless classic that was able to blend the worlds of live action with animation. With the accompaniment of the Sherman Brothers' music there's no word to describe Mary Poppins apart from supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Additionally, if you want even more from Mary, the 2018 sequel, Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda is also available on Disney+.

Moulin Rouge! (Disney+ & Amazon Prime)

Set in Paris' iconic performance space, Moulin Rouge is a jukebox movie musical and romantic drama about an Englishman who moves to Paris and falls in love with a singer at the Moulin Rouge. The film's cast includes Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and Jim Broadbent as well as Kylie Minogue as the Green Fairy.

The music is what makes Moulin Rouge so incredible with impeccable vocals mixed with creative mashups and medleys such as the Sparkling Diamond and Elephant Love Medley.

Newsies: The Broadway Musical (Disney+)

Based on Disney's 1992 film of the same name, Newsies tells us the story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899 that took place in New York City. This recording of the Broadway production has Jeremy Jordan in the lead role and includes some beautiful numbers such as 'Santa Fe' and 'Seize the Day'.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney+)

A holiday film that sparks debate over which holiday you should watch it at, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is a piece of true magic. A stop-motion film which tells the story of the king of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, who stumbles upon Christmas Town. Jack is then inspired to take over the holiday and make it his own.

Danny Elfman's music is sublime and so is his singing voice which he lends to Jack. So no matter what time of year it is this film is always worth a watch again and again.

The Pajama Game (Amazon Prime)

Richard Adler and Jerry Ross' musical The Pajama Game was adapted into a film in 1957, the musical was based on Richard Pike Bissell's novel 7½ Cents. Many of the original Broadway Cast reprised their roles for the film however the leading role of Katherine "Babe" Williams was played by Doris Day for the film.

The Prom (Netflix)

Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin, and Bob Martin's 2018 musical has been given a screen adaptation for Netflix with 'Glee' and 'American Horror Story' mastermind, Ryan Murphy in the director's chair. Inspired by a true story The Prom follows a group of Broadway Actors as they travel to Indiana to help a girl whose prom was cancelled because her school refused to allow her to take her girlfriend with her. With Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, and Andrew Rannells among the film's cast it's no surprise that the film has done so well!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Disney+ & Amazon Prime)

When it comes to cult classics The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the most iconic of the lot. It's based on The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O'Brien which originally opened at London's Royal Court.

The film adaptation stars Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter and Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as Brad and Janet. There's even a cameo by the late great Meat Loaf!

The Sound of Music (Disney+)

Robert Wise's The Sound of Music is a film many of us watched as children and still adore to this day. Based on Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's musical, The Sound of Music tells the story of a young woman named Maria, (Julie Andrews) who's sent to be a governess to the children of a strict naval officer (Christopher Plummer). Maria teaches the children music and the family become the Von Trapp Family Singers, but things take a darker turn when the family have to flee the country following the Nazis rise to power.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Amazon Prime & Netflix)

Based on Stephen Sondheim's musical of the same name, Sweeney Todd tells the terrifying murderous couple who do a lot worse than cut hair and bake pies! The 2007 film was directed by Tim Burton and like many of his films from this era stars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Sondheim was sceptical of the show's adaptation however he was impressed by how it turned out.

tick, tick… BOOM! (Netflix)

Jonathan Larson made his name in musical theatre history as the writer of RENT but before that he wrote tick, tick… BOOM! This semi-autobiographical musical has Andrew Garfield play the late composer and explores the idea of wanting to make an impact in the world by a certain point in your life as if there's a ticking clock in your head.

Trevor the Musical (Disney+)

Based on the 1994 film of the same name, Trevor the Musical tells the story of a 13-year-old called Trevor, a huge Diana Ross fan whose world is turned upside down when his classmates discover he has a crush on another boy.

West Side Story (2021) (Disney+)

West Side Story got a second outing on the big screen six decades after first film came out. The film was the first musical for legendary director Steven Spielberg.

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