Lists about the greatest performers and most spectacular plays, musicals, and other shows ever to sparkle in the bright lights of Broadway.

Lights Are Bright on Broadway

History

These are 80+ of the&nbsp;most popular Broadway musicals in history, listed according to their number of stage performances. The longest running Broadway musicals are part of the American musical canon with familiar songs that people hum to themselves or sing out loud, featuring stories generations know and love. Each of these productions has been performed at least 1,000 times in New York's famous&nbsp;Broadway theaters. The most amazing Broadway performances include comedies, dramas, and timeless classics.&nbsp;So what are the most popular Broadway shows ever? From well-known classic&nbsp;shows like Les Misérables, Wicked,&nbsp;and Cats to newer hits like Hamilton&nbsp;and Dear Evan Hansen,&nbsp;these famous musicals with the most performances still gain new fans each year. Many of them are still running to this day, such as The Phantom of the Opera, which has been performed on Broadway more times than any other production. Among the top 50 most performed shows list below, there are iconic examples of the best of the form and major works from some of the best musical theater writers, choreographers, and performers of all time.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">biggest Broadway shows</a> have toured America and the world alike, with long runs in London's West End&nbsp;and the Chicago Theatre District. Others have been <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-live-musical-television-special/ranker-tv">adapted into live TV events</a>. And there are plenty more that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/stage-musicals-that-would-make-great-movies/michael-gibson">would&nbsp;make great movies</a> if only someone would take a shot. This list features only musicals, so you won't find any of your favorite <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-works-of-neil-simon-playwright/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Neil Simon plays</a> or more recent non-musical hits.&nbsp;So, what are the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">greatest Broadway musicals</a> of all time? Check out the list below for your answer.

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The Most Popular Broadway Musicals of All Time, Ranked

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The 85+ Most Popular Broadway Musicals Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

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Matilda the Musical

Matilda the Musical is a stage musical based on the 1988 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. It was adapted by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The musical's narrative centres on Matilda, a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life. After a twelve-week trial run staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) at Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2010 to January 2011, it received its West End premiere on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre and its Broadway premiere on 11 April 2013 at the Shubert Theatre.
Matilda has received widespread critical acclaim and box-office popularity, winning seven 2012 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical—at the time, the most such awards ever won by a single show. At the 2013 Olivier Awards, the show jointly held the record with the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time before both were overtaken by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2017 with 9 awards, however Matilda still holds the record for most Olivier awards won by a musical, tying with Hamilton in 2018. At the 2013 Tony Awards, the show won five awards, including the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

The musical phenomenon Hamilton follows the life of one ambitious immigrant who helps win a revolution and shape early American politics, all while earnestly sticking to noble ideals. 

History Has Its Eyes on You

Broadway

The best Broadway musicals of all time have thrilled audiences for decades, leaving a permanent imprint on the world of theater. These productions combine captivating storytelling, unforgettable music, and stunning performances to create experiences that resonate deeply with everyone who watches them. Whether you're a longtime Broadway aficionado or a newcomer, these musicals offer something magical for everyone.Consider Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical redefines history through an engaging mix of hip-hop and traditional show tunes. Meanwhile, Wicked retells the classic Wizard of Oz story from a fresh, compelling perspective. And Andrew Lloyd Webber's hauntingly beautiful The Phantom of the Opera has enchanted audiences for decades with its stunning music and poignant tale of love and obsession.Which productions do you believe deserve the title of the greatest musicals ever performed on Broadway? Cast your votes and help shape this crowd-ranked list. Your opinions will ensure these timeless classics and modern masterpieces get the recognition they deserve. Join us in celebrating the shows that have lit up the Great White Way and left us all singing and dancing in the aisles.

The Phantom of the Opera

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The Best Broadway Musicals Of All Time, Ranked

The 185+ Best Broadway Musicals Of All Time, Ranked

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Lists ranking things children love, from silly movies to sports to fun, creative crafts.

For the Kids

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From tiny tots to high schoolers, kids of all ages will enjoy these great Broadway musicals. While many are running on Broadway currently, the rest will most likely be produced again in revivals so parents should be sure to keep an eye both on Broadway and this list of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best Broadway shows</a> for kids.

A large portion of the Broadway shows kids will love are musicals. After all, what child can resist singing along with their favorite characters? Shows like The Lion King are familiar to kids already and the elaborate sets and colorful dance numbers will hold their interest for the duration of the show.

Other exciting Broadway productions might be more appropriate for older children. Hairspray, based on the film of the same name, touches on the subject of social inequalities, a subject that junior high and high school students can appreciate and relate to. Of course, the show is also fun - the music is memorable, as are the characters, so older kids are sure to not only enjoy this Broadway show but also learn more about the history of the American social landscape.

On this list, readers will find all of the greatest Broadway shows for children, including those that have been produced recently and those that were originally staged long ago. Vote up the best Broadway shows for kids below and see where the shows your kids love rank! Then check out our list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-g-rated-musical-movies/reference" target="_blank">best musical movies for kids</a>.

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The Best Broadway Shows for Kids

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Matilda the Musical

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