After being a dominant hit on the stage for many years, in 2012 the decision was made to bring the incredibly popular musical, Les Miserables to life in the form of a blockbuster, Hollywood movie. No expense was spared with an all-star cast of actors who all brought their very best to bring this musical to life, telling the tale in a brand new way.
The movie proved to be popular and brought a whole legion of new fans to the classic show with it. While there are tons of movie musicals out there to enjoy, not all of them are grounded in a rich story with such a wide variety of characters as Les Miserables is. Fortunately, there are still many movies out there that fans of this hit film can enjoy.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
Les Miserables is quite a serious movie musical that does have a lot of dark moments throughout, and that is something that Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street also has. In fact, this musical is even darker in its tone, which is due to the nature of the story itself.
However, while it might be dark it is still a fantastic movie. Neither of these musicals is aimed at younger audiences, so the serious nature of the plot isn't a problem. Plus, this movie does pack a punch when it comes to star power as well, with Johnny Depp being a particular highlight in the lead role.
The Phantom Of The Opera (2004)
Much like Les Miserables, The Phantom Of The Opera is a classic musical which has been unbelievably popular on the stage throughout the world. It's a classic story that is very well-known and features some of the most iconic musical songs of all time.
The film certainly does justice to this musical and is something that any fan will massively appreciate. There's some terrific acting as well as excellent singing all combining together with the tale that has been told many times before.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Another movie musical wrapped in tragedy and sadness is Moulin Rouge! It's a fantastic love story where things don't always quite go to plan, just as they don't during Les Miserables. This film also features some incredible acting talent in the likes of Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman who really bring their best to the role.
Moulin Rouge! also happens to be set in France, just as Les Miserables is, although it does have a slightly more upbeat tone to its music. Fans of Thénardier and his wife will particularly enjoy the frantic pace that comes with this one.
Hamilton (2020)
Hamilton has burst onto the scene in recent times, becoming arguably the most popular musical around at the moment, which is why the Disney+ movie has been such a hit. This is unlike Les Miserables in the sense that this movie is literally the on-stage theatrical version of the show, but there's no doubt fans will love it.
Like Les Miserables, it leans heavily on legitimate history to tell its story with a wide range of characters which creates some fantastic moments. The music might be different at points with Hamilton having a strong rap influence, but any musical fan should find elements to love in this modern classic.
One Nation, One King (2018)
Unlike the other entries on this list, One Nation, One King is not a movie musical. However, that doesn't mean that people won't enjoy the film as there is lots of fun to be had with this one which is all about the French Revolution, which Les Miserables also focuses on heavily.
This film is all centred around that incident, taking a deep dive into how the working men and women came together and tried to start it all. Just like Les Miserables does, except, minus all of the singing. This movie hits home the realism of the situation in what is a gripping movie.
Into The Woods (2014)
One of the reasons that Into The Woods is a movie that Les Miserables fans would like is the fact that it has a fantastic ensemble cast which features a lot of talented actors all coming together to tell the tale. This movie is more wrapped into the world of fantasy which is slightly different from Les Miserables.
However, there is just as much action and exciting moments to keep people entertained throughout the movie. There is also a lot of excellent songs in this movie, which is the big reason why fans will find this movie equally as likeable.
Oliver (1968)
Much like Les Miserables, Oliver is another classic movie musical that is beloved by audiences who have seen it. This is a much older film, but just like Les Miserables, it focuses on characters who come from very different backgrounds, with some being wealthy and others being incredibly poor.
Oliver is a young orphan and he ends up being taken in by a group who rob and steal from others in order to get by. There's a lot of low, sad moments in this film which is also similar to Les Miserables, with both movies having themes that are similar at points.
Evita (1996)
A movie musical with fantastic songs and a story that is packed with pure emotion, Evita is something that Les Miserables fans will absolutely enjoy. This movie is incredibly powerful, mainly because of the story itself which follows a young girl on the rise to being the First Lady.
The music within this one isn't over the top and fast-paced like some movie musicals can be, and instead is more grounded in reality, which is what Les Miserables is known and loved for with this being a hit movie that everyone should check out.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame might be a Disney animation, but that doesn't mean that Les Miserables fans won't enjoy it. This is one of the more serious Disney films and has a lot of adult tones with the messages that it conveys throughout, all while also being set in France.
Both these movies are also based on novels written by the same person, Victor Hugo, which is why they are quite similar in tone at points. With secrecy, underground tunnels, and a power-mad villain, there are a lot of similarities, with this animated film being capable of pulling at the heartstrings just as much as Les Miserables can.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
Les Miserables is all about people fighting for what they believe in, whether it is chasing down criminals, starting a revolution, or keeping a promise and that is why The Greatest Showman has similar themes. This movie is one that is all about outcasts believing in themselves and no longer being afraid to showcase their skills.
There are plenty of sad moments throughout the film as well which keep things ticking along, but overall it does have a very positive message. The movie also highlights just how good of a musical talent Hugh Jackman is, as he also proves in Les Miserables.