Musical adaptations can be hit or miss. Sometimes what made the original so special doesn't really translate to the big screen. Other times, there's something more powerful about the story being told in a movie format compared to what can be achieved on stage. Despite how incredible these live productions are, some fans feel that the screen version actually surpasses them.
Whether it's because of minor changes to the songs, the additional budget, the freedom to really visually tell the full story on the big screen, or other factors, these musicals are better in their filmed versions, according to Reddit users!
Mamma Mia! (2008)
There's a lot of debate surrounding Mamma Mia! The musical based on ABBA songs originally came to stage in 1999 and has always been a fun "jukebox" production style which allows a great deal of audience participation. Very few people really see the initial film as better than the stage show, despite its financial success and the resounding acclaim of its sequel.
But in a breakdown of different musicals that have adapted well to screen, Redditor maybemovie has claimed that they "enjoyed the movie more. Maybe it's because the songs fit better onscreen? But that's just me." There's an argument to be made about the scale of the film compared to the show and how the ensemble pieces can feel larger. Plus, ABBA songs have been performed on screen for years, so it feels like it works.
In The Heights (2021)
In The Heights, which began on stage in 2005, made more changes when being adapted to the screen compared to other stage-to-film moves. However, fans of the original show appear to be quite happy with these additions. Redditor oceanic316, for instance, said that they "felt like they made it broader (in a good way for hitting a bigger movie audience)."
Much in the same way, chamat_1 said, "I'm usually a bit of a stage-to-screen adaptation purist, and really loathe when too many things are changed, but I loved a lot of what they changed for the film." The incredible choreography and performances in the movie version of In The Heights were reasons they supported the variation, although both Redditors did note that a few missing songs and beats were a little disappointing.
Hairspray (2007)
Hairspray is quite an underrated production that deserves to be revisited. Hitting stages in 2002, audiences had a fun time with this throwback show that actually deals with a number of important social and political issues. The film managed to put these themes at the forefront even more, perhaps in a way the stage production wasn't able to while focusing on the character arcs.
A Reddit poll demonstrated the audience's love for the film in comparison to the show. Reasons for this may include quinnlatifa's point that they're "really not a fan of how the ending goes down in the musical. I think the movie ending works much better," or perhaps MrSpiffy1979's take that "Link's motivations make more sense in the musical, though, instead of just being "the hot guy" without much else to do."
Les Misérables (2012)
Les Misérables, which opened in 1985, is another musical that purists often feel can't be surpassed. However, the Oscar-winning musical movie adaptation has become beloved by many. It manages to capture the emotional core of the stage production while having the capacity to truly show off the conflict the film is based around. The sets, in particular, are hugely memorable.
Some of Reddit seems to agree. Like robertbareassathon, for instance, saying that they "thought it was the best musical to movie adaption I have seen. The changes they made with the order of the songs and the additions from the book (Fantine selling her teeth, Marius's grandfather, Eponine stealing the letter from Cosette, etc.) worked very well."
Grease (1978)
Another Reddit poll deemed that Grease the movie far exceeds Grease the musical. While the stage production might have begun in 1972, the property, as a whole, will always be connected to the superb film that continues to live on in cinema history.
As one Redditor notes, "The movie is just too iconic to even be compared to either live version." Grease has been replicated many times in the likes of High School Musical, but ultimately, as another Redditor puts it, "the movie just gives me tons of nostalgia," which makes it so compelling. Nostalgia is definitely hard to beat.
Dreamgirls (2006)
Dreamgirls the musical opened in 1981 and continues to be one of the most talked-about productions on stage. The film tried to surpass that though, casting once-in-a-lifetime performers in the role to try and do justice to the original. For many, they genuinely succeeded in that attempt and not just because of the talent in front of the camera, but the creative team behind it as well.
Redditor teddivan96 said that "Dreamgirls is hands down one of the best movie musical adaptations. Such a well-done stage-to-screen adaptation. The music, the cast, the songs, everything about this movie is brilliant!" Jennifer Hudson's Academy Award-winning performance, in particular, is undeniable.
The Sound Of Music (1965)
The Sound Of Music is another movie that has come to define what a musical adaptation really looks like when it's done well. It started on stage in 1959, but the film itself is infinitely more iconic, thanks to its charismatic lead and gorgeous visuals.
MovieMike007 said that "Julie Andrews is just so amazing in this film that you can't help but fall in love with her." Meanwhile, maybemovie agrees, saying "The movie has a special place in my heart. The stage adaptation is pretty good as well." Ultimately, despite the stage version coming first, there's really no comparison, as the film is what audiences immediately think of.
Into The Woods (2014)
Into The Woods, which began on stage in 1986, contains so many likable characters that have been taken from across different fables and fairytales. It was natural that Disney would want to adapt this, managing to bring the fantasy elements to life in a way that's impossible without special effects and a huge budget.
For starters, embenjamin14 said, "I was definitely struck by the visual beauty and thought it was awesome that it was really an expanded universe compared to just the usual of having a few actors in a performance." The cast also gets a great mention from Redditors like nunsinnikes, who said, "I had no idea Chris Pine, Anna Kendrick, and Emily Blunt had so much vocal talent. I always love when actors surprise me like that."
Annie (1982/1999)
Sometimes, a movie naturally surpasses the original production simply because of the mark it's left. While Annie began playing in 1976, the debate still rages on between which is better, the 1982 and 1999 film adaptation, each with their own merits.
KanariaRose sums it up best, saying "The 1982 is my favorite (probably mostly due to nostalgia) but I will be the first to admit, boy oh boy does it have pacing issues. 99 feels more fluid and well-paced, Bates is actually very enjoyable, and as always, Cheno is a treasure." Redditor jonah-tan backs this up by saying that the 1982 version is a classic with great performances, but the 1999 iteration gets everything just right.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)
Sweeney Todd is a beloved movie, although plenty of musical fans may suggest it's not great compared to the stage version that debuted in 1979. Somehow, though, the film has continued to set itself apart and the cast and aesthetic are two huge reasons for that.
Redditor filmlover23 voiced their preference by saying, "I’ve been listening to the original Broadway cast album of Sweeney Todd and have to say that I prefer the film cast album, especially Helena Bonham Carter’s “Worst Pies in London.” Sunday-1984 supports this saying, "I think it works wonderfully. I think it's one of the best musical to film adaptations, even with all its changes. The ending is especially nice." These unique qualities in the film perhaps largely help it surpass the original for some viewers.