The Greatest Showman has proven to be one of the most popular modern musicals, with its fantastic soundtrack proving to be very popular with moviegoers around the world. With Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron taking up the lead roles and an incredible supporting cast working with them, this movie became a smash hit.
However, while the musical elements of this story certainly worked well, there is a lot more to The Greatest Showman which makes it so enjoyable. The movie has a great story, with real moral lessons about not judging people on their appearances. The circus performers also played an integral part in the movie as audiences see them develop their self-confidence throughout the story. But when people finally have the songs from this movie out of their heads, what should they watch next?
The Mighty Barnum (1934)
The Greatest Showman isn't the only movie to be released that takes a look at the life of P.T. Barnum. For anybody who is interested in him as a person, The Mighty Barnum is another great movie to take a look at.
Focusing more on Barnum as a person and the way he promotes and creates the circus, this movie is an eye-opener. P.T. Barnum was certainly a lively character and people want to know a lot about him, which is why this movie is a perfect one to check out.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The great element of The Greatest Showman that makes it so easy to connect with is the fact that it is based on a real-life person. That is why Bohemian Rhapsody is a perfect movie that people would enjoy, as this follows the life of another real-life rockstar in Freddie Mercury.
The movie is jam-packed with amazing music from Queen that one can't help but sing along to. Freddie, much like Barnum, is focused on being as entertaining as possible, and his story of being himself is something that is very similar to those within the circus.
Dumbo (2019)
The Greatest Showman is very much focused on the circus, and providing a great show for people, which is why the live-action version of Dumbo is very similar. Dumbo is an elephant, who is judged by his appearance and is seen to mocked daily by the visitors.
This is a very similar tone to The Greatest Showman, which is why it would make this an interesting movie to watch. It is a family-friendly movie that everyone can enjoy with great lessons for people to learn from this.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
While the topics covered in Moulin Rouge! are a little bit more adult-orientated, this musical has a lot of similarities to The Greatest Showman that would likely make this just as pleasurable to watch. Ultimately, this movie is also about putting on a show, and there's a great romance working within the background as well.
People in this movie are also judged for the jobs that they undertake, which is another reason the movies are similar. But Moulin Rouge! is just as bright and vibrant within its set, with big musical numbers and some strong and compelling characters. It is such a classic musical.
Walk The Line (2005)
While Walk The Line has a much more serious tone than The Greatest Showman, but it is another great musical, based around people from real life. This one is all about Johnny Cash and his journey to the top of the music industry.
Much like P.T. Barnum, Cash doesn't always make the right decisions and at times; he is very selfish, which brings a lot of trouble and issues onto his own life. Obviously, the music from this one is all from Cash's back catalog, but they are incredible songs and they help make this movie very entertaining.
High School Musical (2006)
On the flipside to Walk The Line, High School Musical is a musical movie that is just all about fun and youth as the students prepare to put on their annual musical event while also trying to balance their extracurriculars. The story follows Zac Efron's character, Troy Bolton as he decides to make a big change in his life by going into singing as well as basketball.
Much like his character in The Greatest Showman, Zac's character has a big romantic storyline throughout the movie. Plus, this movie has some incredible dance numbers and big musical moments.
Chicago (2002)
Chicago is an amazing musical movie that is full of big dance numbers, bright costumes, and really fun songs, which is what made The Greatest Showman such a hit. Both of these musicals are full of big characters and personalities and there is something to enjoy for both of them.
Chicago is a little more serious and has a slightly more adult topic, but it focuses on a group of women who are all trying to prove their innocence while being in jail. While the story isn't too similar, it is the brightness and music is what makes these two movies work well together.
Wonder (2017)
While this isn't a musical, Wonder is a movie that fans of The Greatest Showman would like. This movie is full of heart and emotion and brings a great blend of comedic moments. There are also some very sad moments as well, which is a combination that makes for a brilliant movie.
This movie follows the character of Auggie, who is born with Treacher Collins syndrome, which is a rare facial deformity that leads to him suffering from bullying and anxiety. However, he has a huge personality and with his family and friend, Jack, he begins to come out of his shell in a heartwarming manner.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)
The reason that The Greatest Showman has proven to be so popular is because of how accessible it is to the whole family. There's something for everyone within this movie with great characters and vibrant personalities, and with a big circus theme. Therefore, it is easy to see why Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted would be appealing to some people.
The Madagascar franchise is a very funny one and the third movie focuses on the group joining the circus, which is where the similarity comes in. Each character is looking to find their true selves, which is also another relatable link.
Hairspray (2007)
Another very popular modern movie musical is Hairspray which features just as many over the top musical numbers that will have people toe-tapping throughout. Much like The Greatest Showman, Zac Efron takes on a lead role here, so anyone who enjoys his work will find something to like in this one as well.
The underdogs come out on top in this movie as well, which gives some great characters for the audiences to get behind. This movie also engages with some serious social issues too, with discussions about racism and segregation being integral to the plot overall. It's definitely one of the best musicals of all time.