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A mosaic of colours, dazzling performances, and splendid music are woven together to make the most popular musical of all time.
It is no surprise that the most popular musical of all time, the king of all musicals, is The Lion King animated musical. While it’s also a strong competitor for the most famous theatre musical, that goes to The Phantom of the Opera.
As for the most popular and greatest musical movie ever made, it’s Singin’ in the Rain.
Since these musicals span different entertainment mediums, listing each one separately does justice to them.
The Lion King (1994)
Most popular musical of all time: Animation
This richly drawn, emotionally stirring, and beautifully animated musical drama film is the pride of Disney’s pantheon of classic family films. It was also the first Disney animated feature that was an original story not based on an already-existing work.
The greatest adventure of all is finding our place in the circle of life. And The Lion King is the most popular musical of all time. It has collected almost a billion dollars at the box office and sold over 55 million copies on home video.
Story
Set in the thriving and majestic region of the African savanna, it’s the story of an adventurous lion cub. Simba, is the future king of the Pride Lands. His evil paternal uncle, Scar, attempts to seize the throne by killing Simba’s father, Mufasa. Led to believe that he’s responsible for his father’s death, Simba flees into exile.
After Scar’s seizure of power, darkness and desolation befall the Pride Lands, and it’s up to Simba to save the kingdom’s animals.
Music
Elton John and Tim Rice, together, wrote five original songs for the film: “Can You Feel The Love Tonight“, “Hakuna Matata”, “Be Prepared”, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, and “Circle of Life”, along with a score composed by Hans Zimmer.
The music of the film’s soundtrack has won Academy Awards, Golden Globe, and Grammy Awards. And it complements the storyline perfectly.
Musical Theatre Adaptations
This Disney film’s popularity is such that Walt Disney Theatrical produced a musical stage adaptation with the same name. It premiered in 1997 and featured songs from the movie and some more.
It celebrates the African culture the story was based on. Six native African languages are spoken and sung throughout the show.
Apart from being the third longest-running show, it’s also the highest-grossing musical in Broadway history.
The Phantom of the Opera (1986)
Most popular musical of all time: Theatre production
Phantom is one of the most popular Broadway musicals and is based on Gaston Leroux’s horror novel of 1910. After its debut in 1988 and 7 Tony Awards later, it continues to be the longest-running show in Broadway history.
The musical is the perfect blend of thrill and romance, accompanied by a memorable score. Its popularity is evident, seeing that it’s had more than 13,677 performances. The most performances of any musical.
As of 2019, Phantom has had an audience of over 140 million in 183 cities across 41 countries. The total estimated worldwide gross earnings is around $6 billion.
Story
It’s an enticing story of the legendary Phantom, shunned by society due to a horrible facial deformity. He dwells in a labyrinth underneath the Paris Opera House.
A promising young soprano encounters the mysterious Phantom, who claims to be an angel of music sent by her dead father. He takes her under his wing and grooms her talent, in the process, falling deeply in love with her.
With her growing success, she courts a handsome young man, leading the Phantom into a jealous rage.
Music
The music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics by Charles Hart. Webber’s score, with its beloved signature song “Music of the Night“, sets the mood for this musical with grand emotions.
Some of the most famous songs of this musical include “Think of Me”, “All I Ask of You”, “Past the Point of No Return”, and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Most popular musical of all time: Movie production
A masterpiece of classical Hollywood musical films, this 1952 musical romantic comedy is clever, intelligent, and funny. And it has some of the most memorable songs.
The movie remains a classic with elaborate dance numbers and magnetic chemistry between the leads. It is often regarded by critics as the greatest musical film ever made and has been granted legendary status. The focus is on the transition from silent to sound-filled movies in Hollywood in the late 1920s.
While this superb film was shot on a budget of $2.5 million, its box-office collections totalled about $7 million worldwide. Of course, back in the day, this was a huge deal.
Story
A longtime silent film star (Don Lockwood) and his glamorous blonde leading lady (Lina Lamont) are made to pretend to be romantically involved by the studio heads. They’re also forced to make their silent romantic drama into their first sound picture.
Owing to the narcissistic star’s shrill, screechy New York accent, the proposal is made to turn the doomed film into a musical. Don’s aspiring actress and dancer-girlfriend (Kathy Selden) is made to dub in her singing as lip-syncing for Lina.
The film’s happy resolution comes with the exposure of the jealous Lina and putting Kathy into the limelight.
Music
The music for Singin’ in the Rain was initially conceived by MGM producer Arthur Freed. He used the catalogue of songs written by Nacio Herb Brown for MGM musicals of the 1929-39 period.
The songs “Singin’ in the Rain“, “Should I?” and “Broadway Rhythm” have been featured in many films. Gene Kelly’s performance in the song “Singin’ in the Rain” is considered iconic. In addition, the instrumental “Temptation” and “Moses Supposes” are based on a 1944 tongue-twister. They are part of the beloved 12 notes of this musical film.
Donald O’Connor’s scene-stealing knockout “Make ‘Em Laugh” turned unbelievable physical feats into a comic farce.
Final Thoughts
You know it’s one of the best when the heart desires more, and you shout out Encore! Once you’ve seen these popular musicals of all time, you’ll know what the hype is all about.
Undoubtedly, many more musicals have mesmerised us with their magical charm, but this read had to be only about the most popular musical of all time.