The world of Broadway-to-Hollywood adaptations has a new star: Wicked. Released on November 22, 2024, the long-awaited adaptation of the beloved 2003 Broadway musical is already dominating global box offices, amassing an impressive $477.8 million in worldwide gross revenue.
This feat places Wicked as the second highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical to date, with more expected as its run continues.
The Rise of Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his success with In the Heights (2021), Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the lead roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the original Broadway production of Wicked has been a fan favorite since its debut on October 30, 2003.
The movie has quickly captivated audiences, further evidenced by its soundtrack climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of Wicked: Part Two, scheduled for November 21, 2025.
Top-Grossing Film Adaptations of Broadway Musicals
In honor of Wicked’s success, here’s a closer look at the all-time top-grossing Broadway-to-film adaptations.
| Rank | Film | Worldwide Gross | Soundtrack Billboard Peak | Director | Release Date | Broadway Premiere | Music & Lyrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mamma Mia! | $611.5M | No. 1 (1 week) | Phyllida Lloyd | July 18, 2008 | Oct. 18, 2001 | Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus |
| 2 | Wicked | $477.8M (so far) | No. 2 (so far) | Jon M. Chu | Nov. 22, 2024 | Oct. 30, 2003 | Stephen Schwartz |
| 3 | Les Misérables | $442.8M | No. 1 (1 week) | Tom Hooper | Dec. 25, 2012 | March 12, 1987 | Claude-Michel Schönberg & Herbert Kretzmer |
| 4 | Grease | $396.3M | No. 1 (12 weeks) | Randal Kleiser | June 16, 1978 | Feb. 14, 1972 | Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey |
| 5 | Chicago | $306.8M | No. 2 | Rob Marshall | Jan. 24, 2003 | June 3, 1975 | John Kander & Fred Ebb |
| 6 | Into the Woods | $212.9M | No. 8 | Rob Marshall | Dec. 25, 2014 | Nov. 5, 1987 | Stephen Sondheim |
| 7 | Hairspray | $203.6M | No. 2 | Adam Shankman | July 20, 2007 | Aug. 15, 2002 | Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman |
Legacy Titles: The Sound of Music and More
While modern productions dominate box-office records, older classics like The Sound of Music remain timeless cultural icons. Released in 1965, the film adaptation of the 1959 Broadway musical grossed $159.5 million worldwide. Though it doesn’t appear on modern top-grossing lists, inflation-adjusted revenue would likely position it among the highest earners.
Other notable mentions include Dreamgirls ($155.5M), the 2021 adaptation of West Side Story ($76M), and My Fair Lady ($72.7M). These films, though falling short of contemporary box-office records, remain critically and culturally significant.
The Future of Broadway-to-Hollywood Success
With Wicked: Part Two on the horizon, Jon M. Chu could join Rob Marshall (Chicago, Into the Woods) as one of the few directors with two high-ranking entries on this list. The sequel’s performance will undoubtedly be watched closely, as audiences and critics alike speculate whether it can surpass the original’s success.
Broadway adaptations remain a cinematic staple, drawing fans old and new with their rich narratives, iconic music, and star-studded casts. As ticket prices continue to rise and streaming platforms expand their reach, the challenge lies in maintaining the theatrical allure that makes these adaptations so special.
For now, Wicked continues to enchant audiences, proving that the magic of Broadway can thrive on the big screen.