Belt, rap, and dance along with some of these productions

Movies and books are great at transporting us to fantastical worlds, but a musical has an unparalleled ability to elevate reality. It does it so well that you either love it or hate it—people singing about their feelings is either your dream or nightmare. If you love musicals, these are some of our picks to itch that Broadway/West End longing. If you hate them, give these a try and you might just change your mind.

1/5 Hamilton (Disney+ Hotstar)

This musical took Broadway by storm—and for good reason. The almost-three-hour play recounts the story of Alexander Hamilton, possibly the least-remembered founding father of America (or at least he was until the musical came out). Hamilton is rapped all the way through, the concept of which seemed ridiculous when it first came out. Manuel obviously proved that it works. 

2/5 In The Heights (HBO GO)

Hamilton may have put Miranda on everyone’s map, but it wasn’t his first Best Musical win. That honor goes to In The Heights, which he wrote while in college and won Best Musical in the 2008 Tonys. The film adaptation was released in 2021, allowing people around the world to meet Usnavi and the colorful neighborhood of Washington Heights.

3/5 Come From Away (Apple TV+)

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, a number of planes were grounded with travelers left stranded, sometimes in the middle of nowhere. This Tony-nominated musical is based on the true-to-life people who found themselves stuck in the town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada as they wait the days out until they could go back home. But in the process, they also make life-long connections. 

4/5 Tick, Tick, BOOM! (Netflix)

Miranda seems to be everywhere, but that’s a testament to the man’s talent. However, he’s behind the camera for this one with Andrew Garfield taking center-stage. Garfield garnered numerous award nominations, including an Oscar for Best Actor, for his performance as struggling lyricist Jonathan Larson, who would later compose Rent but pass away before he could see the production on Broadway. 

5/5 Funny Girl (Netflix)

With the Broadway revival set to start previews later this month, now is the perfect time to revisit the classic film based on the musical. The legendary Barbara Streisand plays Fanny Brice, an aspiring star who struggles for a while before finally finding herself on the brink of stardom and everything she’s ever dreamed of. However, it only lasts for so long.