Broadway shows have been a staple of American entertainment for decades, captivating audiences with their dazzling performances, unforgettable music, and incredible stories. Over the years, there have been countless successful Broadway productions, but some have stood out above the rest in terms of popularity and profitability. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 15 highest grossing Broadway shows of all time, based on their total box office sales. From timeless classics to recently released hits, these shows have captured the hearts of audiences and solidified their place in Broadway history.
1. The Lion King
With a staggering total box office sales of over $1.6 billion, The Lion King takes the top spot as the highest grossing Broadway show of all time. This beloved musical, based on the classic Disney film, has been running on Broadway since 1997 and continues to be a favorite among audiences of all ages. Its stunning costumes, vibrant sets, and iconic songs have made it a timeless favorite.
2. Wicked
Coming in at second place is Wicked, with a total box office sales of over $1.3 billion. This magical musical, which tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, has been running on Broadway since 2003 and has become a global phenomenon. Its powerful message of friendship and acceptance, along with its show-stopping performances, continue to draw in audiences year after year.
3. The Phantom of the Opera
With a total box office sales of over $1.2 billion, The Phantom of the Opera holds the third spot on our list. This hauntingly beautiful musical, which has been running on Broadway since 1988, tells the tragic love story of a disfigured musical genius and a young soprano. Its iconic score, stunning sets, and mesmerizing performances have made it a must-see for theater-goers.
4. Chicago
Chicago takes the fourth spot with a total box office sales of over $700 million. This smash hit musical, set in 1920s Chicago, has been running on Broadway since 1996 and has become the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Its sensational choreography, catchy songs, and dark humor have made it a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
5. The Lion King (London)
While The Lion King holds the top spot on Broadway, its London production takes the fifth spot on our list with a total box office sales of over $600 million. This production, which opened in 1999, has become the West End’s most successful production, with its breathtaking visuals and iconic music continuing to draw in audiences year after year.
6. Les Misérables
Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables takes the sixth spot with a total box office sales of over $600 million. This epic musical, which has been running on Broadway since 1987, tells the story of love, sacrifice, and redemption during the French Revolution. Its powerful performances and unforgettable score have made it a favorite among theater-goers around the world.
7. Mamma Mia!
With a total box office sales of over $600 million, Mamma Mia! takes the seventh spot on our list. This feel-good musical, featuring the hit songs of ABBA, has been running on Broadway since 2001 and has become a global sensation. Its heartwarming story, energetic performances, and catchy music have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.
The Top 15 Highest Grossing Broadway Shows of All Time
8. Beauty and the Beast
Based on the classic Disney film, Beauty and the Beast takes the eighth spot with a total box office sales of over $500 million. This enchanting musical, which has been running on Broadway since 1994, tells the tale of a beautiful young woman and a prince cursed to live as a beast. Its stunning production design and beloved songs have made it a favorite among families.
9. Jersey Boys
Taking the ninth spot on our list is Jersey Boys, with a total box office sales of over $500 million. This jukebox musical, which tells the story of the rise and fall of the 1960s rock band The Four Seasons, has been running on Broadway since 2005 and has become a crowd-pleasing hit. Its toe-tapping music and engaging storytelling have made it a favorite among audiences.
10. Cats
Cats, which has a total box office sales of over $400 million, takes the tenth spot on our list. This beloved musical, which has been running on Broadway since 1982, tells the story of a tribe of cats and their annual gathering to decide which of them will ascend to the “Heaviside Layer.” Its iconic music and inventive choreography have made it a favorite among theater-goers.
11. Aladdin
Based on the beloved Disney film, Aladdin takes the eleventh spot with a total box office sales of over $400 million. This magical musical, which has been running on Broadway since 2014, transports audiences to the fictional city of Agrabah and tells the story of a young street rat who discovers a magical lamp. Its dazzling production and familiar songs have made it a hit among families.
12. The Book of Mormon
With a total box office sales of over $400 million, The Book of Mormon takes the twelfth spot on our list. This irreverent musical, which has been running on Broadway since 2011, follows the misadventures of two Mormon missionaries in Uganda. Its clever satire and catchy songs have made it a favorite among audiences, despite its controversial subject matter.
13. Mary Poppins
Based on the Disney film, Mary Poppins takes the thirteenth spot with a total box office sales of over $300 million. This magical musical, which has been running on Broadway since 2006, tells the story of a magical nanny who brings joy and wonder to the lives of a troubled family. Its memorable songs and stunning special effects have made it a hit among families.
14. The Producers
With a total box office sales of over $200 million, The Producers takes the fourteenth spot on our list. This hilarious musical, adapted from the 1968 film, tells the story of a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his accountant who scheme to produce the biggest flop in history. Its clever humor and show-stopping musical numbers have made it a favorite among audiences.
15. Hairspray
Rounding out our list is Hairspray, with a total box office sales of over $200 million. This feel-good musical, set in the 1960s, has been running on Broadway since 2002 and tells the story of a plus-size teenager who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show. Its catchy songs, energetic dances, and message of acceptance have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages.
In conclusion, these top 15 highest grossing Broadway shows of all time have not only achieved financial success, but have also captivated audiences with their spectacular performances, memorable music, and incredible stories. Whether you’re a fan of classic tales or modern hits, there’s something for everyone on this list of Broadway’s biggest box office hits.