Broadway shows are known for their dazzling performances, captivating storylines, and impressive sets. But in addition to their artistic value, these productions also come with a hefty price tag. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 15 most expensive Broadway shows of all time, counting down to the number one spot.
1. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011)
Topping the list is the infamous Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, which had a budget of $75 million. The show, which featured music by U2’s Bono and The Edge, was plagued with technical issues and injuries during its production, making it a financial disaster for the producers.
2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2018)
With a budget of $68.5 million, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes the second spot on our list. The two-part play, based on the beloved wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, has been a massive success since its premiere, grossing over $100 million in its first year on Broadway.
3. King Kong (2018)
Bringing the iconic movie monster to life on stage was no cheap feat. King Kong had a budget of $35 million, with most of it going towards the impressive animatronic puppet of the titular character. Unfortunately, despite its stunning visuals, the show closed after only a year on Broadway due to low ticket sales.
4. Frozen (2018)
The hit Disney movie came to life on stage with a budget of $30 million. The production featured dazzling special effects and a talented cast, making it a fan-favorite on Broadway. It has grossed over $200 million since its premiere, solidifying its place as one of the most successful and expensive Broadway shows of all time.
5. Aladdin (2014)
With a budget of $28 million, Aladdin is another Disney production that has been a hit on Broadway. The musical, featuring iconic songs from the animated movie, has grossed over $400 million since its premiere and continues to draw in audiences with its colorful sets and energetic performances.
6. The Lion King (1997)
One of the longest-running Broadway shows of all time, The Lion King had a budget of $20 million. The production, which features stunning costumes and puppetry, has grossed over $1 billion since its premiere, making it one of the most successful and expensive Broadway shows to date.
7. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2009)
Before its infamous 2011 run, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark went through a troubled production process that cost producers $20 million. The show underwent multiple delays and rewrites, and eventually closed after only a few months on Broadway.
8. Shrek the Musical (2008)

The Top 15 Most Expensive Broadway Shows of All Time
Bringing the lovable ogre to the stage cost producers $25 million. Despite its high budget, the show received mixed reviews and closed after a year on Broadway. However, it has since found success in regional and international productions.
9. Tarzan (2006)
Based on the Disney animated movie, Tarzan had a budget of $16 million. The show featured impressive aerial stunts and a talented cast, but it closed after only a year on Broadway due to low ticket sales.
10. The Phantom of the Opera (1988)
One of the longest-running Broadway shows of all time, The Phantom of the Opera had a budget of $8 million. The iconic musical has grossed over $1 billion since its premiere and continues to draw in audiences with its hauntingly beautiful music and sets.
11. The Producers (2001)
Mel Brooks’ hit comedy had a budget of $10 million, making it one of the most expensive Broadway shows of its time. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, and grossing over $300 million.
12. Beauty and the Beast (1994)
Another Disney production, Beauty and the Beast had a budget of $12 million. The musical, featuring beloved songs from the animated movie, was a hit on Broadway, grossing over $400 million in its 13-year run.
13. Miss Saigon (1991)
Bringing the Vietnam War to the stage cost producers $10 million. The musical was a commercial success, grossing over $300 million, and winning multiple Tony Awards. It has since been revived on Broadway and continues to draw in audiences.
14. The Little Mermaid (2008)
Based on the Disney animated movie, The Little Mermaid had a budget of $15 million. Despite its high budget, the show received mixed reviews and closed after only a year on Broadway. It has since found success in regional and international productions.
15. Wicked (2003)
Topping the list of the most expensive Broadway shows of all time is Wicked, with a budget of $14 million. The musical, which tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, has grossed over $1 billion since its premiere and continues to be a fan-favorite on Broadway.
In summary, Broadway shows are not just about the performances and storytelling, but also about the massive budgets that go into creating these spectacular productions. From iconic Disney movies to beloved musicals, these 15 shows have set the bar high for future productions and continue to draw in audiences with their impressive sets, talented casts, and unforgettable performances.







