Broadway has been a hub for theatrical performances and musicals for decades, attracting audiences from all over the world. Each year, millions of theater-goers flock to New York City to experience the magic of Broadway shows. While there are countless critically acclaimed and beloved productions, only a select few have achieved massive commercial success. In this blog post, we will be counting down Broadway’s top 15 highest grossing shows, based on their total box office earnings.
15. “Jersey Boys” – Grossing over $558 million, this jukebox musical tells the story of the iconic 1960s band, The Four Seasons. With catchy tunes and a heartwarming story, it has become a fan favorite.
14. “The Phantom of the Opera” – This long-running musical has been captivating audiences since 1988, earning over $1.3 billion in total gross. With its iconic score and elaborate sets, it’s no wonder this show has become a Broadway staple.
13. “Beauty and the Beast” – Disney’s beloved animated film was brought to life on stage in 1994 and has since grossed over $1.4 billion. Its timeless tale of love and magic continues to enchant audiences of all ages.
12. “The Lion King” – Another Disney classic, this musical adaptation of the beloved animated film has earned over $1.6 billion since its debut in 1997. With its breathtaking costumes and powerful music, “The Lion King” remains a must-see show on Broadway.
11. “Wicked” – This prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” has been defying gravity since its premiere in 2003. With a total gross of over $1.9 billion, it has become one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history.
10. “Cats” – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical about a tribe of cats has been captivating audiences since 1982, earning over $2 billion in total gross. With its iconic songs and mesmerizing choreography, “Cats” continues to be a beloved show on Broadway.
9. “Les Misérables” – Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, this epic musical has been tugging at heartstrings since 1987. With a total gross of over $2.8 billion, it has become one of the most successful and longest-running shows on Broadway.

Broadway's Top 15: A Countdown of the Highest Grossing Shows
8. “The Book of Mormon” – This satirical musical from the creators of “South Park” has been a hit since its debut in 2011. With its irreverent humor and catchy songs, it has grossed over $2.9 billion and continues to draw in audiences.
7. “Chicago” – This revival of the 1975 musical has been running since 1996 and has grossed over $3.5 billion. With its iconic jazz-inspired score and sultry performances, it has become a classic on Broadway.
6. “Mamma Mia!” – Featuring the music of ABBA, this jukebox musical has been a fan favorite since its premiere in 2001. With a total gross of over $4 billion, it has become one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history.
5. “Miss Saigon” – This epic love story set during the Vietnam War has been pulling at heartstrings since its debut in 1991. With a total gross of over $4.4 billion, it has become one of the most successful international productions on Broadway.
4. “The Producers” – This hilarious musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ film has earned over $4.5 billion since its debut in 2001. With its clever humor and catchy songs, it has become a fan favorite on Broadway.
3. “Wicked” – With a total gross of over $5.4 billion, “Wicked” secures its spot at number three on our list. Its enduring popularity and powerful message of friendship and acceptance continue to resonate with audiences.
2. “The Lion King” – With a total gross of over $6.2 billion, “The Lion King” takes the second spot on our list. Its stunning visuals and timeless story have made it a must-see for audiences of all ages.
1. “The Phantom of the Opera” – Topping the list with a staggering total gross of over $6.3 billion, “The Phantom of the Opera” is the highest-grossing show on Broadway. Its haunting score and timeless love story continue to captivate audiences, making it a true Broadway phenomenon.
In conclusion, these 15 shows have not only captured the hearts of audiences but also achieved immense commercial success on Broadway. From beloved Disney classics to satirical comedies, these productions have proved to be not just fleeting hits, but long-running sensations. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or just looking for a night of entertainment, these top grossing shows are sure to leave you mesmerized.
