Musicals are a genre of film in which songs sung by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film's characters. In some cases they serve as breaks in the storyline, often as elaborate "production numbers.”
According to Box Office Mojo and
IMDb.com, musicals have become a popular choice for movie lovers and have raked in millions of dollars over the years. The 10 musicals that made the most money at the box office include:
“The Lion King”
This 1994 animated favorite tops the list of highest grossing musicals. Tricked into thinking he caused his father’s death, a lion cub flees and abandons his destiny as the future king. Total sales: $423 million.
“Frozen”
This 2013 production tells the story of the newly-crowned Queen Elsa. She inadvertently uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in endless winter. Her sister, Anna, teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer and a snowman to change the weather. Total sales: $401 million.
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“Beauty and the Beast”
In this 1991 musical, Belle, whose father is held captive by the Beast, offers herself instead. She doesn’t know her captor is an enchanted prince. Total sales: $219 million.
“Aladdin”
This 1992 animated family musical tells the story of a street urchin who vies for the love of a beautiful princess. He uses a genie’s magic power to make himself a prince so he can marry her. Total sales: $217 million.
“Tangled”
This 2010 musical tells the tale of the magically long-haired Rapunzel, who has spent her whole life in a tower. Now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her she is about to discover the world—and who she is—for the first time. Total sales: $201 million.
“Grease”
This 1978 movie is an energetic musical with memorable songs and a nod to young love that never gets old, leaving fans hopelessly devoted to the film and its characters. Grease holds up for new generations because it captures the enthusiasm of youth and the vibrancy of California's sunshine-and-cars culture. And, who could forget the amazing chemistry between stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John? Total sales: $188.8 million.
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
In this 1937 classic fairy tale, Snow White is tracked by a jealous queen, forcing her to hide with the dwarfs. The queen forces her to eat a poison apple but the handsome prince comes to the rescue and wakes her with a kiss. Total sales: $185 million.
“Chicago”
An energetic adaptation of the Broadway musical, Chicago succeeds on the level of pure spectacle while providing depth and humor as well as great dancing numbers. This 2002 box office hit resuscitates the spirit, look and sound of a great era of Hollywood as Velma Kelley and Roxie Hart fight for fame. Total sales: $171 million.
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“The Sound of Music”
This 1965 classic musical tells the story of a woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become the governess to the children of a widowed Naval officer. Total sales: $163 million.
“Les Miserables”
Released in 2012, this musical and period piece about redemption set in France largely succeeds thanks to brilliant performances from its distinguished ensemble cast. Total sales: $149 million.
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