Picking the right Broadway show can feel hard with so many great options in New York City. Broadway shows brought in over $1.6 billion last year, proving just how much people love these amazing performances.
This guide lists the top 10 must-see shows that will make your theater visit special and fun. Get ready to discover the magic of Broadway’s biggest hits!
Hamilton: Experience the revolutionary tale that has transformed modern musical theater with its vibrant blend of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B.
Hamilton stands as a groundbreaking musical that took Broadway by storm in 2015. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda mixed hip-hop, jazz, and R&B to tell America’s past in a fresh way. The show earned 16 Tony Award nominations and won 11 Tony Awards in 2016.
This musical success made $840 million, proving its huge appeal to modern crowds.
This revolutionary show brings history to life through its bold music choices and strong storytelling. The mix of musical styles helps new fans connect with theater in ways they never did before.
Now, let’s explore another magical tale that brings a different kind of spell to Broadway – Wicked.
Wicked: Delve into the untold story of the witches of Oz in this spellbinding and enduring favorite.
Wicked brings magic to Broadway with its fresh take on the Land of Oz. This amazing show tells the story of two witches and their special friendship. The musical has won 90 awards around the world since its start.
The story comes from Gregory Maguire’s book about good, evil, and how people often judge others wrong.
The show has made huge waves on Broadway for 20 years. In 2016, it became the fastest show to make $1 billion, proving how much people love this magical tale. Fans will soon see this beloved story in a new way as it turns into a movie.
The show mixes fantasy, music, and deep themes that keep people coming back for more.
The Lion King: Immerse yourself in the visually spectacular adaptation of Disney’s epic saga, celebrated for its stunning effects and emotional depth.
The Lion King stands as Broadway’s top money-maker since 1997. Disney’s amazing show brings Africa’s animals to life through stunning puppets and bright costumes. The musical has earned more than $1.8 billion, making it a true Broadway giant.
Guests can enjoy this magical show from $61.50 to $131.30 per seat.
The show mixes great songs with deep feelings that touch people of all ages. Every scene shows off special effects that make you feel like you’re right in the African plains. The music fills the theater with rich sounds that stay in your mind long after the show ends.
Live actors and amazing puppets work together to tell this powerful story about family and growing up.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Step into the intoxicating world of truth, beauty, freedom, and love in this lavish and exhilarating adaptation of the beloved film.
Truth, beauty, freedom, and love shine bright at the Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings magic to Hell’s Kitchen with its dazzling Broadway show. This glamorous musical extravaganza marks its 5-year run with over 70 hit songs that make hearts soar.
Fans love this enchanting world filled with romance and stunning performances. Critics agree too – it earned 14 Tony Award nominations and praise from The New York Times.
Tickets start at $99.40 for this captivating theatrical masterpiece. Broadway lovers can enjoy this award-winning performance that turns the beloved movie into a live spectacle. Each show mixes music, dance, and passion in ways that leave crowds speechless.
Fresh takes on popular songs create an unforgettable night of entertainment that proves why this show keeps winning hearts.
Hadestown: Journey to the underworld and back in this inventive and soul-stirring retelling of the ancient Orpheus myth.
Hadestown brings ancient Greek myths to life at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York. This magical show mixes old stories with new music to create something fresh and exciting. The show runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes with a short break in between.
People love this musical so much that it won eight Tony Awards and a Grammy Award in 2020.
The show tells a story about love and hope through amazing songs and dance. Kids eight years and older can enjoy this special tale about going to the underworld. Theater fans can try to win $49 tickets through a daily lottery.
The theater offers tools to help everyone enjoy the show, like closed-captioning and audio guides. These make the show fun for all people who want to see this special Broadway hit.
Chicago: Get caught up in the razzle-dazzle of this sizzling tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz in the longest-running American musical on Broadway.
Chicago stands as Broadway’s longest-running American musical, dazzling fans since 1975. This jazz-filled show tells a story of fame and crime through amazing dance moves and catchy songs.
Bob Fosse’s direction and dance style made the show special from the start. The 1996 revival became a huge hit, making over $737 million at the box office.
The musical brings vaudeville and cabaret to life with famous songs like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.” Each show fills the stage with sparkly costumes, big dance numbers, and tales of celebrity dreams.
The mix of crime drama and show tunes keeps pulling in new fans night after night. People love the mix of dark stories and bright lights that make Chicago shine on Broadway.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Explore the magical, mysterious next chapter in the Harry Potter saga that unfolds in a spellbinding two-part play.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings magic to life at the Lyric Theatre. This spectacular show runs for 3.5 hours in New York City. Jack Thorne’s amazing play takes fans deeper into the wizarding world with stunning effects and drama.
The show has won more awards than any new play in history. Tickets start at $71.30, making magical fun possible for many fans. Smart theater fans can try the “Friday Forty” deal for cheaper seats.
The enchanting story pulls you into a world of spells and adventure. Live actors create real magic right before your eyes. The show mixes fantasy with heart-touching moments that make people smile and cry.
Next up, we’ll look at The Book of Mormon, a very different kind of musical that makes people laugh out loud.
The Book of Mormon: Laugh along with this satirical and outrageous musical comedy that has captured the hearts of theatergoers worldwide.
From magic spells to musical laughs, Broadway offers something for everyone. The Book of Mormon stands out as a bold, funny show that makes people laugh out loud. This satirical musical comedy opened on Broadway in 2011.
The creative minds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, teamed up with Robert Lopez to create this hit show.
The Book of Mormon has earned more than $740 million since its start. Fans love its outrageous humor and catchy songs like “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” and “Turn It Off.” The show features amazing set designs and bright costumes that bring the story to life.
Tickets start at $73.80, making it a must-see Broadway show. The musical’s mix of funny jokes and great music keeps bringing people back for more laughs.
SIX: Witness the six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their stories in this electrifying pop-concert musical.
SIX brings history to life in an amazing Broadway musical. Lucy Moss, the youngest female Broadway director, leads this electric show at the Lena Horne Theatre. The musical runs for 80 minutes straight with no breaks.
The show tells the stories of Henry VIII’s six wives through pop songs and great performances. Tickets start at $82.50, making it a perfect choice for families with kids over 10 years old.
This hit musical grabbed 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season. The show mixes history and modern music in a fun way. Each queen takes the stage to share her tale through powerful songs.
The concert-style performance keeps viewers excited from start to finish. The next show on our list brings magic and mystery to the Broadway stage.
Dear Evan Hansen: Dive deep into the poignant and thought-provoking narrative of a high school student grappling with identity and belonging in the digital age.
Dear Evan Hansen tells a moving story about a high school student facing tough life challenges. The show tackles real issues like social media pressure and the need to fit in. Evan deals with personal struggles while trying to find his place in today’s digital world.
The musical stands out for its honest look at mental health and teen life. Social media plays a big part in how Evan sees himself and connects with others. His search for acceptance leads him through many emotional ups and downs.
The show has touched many viewers with its raw and real take on growing up today.
Bottom line
Whether you’re a seasoned theater enthusiast or a newcomer to the Broadway scene, this year’s lineup offers a rich array of shows that promise to captivate, entertain, and move audiences from all walks of life.
Broadway offers amazing shows for everyone in 2025. Theater fans can enjoy classic hits like “The Lion King,” “Hamilton,” and “Wicked.” New shows bring fresh talent to the stage, with stars like Idina Menzel in “Redwood” and Joey Fatone joining “& Juliet.” The Pulitzer Prize-winning play “English” by Sanaz Toossi adds more magic to Broadway’s lineup.
These shows bring stories to life with music, dance, and great acting. Each performance creates special moments for people who love theater and those seeing their first Broadway show.
The mix of new and classic shows makes Broadway perfect for a fun night out. The stage lights shine bright on tales that touch hearts and make people smile.
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