The 10 Highest Grossing Live-Action Movie Musicals of All Time

Musicals have been one of the most beloved genres in the movie industry since the release of 1927’s The Jazz Singer. Legendary features like Singin’ in the Rain and The Sound of Music — the highest-grossing musical when adjusted for inflation, with a worldwide gross of $2,572,000,000 — quickly followed suit, becoming huge successes that have stood the test of time and are now considered undeniable classics. While many musicals were commercial hits during their initial release, some have attracted, over the years, even larger audiences.

It is no wonder why they are among the most popular filmmaking categories. After all, they provide audiences with engaging storylines and impeccable dance sequences, as well as some catchy tunes viewers can’t help but sing-a-long to. Although a good chunk of the most successful musicals are animated ones (especially beloved Disney tales), several live-actions have captured the attention of many, ranging from adapted to original screenplays. These are the highest-grossing live-action musicals of so far.

10 ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel’ (2009)

Worldwide Earnings: $443,140,005

The sequel to the first live-action jukebox comedy, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel focuses on the world-famous chipmunk trio, voiced by Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Jesse McCartney, as they navigate through life. Among their anxieties are the pressures of school, as well as a female music group known as The Chipettes, who eventually become their rivals.

Even if it was slightly more commercially successful than its predecessor, earning $443 million at the global box office, The Squeakquel wasn’t very well received by critics. With a rotten 21% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, Betty Thomas’ film falls a bit flat. Still, it benefits from a creative title and may appeal to younger audiences.

Rent on Prime Video

9 ‘La La Land’ (2016)

Worldwide Earnings: $446,092,357

Damien Chazelle’s heart-wrenching love story is one of the best romantic features of recent times; its astounding score and incredible cinematography help elevate it to higher grounds. The movie focuses on Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian’s (Ryan Gosling) passionate but complicated bond, which is put to the test when the two decide to prioritize their goals and ambitions.

This Oscar-nominated film is undoubtedly a magical cinematic experience, especially when it is seen on the big screen. With that being said, it does not come as a surprise that so many people have waited in line to witness it. With incredible sequences and top-notch performances from both leads (Gosling, for one, has been delighting audiences with his singing skills long before Barbie), La La Land is arguably Chazelle’s best work to date. It has grossed over $446 million.

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8 ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (2005)

Worldwide Earnings: $474,968,763

Even if not as good as the first 1971 adaptation starring the iconic Gene Wilder, Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a solid effort. Based on the 1964 British novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, the 2005 film follows a young boy (Freddie Highmore in his second role) who earns a tour through the largest chocolate factory in the world, led by its extraordinary chocolate maker (Johnny Depp).

Providing audiences with an even more eccentric take on a treasured character, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features a memorable central performance. While it is hardly a masterpiece, there is no denying that the quirky 2005 feature is a comfort film for many and an entertaining way to keep boredom at bay. At the box office, it has gathered over $479 million.

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7 ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)

Worldwide Earnings: $569,626,289

Collecting $569 million in receipts, The Little Mermaid has become one of the most successful movies of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. The Disney remake of the classic animated film tells the story of a young mermaid, played by Hailey Bailey, who makes a deal with a sea witch (Melissa McCarthy), to exchange her voice for a pair of human legs.

A well-off, enchanting take on the Disney princess tale with some intriguing and triumphant alterations, The Little Mermaid features a charismatic lead at its center. Bailey’s Ariel is possibly one of the most perfect castings in a live-action adaptation — in addition to her incredible singing talents, she also delivers an impressive dramatic performance. Additionally, the film features fascinating underwater scenes that fully immerse viewers in its atmosphere.

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6 ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

Worldwide Earnings: $694,478,392

Mamma Mia! is the perfect pick for ABBA fans for obvious reasons. Phylida Lloyd’s jukebox musical, which is not only one of the highest-grossing musicals but also one of the highest-grossing comedies directed by women, follows the story of a bride-to-be (Amanda Seyfried) as she embarks on a quest to find her real father.

Even if flawed, Mamma Mia! is a lighthearted and feel-good watch that never gets old — the way it blends drama, comedy, and musical genres is one of the film’s most valuable assets. Additionally, it features the Academy Award winner Meryl Streep in one of her most unforgettable performances, awing audiences with her singing voice. With $694 million worldwide earnings, it became the highest-grossing live-action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.

Rent on Prime Video

5 ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018)

Worldwide Earnings: $903,655,259

Featuring Rami Malek in his Oscar-winning performance, Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical movie about the life and career of the celebrated British rock band Queen and their lead, Freddie Mercury, leading up to their well-known performance at Live Aid that took place in 1985. It is also among the highest-grossing biopics, earning an incredible $903 million globally.

With questionable editing and awkward, slightly mussy storytelling, this divisive movie by Bryan Singer is far from the best biopic out there. Furthermore, the Academy Award-nominated film also hasn’t aged well. While general audiences seemed to love it, critics weren’t very impressed. Still, due to its characterization, central performance, and costumes, Bohemian Rhapsody makes for an entertaining viewing that will appeal to fans of the iconic band, providing some sing-a-long moments throughout.

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4 ‘The Jungle Book’ (2016)

Worldwide Earnings: $966,550,600

After being threatened by the tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba), a man-cub named Mowgli (Neel Sethi) flees the jungle and embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and free-spirited bear, Baloo (Bill Murray).

Directed by Jon Favreau, The Jungle Book is a very entertaining live-action adaptation that provides a solid family viewing experience; it is a fantastic example of a thoroughly great adaptation that managed to add something to its source material. Its digital animation is top-notch, and the action sequences it features elevate the film even further. Furthermore, it features an ensemble cast of talented, well-known actors. The film grossed over $966 million worldwide.

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3 ‘Aladdin’ (2019)

Worldwide Earnings: $1,050,693,953

Based on the animated film of the same name, Aladdin follows its titular character, a kind urchin player by Mena Massaud, as he finds himself in the middle of many misadventures. In the meantime, he falls for the beautiful Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), befriends a wish-granting genie, and attempts to stop the powerful Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) from stealing the magic lamp that holds the jinni.

Aladdin is far from being a terrible film. However, it was a bit disappointing to some audience members, differing very little from its predecessor. Nevertheless, Guy Ritchie’s film is still a visually pleasing and entertaining viewing experience, featuring great casting and an impeccable soundtrack. The film gathered more than $1 billion worldwide.

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2 ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)

Worldwide Earnings: $1,266,115,964

Although Beauty and the Beast is arguably not among Disney’s best live-action remakes, it was one of its highest-grossing, gathering over $1,263 billion. With Emma Watson in the lead role, the Bill Condon adaptation tells the timeless story of a selfish prince (Dan Stevens) cursed to become a monster for the rest of his life as a punishment for his actions. That is unless he learns to learn someone.

Luke Evans’ funny Disney villain, Gaston, is possibly the most memorable aspect of Beauty and the Beast, which is not nearly as good nor magical as the animated version. Part of what makes it so disappointing is how true to the original it is. This isn’t usually necessarily a negative aspect. However, every time Beauty and the Beast fell short of its predecessor, it was almost impossible not to notice. Additionally, Watson’s auto-tune singing in the film is also questionable — the actress herself described it as “terrifying.”

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1 ‘The Lion King’ (2019)

Worldwide Earnings: $1,656,943,394

2019’s remake of the beloved, heart-wrenching Disney film follows the little Simba, voiced by Donald Glover, who must embrace his new status as the rightful king of the jungle in the aftermath of the tragic, heartbreaking murder of his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones), at the hands of his troubled uncle, Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

Again, while the original film remains the best, The Lion King is, nonetheless, an absorbing film due to its stunning and immersive visuals, which stimulate audiences to feel like they, too, are a part of Mufasa’s world. Despite its breathtaking imagery of the Pride Lands (loosely based on Kenya and Tanzania), Jon Favreau’s polarizing take on the treasured tale is not as magical and lacks energy. However, there is no denying that it did impressive numbers and was a huge achievement, enduring the highest-grossing movie musical.

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NEXT: 10 of the Longest Movie Musicals of All Time, Ranked by Runtime