Musicals have a unique way of dividing audiences—you either find yourself tapping along to the rhythms or desperately searching for the remote. In our household, we’re unabashedly in the former camp. There’s something enchanting about stories told through song and dance that resonates with all of us. Fortunately, the digital age has made accessing these theatrical delights easier than ever. Here’s a curated list of some of our family’s favorite musicals available for streaming, complete with platform details and any associated costs.
1. “Wicked”
Delving into the untold story of the witches of Oz, “Wicked” offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale, filled with powerful performances and memorable songs.
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Peacock
- Cost: $19.99 to rent or $29.99 to purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV; available to stream on Peacock starting March 21, 2025
- Link: Wicked on Amazon Prime Video
2. “Hamilton”
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton through a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B, making history both educational and entertaining.
- Streaming on: Disney+
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: Hamilton on Disney+
3. “Les Misérables” (2012)
This cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical captures the struggles and triumphs of characters during the French Revolution, with performances that tug at the heartstrings.
- Streaming on: Amazon
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: Les Misérables on Amazon
4. “The Greatest Showman”
Inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, this musical celebrates the birth of show business with catchy tunes and dazzling performances that are sure to entertain the whole family.
- Streaming on: Disney+
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: The Greatest Showman on Disney+
5. “Mamma Mia!”
Set on a picturesque Greek island, this musical features the timeless songs of ABBA, weaving a lighthearted and heartwarming story about love and family.
- Streaming on: Max
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: Mamma Mia! on Max
6. “In the Heights”
From the creator of “Hamilton,” this musical brings the vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood to life, showcasing dreams, community, and the rhythms of everyday life.
- Streaming on: HBO Max
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: In the Heights on HBO Max
7. “West Side Story” (2021)
Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of the classic musical brings new energy to the tale of star-crossed lovers amidst gang rivalry in 1950s New York City.
- Streaming on: Max
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: West Side Story on Disney+
8. “Dear Evan Hansen”
This contemporary musical addresses themes of anxiety and isolation, following a high school student’s journey to connect and find belonging.
- Streaming on: Peacock
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: Dear Evan Hansen on Peacock
9. “Rent” (2005)
This film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical follows a group of friends in New York City as they navigate love, life, and the challenges of pursuing their dreams.
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
10. “Chicago” (2002)
Set in the roaring ’20s, this musical showcases ambition, crime, and celebrity culture, all set to jazzy tunes and spectacular dance numbers.
- Streaming on: Paramont+
- Cost: Subscription required
- Link: Chicago on Paramount+
Why Our Family Loves Musicals
Musicals offer a dynamic blend of storytelling, music, and choreography that captivates audiences of all ages. In our home, they serve as:
- Entertainment for Everyone – Whether it’s a high-energy number that gets the kids dancing or an emotional ballad that tugs at our heartstrings, there’s something for every mood.
- A Fun Way to Introduce Theater – Not everyone can make it to Broadway, but streaming musicals lets us bring the magic of live performances into our living room.
- Family Bonding Time – Singing along to our favorite songs, debating which character had the best solo, or simply enjoying a cozy night in—musicals give us a shared experience we all look forward to.
- An Excuse to Belt Out Tunes – Let’s be honest, half the fun of musicals is singing along at full volume, whether we hit the right notes or not. (Spoiler: We usually don’t.)
- A Great Way to Explore Different Genres – From historical dramas to modern-day love stories, musicals cover a wide range of themes and styles, keeping things fresh and exciting.
No matter how many times we’ve watched certain musicals, they never get old. They bring joy, inspire creativity, and make for the perfect family movie night. So grab some popcorn, pick a favorite (or try a new one), and enjoy the magic of musicals from the comfort of your own home!
