Ben’s Top 10 Broadway Musicals of All Time – A Musical Theatre Countdown

To kick things off, we’re heading to the small village of Anatevka, where Fiddler on the Roof tells the moving and hilarious story of Tevye the milkman and his attempts to balance tradition with his daughters’ desire to marry for love. From the iconic “If I Were a Rich Man” to the tender “Sunrise, Sunset,” this classic has it all: heart, humor, and a hefty dose of family drama. If you’ve never seen it, trust me, you’re missing out on some of the most beautiful, timeless music in Broadway history.

Let’s be real: Phantom of the Opera is the definition of Broadway spectacle. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Phantom has been thrilling audiences for decades with its haunting score, dramatic love story, and of course, that chandelier. If you’ve ever heard the powerful “Music of the Night” or seen the show live, you know it’s an experience you’ll never forget. It’s pure Broadway magic — glamour, tragedy, and mystery all rolled into one.

Who doesn’t love a good dose of high-kicking, feel-good Broadway charm? Hello, Dolly! is the ultimate showbiz show, featuring the unforgettable Dolly Levi, a matchmaker who is determined to shake things up in turn-of-the-century New York. With songs like “Before the Parade Passes By” and “It Only Takes a Moment,” Hello, Dolly! delivers feel-good vibes, show-stopping numbers, and a whole lot of heart. Plus, if you’ve never seen a Dolly! performance live, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most iconic musical theatre experiences ever.

What do you get when you combine jazz, murder, and sensational choreography? Chicago! This sassy, sexy musical set in the Roaring ’20s tells the story of Roxie Hart, a wannabe celebrity who finds herself in a prison cell — and on the front page of every tabloid. With a razor-sharp score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Chicago is a dazzling cocktail of crime, corruption, and some seriously killer dance moves. It’s all about the razzle-dazzle, baby.

Ah, West Side Story. It’s the classic musical that combines star-crossed lovers with breathtaking dance, unforgettable songs, and a love story that could break your heart in an instant. Whether you’ve seen the 1961 film or experienced it on stage, West Side Story packs an emotional punch like few shows can. Leonard Bernstein’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics — “Tonight,” “Somewhere,” “America” — are still as powerful and relevant today as they were when the show debuted in 1957. This one’s an absolute must-see.

If you’ve never heard of Parade, then get ready for one of the most deeply moving and underappreciated shows in Broadway history. Parade, by Jason Robert Brown, tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man falsely accused of murder in 1913 Georgia. It’s a haunting, emotional show that explores themes of justice, prejudice, and humanity. The score is one of the most exquisite pieces of musical theatre I’ve ever heard, and songs like “All the Wasted Time” will stay with you long after the curtain comes down.

Let’s talk about the musical phenomenon that changed everything. Hamilton isn’t just a Broadway show; it’s a cultural revolution. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius mix of hip-hop, history, and heart made Hamilton the game-changer it is. Whether you’re a history buff or a hip-hop fan, this show has something for everyone. With tracks like “My Shot” and “The Room Where It Happens,” Hamilton has become a global sensation, inspiring countless people to fall in love with musical theatre. It’s a perfect storm of passion, politics, and catchy as heck tunes.

Okay, I’m cheating a bit here, but hear me out — these two Stephen Sondheim masterpieces belong together. Into the Woods is a whimsical, wild ride through fairy tale characters’ lives, blending comedy with deep, existential questions about life, love, and the consequences of wishes. Meanwhile, Sweeney Todd is a bloody, brilliant tale of revenge, with some of the sharpest lyrics and most haunting melodies ever written. Whether you’re in the mood for an epic adventure through the woods or a chilling tale of a barber and his pie-making sidekick, these two shows are a testament to Sondheim’s unmatched genius.

Mark it down, Rent changed Broadway forever. With its rock-infused score, its portrayal of young artists struggling in New York City, and its bold exploration of love, loss, and AIDS in the 1990s, Rent captured a generation of theatre fans. Songs like “Seasons of Love,” “No Day But Today,” and “La Vie Bohème” became instant anthems, and the show’s energy is still unmatched in terms of emotional rawness and relevance. Rent is, simply put, one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time.

And now, my number one pick — Miss Saigon. This show blew me away the first time I saw it, and it still does every single time I listen to the music. Miss Saigon, with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Alain Boublil, tells the heartbreaking and epic story of a young Vietnamese woman, Kim, and her love affair with an American soldier during the fall of Saigon. From the soaring “The Last Night of the World” to the devastating “American Dream,” the score is absolutely unforgettable. This musical will take you on an emotional rollercoaster and leave you utterly speechless by the time the curtain falls. It’s one of those shows that sticks with you for life.