30 Best Musicals From The 2000s [Movies & Theater]

Enchanted

Year: 2007

Giselle lives in the fantasy land of Andalasia, and she falls in love with Prince Edward. However, in a turn of events, just before Giselle arrives at the castle to marry her prince, Edward's evil stepmother sends her to a place where there are “no happy ever Afters. Giselle has to find a way back to her love.

This is an upbeat musical with movie-star big names like Amy Adams, James Marsden, and Susan Sarandon. “So Close” is the most notable song in the film.

8-Mile

Year: 2002

8-Mile follows the life of an aspiring battle rapper who goes by the name of B-Rabbit (Eminem). Unfortunately, he can't seem to get over his stage fright, and he chokes in front of a huge crowd, unable to utter a single word.

B-Rabbit embarks on a redemption arc where he finds it within himself to do what he feels he's born to do. 8-mile is regarded as a classic; the song “Lose Yourself” won an academy award for best original song.

Princess and the Frog

Year: 2009

Tiana dreams about owning the best restaurant in New Orleans. Her dream is temporarily derailed when she runs into Prince Naveen, who tries to break the curse of being a frog; he mistakenly kisses Tiana thinking that she's a princess, and she turns into a frog as well. They must figure out how to break the spell.

“Friends On the Other Side” and “Almost There” are the two most notable songs in the film, and they did a great job of blending the culture with the storyline.

Coyote Ugly

Year: 2000

Violet Sanford has a gift for singing, so she heads to New York to make her dream of becoming a songwriter a reality. However, she'd eventually put her aspirations on the back burner in exchange for the popularity and accolades she receives as a barmaid at Coyote Ugly.

The “Coyotes” put on a great show, and they become fodder for the media. The best song on the soundtrack has to be “Can't Find the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes.

Across the Universe

Year: 2007

Young British worker Jude embarks on an adventure to the United States to find his father, and in the course of doing that, he meets Lucy and her brother Max.

He falls in love with Lucy and their relationship is affected by the social ramifications of the Vietnam War. The most well-received musical number in the movie was undoubtedly “Let it Be.” The choreography in the film also received high praise from critics.

Best Musicals In Theater During The 2000s

Here are some of the best and most memorable musicals from the 2000s that were performed on Broadway:

Wicked

Year: 2003

Everyone is familiar with the Wizard of Oz, but Wicked takes you on a journey to give you the backstory of the witches. Two young witches, Glinda, the blonde and beautiful witch, and Elphaba, the wicked witch with green skin, form an unlikely friendship.

This popular musical won multiple awards for an outstanding Broadway musical. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth nailed it with beautiful singing and excellent performance. “Defying Gravity” is one of the most iconic songs from Wicked. 

Spring Awakening

Year: 2006

Steven Sater brings us a coming-of-age adventure that gives you all the head-swaying goodness you'd expect from a rock musical. The performance takes you on a journey with teenagers that are learning the ups and downs that come with adolescent sexuality.

Spring Awakening won multiple Tony awards and a Grammy for the Best Musical Theater Album, with “Mame Who Bore Me” topping the list. The choreography was sensational, and the show inspired multiple adaptations afterward.

Next to Normal

Year: 2008

Viewers beware, Next to Normal gives you passion, and pain and provokes deep thought, all in one! Brian Yorkey touches on the stigmatized topic of mental health. The musical follows a mother that battles bipolar disorder and the adverse effects it has on her family.

The emotional integrity is intact with this piece, and it's no surprise that Diana Goodman and the cast won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama with this intriguing yet sad performance. “Just Another Day” is a fan favorite from the show.

Mary Poppins

Year: 2006

Mary Poppins needs no introduction. Not only did many of us learn the word “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from the books, but the musical was nothing short of upbeat and spectacular.

Many community theaters and schools choose to replicate their production. It has garnered plenty of notations and awards from best actress in a musical to best scenic design, and more. The songs are catchy, the story is delightful, and it continues to be the story of the perfect nanny.

Billy Elliot

Year: 2005

Looking for something to tug at your heartstrings? Billy Elliot does the trick! Follow the story of a young British boy that doesn't have a mother. He starts taking ballet lessons after trading in his boxing gloves.

You get passion, humor, and theatrical genius with this masterpiece. It also won TIME Magazine's “Best Musical of the Decade.” You could literally listen to the soundtrack without skipping a song, but “Born To Boogie” is a classic. Thank you, Lee Hall, for an excellent production!