Articles > Society
If you’re a theater buff, you’ll need to know these before you take on the Top Grossing Broadway Shows quiz. Here are the 10 highest grossing Broadway shows of all time.
The Lion King – $2.01 Billion
The Lion King has reigned supreme on Broadway since its opening in 1997. With a staggering total of $2.01 billion in gross revenue, it remains the highest-grossing Broadway show of all time. Based on the iconic Disney animated film, the musical’s success is driven by its stunning visual effects, intricate puppetry, and unforgettable music by Elton John and Tim Rice. The show has captivated audiences worldwide with its emotional storytelling and breathtaking choreography, including the iconic opening number “Circle of Life.” It has won numerous awards, including six Tony Awards, solidifying its place in Broadway history. Its universal appeal, along with its ability to evolve and adapt in various productions across the globe, ensures that The Lion King will continue to attract audiences for years to come.
Wicked – $1.67 Billion
Since its debut in 2003, Wicked has captured the hearts of Broadway-goers and amassed $1.67 billion in gross revenue. The musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, provides a unique backstory to the witches from “The Wizard of Oz,” focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. Featuring unforgettable songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good,” Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon, appealing to both young and adult audiences. The show’s critical acclaim, including multiple Tony Awards, has made it one of Broadway’s most enduring successes. Its ongoing popularity is fueled by its powerful messages of empowerment, acceptance, and friendship, ensuring its place as one of the most successful Broadway productions ever.
The Phantom of the Opera – $1.36 Billion
The Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting masterpiece, has been a Broadway institution since it opened in 1988. Grossing $1.36 billion, the show’s long run is a testament to its lasting popularity. Based on Gaston Leroux’s novel, the musical tells the tragic story of the Phantom, a disfigured genius who falls in love with Christine, a young opera singer. With its iconic chandelier, sweeping romantic score, and spectacular sets, The Phantom of the Opera has enchanted audiences for over three decades. It holds the record for the longest-running Broadway show, having performed more than 13,000 times. The musical’s enduring success has inspired multiple productions worldwide and remains a key player in Broadway’s history.
Hamilton – $979.4 Million
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical Hamilton has revolutionized Broadway since its debut in 2015. Grossing $979.4 million, it has become a cultural and financial juggernaut. The show blends hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theater to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Its diverse casting and modern score have brought a fresh perspective to American history, appealing to a younger, more diverse audience. Hamilton has earned multiple Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Its popularity has sparked a resurgence in interest in Broadway theater, attracting a new generation of theatergoers and making it one of the most successful shows of all time.
The Book of Mormon – $813.7 Million
The Book of Mormon, created by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, has been a major success since its 2011 debut, grossing $813.7 million. Known for its irreverent humor and bold satire, the musical follows two young Mormon missionaries as they attempt to spread their faith in Uganda. With its clever writing, memorable songs like “I Believe” and “Hasa Diga Eebowai,” and a mix of humor and heart, The Book of Mormon has been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and continues to draw large audiences. The show’s mix of sharp satire, social commentary, and catchy tunes has earned it a lasting place in Broadway history.
Chicago – $792.3 Million
Since its revival in 1996, Chicago has enjoyed consistent success on Broadway, grossing $792.3 million. The show, originally debuting in 1975, is set in the Prohibition-era Chicago and centers around the trial of two women accused of murder, featuring themes of crime, corruption, and fame. With its jazzy score, iconic choreography by Bob Fosse, and memorable numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” Chicago has become one of the longest-running Broadway musicals of all time. Its mix of sharp wit, sassy performances, and social commentary has made it a favorite with audiences, and its Broadway revival continues to draw in new fans year after year.
Aladdin – $669.9 Million
Based on the beloved Disney animated film, Aladdin made its Broadway debut in 2014 and has since grossed $669.9 million. With its vibrant sets, stunning costumes, and the magical story of a young man who discovers a genie in a lamp, the musical brings the magic of Agrabah to life. Featuring the iconic songs from the film, including “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me,” Aladdin has become a family favorite on Broadway. The show’s Broadway success is attributed to its dazzling visuals, energetic performances, and the timeless appeal of Disney’s classic storytelling. It continues to enchant audiences of all ages and remains one of Broadway’s top earners.
Mamma Mia! – $624.4 Million
Mamma Mia!, the musical based on the music of ABBA, has delighted audiences since its Broadway debut in 2001, grossing $624.4 million. The show tells the story of Sophie, a young woman about to marry, who invites three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. With hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “Super Trouper,” Mamma Mia! combines infectious music with light-hearted, feel-good storytelling. The show’s success has led to several international productions and a hit movie adaptation. Its joyful energy, catchy tunes, and heartwarming story have made it a Broadway staple, drawing audiences of all generations.
Jersey Boys – $558.4 Million
Jersey Boys, the musical based on the life and music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, made its Broadway debut in 2005 and has grossed $558.4 million. The show tells the story of the rise to fame of the iconic 1960s band, weaving their hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man” into a narrative that showcases the challenges and triumphs of the band’s members. With its electrifying performances and timeless music, Jersey Boys quickly became a hit, winning four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its success on Broadway led to national and international tours and a successful film adaptation, cementing its place as one of Broadway’s top-grossing shows.
Cats – $432.0 Million
Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” debuted on Broadway in 1982 and grossed $432.0 million. Known for its innovative staging, elaborate costumes, and the memorable song “Memory,” Cats quickly became a Broadway sensation. The show tells the story of a group of Jellicle cats who gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where one cat will be chosen to ascend to a new life. Despite some mixed critical reception, Cats ran for 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Its popularity led to numerous international productions and a film adaptation in 2019.
