Entertainment
The most profitable Broadway-to-film adaptations
New research has revealed the most successful film adaptations, with The Lion King taking 1st place…
The team at Spin Genie have assessed the success of Broadway shows and their film adaptations by analysing a combination of film and show awards, attendance figures, critic reviews, and earnings. By comparing these factors, they’ve determined which has achieved greater overall success and proven to be the most profitable.
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The Lion King (1994)
Movie score: 9.07/10
The Lion King (1994) stands as one of the most successful movie adaptations in cinematic history, earning an impressive rating of 9.07 out of 10. Beyond being a box office sensation, the film was a triumph, winning two Academy Awards and laying the foundation for the smash-hit Broadway musical, which debuted in 1997.
With over $2 billion in gross worldwide earnings (adjusted for inflation), The Lion King holds an impressive 8.5/10 rating on IMDb. It also boasts a 93% score on the Tomatometer and has won 43 prestigious awards, solidifying its legacy as one of the most beloved films of all time.
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Aladdin (1992)
Movie score: 8.74/10
Aladdin (1992) ranks as the second most successful film adaptation on the list, earning an impressive rating of 8.74 out of 10. This classic animated film has memorable visuals, music, and iconic characters such as the genie.
The film has earned over $1.1 billion worldwide when adjusted for inflation. It holds an IMDb rating of 8.0, a Tomatometer of 96%,, and racked up 35 award wins. The film’s popularity helped fuel a successful Broadway adaptation as well as a live-action remake, which have both proved its timeless appeal.
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Mary Poppins (1964)
Movie score: 8.43/10
Mary Poppins (1964) takes third place with a score of 8.43 out of 10. This musical adaptation of a beloved children’s book became a legendary film, earning widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking visual effects and Julie Andrews’ iconic performance.
Global box office earnings for this film adaptation surpassed $1 billion adjusted to inflation. The film continues to charm audiences to this day, it holds a 7.8 IMDb rating, 97% Tomatometer score, and has earned 23 awards.
The Lion King
The most successful film adaptation
|
Rank |
Movie name |
Release year |
IMDb rating |
Worldwide gross Box Office earnings ($) |
Worldwide gross Box Office earnings adjusted for inflation ($) |
Tomatometer score /100 |
Award wins |
Movie score /10 |
|
1 |
The Lion King (1994) |
1994 |
8.5 |
$979,161,373 |
$2,098,860,813 |
93% |
43 |
9.07 |
|
2 |
Aladdin (1992) |
1992 |
8.0 |
$504,050,219 |
$1,141,283,942 |
96% |
35 |
8.74 |
|
3 |
Mary Poppins (1964) |
1964 |
7.8 |
$103,125,597 |
$1,056,774,565 |
97% |
23 |
8.43 |
|
4 |
My Fair Lady (1964) |
1964 |
7.7 |
$72,685,970 |
$744,845,961 |
94% |
26 |
7.95 |
|
5 |
Wicked (2024) |
2024 |
7.7 |
$717,674,370 |
$726,784,601 |
88% |
52 |
7.78 |
|
6 |
The Sound Of Music (1965) |
1965 |
8.1 |
$159,484,051 |
$1,608,363,745 |
83% |
18 |
7.61 |
|
7 |
West Side Story (1961) |
1961 |
7.6 |
$44,135,556 |
$468,915,926.76 |
92% |
31 |
7.24 |
|
8 |
Sunset Boulevard (1950) |
1950 |
8.4 |
$309,467 |
$4,079,199 |
98% |
19 |
6.88 |
|
9 |
Moulin Rouge! (2001) |
2001 |
7.6 |
$184,935,252 |
$331,912,805 |
75% |
87 |
6.80 |
|
9 |
Singin In The Rain (1952) |
1952 |
8.3 |
$2,093,659 |
$25,097,915 |
100% |
11 |
6.80 |
Further findings:
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Singin’ in the Rain is a 1952 American musical comedy film starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, widely regarded as one of the greatest Hollywood musicals of all time.
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Wicked is the most commercially successful Broadway show to date.
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Rent is a groundbreaking Broadway musical that performed better on Broadway than at the box office.
- See the full study here – https://on.spingenie.ca/blog/ask-genie/broadway-vs-hollywood/
