Under the Spotlight: Every Disney Movie That Became a Broadway Show
When Disney first took its storytelling magic to Broadway, few could have predicted just how massive its impact would be. Over the past three decades, Disney Theatrical Productions has transformed animated films into stage sensations and even created original musicals that found their own spotlight. With elaborate sets, unforgettable songs, and plenty of pixie dust, Disney has become a Broadway powerhouse.
The New Amsterdam Theatre: Disney’s Broadway Castle
None of this would have been possible without Disney’s investment in New York itself. The New Amsterdam Theatre, built in 1903, had fallen into disrepair by the 1980s. In the early ’90s, Disney partnered with the city to restore the space as part of Times Square’s revitalization. After a multi-million-dollar renovation, it reopened in 1997 with The Lion King. Since then, it’s been Disney’s theatrical home and one of Broadway’s most iconic and beautiful venues.
The Broadway Beginning: Beauty and the Beast (1994)
It all started with Beauty and the Beast. After the 1991 animated film became a massive hit and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, Disney turned it into its first Broadway musical in 1994. The show premiered at the Palace Theatre, with beautiful costumes, incredible set pieces (including a transforming Beast), and new songs from original composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice. It was a hit right out of the gate and ran for 13 years, becoming one of Broadway’s longest-running shows. It proved that Disney could hold its own on the Great White Way.
The Lion King (1997): A Theatrical Masterpiece
Just three years later, The Lion King roared onto Broadway—and completely changed the game. Adapted from the 1994 film, the musical premiered at the newly restored New Amsterdam Theatre with direction from Julie Taymor, who brought a revolutionary visual style to the show. Using elaborate puppets, masks, and African-inspired design, Taymor created something totally new. The result? A cultural phenomenon. The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is still running today at the Minskoff Theatre. It has grossed over $1.8 billion and is Broadway’s top-earning show of all time.
Aida (2000): Disney’s Original Epic
In 2000, Disney proved it could do more than just adapt animated films. Aida was a bold, original musical inspired by an opera, not a cartoon. With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show told a love story between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. It didn’t have Disney’s usual fairy-tale flair, but it had heart, passion, and power ballads. It ran for over four years and earned four Tony Awards, including Best Score. Aida also won the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.
Tarzan (2006): Swinging Into Broadway
Next came Tarzan, based on the 1999 animated film, with music and lyrics by Phil Collins. The stage version leaned heavily on aerial choreography, with Tarzan literally swinging over the audience on vines. It featured some of Collins’s hits from the movie, like “You’ll Be in My Heart,” along with several new songs. Despite high expectations and a unique visual style, the show received mixed reviews and closed after just over a year. Still, it remains a fan favorite and has seen success internationally.
Mary Poppins (2006): Practically Perfect
Later in 2006, Disney joined forces with producer Cameron Mackintosh to bring Mary Poppins (1964) to the stage. The musical blended iconic songs from the original film with new music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. With jaw-dropping effects—yes, Mary really flew—and a tap-dancing chimney sweep number that brought down the house, the show delighted audiences young and old. It ran for over six years on Broadway and continues to fly high in regional and international productions.
The Little Mermaid (2008): Under the Sea, On the Stage
The Little Mermaid hit Broadway in 2008, bringing the 1989 film’s underwater world to life. With rolling Heelys (yes, those shoes with wheels) to simulate swimming and glowing sea creatures floating through the air, it was a colorful spectacle. Alan Menken returned to write new songs with lyricist Glenn Slater, expanding the story and giving more depth to characters like Prince Eric and Ursula. The show ran for a year and a half and remains a popular choice for community and school productions.
Newsies (2012): From Cult Film to Broadway Smash
What started as a 1992 box office flop turned into a stage sensation. Newsies tells the story of the 1899 newsboy strike in New York City and became a surprise hit when it opened in 2012. With a high-energy score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and stunning choreography by Christopher Gattelli, the show captured the spirit of rebellion and youth. It won two Tony Awards, including Best Choreography, and ran for over two years before launching a national tour and becoming a filmed stage production on Disney+.
Aladdin (2014): Sparkle, Sass, and a Show-Stopping Genie
In 2014, Disney brought Aladdin (1992) to Broadway, complete with magic carpets, golden palaces, and a Genie who stole every scene. James Monroe Iglehart originated the role and won a Tony for his performance. The musical expanded on the film with new songs by Menken and Chad Beguelin and reintroduced cut characters like Aladdin’s trio of goofy friends. Aladdin is still running at the New Amsterdam Theatre and continues to dazzle with its flashy production numbers and Broadway flair.
Frozen (2018): Elsa Hits the Stage
After breaking box office records as a movie in 2013, Frozen finally made its way to Broadway in 2018. With direction by Michael Grandage and stunning effects that brought Elsa’s icy powers to life, the show aimed to capture the emotional power of sisterhood. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez returned to write new songs, including “Monster” and “Hygge.” Though the show closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, it remains a popular touring production and is still melting hearts.
Hercules (2025): The Newest Hero
The most recent Disney musical to take the stage is Hercules. The musical opened on June 24th, 2025, at the West End’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, following previews that began in June 2025. Based on the 1997 animated film, The West End version features new music by original composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, with a revised book and larger-than-life choreography. The Muses are still here to narrate, Meg’s still got attitude, and Hercules is ready to go the distance, onstage.
What’s Next: Upcoming Disney Stage Projects
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Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Premiered August 14, 2021, at Theatre Royal, Newcastle, before touring the UK and Ireland. Based on the 1971 film, it features classic Sherman Brothers songs and new music by Neil Bartram. Directed by Candice Edmunds and Jamie Harrison.
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The Greatest Showman: The New Musical: Disney’s first adaptation of a 20th Century Studios film is set to premiere in Bristol Hippodrome in spring 2026, then transfer to London and eventually Broadway. With music by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, a book by Tim Federle, and direction by Casey Nicholaw, it includes hits like “This Is Me” and brand-new tunes.
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Coco and Tangled: In development! Coco was announced during Epcot’s Disney on Broadway concert in January 2023, and Tangled reportedly was in workshop stages as of February 2024.
From fairy tales to newsboys, from under the sea to ancient Egypt, Disney’s Broadway history is packed with stories that leap off the stage. And with Hercules ready to join the pantheon, the adventure’s far from over.
What Disney film do you think deserves the Broadway treatment next? Let us know in the comments!