10 Movies & Shows Like *The Greatest Showman* (2017)

Description: This film, like 'The Greatest Showman', is a lavish musical that tells a story of love, obsession, and the transformative power of music. Both films feature grandiose set pieces and a romantic, almost operatic, storytelling style. The Phantom's underground lair and Barnum's circus both serve as fantastical worlds that captivate the audience.

Fact: 'The Phantom of the Opera' is based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical, which in turn is based on the 1910 French novel by Gaston Leroux. The film was shot at Pinewood Studios in England and on location in Paris. Emmy Rossum, who played Christine, was only 16 years old during filming.

Description: Like 'The Greatest Showman', 'Chicago' is a dazzling musical that combines spectacle with deep emotional storytelling. Both films explore themes of ambition, fame, and the pursuit of dreams, set against the backdrop of show business. The visual aesthetics of 'Chicago', with its theatrical lighting and choreography, mirror the vibrant and dynamic presentation of 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: 'Chicago' was the first musical to win the Academy Award for Best Picture since 'Oliver!' in

Description: While darker in tone, 'Sweeney Todd' shares with 'The Greatest Showman' a focus on theatricality and the power of music to tell a story. Both films are adaptations of successful stage musicals and feature strong central performances. The elaborate production design and stylized visuals of 'Sweeney Todd' echo the grandeur of 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: 'Sweeney Todd' is based on Stephen Sondheim's 1979 musical. Johnny Depp learned to sing for his role as Sweeney Todd. The film was directed by Tim Burton, known for his gothic and macabre style.

Description: 'Hairspray' shares with 'The Greatest Showman' a joyous, energetic tone and a message of inclusivity and acceptance. Both films use music and dance to bring people together and challenge societal norms. The colorful, exuberant production design of 'Hairspray' is similar to the vibrant visuals of 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: 'Hairspray' is based on the 2002 Broadway musical, which was adapted from John Waters' 1988 film. John Travolta played Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother, in a fat suit and heavy makeup. The film's soundtrack features new versions of songs from the Broadway musical.

Description: Like 'The Greatest Showman', 'Dreamgirls' is a musical drama that explores the highs and lows of fame and the entertainment industry. Both films feature powerful vocal performances and a narrative that delves into the personal costs of success. The themes of ambition, betrayal, and redemption are central to both stories.

Fact: 'Dreamgirls' is loosely based on the story of The Supremes, a famous Motown girl group. Jennifer Hudson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White. The film was adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name.

Description: 'Burlesque' and 'The Greatest Showman' both center around the world of performance and the struggle to make it in show business. Both films feature show-stopping musical numbers and a strong female lead who rises to fame through talent and determination. The glitzy, glamorous aesthetic of 'Burlesque' parallels the visual splendor of 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: Christina Aguilera made her acting debut in 'Burlesque'. The film's soundtrack was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Cher's performance in the film marked her return to the big screen after a seven-year absence.

Description: Both 'Les Misérables' and 'The Greatest Showman' are epic musicals that tell stories of struggle, redemption, and the human spirit. The live singing in 'Les Misérables' creates an immersive, emotional experience similar to the powerful musical performances in 'The Greatest Showman'. Both films also feature large ensemble casts and sweeping narratives.

Fact: 'Les Misérables' is based on the 1980 musical, which was adapted from Victor Hugo's 1862 novel. The actors sang live on set, rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks. Anne Hathaway won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Fantine.

Description: 'Into the Woods' and 'The Greatest Showman' both blend fantasy and reality, creating magical worlds through music and storytelling. Both films explore themes of dreams, consequences, and the complexity of human desires. The theatrical, almost fairy-tale-like quality of 'Into the Woods' is reminiscent of the fantastical elements in 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: 'Into the Woods' is based on Stephen Sondheim's 1986 Broadway musical. The film combines several classic fairy tales, including 'Cinderella', 'Little Red Riding Hood', and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. Meryl Streep received an Academy Award nomination for her role as the Witch.

Description: 'La La Land' shares with 'The Greatest Showman' a celebration of the arts and the bittersweet nature of pursuing one's dreams. Both films feature stunning musical numbers and a blend of modern and classic musical styles. The emotional tone of 'La La Land', which balances joy and melancholy, is reminiscent of the highs and lows experienced by P.T. Barnum in 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: 'La La Land' won six Academy Awards, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle. The film's opening sequence, a musical number set in a traffic jam, was shot in one take. Ryan Gosling learned to play the piano for his role as Sebastian.

Description: 'Mary Poppins Returns' and 'The Greatest Showman' both offer a sense of wonder and nostalgia, with magical musical numbers that transport the audience. Both films celebrate the power of imagination and the importance of family. The whimsical, colorful aesthetic of 'Mary Poppins Returns' is similar to the joyful visuals of 'The Greatest Showman'.

Fact: 'Mary Poppins Returns' is a sequel to the 1964 film 'Mary Poppins'. Emily Blunt took on the iconic role of Mary Poppins, originally played by Julie Andrews. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who plays Jack, wrote the music for 'The Greatest Showman'.