If you loved the inspiring journey of 'Broadway Rising' (2022), a documentary that captures the resilience of theater artists during the pandemic, you'll adore these 10 similar movies and shows. This article is perfect for theater enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike, offering a curated list of films and series that celebrate the magic of live performance and the human spirit.

Fame (1980)
Description: This musical drama follows students at a performing arts high school as they navigate the challenges of pursuing careers in the arts.
Fact: The film inspired a successful TV series and a 2009 remake, cementing its place in pop culture history.


A Chorus Line (1985)
Description: A film adaptation of the groundbreaking Broadway musical that delves into the lives of dancers auditioning for a spot in a chorus line.
Fact: The original Broadway production won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.


Chicago (2002)
Description: A dazzling musical film that combines crime, fame, and jazz-age glamour, featuring show-stopping performances and a satirical take on celebrity culture.
Fact: The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it the first musical to win the top prize since


The Producers (2005)
Description: A musical comedy that satirizes the world of Broadway, featuring over-the-top performances and a plot centered around producing a disastrous show.
Fact: The film is based on Mel Brooks' 1967 movie and his 2001 Broadway musical, both of which won critical acclaim.


Hairspray (2007)
Description: A vibrant musical comedy that addresses social issues while celebrating the joy of dance and music, set against the backdrop of a TV dance show.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical, which itself was based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic movie.


Dreamgirls (2006)
Description: A musical drama that follows the rise of a girl group in the 1960s, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and the price of fame.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the story of The Supremes and other Motown acts, and it features an iconic performance by Jennifer Hudson.


Every Little Step (2008)
Description: This documentary captures the intense audition process for a Broadway revival, showcasing the passion and dedication of performers striving for their big break.
Fact: The film follows the casting of the 2006 revival of 'A Chorus Line,' providing a behind-the-scenes look at one of Broadway's most iconic musicals.


Les Misérables (2012)
Description: A sweeping musical epic that brings Victor Hugo's novel to life with powerful performances and a focus on the struggles and redemption of its characters.
Fact: The film was shot with live singing, a rare technique that added to the raw emotional intensity of the performances.


The Last Five Years (2014)
Description: A musical film that tells the story of a couple's relationship through song, with one perspective moving forward in time and the other backward.
Fact: The film is based on the off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown, known for its innovative storytelling structure.


Gypsy (1993)
Description: A TV movie adaptation of the classic Broadway musical about the rise of burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee and her ambitious mother.
Fact: The musical is based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee and has been revived on Broadway multiple times.
