6. The Little Mermaid
Based on the hit 1989 film, The Little Mermaid made its Broadway debut in 2007 after nearly a decade in development. Sierra Boggess starred as Ariel, earning praise for her performance, especially after singing "Part of Your World" on Good Morning America. Although the show was delayed by the 2007 Broadway strikes and closed after just 18 months, it found success in Europe. The production featured revamped costumes and wire work that created the illusion of underwater movement, replacing earlier clunky designs. Fans now hope Ariel will soon swim onto the West End stage.
5. Frozen
Based on Disney’s most popular animated film of the 2010s that grossed approximately £1 billion worldwide, the musical adaptation of Frozen opened in the West End on August 27, 2021. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the musical enjoyed three very successful years before completing its West End run on September 8, 2024. The West End production featured 20 songs in total, a far cry from the film’s eight. Frozen was a visual feast with many gorgeous special effects and outstanding performances, particularly from Samantha Barks as Princess Elsa, who does a fantastic job of belting “Let It Go.” If you didn’t get a chance to see her at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, you can see the recorded stage musical on Disney+.
4. Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast was Disney’s first animated film adapted for Broadway, running from 1994 to 2007 with over 5,400 performances - making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Known for its elaborate costumes and effects, the production brought characters like Lumiere and Cogsworth to life with creative designs. It featured all eight original songs from the film, plus “Human Again”, a song cut from the movie but revived for the stage and later added back to the film. The show debuted in London’s West End in 1997 and won a Laurence Olivier Award. Susan Egan starred as Belle and later voiced Meg in Hercules.
3. Aladdin
Aladdin was an absolute masterpiece of a show. Right from the get-go, the show captivated its audiences with a chilling overture that immediately pulled them into the whole new world of Agrabah. The musical was based on the Academy Award-winning 1992 Disney film that starred the late Robin Williams as Genie and it was an absolute triumph. Not only did it manage to approximate the magic, look and feel of the animated film, but also took what is arguably the most entertaining song from the movie, “Friend Like Me,” and transformed it into an unforgettable theatrical moment that feels so much better than the original on so many levels. It’s also no secret that the star of the show was Genie, who used modern pop-culture references that helped bring Aladdin out of the 1990s and into the 2010s. Aladdin premiered on Broadway in 2014 and in the West End in 2016.
2. Hercules
Since debuting at the West End on June 24, 2025, Hercules has taken the stage by storm with muscle, music, and mythic fun. Based on the 1997 Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, and featuring songs by Alan Menken and David Zippel, this dazzling new musical blends gospel, heart, and hilarity in one epic adventure. Don’t miss the demi-god in action!
1. The Lion King
Hakuna Matata! Having premiered on Broadway in 1997 and in the West End in 1999, it’s hard to believe this musical has been around for over two decades, but also not surprising. With music by Elton John and Tim Rice and a plot of Shakespearean proportions, this film was destined for the stage from the moment it hit cinemas in 1994. Its incredulous longevity, legendary score by Hans Zimmer, and breath-taking visuals is enough to bring this musical to the top of our list. Having been playing at the Lyceum Theatre for over 20 years, and is currently booking until 29 March 2026. With an extension highly likely, The Lion King shows no signs of abdicating from the theatrical throne anytime soon. It could very well be running ‘for the rest of your days.’
See why The Lion King still reigns supreme. Read the valuable lessons it teaches us here.