Big Musicals For The Big Screen

There are plenty of big movies coming to AMC Theatres in the coming years, from action movies like the new Marvel Cinematic Films to sci-fi like DUNE: PART 2. But, this article will cover some of the best types of film to look out for — movie musicals.
From the remainder of 2023 through 2025, several movie musicals are looking to grace the screens of your local AMC Theatre. Here is what movie and musical lovers should look for in the coming years.
THE COLOR PURPLE is the latest film from Warner Bros. that will make a splash when it arrives in theatres. The film is the second adaptation of the novel of the same name, and serves as a musical adaptation of the stage production. It mainly follows the story of Celie, an African American woman, and what she went through during the early 1900s in the southern United States.
The film is filled with stars, with a captivating performance from Fantasia Barrino in her big screen debut. Aside from her, THE COLOR PURPLE has a cast that includes Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Halle Bailey, and many more.
THE COLOR PURPLE opens December 25th
After seeing this new version of MEAN GIRLS, movie lovers will want to wear pink on Wednesdays. The film, which is based on the Broadway musical of the same name (which is in turn based on the 2004 movie), follows the story of Cady. The teenager has just arrived to attend a high school in America and teams up with her new friends to take down the Plastics, the known mean girls of the campus, led by Regina George.
The movie boasts an impressive cast composed of Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli'i Cravalho, Christopher Briney, Jaquel Spivey, and more. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows also returned to reprise their roles from the original film. Samatha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. direct the movie musical.
MEAN GIRLS opens January 12th, 2024
Witness the rise of the greatest king that ever lived. MUFASA: THE LION KING is an upcoming musical drama from Disney, a prequel to the live-action THE LION KING. This movie will follow Mufasa's ride and how he became the king of the Pride Lands.
The film will be led by performances from Aaron Pierre as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Scar, who will go by Scar's original name, Taka. The movie is directed by Barry Jenkins, the director behind MOONLIGHT and IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK.
MUFASA: THE LION KING opens July 5th, 2024
When JOKER was released in 2019, Todd Phillips' film changed the superhero movie landscape forever. Its sequel, JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX, is coming to AMC Theatres. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix again as Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill man who meets Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn), a psychiatrist who grows obsessed with the Joker and ends up as his partner, forming a relationship with Arthur.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but from the first looks people have gotten, it already sounds intense, and the sequel is set to be a musical this time, quite the change from the first film. Aside from Phoenix, JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX stars Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn and Zazie Beetz as Sophie. The film will also bring in Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey in undisclosed roles.
Remind Me JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX opens October 4th, 2024
The musical WICKED has become a massive success on Broadway, and now, it's getting the film adaptation it deserves. WICKED is based on the musical of the same name and tells the story of Elphaba, a green-skinned woman, and the experiences she goes through that lead her to become the Wicked Witch of the West.
WICKED will be released in two parts, with the first coming out in 2024 and the second in 2025. The movie will star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum also co-star in supporting roles. Jon M. Chu directs.
WICKED opens November 27th, 2024
Lastly, there can't be a movie musical list without mentioning SNOW WHITE, the upcoming live-action remake of the famous Disney film, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES. Directed by Marc Webb, with a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, this retelling of the famous story will follow Snow White and her adventures in the forest while also dealing with the Evil Queen, who is jealous of her looks.
Plot details have been kept under wraps for some time, but it will be a musical, just like the original film. Rachel Zegler, known for roles in WEST SIDE STORY and THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES, will play Snow White. Gal Gadot will portray the Evil Queen.
Remind Me SNOW WHITE opens March 21st, 2025
With so many fantastic movie musicals coming out, it's time to turn on those soundtracks and learn all the lyrics you can. Be sure to check your local AMC Theatre for a time to see these films when they are released.