The film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked has officially become the highest-grossing film based on a Broadway show. As of April 14, 2025, the movie has earned $750 million worldwide, surpassing the previous record-holder, Mamma Mia!.
The success of Wicked, which features Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in starring roles, has been significant both commercially and critically. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, earned 10 Oscar nominations, including for both lead actresses. At the Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Wicked took home two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
Since its release on November 22, 2024, Wicked has grossed $634.4 million, passing Mamma Mia!’s $611.5 million worldwide earnings. The film follows the success of previous Broadway musical adaptations, such as In the Heights, also directed by Chu.
Wicked’s box office triumph places it among seven Broadway musical adaptations that have grossed over $200 million. However, some popular adaptations, like Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, the Grease sequel, and the 1965 version of The Sound of Music, did not make the top list despite strong showings.
Looking ahead, Wicked fans can expect Wicked: For Good, the sequel, scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. Expectations are high for this follow-up, which could continue the film’s success.
Interestingly, both Wicked and Mamma Mia! did not win the Tony Award for Best Musical during their Broadway runs. Wicked lost to Avenue Q in 2004, while Mamma Mia! was beaten by Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002.
Here’s a look at the top seven highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptations:
- Wicked – $750 million
- Mamma Mia! – $611.5 million
- Les Misérables – $442.8 million
- Grease – $396.3 million
- Chicago – $306.8 million
- Into the Woods – $212.9 million
- Hairspray – $203.6 million
While some other Broadway film adaptations, such as Dreamgirls and West Side Story, earned over $50 million, they didn’t make the list of top-grossing films.
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