Which Broadway Musical Is a Must-See? Top Picks for 2025

If you’ve ever stood outside a Broadway theater, watching the neon lights flicker and hearing the crowd buzz before curtain time, you know something special is about to happen. Broadway isn’t just theater-it’s a living, breathing experience where music, story, and performance collide in ways that stick with you long after the final bow. But with dozens of shows running at once, how do you pick the one that’s truly worth your time, money, and emotional energy? Not every show deserves a spot on your bucket list. Here are the Broadway musicals you absolutely shouldn’t miss in 2025.

The Show That Still Gives Chills: Hamilton

It’s been nearly a decade since Hamilton exploded onto the scene, but it hasn’t lost its power. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s life through hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes isn’t just clever-it’s revolutionary. The cast changes slowly, but the energy never dims. Audiences still stand up at the end, not because they’re told to, but because they can’t sit still. The lyrics are dense, the choreography is sharp, and the storytelling moves faster than a bullet. If you’ve never seen it, this is your moment. If you’ve seen it before, go again. You’ll catch something new.

The Emotional Powerhouse: Hadestown

Imagine a musical that blends Greek myth with Depression-era jazz and folk ballads. That’s Hadestown. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need to be. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice, trapped in a dystopian underworld ruled by Hades, feels terrifyingly modern. The music, written by Anaïs Mitchell, is hauntingly beautiful. The lead performers don’t just sing-they breathe life into characters who are broken, hopeful, and stubbornly human. The set, a rusted industrial labyrinth lit by flickering bulbs, feels like a forgotten factory where dreams go to die. And yet, by the end, you’ll believe in love again. It’s quiet. It’s devastating. And it’s the most moving thing on Broadway right now.

The Pure Joy Bomb: Wicked

Some shows are spectacle. Wicked is pure, unfiltered joy. The story of Elphaba and Glinda-two witches who become unlikely friends-has drawn over 70 million people worldwide since it opened in 2003. And for good reason. The songs are anthems: "Defying Gravity," "For Good," "Popular." The costumes dazzle. The staging turns flying into something magical, not just technical. It’s a story about being misunderstood, choosing your own path, and the cost of being labeled "evil." Kids, teens, grandparents-all of them leave humming. If you want a night that feels like a warm hug wrapped in glitter, this is it.

The Dark, Gritty Masterpiece: The Lion King

Don’t let the Disney label fool you. The Lion King on Broadway isn’t a cartoon come to life-it’s a theatrical marvel. The puppetry, designed by Julie Taymor, turns animals into living art. A giraffe made of fabric and poles walks across the stage. A herd of antelope moves as one, their legs rising and falling in perfect rhythm. The music, by Elton John and Tim Rice, still hits like thunder. And the story? It’s Shakespearean. Power, betrayal, redemption. It’s not just for kids. Adults sit with tears in their eyes during "Circle of Life." The show doesn’t just entertain-it reminds you of your place in the world.

The Newcomer That’s Already a Hit: Shucked

Opened in 2023, Shucked is the surprise hit of the last two seasons. A country-music comedy about a small-town man who tries to save his corn crop by entering a contest, it’s funny, fast, and full of toe-tapping tunes. The cast is electric. The jokes land. The banjo solos? Unforgettable. It doesn’t take itself seriously-and that’s why it works. If you’re tired of heavy dramas and want something that makes you laugh out loud while tapping your foot, this is your pick. It’s the kind of show that feels like a party you didn’t know you needed.

What Makes a Musical "Must-See"?

Not every popular show is a must-see. Some are loud. Some are long. Some rely too much on special effects. The real must-sees have three things: a story that stays with you, music that lives in your head, and performances that feel real. You shouldn’t just watch them-you should feel them. That’s why Hamilton and Hadestown top the list. They don’t just perform-they transform. The audience doesn’t just watch. They remember.

Also, timing matters. Some shows close unexpectedly. Others sell out months in advance. If you’re planning a trip to New York, book early. Don’t wait until the day before. The best seats go fast. And if you’re on a budget? Try the lottery. Both Hamilton and Hadestown offer digital lotteries for $10 tickets. It’s a gamble, but for the right show, it’s worth it.

What to Skip

Not every long-running show deserves your attention. Some, like Jersey Boys or Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, are fine-but they’re biographies with songs, not stories with soul. Others, like Aladdin or Frozen, are great for kids but feel like theme park rides for adults. There’s nothing wrong with them. But if you’re looking for something that changes how you think about theater, these aren’t it.

How to Choose

Ask yourself: Do you want to cry? Go for Hadestown. Do you want to cheer? Go for Wicked. Do you want to be stunned by language and rhythm? Hamilton is your answer. Do you want to laugh until your sides hurt? Shucked won’t let you down. And if you want to feel like you’ve witnessed something ancient and timeless? The Lion King delivers.

There’s no wrong choice among these five. But if you can only see one, let it be Hadestown. It’s the quietest show on Broadway-and the loudest in your heart.