10 Best Movies Like The Greatest Showman Update 04/2024

Movies Like The Greatest Showman

Check out these movies if you enjoyed The Greatest Showman or anything related to the circus…

Moviegoers around the world love the fantastic soundtrack to The Greatest Showman, making it one of the most popular modern musicals. Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron starred as the film’s leading men, and a stellar ensemble cast backed them up.

The Greatest Showman, on the other hand, does a lot more than just entertain through its use of musical numbers. The movie has a great plot and teaches valuable lessons about not making snap judgments about people based solely on their looks. The movie’s circus performers also had a significant role, as viewers saw them gain confidence as the story progressed. But what should moviegoers watch after they’ve cleared their minds of the tunes from this one?

10. The Mighty Barnum (1934)

The Mighty Barnum (1934)

The life of P.T. Barnum has been the subject of a number of films, including The Greatest Showman. The Mighty Barnum is an excellent film to watch if you’re curious about P.T. Barnum’s life and career.

This film is eye-opening because it focuses on Barnum as a person and his promotion and creation of the circus. There’s a lot to learn about P.T. Barnum, who was a colorful character, so this film is a must-see.

9. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

The fact that The Greatest Showman is based on a real-life person is a major selling point for the film. Due to the fact that it follows the life of another real-life rock star in the form of Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody is an ideal film for audiences to enjoy.

Queen’s music is featured throughout the film, and it’s impossible not to sing along. As with Barnum, Freddie’s primary goal is to be amusing, and his story of being himself is strikingly similar to that of those who work in the circus.

8. Dumbo (2019)

Dumbo (2019)

The circus is a big part of The Greatest Showman, and the live-action version of Dumbo follows suit in that regard. It’s not uncommon for visitors to make fun of Dumbo, the park’s resident elephant, for his size and appearance.

As with The Greatest Showman, this has a similar vibe and could make for an engaging watch. It’s a fun movie for the whole family to watch, and there are some important life lessons to be learned from it.

7. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

In spite of its more mature themes, Moulin Rouge! has a lot of similarities to The Greatest Showman and would likely be just as entertaining to watch. Finally, this film is about staging an event, and there’s a charming love story simmering away in the background to go along with it.

Another reason why the films are similar is because people in this one are also judged based on the jobs they take on in the real world. It’s true that Moulin Rouge! has some of the biggest musical numbers and most compelling characters in the entire film. It’s a true Broadway classic.

6. Walk The Line (2005)

Walk The Line (2005)

Even though the tone of Walk The Line is much more somber than that of The Greatest Showman, it is still a fantastic musical about real-life individuals. There’s a lot here about Johnny Cash’s rise to stardom in the music industry.

As with Barnum, Cash has a tendency to make poor decisions and be self-centered, which leads to all sorts of problems in his personal life. The soundtrack for this film features only songs from Cash’s back catalog, but they are all fantastic and contribute greatly to the overall enjoyment of the film.

5. High School Musical (2006)

For those who prefer a lighter musical than Walk The Line, check out High School Musical, a film about high school students preparing for their annual musical event while also juggling their extracurricular activities. Troy Bolton, played by Zac Efron, decides to change his life by pursuing a career in singing and basketball.

There is a significant romantic storyline in Zac’s character, just like in The Greatest Showman. Also, there are some fantastic dance numbers and musically significant scenes in this film.

4. Chicago (2002)

Chicago (2002)

The Greatest Showman became a worldwide sensation thanks to the success of Chicago, a fantastic musical film full of big dance numbers, eye-catching costumes, and catchy songs. Both of these shows feature a large cast with distinct personalities, so everyone will have a good time.

More somber and with a more mature theme, Chicago follows a group of women in prison who are all trying to prove their innocence. Even though the plots of the two films are quite different, the brightness and music in both films work well together.

3. Wonder (2017)

The Greatest Showman fans will enjoy Wonder even though it isn’t a musical. This film has a lot of heart and emotion, but it also has some hilarious moments. There are also some heartbreaking scenes, which together with the comedy make for an excellent film.

As a result of his rare facial deformity, Auggie suffers from bullying and anxiety. The plot of this film centers on Auggie, who is born with Treacher Collins syndrome. Though shy at first, his personality blossoms as he spends more time with his family and friend, Jack.

2. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

Madagascar 3

The popularity of The Greatest Showman can be attributed to its suitability for the entire family. This film has something for everyone, thanks to its diverse cast of colorful characters and their strong personalities, all of which revolve around the circus. Because of this, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted appeals to a certain demographic.

A lot of fun is had in the Madagascar franchise, and the third film sees the gang join the circus, which is where the resemblance comes into play. Another common thread among the characters is the desire to discover who they truly are.

1. Hairspray (2007)

Hairspray, another well-known modern musical film, has a similar number of over-the-top musical numbers that keep the audience on their feet the entire time. Zac Efron reprises his role as the leading man, so fans of his previous work will enjoy this one as well.

In this film, too, the underdogs triumph, resulting in some memorable characters for the audience to root for. Discussions about racism and segregation are central to the plot, as is the film’s engagement with some serious ethical issues. Unquestionably, one of the greatest musicals ever produced.