10 Must-Watch Films About Shows

Description: This classic musical film tells the story of a British schoolteacher in 19th-century Siam, blending cultural clashes with spectacular musical numbers, showcasing the power of theatre to bridge divides.

Fact: Yul Brynner, who played the King, reprised his role from the Broadway production, making him one of the few actors to star in both the stage and film versions.

Description: Mel Brooks' comedy about two producers who scheme to produce a Broadway flop for financial gain is a satirical look at the absurdity and ambition within the theatre world.

Fact: The film was remade in 2005 as a musical, with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick reprising their roles from the Broadway production.

Description: Based on the Broadway musical, this film focuses on the audition process for a Broadway show, highlighting the personal stories and dreams of the dancers, making it a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of the stage.

Fact: The film was shot in a real Broadway theatre, the Shubert Theatre, to capture the authentic atmosphere of a live show.

Description: Baz Luhrmann's visually stunning film is a modern take on the classic love story set in the vibrant world of the Parisian cabaret, showcasing the spectacle and emotion of live performance.

Fact: The film features a mash-up of contemporary pop songs reimagined for the 19th-century setting.

Description: A vibrant and energetic film that brings the vaudeville world to life, "Chicago" explores the ambition, fame, and scandal within the entertainment industry, showcasing the power of performance to change lives.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on soundstages, with the sets designed to mimic the look of 1920s Chicago.

Description: This film tells the story of P.T. Barnum and his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, celebrating the spectacle of live entertainment and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Fact: Hugh Jackman, who plays Barnum, performed many of his own stunts, including a high-wire act.

Description: Set in 1930s Berlin, this film uses the backdrop of a decadent cabaret to explore the rise of Nazism, with its performances reflecting the political and social turmoil of the era.

Fact: Liza Minnelli won an Academy Award for her role as Sally Bowles, and the film's score includes the iconic "Cabaret" song.

Description: This semi-autobiographical film by Bob Fosse offers an unflinching look at the life of a Broadway director, blending reality with fantasy to explore the toll of show business on personal life.

Fact: The film's opening sequence, featuring a montage of daily routines, was inspired by Fosse's own morning rituals.

Description: This film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical captures the essence of the theatrical experience, with its haunting score and opulent production design, making it a quintessential film about the allure and danger of the stage.

Fact: The chandelier in the film weighs over one ton and was designed to replicate the original from the Paris Opera House.

Description: A modern musical that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood, "La La Land" follows the intertwining lives of an aspiring actress and a jazz pianist, capturing the dream and reality of show business.

Fact: The film's opening number, "Another Day of Sun," was filmed in one continuous shot, requiring extensive choreography and planning.