LOS ALAMITOS, Calif — 2025 goes out with a bang, featuring some of the most breathtaking and sensational musicals. Over the years, it was believed that musicals may have lost their spotlight in the film industry, but this year, they fight those allegations by releasing modern musical films appealing to new audiences.
Taking the cake for most popular musical this year is “Wicked For Good,” a sequel to “Wicked” from 2024. Both films were based on “Wicked” on Broadway, which was adapted from the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire.
The original musical and “The Wizard of Oz” film´s popularity has been sparked again with a more modernized version, with well-known actors such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The plot follows the two main characters, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), as they navigate their strained friendship, diplomatic injustice and discovery of true identity.
“I feel that musicals bring people together to a place where people can just sing their heart out,” said Los Alamitos High School junior Sophie Long.
The loss of musical popularity began around the late 1970s, with audiences shifting to more realistic films. Possibly being a contributing factor to the decrease in musical fame, recent musical film directors admit to hiring actors for their chemistry on camera rather than acting and dancing expertise. But which is more important when considering the quality of a film, compatibility between actors, or professionalism?
“I think outfits, makeup, hair and the visual aspect of the entirety of musicals is a really big focus for film directors because these days appearances are extremely important,” said LAHS senior Sophia Gatica.
Appearances are heavily prioritized over talent in today’s generation, as seen in many recent musicals today such as “Wicked For Good” and “Snow White.” Due to less pressure to perfect a scene in one try, people are more likely to choose the film industry rather than the theater industry.
At one point, musicals during the 1900s were seen as a luxury and belonged mainly to the wealthy. But later, there is a significant change when musicals begin to embrace new styles such as pop and rock such as “Hair” and “Grease.” This adaptation was conscious of resonating with and attracting younger audiences in order to make musicals more popular.
With film and television giving more widespread access to audiences, stage musicals gradually decreased in adoration. Musicals on film have greater freedom when it comes to new editing techniques and digital effects. Modern Broadway musicals on film can shift the viewer’s perspective from one character to another, as well as editing the plot in a way the live action element of musicals doesn’t allow for. Though in-person musicals have their perks, such as getting to see live actors, film productions can further convince us of the magical and fantastical moments of the story with simple editing.
“Musicals are better than movies because the audience can feel the actors’ emotions and presence better in person than on camera,” said LAHS sophomore Kaylyn Kekacs.
Whether on Broadway or on camera, musicals have increasingly gained popularity over recent years, bringing more attention and appreciation to past productions. Developing new perspectives and shifting to younger audiences, modernized musicals have been a hit for 2025.
