Top 10 NYC Broadway shows 2026

No matter what time of year you visit New York, one of the must-do activities is seeing a musical on Broadway, the famous boulevard lined with theaters that runs through the heart of Manhattan. With hundreds of performances each year, it’s the mecca of New York theater. Many Hollywood actors have graced its stages to delight us with their talent, and it’s where great actors work hard every night to make a name for themselves.

I remember the first time I saw a Broadway musical in New York—it was one of the most exciting moments of the trip. The magic of Broadway is truly one-of-a-kind. Its musical numbers and majestic stage productions transport you to a fantasy world—even if you’re not a theater buff. Here’s a list of what I consider to be the best ones.

The throne of Broadway musicals belongs to Simba. Those who buy tickets to The Lion King will see the adaptation of the famous Disney animated film, which has been recognized time and again as the best musical of all time. With sensational set design and music by Elton John, it has won six Tony Awards and an Evening Standard Award.

Since 1997, it has been the top-grossing musical in New York because it is one of Broadway’s most spectacular productions. There’s nothing quite like it!

If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know the story of little Simba, the lion prince whose evil uncle Scar wants to steal his throne. To do so, he sets a trap that kills Simba’s father, Mufasa, the king of the savanna.

Scar deceives him and makes him believe that his father’s death was his fault, so Simba flees the kingdom. Years later, the young prince learns that, under his uncle’s rule, the savanna has fallen into ruin, and that’s when he decides to confront the usurper and reclaim his place in “the circle of life.”

Why You Can’t Miss It

The soundtrack for The Lion King is magnificent, as are the actors’ performances and the staging. Plus, the story teaches timeless values. Without a doubt, it’s an amazing show that lets you escape the real world for over two hours.

Ideal for...

All audiences—children and adults alike will enjoy it equally.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Lion King on Broadway on the official Hellotickets website: The Lion King on Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Minskoff Theatre (200 W 45th St, New York, 10036)
• How long is the show?: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about The Lion King musical

The word that best describes the experience you’ll have if you buy tickets to Aladdin on Broadway is magic. In this stage adaptation of the popular 1990s animated film, everything is surprising, amazing, and extraordinary. Another Disney classic that deserves its own musical adaptation!

Thanks to brilliant staging, carefully crafted characterizations, some fresh new songs, and the Genie’s always hilarious humor, this is one of the Broadway musicals that’s causing the biggest sensation among audiences. In fact, everyone who goes to the New Amsterdam Theatre to see Aladdin for the first time would definitely go again!

The story begins when Aladdin, a young street thief from Agrabah, finds a magic lamp that grants him three wishes to turn his life around and escape poverty. With one of his wishes, he wants to become a prince to win over Yasmine, the sultan’s beautiful daughter with whom he has fallen in love, but the evil royal vizier has other plans for the Genie of the lamp that will put all the city’s inhabitants in danger.

Why You Can’t Miss It

The musical Aladdin is one of the must-see musicals in New York. Anyone who knows the songs from the movie will be able to hum along to the music, and it’s so much fun that the two and a half hours will fly by.

Speaking of flying, the scene from the “A Whole New World” number, where the main characters fly over the city on a magic carpet, is simply magnificent. It’ll leave you speechless!

Perfect for...

All audiences—children and adults alike will enjoy it equally.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Aladdin on the official Hellotickets website: Aladdin Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: New Amsterdam Theatre (214 W 42nd St)
• How long is the show?: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Aladdin musical on Broadway

Another of Broadway’s great musical productions for which you can buy tickets: Chicago on Broadway. A classic that transports us back to the Roaring Twenties every season. With jazz music as a backdrop and Prohibition fueling underground activities, corruption, and murders, this show is aimed at a more adult audience, but it ranks high in the top 10 because it’s one of Broadway’s all-time greats. Such is its success that it has won 6 Tony Awards, and the recording of the musical’s songs also won a Grammy Award.

Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, an innocent rookie actress who dreams of following in the footsteps of the famous vaudeville star Velma Kelly. However, a series of unfortunate events leads both of them to end up in prison, accused of murder.

Under the shrewd guidance of prison warden Morton, Roxie manages to hire the legendary and cunning lawyer Billy Flynn to take on her case for a hefty sum. In prison, Roxie’s career takes off, much to the chagrin of her mentor and Velma Kelly, but the star has an ace up her sleeve for the second act...

Why You Can’t Miss It

If you’ve seen the 2002 film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere, you can get an idea of the fantastic musical numbers you’ll see on stage—though watching these spectacular choreographed routines live, with exquisite staging and feeling the music from your seat, is a unique and highly recommended experience.

Ideal for...

Adults. This show may not be appropriate for children 12 years old or younger.

How to Buy Tickets

You can buy tickets for Chicago on the official Hellotickets website: Chicago Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
• How long is it?: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical Chicago

If you’re a true fan of Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning 2001 film starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, you can’t miss out on buying tickets for the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway. A sensational experience brimming with color, lights, and emotion that will immerse you in the bohemian Paris of 1900.

In fact, the theater where it’s performed has a design and decor that perfectly match the musical’s theme, making you feel like you’re part of the story. It’s the ideal opportunity to relive the magic of Moulin Rouge’s spectacular soundtrack—featuring “Can-Can” and “Lady Marmalade”—and the romantic love story between the young writer Christian and Satine, the cabaret star. A true celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and, above all, love!

Why You Can’t Miss It

Although it’s not an exact replica of the movie, the musical preserves the film’s essence—the set design even includes the iconic red windmill, the giant elephant, and all the flair of the cabaret—while also modernizing the show by adding recent songs to the repertoire, which helps you connect more deeply with the story. The result is daring, dazzling, and thrilling. Are you ready to dance?

Ideal for...

Adults. Admission is recommended for children ages 12 and up.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Moulin Rouge on the official Hellotickets website: Moulin Rouge Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues).
• How long is the show?: 2 hours and 35 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway

Everyone knows his music, and almost everyone knows his life story; that’s precisely why tickets for the Michael Jackson musical are in such high demand. Few fans of the King of Pop will be able to resist the show taking place at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway. If you’ve seen any of his music videos (and you surely have), you can already get an idea of what to expect.

Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon is at the helm of this production that’s taking Broadway by storm and which, as you’d expect, features songs like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Black or White,” and “I’ll Be There.” A total of 30 of his songs , starting with rehearsals for his 1992 “Dangerous” tour and tracing his past all the way back to his childhood with the Jackson 5 and his teenage years.

Why You Can’t Miss It

Because it’s not just another Michael Jackson tribute—the show was created in collaboration with his children and prioritizes the King of Pop’s musical legacy over the controversies surrounding him.

Ideal for...

Music lovers in general, whether or not they’re Michael Jackson fans, since both the story and the staging entertain all kinds of audiences.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for the Michael Jackson musical on the official Hellotickets website: Michael Jackson Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues).
• How long is it?: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission

If you want to laugh until you cry at a Broadway musical, you have to see The Book of Mormon. This satire about a pair of Mormons trying to preach their religion in Uganda will leave you with a great feeling.

The predicaments in which the two missionaries—who are so different from one another—find themselves in a conflict-ridden region of the African country will keep you laughing nonstop throughout the show. The controversial humor in this musical from the creators of the South Park series is, without a doubt, its main attraction.

Why You Can’t Miss It

As heavily criticized in its early days as it was later praised and awarded, this musical leaves no one indifferent, thanks to its respectful message about religion and social justice. Plus, its visual effects, meticulous set design, and cast of performers will make you understand why it ranks among the best Broadway musicals.

Ideal for

Adults with a good sense of humor who are ready to see a show with positive values that’s recognized worldwide.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Book of Mormon in New York on the official Hellotickets website: Tickets for The Book of Mormon

Useful Information

• Where?: Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, New York)
• How long is it?: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about The Book of Mormon on Broadway; everything you need to know about this musical

Can you imagine hearing the story of the birth of the United States told by one of its founding fathers—set to rap? All you have to do is buy tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway —it’s been a huge phenomenon in recent years!

The show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphan from the Caribbean who, after a series of events, ends up in the United States and becomes a pivotal figure in both the American Revolutionary War and the nation’s first government.

Although I loved it, Hamilton is one of the few Broadway musicals for which you’ll need a solid grasp of English, since it features a lot of wordplay and the singing is fast-paced, so it can be easy to get lost at times.

Why You Can’t Miss It

What makes this musical so captivating is that the story is told in an unconventional way through an interactive production filled with spectacular sound and lighting effects. Plus, it’s a show in which there’s hardly any dialogue that isn’t delivered through songs. Each and every one of them is unique to this musical.

Truly, Hamilton is a mind-blowing experience that immerses you in one of the most exciting chapters of American history. It’s no wonder this Broadway musical is one of the most sought-after by audiences and has won 11 Tony Awards—out of 16 nominations. That’s more than any other show has ever achieved!

Ideal for...

Adults and children ages 10 and up, with a good command of English.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Hamilton on the official Hellotickets website: Hamilton Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
• How long is the show?: 2 hours and 40 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical Hamilton

The musical based on one of the most famous characters of all time has finally arrived in New York; you can now buy tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. This blockbuster production comes straight from London and has received fantastic reviews. Although it’s only been playing at New York’s Lyric Theatre since 2018, it’s already undoubtedly one of the most popular shows with audiences.

The plot doesn’t follow any of the movies; instead, it’s a story you can only experience in the musical. The script was written by J. K. Rowling and is set 17 years after Harry defeated Voldemort. Now Harry works at the Ministry of Magic, is married, and is the father of three children. This premise marks the beginning of a show that has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and holds the record for the highest single-week ticket sales in Broadway history.

Why You Can’t Miss It

The musical’s set design, special effects, and soundtrack are magnificent. But above all, it completes the Harry Potter story in a way that no other movie, spin-off, or novel has. It’s a true sequel written by the author herself, and no fan of the series should miss it.

Perfect for...

Muggles, of course!

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Harry Potter on the official Hellotickets website: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Lyric Theatre, very close to Times Square (214 W 43rd St, New York, 10036).
• How long is it?: 2 hours and 40 minutes, with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Harry Potter musical on Broadway

With tickets to Wicked, you’ll get to experience the most enchanting Broadway musical! It’s the prequel to the famous story of The Wizard of Oz—a suspenseful and emotional show about friendship that’s suitable for all ages.

It tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young students of witchcraft who meet in the Land of Oz and, despite their differences, form a deep friendship. On one hand, Elphaba is an intelligent but somewhat reserved sorceress who struggles to find her place in the world. On the other, Glinda is outgoing and very popular at the university. Life’s circumstances bring them together for some very funny moments, but something happens that drives them apart, eventually transforming them into the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.

Why You Can’t Miss It

Since its premiere in 2003, Wicked has been one of Broadway’s biggest hits. As a fresh and entertaining production, filled with intrigue, humor, and impressive staging, it has won three Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Original Score for a Musical. It also remains among the top-grossing Broadway musicals alongside The Lion King.

Get ready to spot the flying monkeys! You’ll never see The Wizard of Oz the same way again.

Perfect for...

All audiences—children and adults alike will enjoy it equally.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Wicked on the official Hellotickets website: Wicked Broadway Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Gershwin Theatre (222 W 51st St, New York, 10019).
• How long is the show?: 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the musical Wicked on Broadway

When you travel to New York, you’re sure to have a packed schedule visiting museums and taking all kinds of city tours, but if you’re in the mood for a night of pure glamour and jazz, you can’t miss the musical The Great Gatsby, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novel.

It’s a story of dazzling parties, secrets, and impossible romances in 1920s New York, with a production that’s truly “on a grand scale”: powerful dance numbers, spectacular costumes, and an atmosphere that transports you right into West Egg.

If you’re in the mood for Broadway at its best (one of those musicals that feel like a blockbuster), this is a fantastic choice, whether you’re familiar with the book or going in “blind.”

Why you can’t miss it

Because it’s a visually stunning and accessible musical: it combines romantic drama, high-energy performances, and an elegant “Art Deco” touch that looks incredible on stage. Plus, the story features iconic moments (yes, the famous green light) that really shine in musical form.

Perfect for...

A first-time Broadway musical-goer, lovers of intense stories, and fans of 1920s aesthetics. It’s also a great choice if you’re going as a couple or with someone who wants “a classic Broadway show” with a big production.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Great Gatsby on the official Hellotickets website: The Great Gatsby Tickets

Useful Information

• Where?: Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway, New York, 10019)
• How long does it last?: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (with an intermission).
• Recommended age: Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted

In addition to the big Broadway musicals, there are other shows in 2026 that are generating a lot of interest among travelers. One of the top sellers is Radio City Rockettes: Christmas Spectacular, a New York Christmas classic held at Radio City Music Hall that combines precision choreography, music, spectacular sets, and a festive atmosphere. It’s not a Broadway musical per se, but if you’re traveling to New York for Christmas, it’s one of the most iconic experiences you can add to your itinerary.

Among the plays and theatrical productions generating the most buzz is Stranger Things: The First Shadow, an ideal choice for those seeking a familiar story, powerful visual effects, and a highly immersive theatrical experience. Also worth considering is Oh, Mary!, an irreverent comedy that has become one of Broadway’s recent phenomena and works especially well for those who want to see something mature, biting, and different from the big family-friendly musicals.

If you’d rather stick with musicals, there are several recent titles that are doing very well at the box office and can be a great alternative to the timeless classics. The Outsiders, Ragtime, and *Schmigadoon! * are good options if you want to see something substantial this season, while shows like Death Becomes Her, Buena Vista Social Club, and Hadestown broaden the range with very different styles: from black comedy and Latin musicals to a modern reinterpretation of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

The second half of 2026 brings several interesting premieres for those looking for something new on Broadway. One of the most anticipated is Paranormal Activity, which opens in August and brings the universe of the famous horror franchise to the stage. September also brings School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, a comedy set in a boarding school in Ghana that was already the talk of the town during its Off-Broadway run.

Fall will bring productions featuring some very recognizable names. Other Desert Cities will star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Alison Janney, Lily Rabe, and Joe Keery, while 860 marks Billy Crystal’s return to Broadway with an autobiographical show. In late October, Much Ado About Nothing will open with Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell in a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy.

Musicals to watch include Wanted, inspired by the story of twin sisters turned outlaws; The Fantasticks, a new production of one of the longest-running shows in American musical theater; and Galileo, starring Raúl Esparza. Additionally, a new production of Dreamgirls is scheduled for the fall, though no official dates have been confirmed yet.

If you want to see a Broadway musical during your trip to New York, my advice is to buy tickets online before you travel because some shows are in high demand, theaters fill up quickly, and the box offices soon put up “Sold Out” signs.

In my experience, this isn’t the best option. There are several reasons for this, which I’ll explain below:

Another major question that may come up when you’re buying tickets for a Broadway musical is how to get the best seats in the theater to watch the show. My advice is to try to find a balance between the types of tickets the theater offers and your budget.

Generally, the most expensive seats are in the center of the Orchestra section, and from there you’ll have a perfect view of the entire show. The Mezzanine and Balcony sections are the second and third tiers, respectively. Depending on the size of the theater, these sections will be more or less distant from the stage.

Keep that in mind!

When buying tickets for a Broadway musical, it’s a good idea to keep a few basic points in mind:

Absolutely! Some people are hesitant to go to the theater in the United States because they don’t speak English, but this isn’t a problem on Broadway. Keep in mind that musicals aren’t like movies with long dialogue—instead, the story is woven through musical numbers, choreography, and songs that will help you follow the plot with ease.

In any case, if you’re still unsure, my advice is to choose a musical that’s been adapted into a movie, such as Chicago, The Lion King, or Aladdin. If you watch the movie before your trip, it’ll be much easier to follow the show because they usually follow the same script.

The option for those who don’t speak English: rent headphones

However, New York theaters are aware that they attract international audiences, so they’re prepared for this. The biggest box-office hits usually offer the option to rent headphones that provide a Spanish summary of each scene, so you’ll be able to follow everything that’s happening on stage.

They cost about $10, and you’ll need to leave your passport as a deposit at the counter; you’ll get it back at the end of the show when you return the headset.

The musicals that currently offer this service are: The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon. However, if you’d like to rent one of these hearing aids, I recommend asking at the theater box office if they’re available for a specific show.

New York is a city with long distances and heavy traffic, so to avoid arriving too close to showtime, I recommend getting there 30 to 45 minutes early so you can enter the theater at your leisure, buy a bowl of popcorn or some merchandise, and find your seats.

Arriving early at the theater is important because if you’re late, once the musical has started, the theater staff won’t let you in. It would be a shame to miss the show because of traffic!

A Broadway musical usually lasts between 2 hours and 2.5 hours. It’s divided into acts with an intermission in between, so you can use the restroom and stretch your legs without missing a single minute of the show.

Knowing the duration of the show you’ve chosen is essential so you can plan your activities for the day.

Seeing a Broadway musical is one of the must-do activities during a trip to New York with kids. It’s an amazing display of lights, color, music, and dance that kids will love! There are many shows whose themes and staging make them perfect for families.

Children’s Admission

However, you should know that most Broadway theaters do not admit children under 4 years of age. These policies are set by individual theaters. Additionally, unfortunately , none of the Broadway musicals sell special tickets for children, so all audience members must pay the same ticket price.

How to Choose a Musical?

When choosing a Broadway musical, it’s a good idea for parents to know a little about the show’s plot, but other factors to consider include the show’s length, special effects, and the language used in the dialogue. This way, you can choose the musical that’s best suited for your family.

What happens if a child has a tantrum during the show?

Sometimes a child may have a tantrum in the middle of the show—whether because they’re tired, hungry, or sleepy. If this happens, the usher may politely ask the child and one of their parents to leave the theater until the child calms down, at which point they can return to continue watching the show.

Although there’s no specific dress code for attending a musical, people generally don’t dress up too much; comfortable, appropriate clothing is the norm. So you can spend the day sightseeing and end it by enjoying a fascinating Broadway musical. Your legs will surely thank you after all that walking around New York!

Some Broadway shows have been running for decades. For example, The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago are the longest-running shows and have captivated audiences with their extraordinary musical numbers:

• The Phantom of the Opera premiered on Broadway in 1988 and ran for over 35 years until its final performance in 2023. Its production, characterized by a gothic atmosphere, combined a plot of love and obsession.
• Premiered in 1975, Chicago is the longest-running American musical on Broadway. Set in 1920s Chicago, it is a theatrical phenomenon with a legendary score that has secured its place in the history of musical theater.

The Tony Awards are the highest honor in American theater and are presented to the best Broadway productions. Throughout history, various musicals have stood out for their quality and success. This is the case with Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, which have been critically acclaimed and have won numerous awards:

• Premiered in 2015 and created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton marked a turning point in musical theater with an innovative blend of hip-hop, rap, and traditional music. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. It won 11 Tony Awards in 2016.
• Premiering in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen addresses themes such as anxiety, identity, and human connection through the story of a teenager struggling to find his place in the world. It won 6 Tony Awards in 2017 and has been considered one of the most influential musicals of its generation.

Choosing the best Broadway musical of all time is nearly an impossible task. There are many titles that have left their mark. Even so, there are some that have stood out notably for their box-office success and critical acclaim.

• Les Misérables: Premiered in 1985, it is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and set in 19th-century France. One of the most notable works in musical theater.
• Hamilton: Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it premiered in 2015 and tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. It stands out for its fusion of different styles, including hip-hop, rap, R&B, and traditional music. It has been honored with multiple Tony Awards, a Grammy, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The most expensive Broadway show in history is Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. It is a musical inspired by the Marvel superhero that premiered in 2011 after years of production. Its budget amounted to no less than $75 million—a figure never before seen in the history of theater.

The soundtrack was composed by Bono and The Edge (U2), and the production was notable for its aerial stunts, special effects, and large cast. Its high budget was due in part to several incidents during production: accidents, delays, and script changes. Critical reception was not unanimous, despite initial expectations.

It ran for three years, but the high costs and lack of box office revenue prevented it from running any longer. However, it marked a milestone in Broadway history in terms of budget.

It’s quite common for the most popular showtimes for Broadway musicals to be in the late afternoon—around 7 or 8 PM. This is mainly because it lets you spend the whole day on sightseeing tours and arrive at the musical just when you need a break. Once the show is over, you’re sure to work up an appetite. What should you have for dinner that night? Here’s a list of the best places to eat in New York

Broadway is right in the heart of Times Square, and everything is always open, so it’ll be easy to find a place to eat and enjoy delicious burgers like those at Shake Shack (691 8th Ave) or tasty tacos like those at Los Tacos No. 1 (75 9th Ave).

New York is a city with endless dining possibilities. If you want to avoid tourist traps and eat well without breaking the bank, I recommend checking out my article “The 10 Best Places to Eat in New York.”

New York is a city full of opportunities for fun, with plenty to see and do. If you’d like to attend another event during your vacation and you’re a sports fan, I recommend other options such as: