Best Broadway Musicals (September 2026)
Broadway in August 2026 continues to showcase an impressive range of musicals, from long-running cultural phenomena to fresh productions making their mark on the Great White Way. The current season demonstrates the art form's vitality, with productions spanning hip-hop innovation, folk opera, and intimate robot romance achieving critical acclaim that averages an exceptional 85 out of 100.
Leading the pack is Hamilton, which maintains its position as a revolutionary force in musical theater. Lin-Manuel Funded's hip-hop retelling of American history continues to earn near-universal praise from critics, who recognize its lasting impact on Broadway storytelling. Not far behind, The Book of Mormon proves that sharp satire and irreverent humor remain as potent as ever, while the stripped-down revival of Chicago reminds audiences why this Jazz Age tale of crime and celebrity has endured for decades.
Among newer productions, Maybe Happy Ending stands out as a refreshingly original entry, earning critical acclaim for its enchanting story of robot companionship, lush score, and innovative design. The show demonstrates that Broadway continues to embrace unconventional narratives alongside its more traditional offerings. Meanwhile, Hadestown captivates with its folk-opera reimagining of Greek mythology, and The Lion King remains a visual spectacle that transcends generational boundaries.
The season's diversity extends from the pop-concert energy of SIX to the Golden Age parody of Schmigadoon!, the infectious Cuban rhythms of Buena Vista Social Club, and Jonathan Groff's star turn in the Bobby Darin bio-musical Just in Time. Whether you're drawn to groundbreaking innovation or spectacular stagecraft, the top-rated shows currently on Broadway offer something for every theatrical taste.
21 shows | Last updated: September 2026
How We Rank
Rankings are based on CriticScore, an aggregate of professional reviews from 400+ outlets including The New York Times, Vulture, and Variety. Top-tier outlets carry the most weight in the composite score. Each show needs a minimum number of reviews to qualify. Scores are recalculated weekly. Learn more about our methodology.
Critics hail Hamilton as a groundbreaking masterpiece that revolutionizes the Broadway musical through hip-hop storytelling. Miranda's audacious, electrifying work about the Founding Father earns near-unanimous raves for its innovation and artistry.
Critics hail "The Book of Mormon" as hilariously offensive yet surprisingly sweet, with most praising its sharp satire, catchy songs, and expert craftsmanship that skewers religion while celebrating faith's power to inspire hope.
Critics hail this stripped-down revival as wildly entertaining and pulse-racing, with top-flight performances bringing fresh vitality to Kander and Ebb's dark musical about celebrity and crime.
Critics hail this original robot rom-com as enchanting and refreshingly innovative, with a lush score and stunning design. The tender love story between two obsolete Helperbots earns praise for its emotional depth, though a few find the premise overly precious.
Critics hail Julie Taymor's staging as a theatrical marvel, with visionary puppetry and stunning visual spectacle that transcends its animated source. While some find it less engaging emotionally, most agree it's an astonishing achievement.
Critics hail this folk-opera retelling of the Orpheus myth as a stunning, inventive triumph with gorgeous music and visionary staging, though a few find it emotionally distant. Mitchell's score and Chavkin's direction earn widespread praise.
Critics celebrate SIX as a joyous, high-energy pop concert musical that gives Henry VIII's wives their own empowering voices, praising its infectious score, stellar vocal performances, and exuberant feminist spirit.
Critics praise the intoxicating Cuban music and dazzling choreography as transporting and joyful, but note the book is wispy and clichéd. The show works best as a sensory celebration that prioritizes sound and dance over storytelling.
Jonathan Groff dazzles as Bobby Darin in this slick, entertaining bio-musical that doesn't reinvent the jukebox genre but succeeds on star power and showmanship. Critics praise Groff's charisma and vocals, though some find the by-the-numbers format familiar.
Critics largely embrace this affectionate Golden Age musical parody, praising its sharp wit, infectious joy, and spot-on references, though some find the joke wears thin on stage and struggles to transcend its TV origins.
Critics find this charming two-hander rom-com modest but winning, praising its sincere performances and gentle humor. Some dismiss it as slight and formulaic, but most embrace its old-fashioned sweetness as a refreshing Broadway confection.
Critics find this campy Céline Dion-Titanic parody hilariously deranged and entertaining, though some worry it loses scrappy Off-Broadway charm in a larger venue. The unhinged premise and committed performances delight most, but a few remain unmoved by the chaos.
This clever British musical spoof about a WWII deception operation charms critics with its energetic cast of five playing dozens of roles, witty humor, and surprising heart, though some find its frenetic style exhausting and too clever by half.
This visually spectacular vampire musical breaks Broadway's undead curse with thrilling stagecraft and strong performances, though critics note the score and book don't quite match the dazzling production values.
Critics find "The Outsiders" a visceral, emotionally engaging adaptation elevated by Danya Taymor's dynamic direction and thrilling choreography, though some dismiss it as competent but forgettable, overly familiar territory despite strong performances.
Critics find this Studio 54 revival energetically performed but question whether Rocky Horror's transgressive edge still resonates.
Critics find this Max Martin jukebox musical a guilty pleasure—exuberant and fun despite its fluff, with infectious pop hits and girl-power themes winning over most skeptics, though some dismiss it as overly broad and lightweight Shakespeare.
Critics find Aladdin a visually spectacular but formulaic Disney adaptation that delivers solid family entertainment without breaking new ground. James Monroe Iglehart's exuberant Genie performance and the magic carpet scene earn widespread praise.
Dazzling choreography and electrifying performances thrill, but this estate-approved musical sidesteps controversy, delivering a slick, superficial celebration that prioritizes spectacle over substance in exploring Jackson's complex legacy.
Critics are mixed on this lavish spectacle, with Kristin Chenoweth's star turn widely praised but the book criticized for lacking emotional depth. The $14 million production dazzles visually, though some find it overlong and dramatically uneven.
A visually dazzling spectacle with sumptuous costumes and sets, but critics find this Broadway adaptation prioritizes style over substance, offering lavish production values that can't compensate for a hollow emotional core.