Best Broadway Musicals (October 2026)
As of October 2026, the Broadway shows that premiered in 2022 continue to demonstrate the exceptional artistic vitality of that season, maintaining an impressive average critic score of 85 out of 100. This collection represents one of the strongest years in recent Broadway history, spanning innovative new works, beloved revivals, and groundbreaking theatrical experiments.
Two musicals share the highest critical acclaim at 89 out of 100. "Into the Woods" offers a stripped-down revival that critics describe as a transcendent tribute to Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, while "A Strange Loop" brings Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize-winning work to Broadway with what reviewers call brazenly original storytelling that redefines contemporary musical theater. Close behind, "Kimberly Akimbo" earns an 88 rating for its remarkable balance of hilarious comedy and heartbreaking poignancy, with Victoria Clark's performance anchoring this quirky gem.
The 2022 season proves notable for its diversity of voices and forms. Pulitzer Prize winners dominate the landscape, with "How I Learned to Drive," "Between Riverside and Crazy," "Cost of Living," and "Topdog/Underdog" all making their Broadway debuts or returns to critical praise. Meanwhile, "ABBA Voyage" pushes technological boundaries with its digital "ABBAtars," and Jordan E. Cooper's "Ain't No Mo'" delivers uncompromising satire about Black American life.
What distinguishes these productions is their sustained critical recognition years after opening, suggesting they've achieved lasting artistic impact rather than fleeting success. Whether you're drawn to intimate character studies, technological spectacle, or bold new voices in American theater, the top-rated shows from 2022 offer compelling options for your next Broadway experience.
15 shows | Last updated: October 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.
Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer-winning meta-musical earns widespread acclaim as a radical, brutally honest breakthrough for Broadway, though its relentless profanity and raw exploration of Black queer identity proves occasionally exhausting for some critics.
Critics hail this stripped-down Encores! transfer as a transcendent, near-perfect tribute to Sondheim, with stellar performances and a pared-back staging that lets the masterpiece's emotional complexity and brilliant score shine through.
Critics hail this quirky musical as a near-perfect gem that balances hilarious comedy with heartbreaking poignancy. Victoria Clark's performance and the show's intimate charm earn widespread acclaim, with most calling it the season's best musical.
McPherson's Depression-era drama paired with Dylan's songbook creates a hauntingly beautiful, unconventional musical that mostly captivates critics, though some find the marriage of playwright and songwriter doesn't fully cohere.
Critics largely embrace this fizzy, old-fashioned crowd-pleaser, praising its dazzling choreography and successful updating of the film's gender politics, though some find it exhausting or wish it dug deeper into its premise.
Critics find this Max Martin jukebox musical a bubbly, exuberant guilty pleasure that reimagines Juliet's story with girl-power themes and pop hits. While some dismiss it as lightweight kitsch, most admit its infectious energy and chart-toppers are hard to resist.
This all-female, nonbinary, and trans casting of the 1969 musical draws mixed reactions: some critics praise the vibrant ensemble and fresh energy, while others find the high-concept revival over-directed and literal-minded.
Crystal charms with expert joke delivery in this nostalgic but uneven musical adaptation of his 1992 film. Critics praise the star's comedic skills and Borscht Belt humor, but fault the dated material and thin story.
Critics find KPOP energetic and visually dazzling with stellar performances and choreography, but note the thin, manufactured book lacks dramatic substance. Many lament the loss of the original's immersive staging in its Broadway transfer.
Dazzling choreography and electrifying performances captivate, but critics find this estate-approved musical a glossy, superficial tribute that celebrates Jackson's artistry while sidestepping the darker aspects of his life and legacy.
Critics are divided on this starry revival, with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster earning praise for their charisma and chemistry, but many find the production disappointingly safe and uninspired despite its big-budget polish.
Mixed reception initially for Beanie Feldstein's casting, with critics questioning her vocal abilities. Lea Michele's later takeover earns widespread praise as a tour de force performance that finally delivers the star power the role demands.
Critics find Paradise Square an ambitious but overstuffed musical about Civil War-era NYC that features powerhouse performances and thrilling choreography, yet struggles with a sprawling, unfocused narrative that can't match its good intentions.
Critics find this Neil Diamond jukebox musical tonally uneven but crowd-pleasing for fans. Will Swenson's performance earns praise, though the therapy-session framing and formulaic biography disappoint. Diamond devotees will sing along; others may tune out.
This rock musical adaptation of Cameron Crowe's beloved film earns mixed-to-negative reviews, with critics praising Casey Likes' performance but faulting lackluster songs, uninspired staging, and a failure to find its own theatrical identity beyond nostalgia.