Best Broadway Musicals (October 2026)
As October 2026 arrives, Broadway continues to showcase an exceptional collection of musicals that first opened their doors in 2024, with critics maintaining an impressive average score of 88 out of 100 across the top-rated productions. This remarkable consistency speaks to a vintage year that brought both daring new works and celebrated revivals to the Great White Way.
Among the highest-rated shows, David Adjmi's Stereophonic stands out as a three-hour theatrical triumph, earning widespread acclaim for its hyper-naturalistic portrayal of a 1970s rock band creating an album. Critics have consistently praised the production as a masterwork that captures the creative process with unprecedented authenticity. Cole Escola's Oh, Mary! has emerged as the comedic sensation of the season, delivering 80 minutes of irreverent farce about Mary Todd Lincoln that keeps audiences in near-constant laughter. Meanwhile, Maybe Happy Ending has charmed critics as a refreshingly original robot rom-com, praised for its intimate storytelling and lush score that proves Broadway can still surprise with genuinely innovative concepts.
The season also features notable revivals, including Imelda Staunton's commanding turn in Hello, Dolly! and the continued cultural relevance of Hamilton, which critics still hail as revolutionary more than a decade after its debut. British imports like Standing at the Sky's Edge and Everybody's Talking About Jamie demonstrate the ongoing transatlantic exchange of musical theater excellence, while new American works such as Gun & Powder push boundaries with their bold storytelling.
For theatergoers planning their Broadway experience this fall, these critically acclaimed productions offer diverse options ranging from intimate character studies to spectacular revivals, ensuring there's something exceptional for every taste.
22 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.
Critics embrace this charming robot rom-com as a refreshingly original gem, praising its intimate storytelling, lush score, and innovative staging. Criss and Shen's performances enchant in this tender, visually stunning meditation on love and humanity.
Critics hail McDonald's nuanced, heartfelt Rose as a revelation in Wolfe's moving revival, though some question whether her refined approach lacks the brassy belt traditionally associated with the role.
Critics largely embrace this campy musical adaptation as a riotously entertaining crowd-pleaser that knows its audience, with standout performances from Hilty and Simard. Some find it superficial, but most praise its humor, spectacle, and improvements over the film.
Critics praise Shaina Taub's ambitious suffrage musical for its tuneful score and strong performances, though some find it more educational rally than emotionally resonant drama. A rousing, if occasionally didactic, celebration.
Justin Peck's dance-theater hybrid translating Sufjan Stevens' album wins praise for its emotionally powerful choreography and innovative storytelling through movement, though some find the narrative unclear.
Critics praise the vibrant energy and powerhouse performances, especially breakout Maleah Joi Moon, but note the semi-autobiographical story relies on familiar coming-of-age tropes. A superior jukebox musical elevated by its stellar cast.
Critics praise Sutton Foster's comedic prowess in this frothy, family-friendly revival, though some find the material thin. Most agree Foster and Michael Urie deliver winning performances in an enjoyable, if lightweight, Broadway transfer.
Critics praise Jamie Lloyd's stripped-down revival and Nicole Scherzinger's transcendent performance, though some find the bold, video-heavy staging gimmicky and the show itself overlong and ponderous.
This electrifying revival delivers a thrilling sensory assault with spectacular visuals and powerhouse vocals, though some critics question whether the dated, confusing story justifies its return beyond pure nostalgic spectacle.
O'Hara and d'Arcy James deliver powerhouse performances in Guettel's operatic, unconventional musical about alcoholism, though critics debate whether the dark subject matter suits the musical form.
Critics praise the stunning circus acrobatics and ensemble work, but find the score and story formulaic. The spectacle dazzles, yet the emotional core feels conventional—a visually impressive show that prioritizes thrills over depth.
Critics find this cheerful revival a crowd-pleasing holiday treat elevated by Grey Henson's winning performance as Buddy, though some note the score remains forgettable and the material works better for kids than adults.
Critics find this adaptation of the beloved novel earnest and visually striking, with powerful choreography and staging, but many note it feels derivative and struggles to justify its existence as a musical beyond spectacle.
This Huey Lewis jukebox musical delivers '80s nostalgia and fun despite a thin, formulaic plot. Critics find it an unpretentious crowd-pleaser that succeeds by not taking itself too seriously.
Critics are divided on this dark maritime musical featuring Avett Brothers songs. Strong performances, especially John Gallagher Jr., and striking staging earn praise, but the bleak shipwreck story proves polarizing and dramatically inert for many.
This revival of the landmark musical earns mixed reviews, with critics praising the iconic score and energetic performances but finding the production lacks the magic and directorial vision needed to match the original's groundbreaking impact.
Critics are divided on this immersive revival: some praise Redmayne's performance and the transformed theater space, while others find the elaborate pre-show gimmickry distracts from the musical's darker themes and emotional impact.
Critics are divided on this sentimental adaptation, with some finding it emotionally effective while others dismiss it as manipulative schmaltz. Michaelson's understated score and the three-age casting earn praise, but many fault the thin storytelling.
Iglehart's remarkable Armstrong impersonation anchors this musically rich but overstuffed jukebox bio-musical that struggles with a meandering book and too much focus on his four wives, though the performances and jazz numbers mostly compensate.
Critics are divided on this lavish Broadway adaptation, with most praising the spectacular production design and visual excess while faulting the generic score and shallow storytelling that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Mixed reviews greet this visually striking but narratively muddled bio-musical about artist Tamara de Lempicka. Critics praise the ambitious production design and queer representation, but fault the overstuffed book and uneven storytelling.
Critics find this Elton John musical unfocused and tonally confused, with a generic score and unclear purpose. Katie Brayben's performance earns praise, but the show struggles to justify its existence beyond her star turn.