If you think musicals are only for hardcore theatre fans or people who make a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York, think again. Gen Z is adding Broadway soundtracks to their everyday playlists. New musicals and even some pretty old ones are winning over hearts, headphones, and even social media trends. But which shows have actually captured the attention of this selective audience, and why do these sung-through stories still resonate, even offstage?
Wicked
As the biggest hit in the musical world right now, Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz takes place before the events of The Wizard of Oz, and tells the story of Elphaba, a young woman with green skin who faces a difficult life before becoming the Wicked Witch of the West. The show explores her friendship with Glinda, the Good, and addresses themes such as prejudice, power, and empathy.
The musical was already a success on stage, but gained new momentum with the release of the film adaptation in 2024, especially with Ariana Grande in the role of Glinda. Her presence drew thousands of young fans who, after watching the movie, fully immersed themselves in the theatrical world.
Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular”, with their powerful vocals and just the right amount of drama, became a trend on social media with transition videos, covers, and memes. The epic, emotional soundtrack perfectly matches Gen Z’s taste for music that delivers strong vocals, storytelling, and visual impact.
Hamilton
Premiering on Broadway in 2015, Hamilton revolutionized musical theatre by telling the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through hip-hop, R&B, and soul, creating an entirely sung-through production. This modern musical fusion brought the show closer to Gen Z, who were already engaging with these genres in their everyday lives.
The soundtrack quickly went viral, landing on charts like Spotify’s Viral 50, driven by sharp lyrics and captivating rhythms reminiscent of artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Destiny’s Child. Many young fans memorized every line, as the narrative is told entirely through its songs.
The 2020 release on Disney+ made Hamilton even more accessible, allowing a global audience to experience the production without the high cost of Broadway tickets. The musical’s cultural impact is undeniable, with its songs widely shared across social media, solidifying its place as a phenomenon among younger generations.
Mamma Mia!
With timeless ABBA hits and a light-hearted plot set on a sunny Greek island, Mamma Mia! has become a beloved musical among Gen Z, especially after the success of its 2008 film adaptation.
Its upbeat, joyful songs with unforgettable choruses helped connect young audiences to a ’70s repertoire in a completely fresh and modern way. Classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” found new life in playlists, TikTok trends, and themed parties.
With colorful costumes, a sense of freedom, and “Euro summer” vibes, Mamma Mia! delivers the exact kind of sunny, escapist energy Gen Z loves—blending nostalgia and fun in an irresistible way.
Mean Girls
Based on the 2004 cult classic, Mean Girls – The Musical won over people by combining sharp comedy, pop aesthetics, and highly relevant themes like social pressure, sisterhood, and cancel culture. The soundtrack is a burst of theatrical energy with synth-pop, rock, and epic moments of villainy and redemption—perfect for playlists and viral trends.
Songs like “World Burn”, with Regina George in full iconic villain mode, and “I’d Rather Be Me”, a true anthem of authenticity and rebellion, went viral on social media and became favorites among young fans. The recent film adaptation of the musical, starring Reneé Rapp as Regina, introduced the show to a whole new generation.
With updated jokes, light-hearted comedy vibes, and songs that sound like theatrical pop hits, Mean Girls has become a sensation among young audiences.
Dear Evan Hansen
“A new musical for the outsider in us all”, Dear Evan Hansen stood out to the younger generation by sensitively and realistically addressing themes like social anxiety, depression, belonging, and the pressures of social media—issues that are part of many young people’s everyday lives.
Its intense and emotional soundtrack is a major reason for its popularity. Songs like “Waving Through a Window”, which expresses the feeling of being ignored and isolated, and “You Will Be Found”, a kind of musical embrace for those at their lowest, have become powerful anthems of identification.
Gen Z values vulnerability and authenticity—and found both in the musical’s deep, sincere lyrics. Many of the songs spread across social media as a source of comfort, especially during times when young people were seeking emotional support.
Dear Evan Hansen isn’t about perfect heroes, but about real people trying to cope with their pain—resonating deeply with a generation that’s learned it’s okay not to be okay, and that, after all, no one is ever truly alone.
Whether on stage or through headphones, musicals continue to find new ways to touch the hearts of audiences — and with Gen Z, it’s no different. Through emotional lyrics, iconic characters, and melodies that go viral on social media, these productions show that musical theatre is more alive than ever. By turning stories into songs that echo real emotions, musicals are earning not just applause, but also streams — proving that even offstage, the magic lives on.
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The article above was edited by Helena Maluf.
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