If you’ve worn out your Hamilton cast recording or know every note of “Defying Gravity,” you’re probably wondering what to listen to next. The good news is that both shows sit in a rich family tree of musical theatre. One is a fast-talking retelling of American history built on hip-hop, R&B, and classic show tunes. The other is a big, emotional fantasy about friendship, identity, and the stories we’re told about “good” and “evil.”
This list gathers ten well-loved musicals that echo what you already enjoy, whether that’s sharp storytelling, soaring ballads, rebellious heroes, or a score that gives you chills. Each entry explains why it fits and where to start, with no major spoilers.
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Want to revisit your starting points first? See our Hamilton Complete Fan Guide and Wicked Complete Fan Guide.
Quick Guide: What Are You Craving?
- More rap, rhythm, and history told with modern music? Start with In the Heights or Six.
- Old stories retold from a fresh angle? Try Hadestown or Into the Woods.
- Big, emotional, character-driven ballads? Try Les Misérables, Dear Evan Hansen, or Next to Normal.
- Fantasy, spectacle, and outsiders? Look at The Phantom of the Opera or Beetlejuice.
- A clever, funny, rule-breaking story? Try The Book of Mormon or Six.
1. In the Heights
Why it fits: This is the most natural next step for Hamilton fans. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music and lyrics (the book is by Quiara Alegría Hudes), and it shares that blend of rap, Latin-influenced sounds, and heartfelt storytelling. Set in the close-knit Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, it’s about community, dreams, and what “home” really means.
Where to start: Listen to the opening number first. It introduces the neighborhood and its people much the way Hamilton introduces its world. Then let the cast recording play through in order.
2. Les Misérables
Why it fits: If the revolutionary energy of Hamilton got your heart racing, Les Misérables is a must. It’s a sweeping story of justice, redemption, and rebellion, told almost entirely through song, and it treats ideals, sacrifice, and the cost of change with similar weight. Wicked fans will recognize its moral complexity, where people can’t be sorted neatly into hero and villain.
Where to start: Begin with the cast recording and let the emotional arc build. To go deeper, our Les Misérables Complete Fan Guide covers the story, songs, and the best ways to experience the show.
3. The Phantom of the Opera
Why it fits: Wicked fans who love lush, romantic, dramatic scores will feel right at home. The Phantom of the Opera is a gothic love story full of mystery, sweeping melodies, and a character who is both frightening and sympathetic. That blurry line between “monster” and “misunderstood” has a lot in common with how Wicked reframes its famous villain.
Where to start: The title song is the iconic entry point, but listening from the beginning gives you the full atmosphere. For background and song highlights, see our Phantom of the Opera Complete Fan Guide.
4. Hadestown
Why it fits: Hadestown retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a folk, jazz, and blues-inspired score. Like Hamilton, it gives a story people think they know a fresh, modern voice. Like Wicked, it asks you to look at a familiar tale from a new angle. It also feels like a gathering: part concert, part storytelling, part ritual.
Where to start: Listen from start to finish. The songs build on one another, and the narrated framing makes the whole thing flow as a single story.
5. Six
Why it fits: Six is a high-energy, pop-driven musical in which the six wives of Henry VIII take the stage as pop stars to tell their own stories. It’s a natural match for Hamilton fans who love history reimagined with modern music, and for Wicked fans who enjoy seeing overlooked women take center stage. It’s also short and punchy, an easy first step into something new.
Where to start: Play the cast recording. Each queen gets her own musical style, so you’ll quickly find a favorite.
6. Dear Evan Hansen
Why it fits: If the emotional vulnerability of Wicked hits you hardest, Dear Evan Hansen may speak to you. It’s a contemporary story about connection, loneliness, and the messy ways people try to belong, with a pop-leaning score full of big, personal ballads.
Content note: The show handles some heavy themes, so it’s worth reading a quick content overview before you dive in.
Where to start: Listen to the opening songs to get a feel for the tone, then continue through the cast recording at your own pace.
7. Into the Woods
Why it fits: Like Wicked, Into the Woods takes characters from fairy tales and asks what happens after, or behind, “happily ever after.” It’s witty, layered, and surprisingly emotional, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim that reward repeat listening. Hamilton fans will love the dense, clever lyrics; this is a show where words really matter.
Where to start: The opening number sets up multiple storylines at once and is a fun way to meet the whole cast.
8. Next to Normal
Why it fits: Next to Normal is a rock-influenced musical about a family navigating serious emotional challenges. It’s raw and intimate, and it appeals to fans who love the character-driven depth of Hamilton‘s quieter moments.
Where to start: Because the story deals with sensitive subject matter, check a content guide first if that matters to you. Then listen in order so the emotional arc lands the way it’s meant to.
9. Beetlejuice
Why it fits: Not every follow-up needs to be heavy. Beetlejuice, based on the 1988 film, is a funny, spooky, high-energy musical packed with jokes, spectacle, and a young heroine who feels like an outsider. Wicked fans who enjoy the playful side of an offbeat story will find plenty to love.
Where to start: The cast recording is a fast-paced listen. Within a few songs, you’ll know whether its brand of humor is for you.
10. The Book of Mormon
Why it fits: If the sharp wit and rule-breaking attitude of Hamilton appealed to you, The Book of Mormon, from Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, delivers irreverent, often outrageous comedy with a strong musical theatre backbone. It’s a fun contrast to the more earnest shows on this list.
Content note: Adult humor and strong language; best for mature audiences.
Where to start: Listen to the cast recording knowing that the humor is intentionally edgy.
What Hamilton and Wicked Have in Common (and Why These Picks Work)
It can seem like Hamilton and Wicked have little in common, but fans of both tend to respond to a few shared qualities.
Stories That Reframe the Familiar
Both shows take something people think they know, whether a founding father or a famous witch, and invite you to see it differently. Hadestown, Into the Woods, and Six do the same.
Music That Drives the Story
In both, songs aren’t pauses in the plot. They are the plot. That’s why cast recordings are such a great way to explore the shows on this list.
Big Feelings and Complicated Characters
Neither show hands you simple heroes and villains. Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Next to Normal share that emotional complexity.
How to Pick Your First Show
- Start with the closest match. In the Heights for Hamilton fans; Les Misérables or The Phantom of the Opera for Wicked fans.
- Try a short, upbeat listen. Six is a quick, fun way to test new waters.
- Match your mood. Want to laugh? Beetlejuice or The Book of Mormon. Want to feel deeply? Next to Normal or Dear Evan Hansen.
FAQ
Which musical is most similar to Hamilton?
In the Heights is the closest in sound and style, since it shares a creator and a similar blend of rap and heartfelt storytelling. Six is a great match for history remixed with modern music, and Hadestown for an old story given a fresh voice.
Which musical is most similar to Wicked?
Into the Woods is a strong match for its fairy-tale reimagining, while The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables offer similarly big, emotional scores and morally complex characters.
Do I need to see these shows on stage, or can I start with the recordings?
You can absolutely start with cast recordings. Many fans use them as a first step, then see the show live or watch a filmed version when one is available.
Are these musicals family-friendly?
It depends on the show. Into the Woods is enjoyed by many age groups, while The Book of Mormon and Next to Normal deal with mature themes or language. It’s always smart to check a content guide first.
Which one should I try if I only have time for one?
For the closest feel to Hamilton, go with In the Heights. For the closest emotional ride to Wicked, try Les Misérables or Into the Woods.
Where to Listen Legally
Official cast recordings for most of the shows on this list are available through major licensed music services, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Availability varies by region and by show, so search for the official cast recording by title.
Streaming from official sources helps support the performers, writers, and creative teams behind the shows you love.
Final Thoughts
Whether you came for the rap battles or the broomsticks, there’s a whole world of musicals waiting for you. Start with the show that sounds closest to your taste, then let your curiosity take over. You might find your next obsession in the least expected place.
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