One can hardly imagine New York City without the lighted marquees, magnificent theaters, and awe-inspiring, world-class entertainment of Broadway.
As a destination, Broadway continues to be a major draw to Manhattan, with 7.7 million tickets sold to people in the 2015-2016 season who listed Broadway as a primary reason to visit, grossing an astounding $13.7 billion.
Broadway – between 41st and 53rd street and outlying areas – is also known as The Theater District, and is home to 40 large theaters (typically over 500 seats), entertaining millions of enthusiastic theater-goers every year with plays and musicals that have set the bar of excellence the rest of the world aspires to.
What Makes A Broadway Show A “Hit”
For one reason or another, not every Broadway show is a success, no matter how great the story might be, or how fabulous the actors and songs are. It’s usually a question of economics.
With the cost of producing a Broadway show ranging from $2.5 – $75 million, many shows struggle to generate enough consistent tickets sales to keep their doors open after only a few short months. The fact is, most Broadway shows don’t make money. Musicals usually fare better than straight plays.
However, 20-30% of Broadway shows will make a profit, and some will continue further into the “long-running” category, which generally means they’ve reached 800+ shows.
On occasion, when the stars align and Broadway magic is made, a show will achieve the ultimate height of success and run for years – and in some cases – decades. Here is a look into the longest-running shows that are still on Broadway, as of May 15th, 2017.
The Phantom Of The Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush masterpiece topped Broadway’s charts for over 35 years before its final curtain call in 2023. For nearly three decades at the majestic Majestic Theatre, The Phantom of the Opera mesmerized audiences with its soaring music, grand effects, lavish sets, and unforgettable love story. The show’s passion reflects something deeply personal—Webber wrote the role of Christine for his then-wife, who originated the part. It struck a chord instantly, breaking records by selling over 19,000 tickets on its first day in New York. Though the show has taken its final bow on Broadway, its legacy lives on as a global phenomenon: $6 billion grossed, 70+ major awards, performances in 35 countries, and more than 140 million people captivated worldwide.
Chicago
Still sizzling after more than two decades, Chicago is Broadway’s longest-running American musical, playing at the Ambassador Theatre. With its bold choreography, unforgettable Kander and Ebb score, and a storyline that still resonates, this show remains electric. Audiences are drawn into the twisted world of two rival vaudevillian murderesses navigating the legal system and media circus of the 1920s. It’s dark, witty, and full of bite—with show-stopping numbers and that signature Bob Fosse edge. Somehow, it’s just as sharp and relevant in 2025 as ever.
The Lion King
A visual and emotional feast, The Lion King continues its powerful run at the Minskoff Theatre. Since 1997, Disney’s breathtaking stage adaptation has brought audiences to their feet with its fusion of puppetry, African-inspired music, and a story that never ages. With songs you know by heart and a few new ones to love, this musical goes far beyond nostalgia—it’s a celebration of legacy, loss, and life’s cycles. In a time of constant change, The Lion King still roars.
Les Miserables
Though not currently on stage, Les Misérables remains one of Broadway’s defining achievements. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, this sweeping story of justice, sacrifice, and redemption first came to Broadway in 1987 and has seen multiple revivals since. Its most recent Broadway run ended in 2016, but its influence is ongoing, with tours, school productions, and international stagings still going strong. With powerful ballads and unforgettable characters like Jean Valjean and Javert, Les Mis continues to move new generations.
Wicked
A Broadway mainstay since 2003, Wicked is showing no signs of slowing down at the Gershwin Theatre. The backstory of Oz’s infamous witches—Elphaba and Glinda—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, bolstered by a hit film adaptation and a fan base that keeps growing. With iconic numbers like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” this show blends visual spectacle, heartfelt storytelling, and surprising political commentary. It’s not just a prequel—it’s a reframe. And in 2025, it still hits.
The Book Of Mormon
Crude, clever, and surprisingly full of heart, The Book of Mormon remains a comedic force at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone along with Robert Lopez (Frozen, Avenue Q), the show follows two young Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda—only to find the real world far messier than their teachings prepared them for. Since 2011, it’s shocked and delighted crowds with its satire, songs, and unexpected sincerity. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s still worth the ride.
Broadway Memories
It takes a lot of talent, creativity, dedication, money, and a little Broadway luck to make a successful show, and these popular must-sees offer great variety. With no shortage of thrills, excitement, laughs, surprises, tragedies, and memorable songs, you’ll leave the show when it’s over, but the show will never leave you.
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