TheatreNerds
It’s that time again. ‘New Year’ means ‘New Netflix’ with the announcement of the streaming services’ January arrivals and departures. According the full list of updates published on Huffington Post, the first month of 2018 won’t be bringing any wild changes to Netflix’s Broadway Musical game — which means you’ll have more time to seize the day with “Newsies.”
This January, we’re bidding adieu to “Grease” and “Chicago,” and preparing to sing along to these available musicals:
‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’
Get ready to hum the sweet tunes of “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” and “Pure Imagination” beginning January 1! Netflix is kicking off the new year with the arrival of the 1971 classic movie starring Gene Wilder. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plays Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre through January 14.
‘Newsies’
Not every musical movie is actually set on a stage, but this high-energy show is taped inside a theatre. It’s chock-full of amazing choreography and features original members of the Broadway cast. This Netflix watch is about as close your couch can get to sitting in a New York City theatre.
‘Shrek the Musical’
In similar fashion, we’re happy to report you can still stream this fairy tale of ogre-ish proportions. It brings the hilarious 2001 movie to life starring big Broadway names such as Brian d’Arcy James and Sutton Foster.
‘Beauty and the Beast’
She really is a funny girl, that Belle! The live action film featuring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens became a new Netflix addition this fall. While this version may differ from the theatrical productions of “Beauty and the Beast,” it still includes iconic tunes such as “Be Our Guest” and “Something There.” It’s the perfect movie musical when you need a little Disney magic.
‘Anastasia’ 
While this Russian royal currently graces the Great White Way, she also reigns on Netflix in this beloved 1997 animated feature. Rom-com queen Meg Ryan lends her voice to Princess Anastasia, with actor John Cusack voicing cartoon heartthrob Dmitri. Pregame for your trip to the Broadhurst Theatre with this musical masterpiece.
‘The Last Five Years’
Experience a modern tale of love and loss featuring Broadway’s own Jeremy Jordan and Hollywood starlet Anna Kendrick. “The Last Five Years” touches on relatable relationship issues and showcases heartfelt songs (penned by Jason Robert Brown”) that you’ll be humming all day long.
‘High School Musical’
Get your head in the game for a new semester by relieving this melodious Disney Channel original. We know you know all of the choreography…Go Wildcats!
‘White Christmas’
The holidays may be over, but Bing Crosby’s voice transcends all perception of time. Plus, if there’s still snow on the ground you can feel no shame!
‘Prince of Egypt’
The 1998 Dreamworks film made its World Premiere stage debut in California earlier this year. The movie features songs by Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin,” “Godspell”) and a score by Hans Zimmer (“Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Interstellar,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception”). Before it garners a few Tony nominations, this Academy Award-winning movie should make it to your Netflix List. Need we say more?
‘Moana’
“Hamilton” might not be on Netflix (we can dream, right?), but you can stream Disney’s ‘Moana’ featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical penmanship. Warning: You just might find yourself belting “How Far I’ll Go” for the rest of the week.
‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’
Okay, we know this isn’t exactly a movie, but it is on Netflix! If binge-watching a TV show is more your speed, check out this brilliant series created by and starring Rachel Bloom. It’s chock-full of hilarious musical numbers and peppered with some pretty meaningful life lessons.
You may also like: 4 Hilarious Musical Theatre-Inspired Moments On ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’
