31 Films (That Aren't Musicals) That All Theatre Kids Must See

When it comes to silly spectacles, this one takes the cake. Just looks at this cast!! Tim Curry is a pure genius and Madeline Kahn will become your idol, if she isn't already. Shoutout to anyone who did The Butler Did It, Again! in high school.

The original Mean Girls incorporates everything about the '80s that mattered, first and foremost, Wynona freaking Ryder. All theatre kids love a good '80s party and this movie will inspire you in soooo many ways (just don't poison any of your friends).

One of the funniest plays ever written was turned into a movie with CAROL BURNETT. No theatre kid can resist her charm and brilliance. Also, this is a movie based on a play about a play, so you'll have a lot to unwrap.

This is the brilliant story of two frenemies who tap into magic powers in order to stay young. First of all, it stars Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep. Second of all, it's peak dark comedy. Warning: you WILL want to be them for Halloween.

Okay, so there's technically a musical WITHIN this movie, but it still needs to be on the list. Arguably the greatest mockumentary ever made (if you love Christopher Guest and community theatre), this movie will inspire you to hone your character work.

Another top-notch mockumentary, this film is proof that there's something absurdly theatrical about beauty pageants. It also has a POWERHOUSE cast of women. Warning: some of the jokes don't age well, but it's still worth your time.

Look at those women. LOOK AT THEM. There is no better threesome on Earth than Diane, Goldie, and Bette. This movie will make you feel empowered enough to buy a white suit and financially destroy all of your exes.

If you haven't noticed, most of these suggestions are RIPE with costume ideas and Romy and Michele is no exception. This movie will make you proud to be the weirdo you are. BE FREE!

This early '90s classic chronicles the wacky backstage drama of a soap opera. The cast is insane! It's pretty much a guarantee that you love at least one of the actors who pops up. It's also hilariously overdramatic: as a theatre kid, you WILL relate.

We couldn't make a list for theatre kids without some Shakespeare suggestions. Personally, I prefer the Joss Whedon version, but I'm biased, so Kenneth Branagh's is definitely the one you should check out first.

Marilyn Monroe will forever be an icon, and if you're going to watch one of her movies, this is the one. Also, seeing Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon act in drag in 1959 is basically a right of passage.

Shakespeare meets Baz Luhrmann?!?! This is Theatre Kid 101!!!

Grab the tissues, because this play adaptation will pull at your heartstrings in the fiercest way. However, it'll also make you want to hug all of your friends until the end of time.

The newest film on the list, Lady Bird is for all creatives who never felt like they could fully express themselves in their youth. Also, watching a football coach trying to teach blocking will have you rolling.

One of Wes Anderson's earlier films follows Jason Schwartzman as Max Fischer, an eccentric and somewhat pompous student who has a lot of big ideas and not many friends. Also, Bill Murray!

Everyone loves The Muppets and their OG movie is perfect for theatre kids. It follows one special frog and his crazy dream of making it big in California. Many of the cameos might be before your time, but they're all important figures in Hollywood history, so pay attention!

A feel-good movie about a fashionable Beverly Hills socialite who becomes the new den mother of her daughter's nature troop. The outfits alone will delight you and Shelley Long is a revelation. Bonus: young Jenny Lewis!

One of the more dramatic films on the list, this adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play is a must-see. The movie has since been remade, but you can't go wrong with Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee.

Another film starring an iconic threesome, this empowering flick will make you shout "FUCK THE PATRIARCHY" while jamming out to some Dolly Parton tunes. (P.S. Can she guest star on Grace and Frankie already??)

Aside from being a brilliant film, this movie takes place almost exclusively in the St. James Theatre. Countless Broadway classics have been mounted there and this intimate look at the building will thrill you. Also, Michael Keaton.

The quirky love story of two teens who meet at a conversion therapy camp will crack you up and warm your heart. More importantly, it co-stars RuPaul, so it's obviously required viewing.

Cher won an Oscar for this movie. That's all you need to know.

One of the funniest, gayest, most wonderful films ever made, The Birdcage has a killer cast and an even sweeter message. Also, we're living in the age of Christine Baranski so get on board.

David Mamet plays are an integral part of theatre history and this adaptation is by far the most important. It's intense and real dude-heavy, but you're going to appreciate the heck out the performances.

Rosalind Russell is an incredibly underrated actress whose fast-talking chops will make you fall in love with this classic screwball comedy. Also, Cary Grant is the most handsome of men.

This Academy Award winner is a shout-out to all the struggling actors out there. It also holds up super well considering it's the tale of a man who dresses up as a woman just to get work.

Before it was a beloved musical, it was a beloved Mel Brooks classic. Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel are so perfect, you'll start to wonder how anyone else managed to recreate these parts so successfully.

This movie will make you laugh, cry, and remember why Reese Witherspoon is an icon. Visually, this film is one of the most intriguing spectacles ever made. You're going to need some solid grey face paint to recreate these gems.

This may seem like an odd choice, but there is an EPIC fight scene backstage at the opera that will thrill you. Techies will especially appreciate this, and we can't forget about our wonderful techies.

This Rose McGowan-led film was the Heathers of the '90s. Killer teen queens wreaking havoc! Also, you can never go wrong with Judy Greer.

First of all, Bette Davis is an actress that you should start idolizing ASAP. What a queen. In one of her best roles, she plays Margo Channing, a Broadway star who starts to get ousted by a younger fan. There's a lot to love here.

This list couldn't end any other way. Mommie Dearest is the quintessential cult film. It's bananas and weird and will really change the way you think about Joan Crawford. You will not stop quoting this movie for the rest of your life and that's a promise.