13 Musicals Like Heathers You Just Might Love
Last Updated: May 6, 2025
Have you been obsessing over Heathers since you first listened to the cast album or saw the musical live? If you’ve found yourself stuck in a loop playing the songs on repeat, it might be time to explore some equally great musicals like Heathers to help fill the void!
Musicals Like Heathers
Music/Lyrics: Laurence O’Keefe Book: Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1997)
If you’re a fan of Heathers you’ll likely appreciate Bat Boy for its musical style. Both musicals share the creative talents of Laurence O’Keefe, who co-wrote the music and lyrics for Heathers and wrote the music for Bat Boy as well.
Music: Michael Gore Lyrics: Dean Pitchford Book: Lawrence D. Cohen
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1988)
Carrie is definitely a musical to check out if you’re a Heathers fan. It’s dark, vengeful, and set in high school. You should find lots of similarities in the cast recording, with its punching grungy pop rock vibe. Also, it opened in 1988, so it also has a touch of those 80s vibes.
Music: Elton John Lyrics: Bernie Taupin Book: Linda Woolverton
Musical Type: Contemporary (2005)
Okay so this one is a kind of a tease because it’s hard to find access to the cast recording online! That said, it has a style that’s similarly dark, and the story is about vampires!
Music: Jeff Richmond Lyrics: Nell Benjamin Book: Tina Fey
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
The similarities between Heathers and Mean Girls are hard to ignore. To name a few, they both highlight three popular girls, high school topics, and fun pop rock music. But if you’re looking for something a tad bit lighter than Heathers, this would be a great choice!
Music: Duncan Sheik Lyrics/Book: Steven Sater
Musical Type: Contemporary (2006)
Spring Awakening and Heathers are similar in that they both deal with dark and complicated issues. They’re both based in high school. And they both feature characters that feel deeply lost in life. Plus, the cast album for Spring Awakening is just gorgeous.
Music/Lyrics: Joe Iconis Book: Joe Tracz
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
This musical at times feels almost identical to Heathers in its style, plot, and musical genre. It follows a group of teenage cheerleaders struggling to survive a sleepover—literally.
Music/Lyrics: David Bryan Lyrics/Book: Joe DiPietro
Musical Type: Contemporary (2008)
This musical absolutely deserves a spot on the list, especially since it’s based on a 1984 film. Like Heathers, it features violence, profanity, and a few uncomfortable moments—but with a fun, pop/rock beat that makes it all hilariously entertaining.
Music/Lyrics: Duncan Sheik Book: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Musical Type: Contemporary (2013)
Speaking of edgy musicals, American Psycho might be a great pick for Heathers fans. It’s wildly dark, completely unhinged, and set to a rare electronic pop score!
Music: Tom Kitt Lyrics: Brian Yorkey Book: Bridget Carpenter
Musical Type: Contemporary (2016)
Let’s lighten things up a bit, shall we? Freaky Friday made the list for its high school themes and pop-rock soundtrack. While it’s not as dark as Heathers, its music shares plenty of similarities.
Music/Lyrics: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul Book: Steven Levenson
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
If you’re a Heathers fan, chances are high that Dear Evan Hansen is already on your heavy rotation. The show deals with some similarly dark high school themes while boasting a beautiful cast recording. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, you should do so.
Music: Tom Kitt Lyrics/Book: Brian Yorkey
Musical Type: Contemporary (2008)
Next to Normal isn’t similar to Heathers in terms of plot. However, it does feel like a musical that Heathers fans would probably like. The style of music has a lot of similarities, and the plot deals with some teenage themes, as well as some real and heavy issues.
Music/Lyrics: Bono, The Edge Book: Julie Taymor, Glen Berger, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Musical Type: Contemporary (2010)
Again, this musical doesn’t have a similar plot. But it does have a fun rock vibe! Also, it’s interesting in that it combines elements of circus, rock, and musical theatre. It’s definitely a unique choice. It’s one that you might stylistically love if you like musicals like Heathers.
Music/Book: Damon Intrabartolo Lyrics/Book: Jon Hartmere
Musical Type: Contemporary (2000)
Bare has a lot of similarities to Heathers in terms of vibes and musicality. It also deals with difficult high school moments and darker themes. This feels like a natural next musical to listen to after wearing out the repeat button on your Heathers cast album.
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
