When I was younger musicals were never something that really interested me until my freshman year of high school. Joining my first musical, "Guys and Dolls", showed me a whole new world, a world filled with costumes, singing, dancing, lights, makeup, and lifelong friends. I was always shy but being on stage brought out a whole new me, someone who wasn't afraid of being who they were, the person I had always wished to be.

When I try to get some of my friends to watch musicals usually their answer is, "I don't like musicals, can we just watch a regular movie." So, here's a list for all you musical haters or even musical lovers who want to get their musical hating friends into musicals, the 13 musicals you need to watch that will change your opinion about musicals.

1. Rent

Without this classic musical the list wouldn't be complete. Rent follows a group of people living in NYC during the 1990's. This life-changing musical is filled with love, heart ache, and real world problems. With AIDs effecting the community watch as these amazing characters find their way through life while struggling to pay rent, find love, and follow their dreams.

2. Bonnie and Clyde

This musical is a hidden gem. Though its run on broadway wasn't very long, its effect on your emotions will be. This heart-wrenching tail follows the life of Bonnie and Clyde as they run from the law. While they're falling deeper and deeper in love they're also falling into more trouble as they attempt to be remembered, and they will be, but not in they way they had wished for.

3. Book of Mormon

This musical is not for those who are easily offended. Elder Price was hoping he'd be placed in Orlando, Florida for his mission but instead, got the worst partner and got placed in Uganda, where no one wants to become Mormons. Elder Price becomes frustrated and stops trying. His partner Elder Cunningham begins lying to the people of Uganda to try to get them to convert. I dare you to try not to cry laughing as Elder Price and Elder Cunningham try to turn the people of Uganda into mormons through lies and their own self-doubt in the lord.

4. Dogfight

Though this musical never made it onto Broadway, it sure did make it into our hearts. This musical is set in the 1960's during the Vietnam war and follows Eddie Birdlace in his last night in the US before he leaves for war. He and his friends decide to have a dogfight, a party where they all bring the ugliest girls they can find and whoever brings the ugliest one wins the pot. Along the way Eddie begins to fall for Rose, but will it be too late after she finds out the truth?

5. Heathers

Similar to the movie this musical follows the life of Veronica Sawyer as she navigates through her last year of high school. With a crazy boyfriend who won't stop killing, 3 mean girls who take her under their wing, and a best friend who is in love with the wrong boy. Can Veronica change the views of her peers and make it out alive?

6. Legally Blonde

Though the movie is great, it has nothing on the musical, I can't even watch the movie anymore without expecting them to start singing bend and snap or so much better. Just like the movie the musical follows the life of Elle Woods as she tries to win back her love, Warren Huntington. Through her attempt to impress Warren she finds herself and realizes her true potential, all well unexpectedly falling in love with Emmett Forest.

7. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

This musical is perfect for anyone who is struggling with self-identity. Hedwig is having a hard time with the fact that he is neither a woman nor a man. The musical is set up as a rock concert and through the show Hedwig tells his story and begins to accept himself and others.

8. Hamilton

You've probably heard about Hamilton everywhere. This musical is perfect for those who prefer a more modern style of music. It brings to life the story of Alexander Hamilton through music that is more appealing to this generation.

9. Dear Evan Hansen

This is the newest musical on this list. This musical follows Evan Hansen, a senior in high school with an anxiety disorder, go through life after the death of a fellow classmate. The songs in this musical will have you going through a whirlwind of emotions, so be prepared.

10. Hairspray

I know, I know everyone's seen Hairspray, but you haven't really seen Hairspray until you've watched the original broadway show, which you can find on youtube. This show shows you that being different isn't a bad thing. All you have to do is "eat some breakfast and then change the world."

11. Wicked

Everyone has seen the Wizard of Oz, so everyone should see Wicked. This musical shows the wicked witches side of the story. Elphaba attends school to help her sister, who's in a wheelchair, and get's caught up with the wrong person. She falls in love and stands up for what is right but is still blamed for things that weren't her fault. This musical shows you that everyone has their own story, no matter what you believe.

12. Sweeney Todd

Just like hairspray, most people have seen Sweeney Todd, though the movie is amazing the broadway musical itself is even better. Movies usually take out songs from the musical or change the words to make it more adaptable to theaters. Sweeney Todd is a creepy thriller that will leave you wanting to watch it over and over again.

13. Spring Awakening

Last but not least, Spring Awakening is a rock musical based in 1891 Germany. This musical follows the lives of teenagers as they discover their inner sexuality. I believe Stageagent.com said it best "An electric, vibrant celebration of youth and rebellion, Spring Awakening fuses issues of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll into a story that packs a powerful emotional punch."