Dear Evan Hansen was worthless and overpriced for just watching a cast of 5 or 6
Cats, Lion King, etc stunk because of the animals speaking thing.
The older musicals don't do it for me (Oklahoma, South Pacific, 7 Brides, etc - Yuck); Music Man would be the only exception there - luv me some 76 trombones and shoopoopee. The modern version of West Side Story is really raunchy and not kid friendly.

I would agree that the music has to be upbeat or enjoyable to listen to.
I also enjoy a lot of movement and action on the stage
A good flowing story is also important.
Miss Saigon is one of my favorites - just saw it again last week - though they have raunchied it up and made some LDS missionary jokes in the Bangkok red light district part of the musical

Phantom and Les Mis are must see just for them being the ultimate musicals.
Frozen wasn't bad
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was also enjoyable a few years ago.

Looking forward to SpongeBob the Musical next year