Menzel consistently portrays strong, misunderstood women, such as Maureen in Rent, Elphaba in Wicked, and Elsa in Disney’s Frozen. She has acknowledged a recurring theme of characters who balance vulnerability with authority. The Irish Independent and The Globe and Mail recognize her as a go-to actress for dynamic female roles, while Menzel herself has pointed to Hollywood’s challenges with ageism and limited roles for women compared to Broadway’s broader range.

Impact of Frozen and Pop Culture Presence

Idina Menzel’s role as Elsa in Frozen marked a pivotal shift in her career, catapulting her to international fame and expanding her reach beyond the theater community. Her singular performance of “Let It Go” became a cultural phenomenon and helped redefine the landscape for musical storytelling in animation. Billboard named her a "Breakthrough Artist" in 2014, emphasizing how the song’s success facilitated broader opportunities for other stage-to-screen talents.

The popularity of Frozen not only made Menzel a household name but also introduced her to new generations of young fans, many of whom refer to themselves as “Fanzels.” Billboard and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch credited the combination of Frozen’s influence and a memorable awards-night name mispronunciation as factors that elevated her pop culture recognition. Upon her Broadway return in If/Then, audiences greeted her with “rock star” enthusiasm.

Media outlets such as Redbook and Starz have described her as a rare example of successful crossover from stage to screen and music. Original cast recordings from Rent and If/Then featuring Menzel debuted in the Billboard 200's top 20, further demonstrating her viability across entertainment mediums. According to Time Out, despite appearing in relatively few Broadway productions, Menzel’s lasting impact stems from the seismic influence of her roles in Rent and Wicked.

Cultural Influence and Legacy

Idina Menzel is regarded as a role model for young women, especially through her portrayal of Elsa. She has discussed how the role encourages her to embrace her individuality and power unapologetically. However, she has also admitted to feeling uncertain about bearing the responsibilities that come with being viewed as a role model.

In 2019, Menzel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, alongside Kristen Bell, her co-star in Frozen, with Menzel taking the 2,682nd spot. Her continued success in television, film, and music has made her one of the wealthiest Broadway performers. She has been referred to by some, including Evoke.ie, as “the voice of a new generation” and recognized by BroadwayWorld as a defining star of the decade.