10 Movies & Shows Like Mamma Mia! (2008)

Description: Like Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music is a beloved musical with a strong female lead, memorable songs, and a picturesque European setting. Both films feature themes of love, family, and finding one's path in life. The uplifting tone and integration of music into the narrative make them similar in spirit.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of the von Trapp family. Julie Andrews' performance as Maria is iconic and won her an Academy Award. The movie was filmed on location in Salzburg, Austria, adding to its authentic charm.

Description: Grease shares with Mamma Mia! a fun, energetic musical style and a nostalgic look back at a specific era (the 1950s for Grease, the 1970s for Mamma Mia!). Both films feature youthful romance, catchy songs, and a lively dance numbers. The feel-good, celebratory mood is a key similarity.

Fact: John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John became stars thanks to their roles in Grease. The film's soundtrack was one of the best-selling albums of its time. Grease was originally a Broadway musical before being adapted into a film.

Description: Chicago is a musical that, like Mamma Mia!, features show-stopping numbers and a blend of humor and drama. While Chicago has a darker, more satirical edge, both films use music to advance the plot and develop characters. The theatricality and visual flair are common elements.

Fact: Chicago won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 200The film is based on the 1975 Broadway musical. Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones delivered acclaimed performances.

Description: Hairspray, like Mamma Mia!, is a vibrant musical with a strong emphasis on dance and catchy songs. Both films have a lighthearted tone but also touch on deeper themes (racial integration in Hairspray, family and identity in Mamma Mia!). The colorful visuals and energetic performances are hallmarks of both.

Fact: Hairspray is based on John Waters' 1988 film of the same name. John Travolta plays Edna Turnblad, wearing a fat suit and heavy makeup. The film promotes messages of acceptance and equality.

Description: Across the Universe, like Mamma Mia!, uses the songs of a famous band (The Beatles) to tell its story. Both films integrate music into the narrative in creative ways, though Across the Universe has a more psychedelic and experimental style. The themes of love and rebellion are present in both.

Fact: The film features covers of 33 Beatles songs. Director Julie Taymor is known for her visually stunning work. The movie includes cameos by Bono and Eddie Izzard.

Description: Rock of Ages shares with Mamma Mia! a jukebox musical format, using popular songs (1980s rock in this case) to tell its story. Both films are energetic, fun, and filled with big musical numbers. The nostalgic appeal and celebratory tone are key similarities.

Fact: The film stars Tom Cruise as rock star Stacee Jaxx. It's based on the Broadway musical of the same name. The soundtrack features hits by bands like Journey and Def Leppard.

Description: The Greatest Showman, like Mamma Mia!, is a crowd-pleasing musical with a focus on spectacle and emotion. Both films celebrate individuality and the power of dreams. The energetic musical numbers and uplifting messages make them similar in spirit.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum. Hugh Jackman trained extensively for his role as Barnum. The soundtrack, featuring songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, was a massive hit.

Description: Pitch Perfect, like Mamma Mia!, is a musical comedy with a strong emphasis on singing and camaraderie. Both films feature ensemble casts and highlight the joy of music-making. The humorous, feel-good vibe is a common thread.

Fact: The film launched Anna Kendrick's career to new heights. The a cappella performances were a major draw for audiences. It spawned two sequels, indicating its popularity.

Description: La La Land shares with Mamma Mia! a love for musical storytelling and romantic themes. Both films use music to express emotions and drive the narrative. The dreamy, nostalgic quality of La La Land echoes the whimsical feel of Mamma Mia!, though La La Land has a more bittersweet tone.

Fact: La La Land won 6 Academy Awards, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling performed their own singing and dancing. The film pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals.

Description: As the sequel to Mamma Mia!, this film naturally shares the same musical style, ABBA soundtrack, and vibrant Greek island setting. It continues the story of Donna and her daughter Sophie, blending past and present through flashbacks and musical numbers. The film maintains the same joyful, feel-good atmosphere and themes of love, family, and self-discovery.

Fact: The film features both the original cast and new actors playing younger versions of the characters. Cher makes a special appearance as Sophie's grandmother, adding star power to the sequel. It was released 10 years after the original Mamma Mia! film.