Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and scripted by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! features a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård in a musical comedy based on the hit stage musical featuring the songs of ABBA. Released in France in 2008, the film will be available again on Netflix on February 24, 2026.
On a sun-drenched Greek island, Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, is preparing for her wedding while trying to uncover a long-held family secret. After discovering her mother Donna’s diary—portrayed by Meryl Streep—she invites three former suitors, each of whom could be her father. Their unexpected arrival disrupts the peace of the family villa and brings to the surface memories Donna had hoped to leave behind. Through a series of musical and emotional moments, the characters grapple with unspoken truths, rekindled connections, and new hopes.
Driven by ABBA’s iconic hits, Mamma Mia! charts the emotional journey of its characters, caught between self-discovery, family ties, and the hope of a fresh start. The Swedish group's chart-toppers set the tone for key revelations and highlight the contrasts between carefree summer vibes and the intimate questions that unite mother and daughter. The story creates an engaging musical that’s as much about the captivating performances as it is about the melodic strength of ABBA’s music.
The film adaptation follows the same core storyline as the hit musical first staged in London in 1999—a collaboration between Catherine Johnson, Phyllida Lloyd, and producer Judy Craymer. Boasting worldwide success—drawing in over 30 million theatergoers before 2007—the stage production already offered a compelling narrative built around the contrasting tones of ABBA’s hits: the upbeat, sunny pop numbers (Dancing Queen, Honey, Honey) alongside more introspective tracks (The Winner Takes It All, Knowing Me, Knowing You). This duality is also reflected in the film, which was shot initially at Pinewood Studios before heading to the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos.
The production emphasizes the actors' vocal performances, a choice championed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, who wanted to maintain the spontaneity of the performances. The filming technique alternated between playback of pre-recorded vocals and live takes, giving the actors the creative freedom they appreciated. Shooting in Greece further contributes to the film’s visual identity, centered around a single location—the Donna villa—which functions as a naturalistic extension of the stage version. The film is part of the wave of Hollywood musicals from the 2000s, preceding the release of its sequel in 2018.
With its island setting, choreographed numbers, and a rhythm that alternates between comedy and heartfelt emotion, Mamma Mia! appeals to musical fans and ABBA enthusiasts alike. The tone remains lighthearted, sprinkled with family dilemmas handled with simplicity. The staging emphasizes collective energy and cast chemistry, evoking the festive spirit of classics like Grease or, more recently, some of the choral scenes in La La Land. An international cast adds to the film’s broad appeal, contributing to its reputation as both a fun summer blockbuster and a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Swedish band.
Mamma Mia!
Film | 2008
In theaters: September 10, 2008
Available on Netflix starting February 24, 2026
Musical comedy | Runtime: 1h50
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd | Starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan
Original title: Mamma Mia!
Produced in the UK / USA
Based on one of the biggest stage hits of the 1990s, Mamma Mia! is a musical film driven by energetic performances, a tribute to ABBA’s iconic music, and a heartwarming family story set against the backdrop of a bright, idyllic island. Its release on Netflix in 2026 reaffirms its place within the global landscape of modern musical films, blending nostalgic pop hits with summery romantic comedy charm.
To explore further, check out our picks for the latest Netflix releases for February, our comprehensive guide to new streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top recommendations in What to watch today in streaming.
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