Mamma Mia is pure joy — ABBA songs, Greek island sunshine, Meryl Streep having the time of her life. If you've watched it a hundred times and need more feel-good musical escapism, here are 10 films that deliver.
All streaming in the UK.
The List
1. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
UK streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
The sequel/prequel. Young Donna flashbacks plus more ABBA. Cher appears. It's somehow even more joyful.
Why it fits: Literally the same film, but again. "Fernando" with Cher is worth the price alone.
2. The Greatest Showman (2017)
UK streaming: Disney+
P.T. Barnum builds a circus and finds a family. Hugh Jackman sings. Everyone cries happy tears.
Why it fits: Same feel-good energy, same big musical numbers, same "watch it on repeat" quality.
The song: "This Is Me" will be stuck in your head.
3. Grease (1978)
UK streaming: Prime Video
Summer love, Rydell High, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The original jukebox musical.
Why it fits: Same sunny energy, same iconic songs, same comfort-blanket rewatchability.
The song: "Summer Nights" still works.
4. Hairspray (2007)
UK streaming: Prime Video
A plus-size teen wants to dance on a 1960s Baltimore TV show. John Travolta in a fat suit. It's wonderful.
Why it fits: Big musical numbers, feel-good message, zero cynicism. Will make you want to dance.
5. La La Land (2016)
UK streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
An actress and a jazz musician fall in love in Los Angeles. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
Why it fits: Beautiful musical numbers, romantic escapism, gorgeous colours. The ending is bittersweet, but the journey is joyful.
6. Sing Street (2016)
UK streaming: Netflix
A Dublin teenager starts a band to impress a girl. John Carney's best film.
Why it fits: Music as joy, romance as hope, 1980s energy. Less polished than Mamma Mia, more heartfelt.
7. Sunshine on Leith (2013)
UK streaming: Prime Video
A Proclaimers jukebox musical set in Edinburgh. Yes, "500 Miles" is in it.
Why it fits: Same jukebox musical format, same feel-good energy. Scottish instead of Greek, equally sunny.
8. Dirty Dancing (1987)
UK streaming: Disney+
Baby has the time of her life. Patrick Swayze carries her above his head. The 1980s happened.
Why it fits: Romance, dancing, iconic music, unashamed escapism. Nobody puts this film in a corner.
9. Yesterday (2019)
UK streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
A musician wakes up in a world that's forgotten The Beatles. Danny Boyle plus Richard Curtis.
Why it fits: Jukebox musical meets romantic comedy. Feel-good without being saccharine.
10. Enchanted (2007)
UK streaming: Disney+
A fairy-tale princess gets dumped into real-world New York. Amy Adams is impossibly charming.
Why it fits: Same escapist joy, same musical numbers, same "you can't help smiling" energy.
UK Streaming Quick Reference
| Title | Netflix | Prime Video | Disney+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mamma Mia 2 | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| The Greatest Showman | — | — | ✓ |
| Grease | — | ✓ | — |
| Hairspray | — | ✓ | — |
| La La Land | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Sing Street | ✓ | — | — |
| Sunshine on Leith | — | ✓ | — |
| Dirty Dancing | — | — | ✓ |
| Yesterday | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Enchanted | — | — | ✓ |
Availability checked March 2026
By Vibe
Pure Escapism: → Mamma Mia 2, Enchanted, The Greatest Showman
Classic Musicals: → Grease, Hairspray, Dirty Dancing
Jukebox Musicals: → Sunshine on Leith, Yesterday
Modern Romance: → La La Land, Sing Street
FAQ
What's the most similar? Mamma Mia 2 — literally the same film, more ABBA.
What if I want something with more substance? La La Land or Sing Street — both have depth under the joy.
Best for a group watch? Grease or Hairspray — everyone knows the songs.
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