10 Best Movies Starring The Cast Of The Mamma Mia! Films

Mamma Mia! and its sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are remembered for being a fun, campy capture of ABBA’s joyous songs. The plot is thin at best, but the Mamma Mia! movies pulled together some of the greatest actors of their generations to bring the story to life. Hopefully Mamma Mia 3 will be pulled out of development hell following the future success of Wicked: For Good.

From Oscar-winning performances to iconic villain roles to James Bond himself, the cast of the Mamma Mia! movies have made their indelible marks on the history of cinema. It’s fun to see actors known for serious, weighty performances cut loose on the beautiful beaches of Donna’s Greek island, singing and dancing in a way their more dramatic roles don’t afford them. Here are the best movies the cast of Mamma Mia! have starred in over the years when they aren’t singing ABBA.

10

Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Julie Walters As Molly Weasley

Close

The Harry Potter film series was a true cultural phenomenon, capturing a generation’s imagination as the books came to life on screen just as internet film discourse was beginning to take shape. The movies became a shared coming-of-age experience, with audiences growing alongside the characters. Julie Walters, beloved as the ultimate mom, Molly Weasley, showed incredible range playing Rosie Mulligan in Mamma Mia!, where she embraced a fun-loving, free-spirited persona, a sharp contrast to Molly’s heavy responsibilities as a mother of seven during a rising political crisis.

Harry potter

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

PG-13

Adventure

Family

Fantasy

Mystery

ScreenRant logo

8/10

13

8.2/10

Release Date

June 28, 2007

Runtime

138 Minutes

Director

David Yates

Writers

Michael Goldenberg, J.K. Rowling

Prequel(s)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Cast

See All

  •  Headshot of Daniel Radcliffe In The London screening of 'The Lost City'

    Daniel Radcliffe

  • Headshot Of Emma Watson In The Kering Foundation Caring For Women Dinner

    Emma Watson

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth film in Warner Bros. Wizarding World franchise. This time after the Ministry of Magic refuses to address Lord Voldemort’s return and begins to take over Hogwarts, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), Ron (Rupert Grint) form Dumbledore’s Army to defend themselves and seek out a prophecy centered on Harry and Voldemort’s connection.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Order of the Phoenix marked a turning point for the Harry Potter films, introducing director David Yates, who steered the franchise to its end. Yates’ approach brought a tighter, more mature focus, cutting subplots like Hermione’s S.P.E.W. campaign to make the film sharper and more emotionally direct. Order of the Phoenix also featured some of the most emotionally resonant material for Molly Weasley, including her husband’s attack and her fight with Sirius over Harry’s best interests.

9

Cruel Intentions (1999)

Christine Baranski As Bunny Caldwell

Close

Cruel Intentions was a provocative movie that captured the late ’90s zeitgeist. The movie launched or cemented the movie star status of the young cast of Cruel Intentions, including Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe, and Selma Blair. Christine Baranski played Bunny Caldwell, Blair’s controlling, class-obsessed mother, fixated on maintaining her family’s social standing at any cost.

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Cruel Intentions

R

Drama

Documentary

Romance

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

8/10

16

8.3/10

Release Date

March 5, 1999

Runtime

97 minutes

Director

Roger Kumble

Writers

Roger Kumble

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Sarah Michelle Gellar IN The Los Angeles Premiere Of 'The Girl In The Pool' At The ALO HQ Screening Room

    Sarah Michelle Gellar

  • Headshot Of Ryan Phillippe

    Ryan Phillippe

With a screenplay and direction by Roger Kumble, Cruel Intentions is a Romance and Teen Drama film that stars Selma Blair, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, and Ryan Phillippe. The plot revolves around a group of teens, with a man betting one of them that he can seduce a girl successfully.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

While Cruel Intentions is far darker in tone, there’s a clear throughline to Baranski’s later role as Tanya Chesham-Leigh in Mamma Mia!, a thrice-divorced socialite who, if not for the comedic framing, could easily be a lighter version of Bunny. Both characters wield wit, snobbery, and social maneuvering as weapons, but Tanya’s antics are softened by Mamma Mia!’s sunny, musical world, allowing Baranski’s sharp comedic timing to shine just as brightly.

8

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2004)

Colin Firth As Mark Darcy

Close

Bridget Jones’s Diary launched a new wave of chick flicks that balanced self-empowerment with romance, showing that a woman’s journey to love could be just as much about personal growth. Renée Zellweger’s Bridget was a messy, lovable, and deeply relatable character who redefined what a rom-com heroine could look like. The movie’s impact has been so enduring that it continues to make sequels in 2025 with Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.

Bridget Jones Diary 2001 Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Bridget Jones’s Diary

PG-13

Comedy

Drama

Romance

ScreenRant logo

8/10

8.1/10

Release Date

April 13, 2001

Runtime

97 Minutes

Director

Sharon Maguire

Writers

Helen Fielding, Andrew Davies, Richard Curtis

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Gemma Jones

Based on the novel by Helen Fielding, the rom-com Bridget Jones’s Diary revolves around a 32-year-old single woman who keeps a diary of her life and romantic encounters. Starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, the 2001 movie was a massive commercial and critical success.

Main Genre

Romance

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy brought a fresh take on the classic romantic hero, directly inspired by Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy. Firth embodied a new type of male lead: bumbling, awkward, yet deeply sincere and charming, proving that vulnerability could be just as attractive as the traditional, polished leading man, a skill he brings to the nebbish Harry Bright in Mamma Mia!.

7

Mean Girls (2004)

Amanda Seyfried As Karen Smith

Close

Mean Girls was a true cultural moment, the defining teen comedy for a generation that came of age in the aughts. Written by SNL’s Tina Fey, the film delivered a script so sharp and endlessly quotable that nearly every scene spawned a line still referenced today. Its impact was so massive that even the 2024 Mean Girls musical remake (also penned by Fey) couldn’t quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original.

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Mean Girls

PG-13

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

9/10

11

7/10

Release Date

April 30, 2004

Runtime

97 minutes

Director

Mark Waters

Writers

Tina Fey

Sequel(s)

mean girls 2

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Amy Poehler In The 2024 CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards

    Amy Poehler

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Lacey Chabert

Mean Girls tells the story of Cady (Lindsay Lohan), a teen girl who falls in with the wrong crowd. After returning to the USA after spending her childhood in Africa, Cady infiltrates her school’s group of mean girls, befriending the conniving Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and her cronies. However, Cady finds the high school hierarchy to be far more complicated than she had imagined, drawing her into a game of manipulation and deceit that threatens her reputation.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Amanda Seyfried was initially considered for the role of Regina George but was perfectly cast as Karen Smith instead, bringing a sweet, hilarious charm to the ditzy best friend. Her performance proved her comedic timing, which she would bring to the role of Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, where she balanced humor, heart, and musical energy with effortless charm.

6

Baby Driver (2017)

Lily James As Debora

Close

Baby Driver made a huge impact as a completely original concept from auteur director Edgar Wright, blending high-octane action with a meticulously curated soundtrack that acted as the film’s heartbeat. With an incredible ensemble cast and a fresh approach to storytelling, it earned three Oscar nominations and solidified Wright’s reputation as one of the most inventive filmmakers of his generation.

Baby Driver

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Baby Driver

R

Action

Comedy

Crime

ScreenRant logo

9/10

10

8.2/10

Release Date

June 28, 2017

Runtime

113 minutes

Director

Edgar Wright

Writers

Edgar Wright

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Jamie Foxx In The European premiere of 'Creed III'

    Jamie Foxx

  • Headshot Of Jon Hamm In The Emmy FYC event for Apple TV+'s ‘The Morning Show’

    Jon Hamm

After being coerced into working for a crime boss, getaway driver Baby is determined to escape his life of thievery and violence to make a life with his girlfriend Debora, However, when he finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail, things start looking desperate.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Lily James played Deborah, a diner waitress who becomes the hopeful, grounding force for Ansel Elgort’s character, Baby. Her role required a warmth, sweetness, and quiet strength that she later expanded upon when playing a young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Both characters offer a sense of freedom and escape, with James bringing an openhearted spirit and emotional depth that makes her effortlessly magnetic on screen, stepping in to fill the void left by Meryl Streep’s character’s death.

5

Moonstruck (1987)

Cher As Loretta Castorini

Close

Moonstruck was a triumph critically and commercially, beloved for its rich characters, heartfelt humor, and exploration of love’s messy realities. The movie earned six Oscar nominations and won three, including Best Actress for Cher, who played Loretta Castorini, a pragmatic woman swept up in a wildly unexpected romance. Cher was already a major pop culture figure, but Moonstruck cemented her credibility as a serious actress.

Moonstruck - Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Moonstruck

PG

Comedy

Drama

Romance

ScreenRant logo

10/10

7/10

Release Date

December 16, 1987

Runtime

102 minutes

Director

Norman Jewison

Writers

John Patrick Shanley

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Cher

    Cher

    Loretta Castorini

  • Headshot Of Nicolas Cage In The 77th Cannes Film Festival 'The Surfer' Premiere

    Nicolas Cage

    Ronny Cammareri

Moonstruck follows 37-year-old Italian-American widow Loretta Castorini, who accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend Johnny despite not loving him. Complications arise when she meets Johnny’s estranged brother Ronny, igniting unforeseen romantic tensions amidst family secrets and personal revelations.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

While she continued acting in select projects afterward, like Burlesque, the win ultimately steered her back toward music, where she enjoyed even greater longevity. Decades later, Cher returned to the big screen in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, stealing the show with one unforgettable musical number, “Fernando,” and reminding audiences of her singular, larger-than-life star power.

4

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Meryl Streep As Miranda Priestly

Close

The Devil Wears Prada shattered expectations of what a chick flick could be, both a box office win, and a movie critics adored, delivering sharp wit, emotional complexity, and stunning performances. At the heart of its success is Meryl Streep’s iconic turn as Miranda Priestly, a character so icy and ruthless yet layered with fleeting glimpses of vulnerability that she became instantly unforgettable.

The Devil Wears Prada Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

The Devil Wears Prada

PG-13

Comedy

Drama

ScreenRant logo

9/10

18

9.1/10

Release Date

June 30, 2006

Runtime

109 Minutes

Director

David Frankel

Writers

Aline Brosh McKenna, Lauren Weisberger

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Anne Hathaway In The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards

    Anne Hathaway

  • Headshot Of Stanley Tucci

    Stanley Tucci

Based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel, The Devil Wears Prada stars Anne Hathaway as Andrea Sachs, an aspiring journalist who, after landing a job with top New York fashion designer Miranda Priestly, gets drawn deeper and deeper into the cutthroat world of the fashion industry. Meryl Streep stars alongside Hathaway as Miranda Priestly, with a further cast that includes Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Simon Baker. 

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Though Streep’s career spans every genre and style, Miranda remains one of her signature roles, so much so that she’s set to reprise the character in the confirmed Devil Wears Prada sequel. Her influence even slipped into Mamma Mia!, where, during a fantasy sequence, Streep’s Donna wears the same pair of sunglasses that Miranda wore, blending her two iconic performances and showcasing the lasting cultural imprint of The Devil Wears Prada.

3

GoldenEye (1995)

Pierce Brosnan As James Bond

Close

GoldenEye marked a major revival for the James Bond franchise, introducing Pierce Brosnan as a sleeker, more emotionally accessible Bond for a new era. While still carrying the suave charm and sharp wit of previous Bonds, Brosnan’s portrayal added a vulnerability that helped modernize the character without losing his iconic edge. GoldenEye reestablished Bond as a cultural force after a six-year hiatus and set the tone for action films of the late ’90s.

Goldeneye movie poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

GoldenEye

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Crime

Thriller

ScreenRant logo

10/10

10

8.9/10

Release Date

November 16, 1995

Runtime

130 minutes

Director

Martin Campbell

Writers

Ian Fleming, Michael France, Jeffrey Caine, Bruce Feirstein

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Pierce Brosnan

    Pierce Brosnan

  • Headshot Of Sean Bean IN The Game Of Thrones Final Season Premiere

    Sean Bean

The seventeenth installment in Eon Productions’ James Bond movie franchise, Goldeneye marks Pierce Brosnan’s first time playing MI6 agent James Bond. Goldeneye follows 007 as he works to prevent a former fellow agent from using a satellite weapon to attack London in order to cause a global financial crisis. Also stars Sean Bean, Famke Janssen, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, and Judi Dench.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

In some ways, Brosnan’s casting in Mamma Mia! was the most surprising of the ensemble, as no one expected a former Bond star to step into an ABBA-filled jukebox musical. He might have been off-key, but his earnestness and willingness to embrace the role’s joyful silliness made him a beloved part of the film’s heart and humor.

2

The Godfather Part III (1990)

Andy García As Vincent Mancini

Vincent flirts with Mary in The Godfather 3

The Godfather Part III serves as the somber, reflective conclusion to Michael Corleone’s story, capturing the heavy toll his choices have taken over the years. Set decades after the first two films, it explores Michael’s desperate attempt at redemption and legacy. The movie also introduces Andy Garcia as Vincent Mancini, the fiery, impulsive son of Michael’s late brother Sonny. Vincent’s blend of loyalty, ambition, and temper makes him a natural, if complicated, heir to the Corleone legacy.

The Godfather Part III Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

The Godfather Part III

r

Crime

Drama

ScreenRant logo

6/10

24

7.9/10

Release Date

December 25, 1990

Runtime

142minutes

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Writers

Francis Ford Coppola

Prequel(s)

The Godfather

Cast

See All

  • Headshot of Al Pacino

    Al Pacino

  • Headshot Of Andy Garcia

    Andy Garcia

The Godfather Part III is the third and final film in Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather trilogy. The film again focuses on Michael Corleone, who is now in his 60s and looking for his replacement as the head of the family business. While still getting favorable reviews upon release, the film is often considered a significant drop in quality compared to its predecessors.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Garcia’s powerful performance earned him an Oscar nomination and solidified his status as a leading man after rising to prominence in 1987’s The Untouchables. Garcia’s small but memorable role in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a delightful surprise for fans, especially when it’s revealed he’s the long-lost love interest of Cher’s character, adding an extra layer of fun and nostalgia.

1

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Stellan Skarsgård As Professor Gerald Lambeau

Stellan Skarsgard as Lambeau in Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting was a landmark film that launched Ben Affleck and Matt Damon into stardom, winning them an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and setting the tone for their careers. While much of the attention rightfully goes to Damon’s sensitive performance and Robin Williams’s Oscar-winning turn as the empathetic therapist, Stellan Skarsgård plays a crucial role as Professor Lambeau, the math professor who first recognizes Will’s extraordinary potential.

Good Will Hunting Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Good Will Hunting

R

Romance

Drama

9/10

Release Date

December 5, 1997

Runtime

126 minutes

Director

Gus Van Sant

Writers

Matt Damon, Ben Affleck

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Matt Damon In The 74th Berlin International Film

    Matt Damon

    Will Hunting

  • Headshot Of Robin Williams In The 2006 AmFAR Cinema

    Robin Williams

    Sean Maguire

Good Will Hunting centers around a gifted janitor, Will Hunting, whose mathematical genius is recognized by professors. As he navigates his complex personal life and inner struggles, he is guided by a therapist who helps him confront his past and realize his potential.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Skarsgård, often known for portraying intense, morally complex characters in films like Breaking the Waves and later Pirates of the Caribbean, brought gravitas and nuance to the part. This is why it’s so much fun to see him playing against type in Mamma Mia! as Bill Anderson, the good-natured, carefree adventurer, showcasing a lighter, more charming side rarely seen in his earlier work.

zdua4fnhbxpadzvojiu0rgn6chr.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Like

Follow

Followed

Mamma Mia!

PG-13

Comedy

Musical

Romance

9/10

Release Date

July 18, 2008

Runtime

108 Minutes

Director

Phyllida Lloyd

Writers

Catherine Johnson

Sequel(s)

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Cast

See All

  • 77th Cannes Film Festival - Opening Ceremony Official Gala DinnerHeadshot Of Meryl Streep In The

    Meryl Streep

  • Headshot Of Pierce Brosnan

    Pierce Brosnan

Mamma Mia! is a musical film set on a Greek island where Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) seeks to discover the identity of her father before her wedding. The film stars Meryl Streep as her mother, Donna, and features numerous songs by ABBA. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the story unfolds as three possible fathers, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård, arrive on the island.

Main Genre

Comedy

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

image
large

GoldenEye

Rating
10.0 out of 10

Community Rating
8.9 out of 10 (10 reviews)

Goldeneye movie poster

The seventeenth installment in Eon Productions’ James Bond movie franchise, Goldeneye marks Pierce Brosnan’s first time playing MI6 agent James Bond. Goldeneye follows 007 as he works to prevent a former fellow agent from using a satellite weapon to attack London in order to cause a global financial crisis. Also stars Sean Bean, Famke Janssen, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, and Judi Dench.
The seventeenth installment in Eon Productions’ James Bond movie franchise, Goldeneye marks Pierce Brosnan’s first time playing MI6 agent James Bond. Goldeneye follows 007 as he works to prevent a former fellow agent from using a satellite weapon to attack London in order to cause a global financial crisis. Also stars Sean Bean, Famke Janssen, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, and Judi Dench.
Specifications

Release Date
1995-11-16
Rating
PG-13
Runtime
130 minutes
Genres
Action (Genre), Adventure (Genre), Crime (Genre), Thriller (Genre)
Cast
Pierce Brosnan (Person), Sean Bean (Person), Izabella Scorupco (Person), Famke Janssen (Person), Joe Don Baker (Person), Judi Dench (Person)