To everyone who voted, shared a memory, or passionately backed their all-time favourite, thank you. 

More than 6,500 of you helped shape The People’s Program, making it a pretty special way to mark 30 years of Moonlight Cinema. The results were loud, clear, and felt very true to what Moonlight Cinema nights are all about. 

Here’s what rose to the top. 

 

The Top Three (Nationally)

1. Shrek

No real shock here. 

A certain green ogre love story took the crown across the nation, topping the vote in every city. Funny, heartfelt and endlessly quotable, Shrek is exactly the kind of film that thrives at Moonlight Cinema. It is playful, familiar and never takes itself too seriously, which might explain why so many of you showed up for it. 

Screening: 
31/01 in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane.  Grab your tickets here.
29/01 in Adelaide. Grab your tickets here.

2. The Greatest Showman

Big feelings. Big sing-along energy. 

Landing firmly in second place nationwide, The Greatest Showman proved that Moonlight Cinema audiences love a film that is made to be shared. It is bold, emotional and unapologetically theatrical, built for collective moments, loud choruses and a bit of drama under the stars. 

Screening: 22/01 nationally. Grab your tickets here. 

 3. Mamma Mia!

Here we go again! Pure joy. Under the stars.

Rounding out the national top three, Mamma Mia! proves what Moonlight Cinema regulars already know – if there’s sunshine, music and a feel-good story, audiences are all in. It’s carefree, a little chaotic and packed with unforgettable moments, making it the perfect film to soak up under the stars. Sing-along or not, this one radiates pure Moonlight magic.

Screening: 07/02 nationally. Grab your tickets here. 

 

Just Missed the Podium 

Dirty Dancing 

Hot on their heels, Dirty Dancing landed just outside the top three. A timeless favourite packed with romance, music and iconic moments, it remains one of Moonlight Cinema’s most loved classics and always draws a crowd that knows exactly when to cheer.  You’ll have the time of your life. 
Screening as part of our Week of Romance: 13/02 nationally. Grab your tickets here. 

 

How the Cities Voted 

While the national favourites were clear, each city brought its own flavour to the vote. 

• Melbourne leaned into full crowd participation, with sing-alongs like Mamma Mia (Sing-Along) and Grease (Sing-Along) climbing higher than elsewhere. 

• Sydney gravitated towards big emotional stories and spectacle, backing films like The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing. 

• Brisbane echoed that love for energetic crowd-pleasers, with musicals and feel-good favourites performing strongly. 

• Adelaide and Perth tracked closely with the national results, with broad-appeal favourites like Shrek, Jurassic Park and The Parent Trap rising to the top. 

 

Spot the Audience Picks 

You will see your favourites rolling out across the season, including Jurassic Park, Grease (Sing-Along), The Hunger Games and plenty more. All are clearly marked as Audience Picks across the Moonlight Cinema program. 

We cannot wait to see these films back on the big screen, surrounded by blankets, snacks, friends and a crowd that already knows every line. 

See you under the stars.