Why the Sing franchise deserves more recognition

 

Why the Sing Franchise Deserves More Recognition

The Sing franchise, which began with the release of Sing in 2016, followed by Sing 2 in 2021, has proven to be much more than just another animated movie series aimed at children. While the films aim themselves younger audiences, they also offer rich narratives, complex characters, and a perfect blend of humour, emotion, and catchy, memorable music that appeals to all ages. However, despite their physical success, the Sing films haven't received the level of recognition they deserve in the broader industry and media world. The Sing franchise should certainly be given more credit and appreciation. Here are a few of my personal reasons as to why:

1. Its deep, somewhat relatable narrative 

At its core, the Sing franchise is about perseverance, growth in confidence, and self-expression through interests, more specifically: music. These are themes that resonate universally, whether you’re a child with dreams of fame, or an adult with a passion for something which seems unreachable. In Sing (2016), we see a group of animals outcasted in some way from society - each with their own insecurities and flaws - who connect through passion to create something great.

The film doesn't just settle for basic characters; it explores meaningful narratives about overcoming personal challenges, confronting fears, and supporting others. From Buster Moon, the over-achieving koala who risks everything to save his theatre, to the shy, self-doubting elephant Meena who must find her voice, the movie subtly portrays real human emotions and experiences. Sing 2 (2021) expands on this, tackling themes of lacking self-confidence, redemption, and making the most of opportunities. It’s a reminder that even in a world full of hope, the struggle for self-worth is one of the most relatable and powerful feelings we can all understand.

2. Musical excellence and diversity

One of the most obviously successful elements of the Sing franchise is its fantastic use of music. Each film is packed with memorable musical numbers that indulge in various genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical hits. The films have a way of taking both iconic and lesser-known songs, and embedding them into the narrative in a way that makes perfect sense within the story, while still appealing to a wide audience.

The soundtrack of both films is the perfect example of how cartoon can be combined with music to enhance emotional scenes. I personally will never forget the incredible performances in Sing - like Taron Egerton’s heartfelt rendition of “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John, or Reese Witherspoon’s exciting performance of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. These are made more than just catchy tunes; but moments of empowerment for the characters, and most importantly the millions of young people watching. In Sing 2, we get even more incredible covers, including a touching rendition of U2’s “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” - which flawlessly fits the plot whilst also cleverly proving the mixture of skill within the cast.

But it's not just the famous songs that stand out; the impact of music on the characters' lives boosts the entire franchise. For example, Johnny (voiced by Taron Egerton), a young gorilla trying to detach himself from a family-driven life of crime, uses music as escapism, and his performances express his struggles in a way that deeply touches audiences of all ages.

3. The all-star cast of talented voices

The Sing films feature an incredible cast, with huge stars bringing their characters to life in ways that make the movie feel uplifted and relatable. This also makes the viewing experience fun for audiences listening out for features of their favourites - which we are all guilty of doing every once in a while. The talented cast includes names such as: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, and many more. These actors build their characters with so much personality and depth that it’s easy to forget we’re watching animated animals on screen.

The casting also makes the films feel timeless. Who else could bring a mix of warmth, humour, and determination to the role of Ash - the teenage porcupine - quite like Johansson? Who else could play Rosita, the exhausted mother pig with dreams of stardom, as truthfully as Witherspoon? The characters’ different voices make them feel real, allowing their struggles to become real issues, and their wins to become more satisfying because of the genuine feelings expressed through these characters.

4. Visually satisfying animation

People often talk about animation for the aesthetics added to a film, however, the visual style of the Sing films is also worth appreciating in the sense of what it does to the viewing experience. The animation is bright, colourful, and expressive, with an intense level of detail that enhances the tone and feelings of the story. The design of the characters - from Buster Moon’s sparkling expressions to the almost realistic texture of Meena’s elephant features - adds to the immersive world that the producer has created so strongly. The vibrant backdrops, especially the scenes of the grand theatre's dress rehearsal with the beautifully choreographed light-up squids, blended with Kanye's 'Flashing Lights' and the introduction of the Vegas-like landscapes in Sing 2, further pull audiences into the magic of the animated world.

The choreography of the musical performances is another aspect of incredible animation. The characters move fluidly, with a stylish, smooth spirit, and the visual effects during the big musical numbers bring the magic of a live performance to the screen. Whether it’s an electric dance number or a heartfelt solo, the animation lifts the music in a way that keeps the viewer engaged.

5. Diverse age-appeal

Another reason the Sing franchise should receive more recognition is its ability to appeal to multiple age groups. While it’s clearly aimed at children, the films are embedded with subtle humour and deeper life lessons that resonate with older viewers. The humour in the Sing films is clever, with moments of stupidity that keep children entertained whilst also offering nods to older audiences. The dynamic between the characters is filled with varied wit and heart, making these films family-friendly.

Moreover, the central themes of chasing dreams and finding the courage to face the unknown aren’t exclusive to a specific age. As adults, we still grapple with self-doubt, the pressure of expectations, and the desire to be seen for who we truly are - themes that Sing addresses head-on.

6. Box office success

Whilst other aspects make this franchise undoubtedly special, we can't ignore the monetary success of it, grossing billions of dollars worldwide. Sing (2016) grossed over $634 million, and Sing 2 (2021) grossed over $410 million, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The films are enjoyed by audiences globally, and they are safely embedded within the films that go beyond 'just kids films' globally.

However, despite these financial successes, the Sing franchise has not earned as many relevant awards as its peers, like Frozen or Toy Story. This lack of recognition is somewhat baffling, especially given how successful the films are in terms of both storytelling and box office performance. If the Sing films had received the same level of attention as some of these other franchises, we could be talking about them at the same level as other animation classics.

Final Thoughts: Sing Deserves More Recognition

Overall, the Sing franchise deserves to be celebrated not only for its box-office success but also for the way it flawlessly blends emotion, humour, and music into a truly entertaining cinematic masterpiece. Its messages of perseverance, teamwork, and self-expression connect with audiences of all ages, and its musical sequences are undoubtedly some of the best in modern animated cinema.

It’s time for this animated series to receive the wider recognition it truly deserves; next time you're looking for a light-hearted film to make you laugh, smile, or possibly even shed a tear, do not overlook the Sing franchise.