Hairspray

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Hairspray

PG

2007

1h 55m

Comedy

Musical

Romance

Drama

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Popcornmeter

92%

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215 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In the 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad auditions for a spot on "The Corny Collins Show" and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion. Perhaps her new status as a teen sensation is enough to topple Corny's reigning dance queen and bring racial integration to the show.

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Critics Consensus

Hairspray is an energetic, wholly entertaining musical romp; a fun Summer movie with plenty of heart. Its contagious songs will make you want to get up and start dancing.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Aug 23, 2018

This film leaps at you with such joy and vigour and generosity you cannot reject it.

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Bob Mondello

NPR

Oct 18, 2008

For a star-studded big-budget musical, Hairspray does a nice job of retaining the funky sweetness of the original.

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Nov 30, 2007

B-

Though colorful, cheery and energetic, there's something missing from this song-and-dance routine.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 10, 2020

3.5/4.0

Marc Shaiman and Chris Wittman's score sparkles and the film's production design and appearance remain faithful to Waters' vision of 1960's Baltimore.

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Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

Nov 21, 2019

The latest version is just as good, if not better, with an infectious soundtrack and an all-star cast that precisely hits every note. This is easily the most entertaining major studio release of 2007.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Jun 18, 2019

A

Nikki Blonsky is a complete delight.

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Phoebe F

@phoebethepheebs Sep 7, 2026

I think everyone should watch this movie

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 2, 2026

This is the *second* movie but the *Orginal* Hairspray is a far superior movie thus my rating of 2 and 1/2 stars!

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Bruno S

@RT53322345 Aug 23, 2026

This movie is an adaptation so faithful to the broodway I love everything about the movie the songs the actors the environment whede it takes place. One of mine comfort movies

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Eye C

@ECinc Aug 2, 2026

A great musical with something to say, loud and clear. One of my favorites, the music, the dances so energetic. Love it.

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matthias S

@Thescreenasvor Jun 9, 2026

As someone who's always been a fan of musicals, I've seen Hairspray quite a few times before, but it had been at least 10 years since my last watch. Wow, it absolutely blew me away all over again. The ensemble cast is perfect, with every character bringing something memorable to the story. The songs are catchy, energetic, and still stuck in my head days later. It strikes a fantastic balance between romance, comedy, and drama without ever feeling forced. Special mention has to go to John Travolta, who completely steals every scene he's in as Tracy's mother. Brilliant fun.

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stephen C

@Clappydoodle May 15, 2026

Feel-good movie, even if you don't like musicals and dancing (which I don't). Great cinematography. Interesting (if predictable) storyline. Good, authentic snapshot of early 1960s America.

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Adam Shankman

Director

John Travolta

Edna Turnblad

Nikki Blonsky

Tracy Turnblad

Amanda Bynes

Penny Pingleton

Christopher Walken

Wilbur Turnblad

Zac Efron

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Synopsis

In the 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad auditions for a spot on "The Corny Collins Show" and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion. Perhaps her new status as a teen sensation is enough to topple Corny's reigning dance queen and bring racial integration to the show.

Director: Adam Shankman
Producer: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Screenwriter: Leslie Dixon
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Zadan/Meron Productions, Ingenious Film Partners
Rating: PG (Momentary Teen Smoking|Language|Some Suggestive Content)
Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 20, 2007, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $118.8M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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