Hairspray

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Hairspray

PG

Released Jul 20, 2007

1h 55m

Musical

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

92%

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216 Reviews

84%

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250,000+ Ratings

In 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) 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

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

Aug 23, 2018

Full Review

Bob Mondello

NPR

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

Oct 18, 2008

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

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

Rated: B-

Nov 30, 2007

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

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.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 10, 2020

Full Review

Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

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.

Nov 21, 2019

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Nikki Blonsky is a complete delight.

Rated: A

Jun 18, 2019

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Triston S

Too girly for me to handle

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

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Rami A

While it does feature a great cast, it's a film I can't quite recommend, probably cause I'm not the biggest fan of musicals.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/28/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 55 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Momentary Teen Smoking, Language and Some Suggestive Content!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $118,800,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

Full Review

Paul S

This movie was so much fun to watch. The songs were amazing and catchy, and the story was really compelling, not to mention the absolute stellar performances we got from the cast. I definitely recommend it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Andrea S

I thought Hairspray was super vibrant and made me feel so good! I do not really like musicals, but I saw this one and it was filled with infectious energy. This was set in the 1960s in Baltimore, so the film basically follows Tracy Turnblad, who is a spirited teen who dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show. But beyond the catchy tunes and dazzling choreography, Hairspray shows the audience a powerful message about racial integration and self-acceptance. The cast is stacked with talent! Nikki Blonsky was such an amazing Tracy while John Travolta portrayed her mother Edna was both so funny and extremely heartwarming. Queen Latifa, Zac Effron, and Michelle Pfieffer added some more layers to the charm and conflict in the story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Starring Nikki Blonsky from “Hairspray”. The film adaptation of the Broadway musical, which was itself was based on the 1988 film, remains one of the best modern movie adaptations in recent history. It feels like a spiritual successor to “Grease”, being set in the proceeding decade, with similar themes relating to societies status quo at the top, although “Hairspray” has higher stakes issues and delivers the theme of acceptance more effectively. Despite its heavy subject matter, a majority of the musical numbers are upbeat bops that remain stuck in the viewer’s head like a great pop singer. Phenomenal casting leads to outstanding performances by the entire cast in this bright, beautiful musical.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

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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

Link Larkin

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Synopsis

In 1960s Baltimore, dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) 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: Musical, Comedy
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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