Top 10 Films about Burlesque

Top 10 Films About Burlesque: Glitter, Grit, and Glamour

Ah, darling! My time on the cabaret circuit has taught me that burlesque dancers have the most delightful stories to share! With a cast of fascinating characters and visuals that are simply captivating, burlesque is a feast for the eyes! The feathers, the glitter, the costumes, and the velvet! Oh, my stars!

Is it any wonder that burlesque finds its way into so many films? This art form is steeped in themes of sensuality, confidence, showgirl stardom, resistance, and rebellion. Filmmakers have a treasure trove to explore!

Here are ten must-watch films that bring the enchanting world of burlesque to life on screen!

1. Burlesque (2010)

Oh, darling! Christina Aguilera and Cher! This film is often the first that comes to mind when one hears the word 'burlesque.' The glossy musical follows a small-town dreamer who finds her voice on a Los Angeles burlesque stage. She’s got a real spark, oodles of talent, determination, and a clever mind. That’s why she solves business problems and saves the club! It’s big, bold, and unapologetically glamorous!

Although, here’s a little bugbear of mine—there’s actually no burlesque in it! The closest scene is probably when Christina does that act with the telephone, takes off her bra, and hides behind the phone. It’s fair enough, really! It makes the film a tad more family-friendly, and I was tickled to see this nod to the 'tease' and the 'reveal.'

2. On Tour (2010)

This delightful comedy-drama was recommended to me by another burlesque dancer as one of the most accurate depictions of the performing and touring life. There are scenes of the troupe sitting on trains, sewing their costumes, all dressed in leopard print! Nobody told me how much time I would spend sewing on trains!

The film follows a down-on-his-luck Parisian television producer who returns from America with a troupe of American neo-burlesque performers. They embark on a gritty yet extravagant tour of French port cities, bringing their cabaret acts to regional venues while dealing with cheap hotels, cramped dressing rooms, and the ultimate dream of a grand finale show in Paris.

And here’s a juicy tidbit—the actors are real burlesque dancers! Directed by Mathieu Amalric, the French title is Tournée.

3. Cabaret (1972)

Oh, my goodness! This iconic film is bursting with legends! Bob Fosse as director and choreographer, Liza Minnelli in her career-making role as Sally Bowles, along with Michael York and Joel Grey as the hauntingly ambiguous Master of Ceremonies!

Set in the seedy Kit Kat Klub in 1930s Berlin, it showcases a decadent nightlife against the ominous rise of the Nazi party. This iconic film blends political tension with provocative stage performances and explorations of sexuality and identity, right at the heart of the art form. Cabaret is essential viewing for fans of this enchanting world!

4. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Oh, darling! This was the very first cabaret-related film I ever watched, and I cried! It’s currently on many people's lists as the theatre show ran in London and is touring the UK.

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, it’s a visual spectacle that dives into the poor, bohemian, artistic world of Montmartre. A young and penniless British poet (oh, how romantic!) falls in love with Nicole Kidman (who wouldn’t?)—sorry, I mean Satine, the top courtesan of the Moulin Rouge!

It’s a whirlwind of music, romance, and spectacle that reimagines the famous Parisian cabaret as a lush, emotional fantasy!

5. The Night They Raided Minsky’s (1968)

Oh, Minsky! He was a big-time burlesque producer in America back in the days when there were theatres dedicated to burlesque, with a full circuit of regular performers. Some say Minsky's marketing strategies helped create the burlesque 'stars' we remember today!

Set in 1925 New York City, the movie follows an innocent Amish girl who runs away from home to become a professional dancer. Her choreography is very chaste, mainly Bible-inspired routines.

At Minsky’s Burlesque, the theatre's owner, Billy Minsky, is trying to prevent a moral crusader from shutting down his venue. She auditions there and becomes a ploy to stop the crusaders!

This film is a fictional account of the invention of the striptease in 1925. The striptease is muuuuuch older than this moment, but it’s a funny retelling! If you want to dive into the world of theatres, do check out some books by Gypsy Rose Lee. Take a look at my blog, Best Books about Burlesque.

6. Gypsy (1962)

Speaking of Gypsy Rose Lee, this musical is based on her life! The film version is a direct Hollywood adaptation of the hit 1959 Broadway stage musical Gypsy: A Musical Fable, which itself was adapted from her memoirs.

It’s also worth watching for the iconic music! A young Stephen Sondheim wrote the famously sharp lyrics, with legendary scores composed by Jule Styne.

Set during the decline of the American vaudeville era in the 1920s and 1930s, it dives into ambition, family pressure, and the creation of a stage persona!

7. Lady of Burlesque (1943)

Oh, I simply adore a murder mystery! This classic take is set in a burlesque theatre. Sorry to keep mentioning Gypsy Rose Lee, but this is an adaptation of her book The G-String Murders (another great read!). It combines noir storytelling with backstage drama, offering a glimpse into the lives of performers during the golden age.

8. Teaserama (1955)

Featuring the fabulous Bettie Page, Tempest Storm, and other legends of burlesque! This gem is a must-see and would probably be at the top of my list!

It’s more of a filmed showcase than a narrative film, making it a fascinating piece of burlesque history featuring actual performers of the era. Something like this is a true treasure, a rare window into mid-century burlesque culture!

9. Striptease (1996)

An erotic comedy-drama, this film delves into the economic realities of dancers. While not about burlesque specifically, it does touch on the world of stripteasing.

The story follows former FBI secretary Erin Grant, who loses custody of her young daughter to her ex-husband after a messy divorce. She takes a high-paying job as a dancer at a strip club in Miami to cover the legal costs.

At the club, a patron becomes obsessed with her and starts to blackmail her (another unfortunate reality of performing).

Demi Moore plays Erin Grant, and her real-life daughter plays her daughter in the film! Based on Carl Hiaasen’s bestselling satirical novel, the film blends crime caper elements with dark humour, set against the backdrop of the South Florida stripping scene.

10. Dancing at the Blue Iguana (2000)

This film offers a rare glimpse into the often misunderstood world of the strip club, following the lives of five different dancers. Set in the heart of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, it leans more toward realism than glamour, showing the emotional complexity behind the performances.

It boasts a fantastic cast, including Sandra Oh, Daryl Hannah, and Jennifer Tilly!

So there you have it, my darlings! Ten fabulous films that celebrate the glitter, grit, and glamour of burlesque! Grab your popcorn, snuggle up, and enjoy the show!