Is Hairspray Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Hairspray is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Hairspray Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Hairspray emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Music, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 'Pleasantly plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Unlike standard genre fare, Hairspray attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hairspray features a noteworthy lineup led by Ricki Lake . Supported by the likes of Divine and Debbie Harry , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Hairspray (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Hairspray Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Hairspray is a Comedy, Music, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Hairspray Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Hairspray concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hairspray reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hairspray?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Hairspray Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Hairspray Budget
The estimated production budget for Hairspray is $2.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Hairspray
- Ricki Lake – Tracy Turnblad
- Divine – Edna Turnblad / Arvin Hodgepile
- Debbie Harry – Velma Von Tussle
- Vitamin C – Amber von Tussle
- Sonny Bono – Franklin von Tussle
Top Highlights
Ricki LakeTracy Turnblad
DivineEdna Turnblad / Arvin Hodgepile
Debbie HarryVelma Von Tussle
Vitamin CAmber von Tussle
Sonny BonoFranklin von Tussle
Leslie Ann PowersPenny Pingleton
Ruth BrownMotormouth Maybelle
Jerry StillerWilbur Turnblad
Michael St. GerardLink Larkin
Clayton PrinceSeaweed
Where to Watch Hairspray Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Hairspray is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Hairspray stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hairspray movie hit or flop?
Hairspray has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Hairspray worth watching?
Hairspray is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Music, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Hairspray online?
Hairspray may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Hairspray
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
