Hairspray
Performance & Direction: Hairspray Review
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hairspray (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
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?
Story & Plot Summary: Hairspray
Quick Plot Summary: Hairspray is a Comedy, Music, Romance film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Hairspray
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
Box Office Collection: Hairspray
| 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.
Top Cast: Hairspray
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Hairspray Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoHairspray Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Hairspray age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hairspray is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Hairspray is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hairspray worth watching?
Hairspray is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hairspray parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hairspray identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Hairspray?
The total duration of Hairspray is 92 minutes, which is approximately 1h 32m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
