Hairspray
Performance & Direction: Hairspray Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hairspray (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Nikki Blonsky . Supported by the likes of John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer , 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: Released in 2007, Hairspray is a Comedy, Romance, Drama film directed by Adam Shankman. The narrative 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 involving Nikki Blonsky.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad auditions to be on Baltimore's most popular dance show - The Corny Collins Show - and lands a prime spot. Through her newfound fame, she becomes determined to help her friends and end the racial segregation that has been a staple of the show. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Nikki Blonsky's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Hairspray
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Adam Shankman, Hairspray concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Nikki Blonsky, 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 Nikki Blonsky or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Hairspray
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $75.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $90.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Hairspray Budget
The estimated production budget for Hairspray is $75.0M. 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
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Where to Watch Hairspray Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoHairspray Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 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 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Hairspray is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2007 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 6.7/10 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 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m 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.
