The Best Showgirl-Inspired Movies to Watch Before Taylor Swift’s New Album Drops
Want to know what the life of a showgirl is like? Check out these films.
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Although the popularity of live showgirls has waned through the years, their iconic presence still looms large in our collective imagination. So, it’s no surprise that Taylor Swift has tapped into their glamorous imagery and rich history with her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, which is due October 3. Fans will naturally want to immerse themselves not only in Swift’s music, but also in her muse(s). Luckily, many other artists have been inspired by the ostentatious productions of Las Vegas, Broadway’s Ziegfeld Follies, vaudeville, burlesque, and every other iteration of the showgirl, and there are many films out there dedicated to the art.
Under the glitz, feathers, and coordinated ensembles, each individual showgirl has her own story to tell—just like Swift herself. As she recently explained on Travis Kelce’s podcast, “This album isn’t really about what happened to me on stage [during the Eras Tour]. It’s about what I was going through offstage.”
Below are some of the best movies about the inner life of the showgirl (and other similar performers), and who she is both on stage and off. Scroll through for inspiration on how to shine in the spotlight, no matter what’s happening in the wings.
Showgirls (1995)
This campy dramatic thriller stars Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, and Gina Gershon. It focuses on a young woman named Nomi Malone who hitches a ride to las Vegas to find fame as a dancer. The film’s original NC-17 rating did not stop it from being frequently aired on cable with certain key moments censored for impressionable audiences. However, the movie does contain some extreme sexual violence in addition to graphic nudity, so approach with care.
The Last Showgirl (2025)
Set in Las Vegas, Pamela Anderson plays a showgirl who has to make some hard life decisions after her show of 30 years abruptly closes. The film, directed by Gia Coppola, co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka, Billie Lourd, and Brenda Song.
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Based on a wildly popular Broadway play, this classic film follows four actresses in a show beset with issues and bankrolled by a secret millionaire. The movie was produced in the heyday of the showgirl era, which coincided with the Great Depression, showing a pretty accurate portrayal of how people escaped their grim reality with spectacle.
Burlesque (2010)
Christina Aguilera should be enough of a draw in this classic story of a small town girl with big dreams, showing the world what she’s got. (Of course, Cher and Stanley Tucci are wonderful additions too.) Tune in for the songs, stay for the cast chemistry.
The Prince and Showgirl (1957)
American chorus girl Elsie Marina, played by Marilyn Monroe, catches the eye of a foreign prince while prancing on stage. Their encounter naturally leads to issues for them both, but with a surprisingly romantic conclusion.
Moulin Rouge (2001)
Set in Paris, this romantic and melodramatic musical stars Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as two star-crossed lovers who inevitably come to a tragic end. But watching Kidman soar across the stage as the doomed Sabine is worth the ride.
42nd Street (1933)
Again set in and produced during the Great Depression, 42nd Street follows a group of people trying to get a show up on its feet. While highlighting the challenges of producing such a collaborative work, the movie ends with a celebration of the showgirl over the rest of the team.
White Christmas (1954)
Most people remember White Christmas as a holiday film about putting on a last minute show to save a very special resort in the post-WWII era. But before that happens, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye meet Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen playing two sisters who make a living on stage. The movie’s musical sequences will always be memorable, but the Haynes Sisters’ act might be one of the biggest highlights.
The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
The Muppets have done a lot in their many decades on screen, but if there’s one thing the merry puppets love to comment on, it’s show business. The Great Muppet Caper is a comedic crime thriller, but the film contains a long and loving musical sequence honoring showgirls, starring none other than Miss Piggy herself.
Sister Act (1992)
You might consider Sister Act to be a fish-out-of water story about a woman hiding amongst a bunch of nuns and putting them on the map with musical numbers. What many forget is that Whoopi Goldberg starts her turn in the movie as a showgirl who gets sucked into mafia business and then witness protection. In a way, she makes the rest of her nun friends into showgirls, too. And the Lord approves.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
While she’s not wearing traditional showgirl attire, Marilyn Monroe’s turn as a gleeful gold digger singing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” remains an iconic entry into the oeuvre. The entire film is a delight and offers plenty of other stunning musical numbers.
Gypsy (1962)
Gypsy Rose Lee is not exactly a showgirl—she dabbles more in the art of burlesque—but her story is arresting. The famous Stephen Sondheim musical was adapted for film and starred Natalie Wood as the child vaudeville star forced into the spotlight by her show monster mother (played by Rosalind Russell). The costumes are stunning, the music is catchy, and Wood is timelessly charming.
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