theatrical backdrop

Movies with theatrical vibe

The Producers

1. The Producers

Comedy Satire
6.3
20052h 14min

Overview

A conniving Broadway producer and his meek accountant plan to profit from charming wealthy old biddies to invest in an overbudget production, and then put on a sure-fire disaster, so nobody will ask for their money back — and what's more disastrous than a tasteless musical celebrating Adolf Hitler.

Themes

Theatrical risk and satire, Economic ambition and deception, Audience manipulation through performance, Greed and backer influence, Trust under financial pressure, Art vs commerce

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Stage Beauty

2. Stage Beauty

Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy High-Concept Comedy
7.1
20041h 46min

Overview

Humble Maria, who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston, takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

Themes

Gendered theatre barriers, Legitimacy versus novelty, Patronage and access, Role reversal and adaptation, Public opinion and fame, Mentorship and skill transfer

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

De-Lovely

3. De-Lovely

Drama Music Entertainment Industry Drama Music Biopic
6.6
20042h 5min

Overview

From Paris to Venice to Broadway to Hollywood, the lives of Cole Porter and his wife, Linda Lee Thomas were never less than glamorous and wildly unconventional. And though Cole's thirst for life strained their marriage, Linda never stopped being his muse, inspiring some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century.

Themes

Public vs private life, Blackmail pressure and control, Extramarital intimacy and secrecy, Creative life under scrutiny, Illness and aging, Muse and collaboration

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Ella Enchanted

4. Ella Enchanted

Family Fantasy Comedy Quest Fantasy Holiday Family
6.3
20041h 36min

Overview

Ella lives in a magical world in which each child, at the moment of their birth, is given a virtuous "gift" from a fairy godmother. Ella's so-called gift, however, is obedience. This birthright proves itself to be quite the curse once Ella finds herself in the hands of several unscrupulous characters whom she quite literally cannot disobey. Determined to gain control of her life and decisions, Ella sets off on a journey to find her fairy godmother who she hopes will lift the curse. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant obstacles including ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, elves and Prince Charmont's evil uncle, who wants to take over the crown and rule the kingdom.

Themes

Power manipulation, Obedience through magic, Inequality through law, Oppression of elves and giants, Romance under constraint, Alliances across groups

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

8 Women

5. 8 Women

Comedy Thriller Mystery Whodunit Domestic Thriller
7.0
20021h 51min

Overview

Eight women gather to celebrate Christmas in a snowbound cottage, only to find the family patriarch dead with a knife in his back. Trapped in the house, every woman becomes a suspect, each having her own motive and secret.

Themes

Appearances vs reality, Wealth and inheritance pressure, Intimate relationships and power, Class dynamics and secrecy, Hidden motives and manipulation, Confinement and social performance

Available on

Rakuten TV
Amazon Video
blue TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Aladdin

6. Aladdin

Animation Family Adventure Fantasy Romance
8.0
19921h 32min

Overview

In the boorish city of Agrabah, kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine fall in love, although she can only marry a prince. He and power-hungry Grand Vizier Jafar vie for a magic lamp that can fulfill their wishes.

Themes

Class inequality, Deception and manipulation, Social climbing, Power and responsibility, Wishes and autonomy, Freedom versus control

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Batman Returns

7. Batman Returns

Action Fantasy Superhero Action Dark Fantasy
7.1
19922h 6min

Overview

The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.

Themes

Political corruption, Vigilante justice, Good vs evil, Double life, Birth records pursuit

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.