If you loved the vibrant energy and cultural impact of 'Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce (2013),' you're in for a treat! This article highlights 10 movies and shows that capture the same electrifying spirit, musical brilliance, and unapologetic celebration of identity. Whether you're a fan of bounce music, documentaries about trailblazing artists, or stories of resilience, these picks will keep you entertained and inspired.

The Queen (1968)
Description: A documentary that captures the essence of drag culture and the competitive spirit of drag pageants, showcasing the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent of its participants.
Fact: The film was one of the first to document the drag ball scene in New York City and inspired the later ballroom culture depicted in 'Paris is Burning'.


Hairspray (1988)
Description: This musical comedy addresses issues of race, body positivity, and acceptance, much like the inclusive and empowering messages found in bounce music.
Fact: The original film was later adapted into a Broadway musical and then remade into a feature film in


The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Description: A road movie that celebrates drag culture, friendship, and self-discovery, resonating with the themes of performance and identity central to bounce music.
Fact: The film's iconic costumes were designed by Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel, who won an Academy Award for their work.


The L Word (2004)
Description: A series that explores the lives of LGBTQ+ women, their relationships, and their struggles for acceptance, mirroring the themes of identity and community found in bounce music culture.
Fact: The show was one of the first to focus exclusively on lesbian and bisexual women and their experiences.


RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
Description: This reality competition series celebrates drag culture, self-expression, and the art of performance, much like the vibrant and unapologetic world of bounce music. It highlights the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry.
Fact: The show has won multiple Emmy Awards and has spawned numerous international versions. RuPaul's catchphrase 'If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?' became a cultural mantra.


How to Get Away with Murder (2014)
Description: While primarily a legal thriller, the show features strong, complex LGBTQ+ characters and explores themes of identity and survival, resonating with the struggles and triumphs depicted in bounce music narratives.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a bisexual lead character and its diverse cast.


Empire (2015)
Description: This drama series revolves around the music industry, showcasing the power struggles, family dynamics, and the quest for success, much like the competitive and high-energy world of bounce music.
Fact: The show was notable for its soundtrack, which featured original music and became a commercial success.


Tangerine (2015)
Description: A film that captures the raw energy and resilience of transgender sex workers in Los Angeles, reflecting the same grit and determination seen in the bounce music community.
Fact: The entire film was shot on an iPhone, showcasing the potential of mobile technology in filmmaking.


Moonlight (2016)
Description: This coming-of-age drama delves into the complexities of identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance, themes that are central to the narratives of many LGBTQ+ artists in the bounce music scene.
Fact: Moonlight made history by being the first LGBTQ+ film and the first film with an all-black cast to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.


My House (2018)
Description: This documentary series delves into the underground ballroom scene, highlighting the creativity, resilience, and community of LGBTQ+ performers, similar to the vibrant and supportive bounce music scene.
Fact: The series was praised for its authentic portrayal of the ballroom community and its impact on mainstream culture.
