Beauty pageants are not just about glamour and poise; they are also stories of ambition, struggle, and triumph. These films delve into the lives of contestants, showcasing the behind-the-scenes drama, personal challenges, and the quest for the crown. Here's a curated list of 10 biopics that capture the essence of beauty pageants, offering viewers a mix of inspiration, entertainment, and a glimpse into the world of competitive beauty.

Miss Congeniality (2000)
Description: This film follows FBI agent Gracie Hart, who goes undercover in the Miss United States pageant to prevent a terrorist attack. While not a traditional biopic, it offers a comedic yet insightful look into the world of beauty pageants.
Fact: Sandra Bullock did her own stunts for the film, including the famous fight scene in the evening gown.


Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Description: Though not strictly about beauty pageants, this film features a young girl's journey to compete in a beauty pageant, highlighting family dynamics and personal growth.
Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days, and the cast had to learn how to play their instruments for the iconic final scene.


The Queen of Versailles (2012)
Description: This documentary follows Jackie Siegel, a former beauty queen, and her family as they attempt to build the largest private home in America, highlighting the opulence and the economic downturn.
Fact: The film was initially intended to be a portrait of wealth but evolved into a story of financial collapse.


Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Description: This mockumentary-style film satirizes beauty pageants, focusing on the contestants of the Sarah Rose Cosmetics Mount Rose American Teen Princess Pageant.
Fact: The film features many actors who would later become well-known, including Amy Adams and Brittany Murphy.


Pageant (2008)
Description: This documentary follows the National Miss America Pageant, focusing on the contestants' preparations and the pageant's impact on their lives.
Fact: The film captures the behind-the-scenes drama and the personal stories of the contestants.


Miss America (2019)
Description: This documentary explores the history of the Miss America pageant, focusing on its evolution and the impact on women's rights and societal norms.
Fact: The film includes interviews with former Miss Americas and highlights the pageant's controversial moments.


Miss Universe 2015: The Crowning Moment (2015)
Description: This documentary captures the infamous Miss Universe 2015 pageant where host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced the wrong winner, leading to one of the most talked-about moments in pageant history.
Fact: The event led to a surge in interest in beauty pageants and sparked numerous memes and discussions.


The World's Most Beautiful Woman (2018)
Description: This film tells the story of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a former Miss World, and her journey from beauty queen to Bollywood star.
Fact: Aishwarya Rai was the first Indian woman to win the Miss World title in


The Pageant (2020)
Description: This documentary follows the lives of contestants in the Miss Gay America pageant, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of drag queens competing for the crown.
Fact: The film sheds light on the intersection of drag culture and beauty pageants.


Miss Universe: The Journey (2017)
Description: This documentary series follows the journey of contestants from various countries as they prepare for the Miss Universe pageant, offering a global perspective on beauty and ambition.
Fact: The series highlights the diverse backgrounds and stories of the contestants, making it a unique insight into the pageant world.
