Cabaret films offer a unique blend of music, drama, and often, a touch of the risqué. This curated list of 10 movies explores the vibrant, sometimes dark, world of cabaret, from historical settings to modern interpretations. Each film provides a different perspective on the allure of the stage, the lives of performers, and the cultural significance of cabaret. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or looking for something more contemporary, this collection promises a captivating journey through the glitz, glamour, and sometimes gritty reality of cabaret life.

The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
Description: A biopic about Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., who was famous for his lavish theatrical productions known as the Ziegfeld Follies, which were essentially cabaret shows.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Band Wagon (1953)
Description: While not exclusively about cabaret, it features a Broadway producer who tries to revive his career with a show that includes elements of cabaret and vaudeville.
Fact: The film includes the famous song "That's Entertainment!" and features Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.


Cabaret (1972)
Description: This iconic film captures the decadence and political turmoil of 1930s Berlin through the eyes of a cabaret singer, Sally Bowles, and her relationship with a British writer.
Fact: Liza Minnelli won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Sally Bowles. The film also features the famous song "Cabaret."


Chicago (2002)
Description: This film adaptation of the Broadway musical showcases the vaudeville and cabaret scene of the 1920s, focusing on two women who murder their lovers and then compete for fame in jail.
Fact: "Chicago" won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Last Metro (1980)
Description: Although primarily about a theatre during WWII, it includes scenes of cabaret performances, reflecting the cultural life of occupied Paris.
Fact: Directed by François Truffaut, the film won ten César Awards, including Best Film.


The Girl Can't Help It (1956)
Description: A satirical look at the rock 'n' roll and cabaret scene, where a mobster hires a press agent to make his girlfriend a star.
Fact: The film includes performances by Little Richard, Gene Vincent, and Eddie Cochran.


The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968)
Description: This film explores the burlesque and cabaret scene in 1920s New York, focusing on the infamous Minsky's Burlesque theater.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life raid on Minsky's in


Sweet Charity (1969)
Description: This musical comedy follows a dance hall hostess in New York, showcasing the cabaret and nightclub scene of the time.
Fact: The film features choreography by Bob Fosse, who also directed "Cabaret."


The Cotton Club (1984)
Description: Set in the famous Harlem nightclub, this film delves into the world of jazz, dance, and the racial dynamics of the era, with cabaret performances at its heart.
Fact: The film features performances by Gregory Hines and music by Duke Ellington.


Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Description: While not strictly a cabaret film, it captures the essence of the Parisian cabaret scene with its lavish production numbers and a love story set in the famous Moulin Rouge club.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two, including Best Art Direction.
