If you loved the humor, heart, and flamboyant charm of 'La Cage aux Folles' (1978), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same spirit of comedy, drag culture, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you're a fan of the original French farce or the Broadway adaptation, these recommendations will keep you entertained with their wit, warmth, and fabulous performances.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Description: Like La Cage aux Folles, Rocky Horror celebrates sexual liberation and gender fluidity through campy, theatrical presentation. Both films became cultural phenomena for their bold representation of queer identities.
Fact: It's the longest-running theatrical release in film history, still playing in some theaters weekly. Tim Curry's performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter launched his career. The film initially flopped but became a midnight movie sensation.
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Tootsie (1982)
Description: Tootsie shares with La Cage aux Folles the theme of performance and disguise, though in this case it's a straight man pretending to be a woman rather than drag performance. Both films use comedy to explore gender roles and the social expectations surrounding them.
Fact: Dustin Hoffman's performance as Dorothy Michaels is considered one of the greatest in film history. The film was originally conceived as a drama before being reworked as a comedy. Tootsie was the second highest-grossing film of 1982, behind only E.T.
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Victor/Victoria (1982)
Description: This film shares with La Cage aux Folles its Parisian setting and themes of gender performance and sexual identity. Both are musical comedies that challenge traditional gender norms while maintaining a lighthearted tone.
Fact: Julie Andrews plays a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. The film was adapted from a 1933 German film. It won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and its Adaptation.
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Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Description: Like La Cage aux Folles, Mrs. Doubtfire features a protagonist who adopts a flamboyant alter ego (in this case, a British nanny) to stay close to family. Both films balance broad comedy with heartfelt family drama and explore themes of parental love.
Fact: Robin Williams improvised many of his lines in character. The makeup process took
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The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Description: Priscilla shares with La Cage aux Folles its focus on drag performers and themes of acceptance. Both films feature extravagant costumes and musical numbers while exploring the characters' personal relationships and struggles.
Fact: The film's iconic bus was actually found abandoned in a field. Hugo Weaving, known for The Matrix, plays one of the drag queens. It helped popularize ABBA's music in the 1990s through its soundtrack.
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To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Description: This film shares with La Cage aux Folles the theme of drag performers navigating a conservative world. Both movies celebrate the art of drag and the importance of chosen family, while also addressing societal prejudices with humor and heart.
Fact: The film stars Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo as drag queens on a road trip. It was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to feature drag queens as protagonists. The title refers to an autographed photo of Julie Newmar that the characters carry with them for good luck.
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The Birdcage (1996)
Description: The Birdcage is a direct American remake of La Cage aux Folles, sharing the same plot about a gay couple who must pretend to be straight to impress their son's conservative future in-laws. Both films explore themes of family, acceptance, and the performative nature of identity, with a strong comedic tone and flamboyant visual style.
Fact: Robin Williams and Nathan Lane star as the central couple, bringing their unique comedic talents to the roles. The film was directed by Mike Nichols, known for his sharp wit and ability to handle sensitive topics with humor. The Birdcage was a commercial success, grossing over $180 million worldwide.
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Description: While darker in tone than La Cage aux Folles, Hedwig shares its exploration of gender performance and identity. Both works feature flamboyant theatricality and examine the pain and humor in the search for love and acceptance.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of John Cameron Mitchell's off-Broadway rock musical. Hedwig's backstory involves a botched sex reassignment surgery (the 'angry inch' of the title). The soundtrack blends glam rock and punk influences to tell Hedwig's story.
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Hairspray (2007)
Description: Hairspray shares with La Cage aux Folles its joyous celebration of difference and its message of acceptance. Both are musical comedies that use humor to address serious social issues (racism in Hairspray, homophobia in La Cage).
Fact: John Travolta plays Edna Turnblad in a fat suit and drag. It's based on John Waters' 1988 film, which was itself inspired by 1960s dance shows. The musical version won 8 Tony Awards before being adapted to film.
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Kinky Boots (2005)
Description: Like La Cage aux Folles, Kinky Boots deals with themes of acceptance and the collision of conservative and flamboyant worlds. Both stories involve a business being saved by embracing drag culture, highlighting how authenticity and performance can coexist.
Fact: The film was adapted into a successful Broadway musical with songs by Cyndi Lauper. It's based on the true story of a struggling shoe factory that began making boots for drag performers. The film explores themes of masculinity and self-expression through its working-class protagonist.
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