Beauty pageants, with their glitz, glamour, and often over-the-top drama, provide a fertile ground for comedy. These films take the competitive world of beauty contests and infuse it with humour, satire, and heartwarming moments. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a good laugh, this collection of beauty pageant comedies offers a delightful escape into the world of sequins, sashes, and silly situations. From classic tales to modern takes, these films showcase the lighter side of the quest for the crown.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Description: This mockumentary follows a small-town beauty pageant where contestants face bizarre challenges and unexpected twists. It's a satirical look at the beauty pageant industry, filled with quirky characters and dark humour.
Fact: The film was initially supposed to be an HBO series, but was later turned into a feature film. It features an early role for Amy Adams.


Miss Congeniality (2000)
Description: FBI agent Gracie Hart goes undercover in the Miss United States pageant to prevent a terrorist attack. The film combines action, romance, and comedy, making it a unique addition to the pageant comedy genre.
Fact: Sandra Bullock did her own stunts in the film, including the famous fight scene in the evening gown.


The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Description: Although primarily a romantic comedy, it includes a beauty pageant-like event where Mia Thermopolis must find a suitable prince to marry.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with the castle scenes created on a soundstage.


Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005)
Description: Continuing the story of Gracie Hart, this sequel sees her navigating the world of Las Vegas showgirls and beauty pageants while solving a kidnapping case.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Miss Congeniality 2: Beauty and the Badge."


Beauty Shop (2005)
Description: While not strictly about a beauty pageant, this film features a subplot involving a hair show competition, which has similar themes of competition and self-expression.
Fact: Queen Latifah, who stars in the film, also served as a producer.


Hairspray (2007)
Description: This musical comedy, set in the 1960s, revolves around a dance show contest rather than a traditional pageant, but it captures the spirit of competition and self-expression.
Fact: The film was adapted from the Broadway musical, which itself was based on John Waters' 1988 film.


Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Description: This indie hit follows a dysfunctional family as they travel across the country to get their young daughter to a beauty pageant. It's a heartwarming and hilarious look at family dynamics and the absurdity of beauty pageants.
Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days, and the cast members lived together during filming to enhance their chemistry.


The House Bunny (2008)
Description: A former Playboy Bunny becomes a house mother at a sorority and helps the girls win a beauty pageant. It's a light-hearted comedy with a message about inner beauty and self-acceptance.
Fact: Anna Faris, who plays the lead, was actually a Playboy Bunny for a short time in real life.


The Other Woman (2014)
Description: While not about a pageant, this comedy involves a group of women who bond over their shared betrayal, leading to a humorous revenge plot that echoes the camaraderie seen in pageant films.
Fact: The film was originally titled "You, Me and Her."


Miss Firecracker (1989)
Description: A woman enters a small-town beauty pageant to prove her worth, leading to a series of comedic and touching moments.
Fact: The film is based on a play by Beth Henley, who also wrote the screenplay.
