Beauty pageants are not just about glamour and competition; they often serve as a rich backdrop for tales of romance, ambition, and personal growth. This collection of films delves into the world of beauty contests, where love stories unfold amidst the sparkle and the spotlight. From heartwarming to heart-wrenching, these films offer a unique blend of melodrama and the allure of beauty pageants, providing viewers with both entertainment and a glimpse into the lives of those who chase their dreams on stage.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Description: A dark comedy that satirizes beauty pageants, focusing on the fierce competition between two contestants in a small-town pageant, where romance and rivalry intertwine.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a documentary but evolved into a fictional narrative.


Miss Congeniality (2000)
Description: This film follows an FBI agent who goes undercover in the Miss United States pageant to prevent a terrorist attack, only to find herself falling for the charm of the pageant world and its participants.
Fact: Sandra Bullock did her own stunts for the film, including the famous kickboxing scene.


The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Description: While not a beauty pageant, the film features a royal ball where Mia Thermopolis must find a suitable match, echoing the competitive nature of beauty contests.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with some scenes filmed at the Huntington Library and Gardens.


Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005)
Description: Continuing the story from the first film, this sequel sees Gracie Hart dealing with her newfound fame and a kidnapping at a beauty pageant, with romance playing a subtle role.
Fact: The film was shot in Las Vegas, showcasing the city's glitz and glamour.


Beauty Shop (2005)
Description: Although primarily about a hair salon, the film includes a subplot involving a beauty pageant, where romance and personal growth are key themes.
Fact: Queen Latifah, who stars in the film, also produced it.


Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Description: While not strictly a beauty pageant film, it features a young girl's journey to compete in a beauty pageant, with family dynamics and romance playing a significant role.
Fact: The film was shot in just 30 days, and the cast had to learn to play their instruments for the final scene.


Miss Potter (2006)
Description: While not a traditional pageant film, it features a romance that develops during the time when Beatrix Potter is competing in a literary contest, akin to a beauty pageant for writers.
Fact: The film was shot in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter lived.


The Beauty Inside (2015)
Description: A unique take on beauty pageants, this film explores the life of a man who wakes up in a different body every day, leading to a romantic connection with a woman involved in a beauty contest.
Fact: The film was originally a series of short films before being adapted into a feature-length movie.


The Contest (2002)
Description: A British film about a beauty pageant where the contestants' lives are dramatically altered by the competition, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
Fact: The film was shot on location at various beauty pageant venues across the UK.


The Other Side of Heaven (2001)
Description: This film includes a beauty pageant scene where the protagonist, a missionary, meets his future wife, blending romance with cultural exploration.
Fact: The film was based on the real-life experiences of John H. Groberg.
