23 Films from John Waters Collection
23 titles
- 1
Divine TrashMovie · 2000 · 97m · DocumentaryThis is a look at the life and career of John Waters, the Baltimore filmmaker known for his groundbreaking and influential midnight movies.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2 - 2
A Dirty ShameMovie · 2004 · 89m · Comedy, FantasySylvia Stickles manages a convenience store with her husband and mother-in-law. After a head injury, Sylvia undergoes a dramatic personality change, becoming unrestrained and sexually driven. Her actions spark a series of events that draw the attention of Ray Ray, a tow truck driver who believes he can achieve ultimate pleasure through healing. Their passionate relationship ignites a conflict within their close-knit Baltimore community.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.3 - 3
I Am DivineMovie · 2014 · 90m · DocumentaryHarris Glenn Milstead, known as Divine (1945-1988), was an unconventional figure who became a celebrated icon. He defied conventional ideas about body image, gender, sexuality, and beauty, achieving international recognition as a recording artist and actor in theater and film. Growing from a target of ridicule to a symbol of acceptance, Divine championed marginalized communities – gay men and women, drag performers, punk rockers, and others who didn't fit societal norms. His bold, uncompromising style blurred the boundaries between performance and persona, profoundly impacting popular culture.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 4
Serial MomMovie · 1994 · 94m · Comedy, CrimeThe film explores the hidden life of Beverly, a woman who appears to have it all: a loving husband, two children, and a perfect home. But beneath this idyllic facade lies a secret obsession with serial killers. As Beverly’s fascination grows, it creates conflict within her family, challenging her sense of morality and threatening the stability of their lives. The story examines how hidden desires can clash with societal expectations and unravel even the most carefully constructed family life.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 5
The Mystery of a Hansom CabMovie · 2012 · 100mMelbourne, 1886. Two men enter a hansom cab late one foggy night. One exits at St Kilda, while the other continues to the city. There, the driver discovers the second man has been murdered. The killing of this prominent figure deeply disturbs the newly prosperous city.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 6
PeckerMovie · 1998 · 86m · Comedy, DramaIn Baltimore, a teenage boy finds an old film camera and discovers a passion for photography. He starts taking powerful pictures that draw attention from his community, earning him both praise and jealousy. His talent quickly gains him unexpected fame, but the success begins to overwhelm him. The boundary between his real life and his art becomes increasingly indistinct. He must decide whether to pursue fame and wealth or stay true to himself and create something truly remarkable.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1 - 7
The Sarnos: A Life in Dirty MoviesMovie · 2013 · 78mThis is a love story about Joe Sarno, the renowned director of adult films, and his devoted wife and business partner, Peggy. The film explores their role in the history of pornography, their life navigating between New York and Sweden, and their efforts to create one final erotic film.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.9 - 8
Divine WatersMovie · 1985 · 110mThis documentary explores the careers of John Waters and Divine, two key figures in trash film. It features interviews with Waters' parents and sister, and includes musical performances by actress Edith Massey (singing "Punks, Get off the Grass" and "Fever") and a live rendition of Divine's "Born to be Cheap."IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 9
In Bad TasteMovie · 1999 · 77mThis documentary chronicles the career of filmmaker John Waters, incorporating interviews with actors and other filmmakers. It also explores the life and passing of the actor Divine.IMDb 7.1TMDB 8.0 - 10
Multiple ManiacsMovie · 1970 · 96m · Crime, Comedy, Horror"The Cavalcade of Perversion" follows Divine, the leader of a disturbing circus troupe, as she seeks revenge after discovering her partner's betrayal. The traveling freak show becomes a cover for her hunt.
The film explores deception, obsession, and the dangerous connection between love and cruelty. Divine's relentless pursuit of justice becomes increasingly dark, mirroring the performances of her troupe. The quest for retribution escalates to a shocking climax where reality and illusion merge.
This film presents a twisted world where morality is distorted, challenging the audience’s understanding of truth and justice. It’s a captivating and unsettling journey into the darker aspects of human nature.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 11
MansomeMovie · 2012 · 84m · DocumentaryExecutive Producers Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Ben Silverman present a funny exploration of modern masculinity. Models, actors, experts, and comedians offer their perspectives on what it means to be a man in today's world, where ideas of masculinity are increasingly varied. The film examines men's diverse grooming habits as men reconsider their image.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.9 - 12
HairsprayMovie · 2007 · 117m · Comedy, Romance, DramaTracy Turnblad, a cheerful teenager, auditions for the popular dance program, "The Corny Collins Show," and gets a coveted spot. Using her newfound popularity, she's driven to fight for equality, aiming to help her friends and dismantle the show's segregation policies.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 13
Cry-BabyMovie · 1990 · 85m · Comedy, RomanceThe story follows a quiet, well-behaved young girl who is expected to follow her society's traditions. She is unexpectedly drawn to a rebellious young man who rejects all social rules.
Their unlikely romance creates conflict between the girl's grandmother and her new love. The grandmother strongly believes in tradition, while the young man embodies freedom and individuality, which she disapproves of.
Torn between her feelings for the rebel and her family's expectations, the girl explores what it means to grow up and the balance between fitting in and being herself. This story examines differences between generations, societal norms, and the impact of young love that challenges those norms.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 14
This Filthy WorldMovie · 2006 · 86m · Documentary, ComedyThis film captures cult film director John Waters' acclaimed one-man show, *This Filthy World*. Waters recounts his early influences, favorite moments in his career, and his ongoing battles with the MPAA. Part personal history, part comedic presentation, the show explores the absurdity of modern pop culture and Waters' memorable first collaborations with the iconic actress Divine.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 15
HairsprayMovie · 1988 · 92m · Comedy, Music, RomanceTracy Turnblad, a confident teenager, dreams of joining the popular Corny Collins Dance Program on a local television show. She unexpectedly becomes a regular dancer, gaining popularity and inspiring others. This newfound fame motivates Tracy to fight for integration in her community. However, her efforts clash with Amber Von Tussle, the show's former star, and Amber's parents, who strongly support segregation. The competition between Tracy and Amber intensifies when they both vie for the Miss Auto Show 1963 title. This story explores themes of self-acceptance, activism, and the impact of young people challenging societal injustice.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 16
Cecil B. DementedMovie · 2000 · 88m · Crime, Comedy, ActionA young, obsessive director and his fiercely loyal followers, who consider themselves cinematic extremists, kidnap a famous actress. They then compel her to play the lead role in their unconventional, underground film project.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 17
Pink FlamingosMovie · 1972 · 93m · Comedy, CrimeIn Baltimore's criminal world, Divine, a well-known figure, clashes with Connie and Raymond Marble, a manipulative married couple. The Marbles want to seize the notoriety given to Divine by the media: "The Filthiest Person Alive." This story examines the darker aspects of ambition, as well as Divine's strength and cleverness in a conflict fueled by ego, pride, and public perception. With their reputations at stake, Divine and the Marbles wage a brutal battle for dominance, pushing each other to their limits and revealing the complexities of power in a world where fame is temporary and infamy has consequences.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2 - 18
Mondo TrashoMovie · 1969 · 95m · Comedy, CrimeTwo strangers' lives become strangely linked after a violent hit-and-run accident. The event triggers a series of bizarre incidents that force them to confront their fears and desires. As they navigate these strange experiences – including a sexual assault and unsettling visions – their lives become entangled in events that challenge their perception of reality. The film explores guilt, redemption, and connection through this unusual story of the aftermath of an accident, offering a darkly humorous and thought-provoking experience.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.1 - 19
Desperate LivingMovie · 1977 · 91m · Comedy, CrimeWidowed Peggy Gravel accidentally kills her husband and, with her manipulative maid Grizelda, flees to the strange town of Mortville for safety. Instead, they find a world more chaotic than they anticipated.
Mortville is governed by the mysterious Queen Carlotta, who controls a collection of odd characters. As Peggy and Grizelda try to adjust to this bizarre place, they face difficult choices about right and wrong and the temptations of those around them.
The film blends crime, chaos, and dark humor, examining guilt, loyalty, and finding oneself in a town seemingly forgotten by time. While Peggy and Grizelda seek acceptance in Mortville's unusual society, they must decide how far they’ll go before being consumed by its darkness.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4 - 20
Suburban GothicMovie · 2014 · 90m · Horror, ComedyA socially awkward, jobless man with the ability to communicate with ghosts joins forces with a defiant bartender to track down the angry spirit haunting their community.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.5 - 21
The Diane Linkletter StoryMovie · 1970 · 10mThis film draws from the true story of Diane Linkletter, the daughter of TV host Art Linkletter, who took her own life. Art and his wife are deeply worried about Diane's recent changes in behavior, including drug use and a relationship with a man named Jim. Their attempts to talk to Diane lead to a devastating outcome.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.0 - 22
Female TroubleMovie · 1974 · 98m · Comedy, CrimeThis character-driven story follows Dawn Davenport as she transforms from a rebellious teenager into a woman consumed by fame, ultimately facing a tragic fate. Initially driven by simple desires, like getting a specific gift, Dawn's ambition for celebrity and power pushes her toward manipulative and ruthless actions. The film examines the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and explores the complexities of the human mind, leading to a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion about the cost of fame.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 23
PolyesterMovie · 1981 · 86m · Comedy, DramaFrancine Fishpaw possesses an extraordinary sense of smell, a gift that also becomes a heavy burden. It allows her to detect her husband’s infidelity and her mother’s manipulative behavior, adding to the difficulties of raising her two troubled children.
As Francine's life falls apart, she seeks solace in alcohol. But a chance encounter with Todd Tomorrow, a charismatic stranger, offers her a chance at redemption and a fresh start.
This moving drama explores the complexities of relationships, examining forgiveness, personal growth, and self-discovery in the face of hardship. The film balances humor and tragedy with memorable characters, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story that keeps audiences engaged.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0
