Direction: John Waters

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by John Waters. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


Female Trouble

1974 · Movie · 89 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Divine · David Lochary · Mary Vivian Pearce · Mink Stole

Synopsis Female Trouble (1974) follows the tumultuous journey of Dawn Davenport, a pampered high school student who decides to leave her family home after a minor altercation. While hitchhiking, she becomes pregnant and eventually finds herself in the world of fashion...

6.7

1K votes

6.7

1K votes

6.5

1K votes

Desperate Living

1977 · Movie · 90 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Liz Renay · Mink Stole · Susan Lowe · Edith Massey

Synopsis Desperate Living (1977) follows the chaotic journey of a wealthy housewife who, with the assistance of her loyal maid, plots to eliminate her husband. After successfully carrying out the deed, the duo flees town and finds themselves in the peculiar...

6.4

626 votes

6.4

626 votes

Hairspray

1988 · Movie · 87 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Sonny Bono · Ruth Brown · Divine · Deborah Harry

Synopsis Hairspray (1988) follows the journey of Tracy Turnblad, a lively and confident teenager known for her curves, as she lands a spot on the popular Corny Collins Dance Show. Her newfound fame transforms her into a local celebrity, and she...

6.3

2K votes

6.3

2K votes

Pecker

1998 · Movie · 90 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Edward Furlong · Christina Ricci · Mary Kay Place · Martha Plimpton

Synopsis Pecker (1998) is a comedic film directed by John Waters that blends his signature shock humor with a more approachable filmmaking style. The narrative unfolds in Baltimore, focusing on the journey of Pecker (Edward Furlong), an aspiring photographer whose candid...

6.2

3K votes

6.2

3K votes

Multiple Maniacs

1970 · Movie · 90 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Divine · David Lochary · Mary Vivian Pearce · Mink Stole

Synopsis Multiple Maniacs (1970) follows the twisted journey of a roaming carnival troupe, "Lady Divine's Cavalcade of Perversions," which serves as a disguise for a gang of deranged abductors. Lady Divine, the ringleader, is the most brutal and perverse among them....

Max

6.2

269 votes

6.2

269 votes

Cry Baby

1990 · Movie · 89 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Johnny Depp · Traci Lords · Willem Dafoe · Amy Locane

Synopsis Cry Baby (1990) is a vibrant and humorous tribute to the classic 1950s teen melodramas, directed by the iconic John Waters. The film features Johnny Depp as the charismatic and rebellious leader of a group of delinquents known as the...

6.1

8K votes

6.1

8K votes

Serial Mom

1994 · Movie · 97 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Kathleen Turner · Sam Waterston · Ricki Lake · Matthew Lillard

Synopsis Serial Mom (1994) presents a darkly humorous tale directed by John Waters. Beverly Sutpin, portrayed by Kathleen Turner, appears to be the epitome of a well-organized and caring mother. She expertly manages her family's needs while maintaining her own life,...

5.9

6K votes

5.9

6K votes

Cecil B. DeMented

2000 · Movie · 88 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Melanie Griffith · Stephen Dorff · Alicia Witt · Adrian Grenier

Synopsis Cecil B. DeMented (2000) follows the chaotic journey of a deranged independent filmmaker and his rebellious teenage crew. They abduct a prominent Hollywood starlet and coerce her into participating in their clandestine movie project.

5.8

4K votes

5.8

4K votes

Pink Flamingos

1972 · Movie · 95 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Divine · David Lochary · Mink Stole · Danny Mills

Synopsis Pink Flamingos (1972) centers around Divine, a notorious figure claiming to be the "filthiest person alive," residing under the alias Babs Johnson in a secluded trailer with her eccentric family. This includes her egg-obsessed mother Eddie (Edith Massey), her unstable...

5.7

9K votes

5.7

9K votes

Mondo Trasho

1969 · Movie · 95 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Mary Vivian Pearce · Divine · David Lochary · Mink Stole

Synopsis Mondo Trasho (1969) kicks off with a shocking opening scene where chickens meet a grim fate on a chopping block. The narrative then shifts to the glamorous Mary Vivian Pearce, a platinum blonde bombshell who starts her day by commuting...

5.5

185 votes

5.5

185 votes

Direction John Waters

Cast David Lochary · Mary Vivian Pearce · Divine

Synopsis The Diane Linkletter Story (S) (1970) is a poignant and improvised film that delves into the heart-wrenching true events surrounding the suicide of Diane Linkletter, the daughter of renowned TV personality Art Linkletter. The narrative unfolds as Mr. and Mrs....

5.0

67 votes

5.0

67 votes

A Dirty Shame

2004 · Movie · 90 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Tracey Ullman · Johnny Knoxville · Selma Blair · Chris Isaak

Synopsis A Dirty Shame (2004) is a comedic tale set in the gritty, blue-collar streets of Baltimore. The story revolves around a group of individuals who, after suffering head injuries, become obsessed with sex. The film delves into the absurd and...

4.0

3K votes

4.0

3K votes

Kiddie Flamingos

2015 · Movie · 74 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Madelyn Beckett · Taylor Howard-Goergens · Dexter Shaffer · Alexandra Wald

Synopsis Kiddie Flamingos (2015) presents a whimsical twist on a classic cult film. In this unique production, young performers bring a family-friendly interpretation to the infamous 1972 X-rated movie, "Pink Flamingos," through a charming and innocent table read. The film cleverly...

Not rated

Not rated

The Mighty McGurk

1947 · Movie · 85 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Wallace Beery · Dean Stockwell · Edward Arnold · Aline MacMahon

Synopsis The Mighty McGurk (1947) follows the story of "Slag" McGurk, a once-great boxing champion now reduced to reminiscing about his past triumphs. He passes his days and nights working as a bouncer, boaster, and drinker at Glenson's saloon. However, his...

Not rated

Not rated

Eat Your Makeup

1968 · Movie · 45 min. · United States

Direction John Waters

Cast Lizzy Temple Black · Berenica Cipcus · Divine · George Figgs

Synopsis Eat Your Makeup (1968) is the debut sixteen-millimetre film by John Waters, focusing on a disturbed nanny who abducts young girls and compels them to 'model themselves to death' in front of her boyfriend and their deranged companions. This controversial...

Not rated

Not rated

Not rated

Direction Andrew Ahn · Fatih Akin · Gregg Araki · Karim Aïnouz

Cast Arthur Alfaia · Jackie Boyce · Amy Davis · Drew Droege

Synopsis 30/30 Vision: 3 Decades of Strand Releasing (2019) is a commemorative anthology film that marks the 30th anniversary of the renowned independent film distributor, Strand Releasing. This cinematic tribute showcases a collection of short films, each offering a unique perspective...

Not rated

Not rated