Hairspray is a 1988 comedy written and directed by John Waters. The film features Divine, Ricki Lake, Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry. Hairspray was a dramatic departure from Waters' earlier works, with a much broader intended audience—most of his previous films were rated X by the MPAA, and, in fact, Hairspray's PG is the lowest rating a Waters film has received. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the film revolves around self-proclaimed "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad as she simultaneously pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.

Hairspray was only a moderate success upon its initial theatrical release, receiving a modest gross of $6 million, however it managed to attract a larger audience on home video in the early '90s, and became a cult classic. Most critics praised the film, although some were displeased with the overall campiness. In 2002, Hairspray was adapted into a Broadway musical of the same name, which won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2003. A second film version of Hairspray, an adaptation of the stage musical, was released by New Line on July 20, 2007 — which included many changes of scripted items from the original.

Hairspray is a 2007 musical film produced by Zadan/Meron Productions and distributed by New Line Cinema. It was released in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom on July 20 2007. The film is an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning 2002 Broadway musical of the same name, itself adapted from John Waters' 1988 comedy film. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the film follows a "pleasantly plump" teen named Tracy Turnblad as she simultaneously pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.

Adapted from both Waters's 1988 script and Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnell's book for the stage musical by screenwriter Leslie Dixon, the 2007 version of Hairspray is directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman. Hairspray stars John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney, and introduces newcomer Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad. Hairspray features songs from the Broadway musical written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, as well as four new Shaiman/Wittman compositions not present in the Broadway version.

Opening to mostly positive reviews, Hairspray met with financial success, currently holding the record for biggest sales at opening weekend for a movie musical. The film went on to become the third highest grossing musical film in U.S. cinema history, behind the film adaptations of Grease and Chicago. Available in a variety of formats, Hairspray's Region 1 home video release took place on November 20, 2007. The USA Network has purchased the broadcast rights to Hairspray, and will debut the film on cable television in February 2010.

'Pleasantly Plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle, as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents. The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher

Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teenager with all the right moves, is obsessed with the Corny Collins Show. Every day after school, she and her best friend Penny run home to watch the show and drool over the hot Link Larkin, much to Tracy's mother Edna's dismay. After one of the stars of the show leaves, Corny Collins holds auditions to see who will be the next person on the Corny Collins show. With all of the help of her friend Seaweed, Tracy makes it on the show, angering the evil dance queen Amber Von Tussle and her mother Velma. Tracy then decides that it's not fair that the black kids can only dance on the Corny Collins Show once a month, and with the help of Seaweed, Link, Penny, Motormouth Maybelle, her father and Edna, she's going to integrate the show.....without denting her 'do! Written by leoprez1030

It's 1962 and teenagers Tracy Turnblad (Blonsky) and her friend Penny Pingleton (Bynes) are watching the Corny Collins (Marsden) show. When the chance to dance on the show arrives, Tracy quickly takes the opportunity. Not only does he dancing skills attract Corny Collins, but also the attention of teenage heart throb, Link Larkin (Efron). But not everyone is happy with the decision to have her dance on the show. The shows manager, Velma von Tussle (Pfeiffer) will do anything to get Tracy off the show, even if it has to include Tracy's parents (Travolta & Walken) of new friends Seaweed (Kelley) and Motormouth Maybelle (Latifah). Written by Film_Fan

Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad and her best friend Penny Pingleton audition to be on The Corny Collins Show and Tracy wins. But when scheming Amber Von Tussle and her mother plot to destroy Tracy, it turns to chaos. Written by Corey Semple