Hairspray

Hairspray has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available on Amazon Prime Video. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 451 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Ricki Lake is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Start it on Amazon Prime Video whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Hairspray earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Hairspray from the crowd. '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. Ricki Lake and Divine lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1988. The timing in Hairspray is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Hairspray is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Ricki Lake's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.