Elvis Presley was an American singer, musician, and actor who is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll”. He was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and began his music career in the mid-1950s. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential cultural icons of the 20th century.
Elvis’s musical style was a fusion of country, rhythm and blues, and gospel music, and he quickly rose to fame with his unique sound and charismatic stage presence. His early hits included “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” and he soon became a global phenomenon. Throughout his career, Elvis sold over 600 million records worldwide and had 18 number one hits in the United States.
In addition to his musical career, Elvis was also a successful actor. He appeared in over 30 films, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Viva Las Vegas,” and “Blue Hawaii.” While his acting skills were often criticized, his films were immensely popular and helped cement his status as a cultural icon.
Elvis’s personal life was also the subject of much media attention. He married Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967, and they had one child together, Lisa Marie. However, their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1973. Elvis struggled with drug addiction throughout his life and passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42.
Despite his untimely death, Elvis’s legacy continues to live on. He remains a beloved and influential figure in the music industry, and his impact on popular culture cannot be overstated.
15 Best Elvis Presley Movies worth watching
Elvis Presley was not only the king of rock and roll, but he was also a successful actor who appeared in over 30 films throughout his career. His films were a mixture of musicals, comedies, and dramas, all of which showcased his dynamic personality, charm, and of course, his iconic voice. In this article, we will highlight the 15 best Elvis Presley movies.
1. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Date released: October 17, 1957
Director: Richard Thorpe
Starring: Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler, Mickey Shaughnessy
Summary: “Jailhouse Rock” is a musical drama film that tells the story of Vince Everett (played by Elvis Presley), a young man who is sent to prison for manslaughter. While in jail, Vince meets a former country singer named Hunk Houghton (played by Mickey Shaughnessy), who helps him develop his singing and guitar-playing skills. After Vince is released from prison, he becomes a successful rock and roll singer and begins a romance with a music promoter’s assistant named Peggy Van Alden (played by Judy Tyler).
The film features some of Elvis’s most iconic songs, including the title track “Jailhouse Rock” and “Treat Me Nice.” It also features several energetic dance sequences that showcase Elvis’s dynamic performance style. “Jailhouse Rock” was a box office success and is considered one of Elvis’s most beloved films. It remains a classic example of the musical drama genre and a testament to Elvis’s enduring popularity.
2. Viva Las Vegas (1964)
Date released: May 20, 1964
Director: George Sidney
Starring: Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Cesare Danova
Summary: “Viva Las Vegas” is a musical romantic comedy film that follows the story of Lucky Jackson (played by Elvis Presley), a race car driver who travels to Las Vegas to compete in the city’s annual Grand Prix race. While in Las Vegas, Lucky meets Rusty Martin (played by Ann-Margret), a beautiful dancer who works at one of the city’s casinos. The two quickly fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Rusty’s father (played by William Demarest) is Lucky’s main competition in the race.
The film features several musical numbers, including the iconic title track “Viva Las Vegas” and “The Lady Loves Me,” a duet performed by Elvis and Ann-Margret. The film also showcases Elvis’s signature dance moves and features several thrilling race car sequences.
“Viva Las Vegas” was a box office success and helped solidify Elvis’s status as a cultural icon. The film’s vibrant energy and playful romance have made it a favorite among Elvis fans and moviegoers alike.
3. King Creole (1958)
Date released: July 2, 1958
Director: Michael Curtiz
Starring: Elvis Presley, Carolyn Jones, Walter Matthau
Summary: “King Creole” is a musical drama film that tells the story of Danny Fisher (played by Elvis Presley), a young man who lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Danny dreams of becoming a professional singer, but he is forced to drop out of school and take a job as a nightclub performer to support his family. Along the way, Danny becomes involved with a dangerous gangster named Maxie Fields (played by Walter Matthau) and falls in love with Maxie’s girlfriend, Ronnie (played by Carolyn Jones).
The film features several musical numbers, including “Hard Headed Woman” and “Don’t Ask Me Why,” and showcases Elvis’s powerful singing voice and magnetic stage presence. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Carolyn Jones as the conflicted Ronnie.
“King Creole” was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as one of Elvis’s best films. Its gritty portrayal of life in New Orleans and its complex characters helped elevate it beyond a typical musical and solidified Elvis’s reputation as a serious actor.
4. Blue Hawaii (1961)
Date released: November 22, 1961
Director: Norman Taurog
Starring: Elvis Presley, Joan Blackman, Angela Lansbury
Summary: “Blue Hawaii” is a musical romantic comedy film that follows the story of Chadwick “Chad” Gates (played by Elvis Presley), a soldier who returns home to Hawaii after serving in the Army. Chad decides to become a tour guide, much to the disappointment of his wealthy parents, who want him to take over their successful pineapple business. Along the way, Chad falls in love with a young woman named Maile Duval (played by Joan Blackman) and must navigate the challenges of their class differences.
The film features several musical numbers, including “Blue Hawaii” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which became one of Elvis’s most popular songs. The film also showcases the beauty of Hawaii and Elvis’s charming on-screen presence.
“Blue Hawaii” was a box office success and remains a fan favorite among Elvis’s films. Its light-hearted tone and catchy music helped make it one of Elvis’s most successful movies and established him as a bankable Hollywood star.
5. Love Me Tender (1956)
Date released: November 21, 1956
Director: Robert D. Webb
Starring: Elvis Presley, Richard Egan, Debra Paget
Summary: “Love Me Tender” is a western film that marks Elvis Presley’s big-screen debut. The film tells the story of the Reno brothers, a group of Confederate soldiers who return home after the end of the Civil War. The brothers are eager to start their lives anew, but they find that their family farm has been taken over by a Yankee family. As tensions rise between the two families, the youngest Reno brother, Clint (played by Elvis Presley), falls in love with the Yankee daughter, Cathy (played by Debra Paget).
The film features several musical numbers, including the title track “Love Me Tender,” which became a hit for Elvis. The film also showcases Elvis’s acting skills and his natural on-screen charisma.
“Love Me Tender” was a box office success and helped establish Elvis as a viable movie star. While the film is not a typical musical, its inclusion of Elvis’s singing helped make it a hit with his fans. Today, “Love Me Tender” remains a beloved classic and a testament to Elvis’s lasting legacy.
6. GI Blues (1960)
Date released: August 23, 1960
Director: Norman Taurog
Starring: Elvis Presley, Juliet Prowse, Robert Ivers
Summary: “GI Blues” is a musical comedy film that follows the story of Tulsa McLean (played by Elvis Presley), a soldier who is stationed in West Germany. Tulsa and his friends make a bet that he can seduce a nightclub dancer named Lili (played by Juliet Prowse) within a week. However, Tulsa soon falls in love with Lili and must navigate the challenges of their budding romance.
The film features several musical numbers, including “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Wooden Heart,” and showcases Elvis’s playful on-screen presence. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Juliet Prowse as Lili.
“GI Blues” was a box office success and helped solidify Elvis’s status as a bankable Hollywood star. The film’s playful humor and catchy music made it a hit with audiences, and it remains a beloved classic among Elvis’s films.
7. Follow That Dream (1962)
Date released: April 11, 1962
Director: Gordon Douglas
Starring: Elvis Presley, Arthur O’Connell, Joanna Moore
Summary: “Follow That Dream” is a comedy-drama film that follows the story of the Kwimpers, a family of squatters who take over a stretch of Florida beach. The family is led by Pop Kwimper (played by Arthur O’Connell) and his son Toby (played by Elvis Presley). Along the way, the family becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures involving the law, romance, and money.
The film features several musical numbers, including “What a Wonderful Life” and “Angel” and showcases Elvis’s natural charm and charisma. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Arthur O’Connell as Pop Kwimper.
“Follow That Dream” was a modest box office success and is regarded as one of Elvis’s most charming and light-hearted films. The film’s quirky humor and quirky characters have made it a favorite among Elvis fans, and it remains a beloved classic of the comedy-drama genre.
8. Flaming Star (1960)
Flaming Star (1960)
Date released: December 20, 1960
Director: Don Siegel
Starring: Elvis Presley, Barbara Eden, Steve Forrest
Summary: “Flaming Star” is a western drama film that tells the story of Pacer Burton (played by Elvis Presley), a half-white, half-Kiowa youth who struggles to find his place in a town torn apart by racial tensions. When the Kiowa tribe goes on the warpath, Pacer must choose between his loyalty to his family and his loyalty to his white friends.
The film features a strong dramatic performance from Elvis, who eschews his usual singing and dancing in favor of a more serious acting role. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Steve Forrest as Pacer’s conflicted brother.
“Flaming Star” was not a box office success upon its initial release but has since gained a cult following among Elvis fans and moviegoers. The film’s exploration of racial tensions and its focus on character development make it a standout in Elvis’s filmography and a testament to his acting abilities.
9. Kid Galahad (1962)
Date released: August 29, 1962
Director: Phil Karlson
Starring: Elvis Presley, Gig Young, Lola Albright
Summary: “Kid Galahad” is a boxing drama film that follows the story of Walter Gulick (played by Elvis Presley), a young man who becomes a professional boxer under the tutelage of an aging trainer named Willy Grogan (played by Gig Young). Along the way, Walter falls in love with Willy’s sister, Rose (played by Lola Albright), and becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving the local mob boss.
The film features several musical numbers, including “King of the Whole Wide World” and “This is Living,” but is primarily focused on the boxing storyline. Elvis gives a strong dramatic performance as the determined and loyal Walter, and the film features strong supporting performances from Gig Young and Lola Albright.
“Kid Galahad” was a moderate success at the box office and is regarded as one of Elvis’s most underrated films. Its gritty portrayal of the boxing world and its focus on character development make it a standout in Elvis’s filmography and a testament to his versatility as an actor.
10. Change of Habit (1969)
Date released: November 10, 1969
Director: William A. Graham
Starring: Elvis Presley, Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara McNair
Summary: “Change of Habit” is a drama film that tells the story of three nuns who leave their convent and begin working in a low-income area of inner-city Chicago. One of the nuns, Sister Michelle (played by Mary Tyler Moore), falls in love with a doctor named John Carpenter (played by Elvis Presley), but their relationship is complicated by the fact that John is skeptical of organized religion.
The film features several musical numbers, including “Rubberneckin'” and “Let’s Be Friends,” and showcases Elvis’s charismatic stage presence. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Mary Tyler Moore as Sister Michelle.
“Change of Habit” was not a box office success and marked Elvis’s final film role before his death in 1977. While the film is not typically regarded as one of Elvis’s best, its exploration of themes such as faith and social justice make it a unique entry in his filmography.
11. Charro! (1969)
Date released: August 13, 1969
Director: Charles Marquis Warren
Starring: Elvis Presley, Ina Balin, Victor French
Summary: “Charro!” is a western film that marks a departure from Elvis’s typical musical films. Elvis plays Jess Wade, a former outlaw who has gone straight and now works as a ranch hand. When a group of bandits steal a cannon from a Mexican town, they frame Jess for the theft, and he must clear his name and stop the bandits from causing further harm.
The film features a strong dramatic performance from Elvis, who portrays a more serious and mature character than his previous film roles. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Ina Balin as Jess’s former flame.
“Charro!” was not a box office success, but it is regarded as one of Elvis’s most underrated films. Its gritty portrayal of the western genre and its focus on character development make it a standout in Elvis’s filmography and a testament to his acting abilities.
12. Roustabout (1964)
Date released: November 11, 1964
Director: John Rich
Starring: Elvis Presley, Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Freeman
Summary: “Roustabout” is a musical drama film that follows the story of Charlie Rogers (played by Elvis Presley), a drifter who joins a traveling carnival as a roustabout. Along the way, Charlie becomes involved in a romantic relationship with Cathy Lean (played by Joan Freeman) and must navigate the challenges of their tumultuous love affair.
The film features several musical numbers, including “Roustabout” and “Little Egypt,” and showcases Elvis’s dynamic stage presence. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Barbara Stanwyck as the tough carnival owner.
“Roustabout” was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite among Elvis’s films. Its colorful portrayal of carnival life and Elvis’s energetic musical performances helped make it a hit with audiences, and it remains a beloved classic of the musical drama genre.
13. It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963)
Date released: April 3, 1963
Director: Norman Taurog
Starring: Elvis Presley, Joan O’Brien, Gary Lockwood
Summary: “It Happened at the World’s Fair” is a musical romantic comedy film that tells the story of Mike Edwards (played by Elvis Presley), a cropduster pilot who travels to Seattle for the 1962 World’s Fair. Along the way, Mike meets and falls in love with a nurse named Diane Warren (played by Joan O’Brien), but their romance is complicated by Diane’s desire to move to England for work.
The film features several musical numbers, including “One Broken Heart for Sale” and “Beyond the Bend,” and showcases Elvis’s natural charm and charisma. The film also features strong supporting performances from Gary Lockwood as Mike’s friend and fellow pilot, and Yvonne Craig as a young girl in need of medical care.
“It Happened at the World’s Fair” was a modest success at the box office and remains a fan favorite among Elvis’s films. Its lighthearted tone and playful romance have made it a beloved classic of the musical comedy genre.
14. Fun in Acapulco (1963)
Date released: November 22, 1963
Director: Richard Thorpe
Starring: Elvis Presley, Ursula Andress, Elsa Cardenas
Summary: “Fun in Acapulco” is a musical comedy film that follows the story of Mike Windgren (played by Elvis Presley), a former trapeze artist who moves to Acapulco, Mexico to work as a lifeguard and singer. Along the way, Mike falls in love with a beautiful hotel owner named Marguerita Dauphin (played by Ursula Andress) and must overcome his fear of heights to perform a daring trapeze act.
The film features several musical numbers, including “Bossa Nova Baby” and “Guadalajara,” and showcases Elvis’s natural charm and charisma. The film also features strong supporting performances from Ursula Andress as the independent and alluring Marguerita, and Elsa Cardenas as a sympathetic and supportive friend.
“Fun in Acapulco” was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite among Elvis’s films. Its playful tone, tropical setting, and energetic musical performances have made it a beloved classic of the musical comedy genre.
15. Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)
Date released: November 21, 1962
Director: Norman Taurog
Starring: Elvis Presley, Stella Stevens, Laurel Goodwin
Summary: “Girls! Girls! Girls!” is a musical comedy film that follows the story of Ross Carpenter (played by Elvis Presley), a struggling fisherman and part-time nightclub singer who falls in love with two women: Laurel Dodge (played by Laurel Goodwin), a nice girl who works at a local coffee shop, and Robin Gantner (played by Stella Stevens), a glamorous movie star who is filming a movie on the island.
The film features several musical numbers, including “Return to Sender” and “Song of the Shrimp,” and showcases Elvis’s natural charisma and charm. The film also features strong performances from the supporting cast, particularly Stella Stevens as the sassy and confident Robin.
“Girls! Girls! Girls!” was a commercial success and remains a fan favorite among Elvis’s films. Its playful tone, tropical setting, and energetic musical performances have made it a beloved classic of the musical comedy genre.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s movies are a testament to his versatility and talent as both a musician and an actor. From musicals to westerns and romantic comedies, Elvis showcased his range and charisma in a variety of genres throughout his film career. His films continue to captivate audiences and serve as a beloved part of his legacy, demonstrating the enduring popularity and lasting impact of the “King of Rock and Roll.” Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his movies, watching Elvis on the big screen is a timeless and unforgettable experience.
FAQS
Some of the best Elvis Presley movies include “Jailhouse Rock,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “King Creole,” “Blue Hawaii,” “Love Me Tender,” and “Flaming Star,” among others.
Yes, Elvis Presley’s movies are definitely worth watching, especially if you are a fan of his music and performances. His movies feature his signature style and charisma, and they are a great way to experience the charm and talent of the “King of Rock and Roll.”
Elvis Presley’s movies are popular because they showcase his talent as a musician and an actor, and they offer a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of the time in which they were made. They also feature memorable songs and musical performances, making them a beloved part of his legacy.
Most of Elvis Presley’s movies are musical comedies or romantic comedies, but he also starred in westerns and dramas.
Elvis Presley’s movies can be found on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix, or purchased on DVD or Blu-ray.
Throughout his career, James has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including major sports networks and media outlets. He has written for television shows, news programs, and online platforms, and has a talent for crafting engaging stories that resonate with viewers.
In addition to his work in media and sports, James is also a skilled writer when it comes to pop culture and entertainment. He has written about movies, music, and celebrities, and has a keen eye for spotting emerging trends and cultural shifts.
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