Movies about hollywood: From classic tales to a bollywood connection
Explore films that take you behind the scenes or into the stories of the iconic Hollywood film industry. This list features a mix of eras and perspectives, including one unique connection to hindi cinema.



Hollywood has always been fascinated with itself. Movies about the movie business offer a unique look at the dream factory, from the golden age glamour of Hollywood Canteen or Hollywood Hotel to the darker underbelly shown in films like Hollywoodland or Hollywood Boulevard. You see comedies like Hollywood or Bust and satires like Robert Townsend's groundbreaking Hollywood Shuffle, which offered a critical look at race in the industry in the 80s. It's a genre that explores the ambition, the failure, the absurdity, and the enduring magic of Tinsel Town.
And while this list focuses on Hollywood itself, it includes a fascinating outlier: Bollywood/Hollywood. This film by Deepa Mehta, known for her elemental trilogy, bridges the gap between two massive film industries, offering a cross-cultural perspective that's rare to see. It highlights the global reach and interconnectedness of cinema, even when the stories are rooted in specific places like Hollywood or Mumbai. These films remind us that the stories behind the camera can be just as compelling as the ones in front of it.
12. Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers (1988)
Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, released in 1988, is a notorious piece of low-budget horror exploitation directed by Fred Olen Ray. As the title suggests, it's not exactly aiming for high art, but it has gained a cult following for its outrageous premise and over-the-top execution.
The plot involves a private detective investigating a series of disappearances linked to a cult of prostitutes who worship an ancient Egyptian chainsaw god. Yes, you read that right.
Starring exploitation film icon Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface from the original 'Texas Chain Saw Massacre') and Michelle Bauer, the film revels in its own absurdity and sleaziness. It's definitely not for everyone, but for fans of schlocky, independent horror with a sense of humor about its own ridiculousness, it's a wild ride through the seedier side of Hollywood's cinematic output.

11. Hollywood Boulevard (1976)
Hollywood Boulevard, directed by Joe Dante and Allan Arkush and produced by Roger Corman, is a 1976 exploitation film that satirizes the low-budget movie industry itself. It follows Candy Goodwin, a hopeful young actress who comes to Hollywood and gets involved with Miracle Pictures, a studio known for churning out cheap, sensational films.
The film is packed with in-jokes about Corman's New World Pictures and features cameos from veterans of the B-movie world, including Dick Miller and Paul Bartel. It's a blend of comedy, action, and exploitation tropes, reflecting the gritty, less glamorous side of the film business.
It's a fun, self-aware flick for fans of B-movies and offers a cynical, humorous take on the struggles and compromises faced by those trying to make it in the lower tiers of Hollywood. It's notable as an early work for directors who would go on to more mainstream success.

10. Hollywood on Parade (1932)
Hollywood on Parade is actually the name given to a series of short films produced by Paramount Pictures in the early 1930s. These shorts were essentially celebrity showcases, featuring movie stars, directors, and other personalities from the studio in various performances, interviews, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Each short is a brief window into the Golden Age of Hollywood, capturing the stars of the time often just being themselves or participating in light entertainment. They were popular additions to feature film programs in theaters.
While not a single movie, these shorts offer a fascinating historical document, providing rare footage and insights into the personalities and promotional efforts of the major studios during the pre-Code era. Watching them is like flipping through a living photo album of early Tinseltown.
9. Hollywood Hotel (1938)
Hollywood Hotel, released in 1937, is a musical comedy set in the glamorous world surrounding a major Hollywood hotel. The story follows a band from a small town that gets a break in the film industry and the romantic entanglements that follow.
Directed by Busby Berkeley, known for his elaborate and geometric musical choreography, the film features several impressive song-and-dance sequences. It also stars Dick Powell, Rosemary Lane, and features cameos from real-life Hollywood figures like gossip columnist Louella Parsons.
The film offers a glimpse into the perceived glitz and glamour of the studio system during the late 1930s, portraying the hopes, dreams, and romantic drama that unfolded behind the scenes. It's a charming example of the era's musical comedies, anchored by Berkeley's distinctive visual style.

8. Hollywood Party (1934)
Hollywood Party from 1934 is a pre-Code musical comedy famous for its chaotic structure and an incredible number of cameos from MGM stars of the era. It's less a cohesive narrative and more a series of surreal, often nonsensical vignettes centered around a party hosted by a fictional movie star, played by Jimmy Durante.
The film features appearances from legends like Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, The Three Stooges, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, and many others, often appearing in bizarre or unexpected scenarios. It includes elaborate musical numbers and animation sequences by Walt Disney.
It's a truly unique and somewhat bewildering artifact of early Hollywood, reflecting the experimental and star-driven nature of films before the full enforcement of the Hays Code. While plotless, it's a fascinating watch for the sheer volume of star power and its sheer oddity.

7. Hollywood or Bust (1956)
Hollywood or Bust is the final film collaboration between the iconic comedy duo Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Released in 1956, it's a classic road movie that sees the pair traveling across the country to Hollywood.
Jerry plays Malcolm Smith, a huge fan of actress Anita Ekberg, who wins a car in a raffle and decides to drive from New York to Los Angeles to meet her, bringing along his pet bird. Dean plays Steve Wiley, a gambler who discovers the car is actually his and tries to reclaim it while reluctantly joining Malcolm on his cross-country adventure.
The film is filled with the duo's signature slapstick, musical numbers, and comedic misunderstandings, culminating in their arrival in the dream factory of Hollywood. It's a bittersweet watch knowing it was their last film together, but it showcases the dynamic that made them superstars.

6. Hollywood Canteen (1944)
Hollywood Canteen is a fascinating time capsule from 1944, created as a morale booster during World War II. The Canteen was a real-life club in Hollywood where servicemen could meet and be entertained by movie stars for free.
The film features a thin plot about two soldiers on leave who visit the Canteen, serving primarily as a vehicle to showcase a dizzying array of Hollywood's biggest stars of the era making cameos, performing musical numbers, serving food, and signing autographs.
From Bette Davis and Joan Crawford serving coffee to performances by the Andrews Sisters, Jack Benny, and many more, it's an incredible collection of talent. It offers a glimpse into the patriotic efforts of the film community during the war and is a treasure trove for classic film fans wanting to see their favorite stars in an informal setting.

5. Hollywood Ending (2002)
In Hollywood Ending, Woody Allen directs and stars as Val Waxman, a once-successful film director whose career is on the skids. Desperate for a comeback, he's given a chance to direct a major film, but just as production is about to begin, he mysteriously goes blind.
Determined not to lose the opportunity, Val attempts to direct the movie while pretending he can still see, leading to a series of chaotic and comical situations. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Téa Leoni as his ex-wife and producer, and George Hamilton.
It's a classic Woody Allen premise, exploring themes of art, ego, and deception within the often absurd world of filmmaking. While the premise is far-fetched, the film offers laughs and insights into the pressures and peculiarities of the Hollywood machine through Allen's signature blend of neuroses and wit.

4. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)
Hollywood Shuffle is a groundbreaking satirical comedy from 1987, written, directed by, and starring Robert Townsend. Made on a shoestring budget (partially funded by Townsend's credit cards!), it's a raw and hilarious look at the struggles of Black actors trying to make it in Hollywood.
Townsend plays Bobby Taylor, an aspiring actor who dreams of landing a major role but is constantly faced with stereotypical and demeaning parts. The film uses sketch comedy, dream sequences, and musical numbers to critique the limited opportunities and racial biases within the film industry.
It's a sharp, funny, and surprisingly timeless commentary that remains relevant today. The film launched Townsend's career and is considered a significant independent film for its fearless social commentary delivered with wit and heart.

3. Hollywoodland (2006)
Hollywoodland delves into one of Hollywood's enduring mysteries: the death of George Reeves, the actor who famously played Superman in the 1950s television series. Was it suicide, or something more sinister?
The film stars Ben Affleck in a critically acclaimed performance as Reeves, alongside Adrien Brody as a fictional private detective investigating the case years later. Diane Lane and Bob Hoskins also feature prominently, portraying figures from Reeves' complex personal life.
Director Allen Coulter crafts a moody, atmospheric noir that captures the darker underbelly of post-war Hollywood. It's less a straightforward procedural and more a character study and reflection on the price of fame and the illusions of Tinseltown. The film doesn't offer easy answers but presents a compelling look at a tragic figure and a fascinating era.

2. Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Hollywood Homicide brings together the unlikely pairing of Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett as veteran and rookie LAPD detectives in Tinseltown. This buddy cop action-comedy is set against the backdrop of the Los Angeles music industry.
Ford plays Joe Gavilan, who moonlights as a real estate agent, while Hartnett is K.C. Calden, an aspiring actor and yoga instructor. Their contrasting personalities lead to plenty of comedic friction amidst the car chases and shootouts.
Directed by Ron Shelton, known for sports films like 'Bull Durham' and 'Tin Cup', he brings a similar focus on character dynamics to this genre piece. While perhaps not a classic, the film offers solid entertainment thanks to its charismatic leads and the quirky portrayal of Hollywood life outside the studio lots.

1. Bollywood/Hollywood (2002)
Bollywood/Hollywood offers a delightful cross-cultural romantic comedy experience! Directed by Deepa Mehta, known for her powerful elemental trilogy ('Fire', 'Earth', 'Water'), this film is a lighter, funnier turn.
It tells the story of a young Indo-Canadian man who hires a seemingly traditional Indian woman to pose as his fiancée for a family wedding, only for genuine sparks to fly. It cleverly plays on cultural expectations and modern realities.
Starring Rahul Khanna and Lisa Ray, the movie beautifully blends Bollywood song-and-dance numbers with classic Hollywood rom-com tropes. It's a charming exploration of identity, family duty, and finding love in unexpected places, offering a unique bridge between two cinematic worlds. A must-watch if you enjoy feel-good stories with a cultural twist!
