Of all the films in Kirsten Dunst’s teen movie oeuvre,Drop Dead Gorgeousis probably the most beloved, so why is it almost impossible to find in the streaming world? Released in 1999,the star-studdedDrop Dead Gorgeousis a pitch-black mockumentary satire film set in the world of teen beauty pageants, and looks at the lethal lengths the young contestants will go to to win the crown. At the center of it all is fresh-faced scholarship hopeful Amber Atkins (Dunst) whose trailer park upbringing couldn’t be more different than her biggest competitor, the wealthy Becky Leeman (Denise Richards).
Like many ’90s teen comedies,Drop Dead Gorgeouswas dismissed by critics as derivative of classics likeHeathers, and overly silly. It earned a paltry 47% onRotten Tomatoes, and moviegoing audiences weren’t much kinder.Drop Dead Gorgeousdidn’t even earn back its $15 million budget, netting a worldwide box office gross of only $10.5 million. However,Drop Dead Gorgeouswould go on to become a cult hit with newer audiences, who celebrated the film’s campiness and originality. But those looking to streamDrop Dead Gorgeousonline may be sorely disappointed.
WhenDrop Dead Gorgeousfirst came out on video, it could easily be rented at Blockbuster or a local video rental store. But those days are gone, replaced by the ever-murky world of online streaming, and as a result,Drop Dead Gorgeousis not currently available to stream anywhere in North America.Drop Dead Gorgeouswas distributed by New Line Cinema, which has been owned by Warner Bros. Discovery since 2008, and has made distribution rights and licensing very complicated, which is why the movie’s online accessibility has been so limited.
In July 2019,Drop Dead Gorgeousfans rejoiced when the movie arrived on Hulu, just in time for its 20th anniversary. However, it’s no longer available on the streaming platform.Drop Dead Gorgeousalso popped up on LGBTQ+ streaming platform Revry earlier in 2024. Revry describes itself as “the LGBTQ+ community’s go-to streaming platform, is your destination for a diverse array of queer movies, TV shows, music, and beyond – all available for free!” Sadly,Drop Dead Gorgeousno longer appears to be on the free streaming service.
It’s a shame, because Revry really is the perfect platform for the 1999 film. Women and the LGBTQ+ community are largely whyDrop Dead Gorgeoushas achieved cult status. Even though there are many waysDrop Dead Gorgeoushasn’t aged well, it ultimately tells a feminist story about young women chasing their dreams — as opposed to boys, which is what so many ofDrop Dead Gorgeous' contemporaries are about.
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Though it doesn’t have any definitively queer main characters,Drop Dead Goregousis a celebration of outsiders, all with campy flash and humor, and is iconic in the gay community. Those looking for something similar would do well to check out the original content in Revry’s library while crossing their fingers thatDrop Dead Gorgeouscomes back (though there are no guarantees).
Where To Watch Other 1999 Teen Movies
Most Aren’t Available To Stream But Can Be Rent Or Purchased On Amazon
1999 was a banner year for teen films, and audiences looking to watch movies likeDrop Dead Gorgeouswill have a lot easier time finding them online. Sadly, like withDrop Dead Gorgeous, the distribution and licensing rights of older movies often prevent them from being available to stream, but the good news is thatmany can be rent or purchased on Amazon Prime Video.
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In 1999,Kirsten Dunst starred in several movies, includingDick, another satire, and Sofia Coppola’s feature film directorial debut,The Virgin Suicides, and both are available for rent or purchase. Those wanting the satirical elements ofDrop Dead Gorgeouscan easily accessElection,Cruel Intentions, andJawbreaker. Audiences are partial to 1999 teen rom-coms have an embarrassment of riches, includingNever Been Kissed,10 Things I Hate About You,She’s All That, andAmerican Pie.
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Cast
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a dark comedy mockumentary directed by Michael Patrick Jann. Set in the fictional town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, the film satirizes the fierce competition of small-town beauty pageants by following the contestants and their dysfunctional families. Kirsten Dunst stars as a hopeful contestant alongside Ellen Barkin and Denise Richards, showcasing a tale marked by underhanded tactics and unexpected hilarity.
