Drop Dead Gorgeous Poster

Drop Dead Gorgeous 1999

★ 6.4424 votes98 min📅 1999-07-16

"The battle between the good and the bad is about to get ugly."

In the quirky town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, the high-stakes annual beauty pageant becomes a battleground when former winner Gladys Leeman will stop at nothing to ensure her daughter repeats her crown-winning glory.

Director: Michael Patrick Jann

Cast

Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst
Amber Atkins
Ellen Barkin
Ellen Barkin
Annette Atkins
Denise Richards
Denise Richards
Rebecca Ann 'Becky' Leeman
Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley
Gladys Leeman
Allison Janney
Allison Janney
Loretta
Sam McMurray
Sam McMurray
Lester Leeman
Mindy Sterling
Mindy Sterling
Iris Clark
Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy
Lisa Swenson
Amy Adams
Amy Adams
Leslie Miller
Laurie A. Sinclair
Michelle Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) about?

Set in a small Minnesota town, this dark comedy follows the cutthroat annual beauty pageant where rival contestants and their ambitious mothers stop at nothing to win. What starts as a sweet competition spirals into sabotage, explosions, and chaos, all captured on camera by a clueless TV crew.

Who directed Drop Dead Gorgeous?

Michael Patrick Jann directed this cult classic comedy, known for his knack for blending satire with relatable small-town drama.

Who stars in Drop Dead Gorgeous?

The film stars Kirsten Dunst as the determined Amber Atkins, alongside Ellen Barkin, Kirstie Alley, Allison Janney, and Denise Richards in a standout ensemble.

Is Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) worth watching?

For fans of sharp, dark comedies with unforgettable characters and quotable dialogue, *Drop Dead Gorgeous* is a hidden gem. Its mix of humor and satire makes it a rewatchable favorite, even decades later.

How long is Drop Dead Gorgeous?

The runtime is 98 minutes, making it a perfect pick for a fun, lighthearted movie night.

🎥 Trailer

About Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) — A Darkly Hilarious Beauty Pageant Battle Royale

In the quirky town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, the high-stakes annual beauty pageant becomes a battleground when former winner Gladys Leeman will stop at nothing to ensure her daughter repeats her crown-winning glory. Directed by Michael Patrick Jann, *Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)* blends dark humor with small-town charm as a TV crew documents the chaos unfolding behind the scenes. Led by Kirsten Dunst as the determined but sweet Amber Atkins, the film showcases a cast of eccentric characters whose ruthless ambition clashes with genuine heart.

With explosions, falling lights, and trailer fires adding to the mayhem, the comedy escalates into a satirical take on vanity, competition, and the lengths people go to for fame. Ellen Barkin and Kirstie Alley deliver standout performances as the overbearing mothers fueling the rivalry, while Allison Janney and Denise Richards bring their own brand of wit and mischief. The film's offbeat tone and sharp dialogue make it a cult classic for fans of irreverent, feel-good comedies.