Top 10 Elvis Movies: Celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Iconic Filmography!
1. Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii
9.2
Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii is a movie that showcases the iconic singer’s concert in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was filmed on January 14, 1973, and was broadcast live via satellite to over 40 countries, making it one of the first worldwide concert broadcasts of its kind. The movie captures Elvis Presley’s electrifying performance, showcasing his incredible talent and stage presence.
Pros
- A legendary performance by Elvis Presley, showcasing his unique talent as a singer and performer
- The concert was filmed in a beautiful location in Hawaii, adding to the overall visual appeal of the movie
Cons
- The movie primarily focuses on the concert performance and may not provide a deep insight into Elvis Presley’s personal life or career
- Some viewers may find the movie too focused on Elvis Presley and his fan base, and may not appeal to those who are not fans of the singer
Conclusion: Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii is a must-watch for fans of Elvis Presley, as it captures one of his most iconic performances. The movie showcases his incredible talent and stage presence, making it a memorable experience for viewers. However, for those who are not fans of Elvis Presley, the movie may not offer much beyond the concert performance. Overall, it is a visually stunning and entertaining movie that celebrates the musical legacy of Elvis Presley.
2. Elvis: That’s the Way It Is
7.9/10
Elvis: That’s the Way It Is is a 1970 documentary and concert film showcasing the life and performances of Elvis Presley. Directed by Denis Sanders, the film documents Presley’s concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in August 1970, and offers an intimate look into one of the most iconic figures in the history of rock and roll.
Pros
- The film provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at Elvis Presley’s life and performances during the height of his career.
- The concert footage is electrifying, showcasing Presley’s incredible stage presence and talent as a performer.
Cons
- The documentary could have provided more in-depth interviews and insights into Presley’s personal life and struggles.
- Some viewers might find the film’s focus solely on Presley’s Las Vegas performances repetitive and lacking variety.
Conclusion: Elvis: That’s the Way It Is is a must-watch for any Elvis Presley fan or anyone interested in the history of rock and roll. The film captures the energy and charisma of one of the greatest performers of all time and offers a unique glimpse into his life during this pivotal moment in his career.
3. King Creole
7.0/10
King Creole is a 1958 American musical drama film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Elvis Presley. The film is based on the 1952 novel “A Stone for Danny Fisher” by Harold Robbins. Set in New Orleans, the story follows Danny Fisher, a young man torn between his love for music and his involvement with a local crime boss.
Pros
- The film showcases Elvis Presley’s acting talent and charisma, solidifying his status as a multi-talented entertainer.
- The musical numbers in the film are energetic and memorable, featuring Elvis’s iconic rock and roll style.
Cons
- The film’s plot can be predictable and falls into some common tropes of the musical drama genre.
- Some critics argue that the film could have benefited from a tighter script and stronger character development.
Conclusion: King Creole is a visually appealing and entertaining film, showcasing Elvis Presley’s talent and charm. While it may have some flaws in its plot and character development, the film is still a must-watch for fans of Elvis and classic musical dramas.
4. Blue Suede Shoes
7.8/10
Blue Suede Shoes is a musical film set in the 1950s that follows the story of a young aspiring musician named Johnny as he tries to make a name for himself in the music industry. Filled with catchy songs, lively dance numbers, and a heartwarming love story, the film captures the essence of the rock and roll era and the cultural changes happening at the time. With a talented cast, energetic performances, and a nostalgic atmosphere, Blue Suede Shoes is a must-watch for music and film lovers alike.
Pros
- The soundtrack of Blue Suede Shoes is an absolute delight, featuring iconic songs from the 1950s that will have you tapping your feet and singing along.
- The performances in the film are outstanding, with the cast perfectly capturing the spirit and energy of the rock and roll era.
Cons
- The film may feel a bit cliché at times, with some predictable plot points and character arcs.
- While the musical numbers are entertaining, they can sometimes overshadow the storytelling and character development.
Conclusion: Blue Suede Shoes is a fun and nostalgic musical film that pays homage to the rock and roll era of the 1950s. With catchy songs, lively dance numbers, and a heartwarming story, it’s a must-watch for fans of music and film history. While it may have some predictable moments and occasionally prioritize style over substance, the overall experience is enjoyable and will leave you humming along to the soundtrack. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a rockin’ good time with Blue Suede Shoes!
6. Viva Las Vegas
6.4
Viva Las Vegas is a musical film released in 1964. The movie stars Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, and it revolves around a race car driver who falls in love with a hotel swimming instructor while competing in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. It is known for its energetic musical numbers and vibrant settings, capturing the essence of the Las Vegas entertainment scene during the 1960s.
Pros
- Vibrant musical numbers and energetic performances by Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret.
- Beautifully captures the atmosphere of Las Vegas in the 1960s.
Cons
- The plot is predictable and lacks depth.
- Some of the dialogue and characterization can be corny and cliché.
Conclusion: Viva Las Vegas is an entertaining movie for fans of Elvis Presley and musical films. With its lively musical numbers and iconic performances, it provides a nostalgic glimpse into the vibrant Las Vegas entertainment scene of the 1960s. However, the film’s predictable plot and occasional corniness may not resonate with all viewers. If you enjoy classic musicals and want to experience Elvis Presley’s charm on the big screen, Viva Las Vegas is worth a watch.
7. G.I. Blues
7.2/10
G.I. Blues is a musical comedy film released in 1960. It stars Elvis Presley as Tulsa McLean, a soldier stationed in Germany who dreams of opening a nightclub after his military service. The film features a mix of comedy, romance, and music, with Elvis performing several musical numbers throughout the movie.
Pros
- The music: G.I. Blues features a fantastic soundtrack with Elvis Presley at his best. The songs are catchy and well-performed, adding to the overall enjoyment of the film.
- The chemistry between Elvis and his co-stars: Elvis has great chemistry with his leading lady, Juliet Prowse, and their scenes together are delightful to watch. The supporting cast also brings a lot of humor and charm to the film.
Cons
- The predictable plot: While G.I. Blues is an enjoyable film, the storyline is fairly formulaic and predictable. It follows a typical romantic comedy formula, which may be a drawback for some viewers looking for more originality.
- Limited character development: The characters in G.I. Blues are somewhat one-dimensional, and there isn’t much depth or exploration of their backgrounds. This can make it harder to fully connect with and invest in their stories.
Conclusion: G.I. Blues is a fun and entertaining film that showcases Elvis Presley’s talent as a singer and actor. While it may not be the most groundbreaking or original movie, it delivers on its promise of providing catchy music, comedy, and a romantic storyline. Fans of Elvis and classic musicals will likely enjoy G.I. Blues.
8. Love Me Tender
7.2/10
Love Me Tender is a 1956 American musical western film directed by Robert D. Webb and starring Richard Egan, Debra Paget, and Elvis Presley in his acting debut. The film tells the story of the Reno brothers, who return home after fighting in the Civil War, only to find their town under the control of a powerful railroad company. As tensions rise, the brothers must choose between their loyalty to their family and their responsibility to do what is right. Love Me Tender features several memorable musical performances by Elvis Presley, including the title song “Love Me Tender” and “We’re Gonna Move”.
Pros
- Elvis Presley’s acting debut
- Memorable musical performances
Cons
- Somewhat predictable plot
- Limited character development
Conclusion: Love Me Tender is a must-watch for Elvis Presley fans and serves as an important milestone in his career as an entertainer. While the plot may be predictable and the character development lacking, the film showcases Presley’s musical talent and charms viewers with its sentimental story set in the American Old West.
9. Blue Hawaii
7.2
Blue Hawaii is a 1961 American musical romantic comedy film starring Elvis Presley. The film follows the story of Chad Gates, a young man who is forced by his parents to work at the family’s Hawaiian pineapple plantation, but dreams of starting his own career as a singer. Chad’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets and falls in love with Maile Duval, a beautiful local girl. The film is known for its catchy songs, picturesque Hawaii setting, and Elvis Presley’s charismatic performance.
Pros
- Catchy songs performed by Elvis Presley
- Beautiful and picturesque Hawaii setting
Cons
- The plot can be predictable and cliché at times
- The film’s focus on Elvis Presley’s charisma may overshadow other aspects of the story
Conclusion: Blue Hawaii is a classic Elvis Presley film that showcases his musical talents and the stunning beauty of Hawaii. While it may have some predictable moments and focuses heavily on Elvis’s charisma, it remains an enjoyable romantic comedy with memorable songs. Fans of Elvis Presley and feel-good movies will likely find Blue Hawaii to be a delightful watch.
10. Girls! Girls! Girls!
5.7/10
Girls! Girls! Girls! is a 1962 American musical comedy film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Elvis Presley. The film follows the story of a struggling fisherman and part-time nightclub singer who falls in love with two women while working in Hawaii.
Pros
- Elvis Presley delivers a charismatic performance, showcasing his singing and dancing talents.
- The film features beautiful Hawaiian scenery, providing a visually stunning backdrop.
Cons
- The plot can be predictable and formulaic, following a typical love triangle storyline.
- The film’s portrayal of female characters can be shallow and stereotypical.
Conclusion: Girls! Girls! Girls! is an entertaining musical comedy that showcases Elvis Presley’s talent, but falls short in terms of storytelling and character development.