17 Best Dolly Parton Movies [New Research]
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Dolly Parton Movies: As well as being a world-renowned country singer-songwriter, few great Dolly Parton movies were made back in the day.
In this article, we’re going to be checking out all Dolly Parton’s movies – we’ll give you a synopsis of each.
Her girl next door charm over the years has been pretty captivating.
The nine-time Grammy award winner always manages to shine in front of the camera for her adoring fans!
Think about it…
What better way to appreciate a veteran actress than to see her in action in film?
Take your seat people, it’s time to be entertained!
Let’s take your inspiration on a ride.
Buckle up, here’s our Bounce Mojo list of Movies Starring Dolly Rebecca Parton….
[Feel free to share this movie list using the social buttons above if you know anyone else who a Dolly Parton fan].
Let’s get started…
Related:
1. “9 TO 5” (1980)
Directed by: Colin Higgins
Produced by: Bruce Gilbert
Starring: Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dabney Coleman, Elizabeth Wilson, and Sterling Hayden
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release date: December 19, 1980
Running time: 110 minutes
“Well, I say hire a couple’ a wranglers to go upstairs and beat the shit out of him.” -Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton, 9 to 5)
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies01-1.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Parton’s very first movie received astounding praise from critics!
The plot revolves around the life of three good friends – tired of their boss and his atrocious demands, these working women abduct him.
This film’s title song was a hit record for Parton.
The actors of this movie, particularly the main cast, remained great friends behind the scenes – they were rumored to all be starring in the movie’s sequel – but we think that’s been canned, sadly. Many fans were pleased with the storyline, especially women who relate to the ongoing issues of sexist behavior at work – they rated the movie an overall hit!
2. “THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS” (1982)
Directed by: Colin Higgins
Produced by: Thomas L. Miller, Edward K. Milkis, and Robert L. Boyett
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Dolly Parton, Dom DeLuise, Charles Durning, and Jim Nabors
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date: July 23, 1982
Running time: 114 minutes
“They want me to close her down, run her out of town. How can I ask her to leave when all I want her to do is stay?” – Sheriff Dodd
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies02.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Here, Parton plays a typical Texas Brothel Madam named Mona Stangley.
She develops a good relationship around town thanks to her previous romance with the local sheriff.
The madam’s life is later turned upside down as a snooping reporter reveals the unseemly arrangement.
The film’s soundtrack inspired Dolly to create the two-time No. 1 hit “I Will Always Love You.”
You’ll love this awfully romantic and intimately thrilling comedic musical.
The plot alone sounds fun, right?
3. “RHINESTONE” (1984)
Directed by: Bob Clark
Produced by: Howard Smith, Bill Blake, Sandy Gallin, and Richard Spitalny
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Dolly Parton, Richard Farnsworth, and Ron Leibman
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release date: June 21, 1984 (United States)
Running time: 111 minutes
“Can she turn the New York cabbie into an overnight sensation?”
Yep, that’s the gist of it…
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies03.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>This flick also resulted in two Top 10 singles, “God Won’t Get You” and “Tennessee Homesick Blues.”
4. “STEEL MAGNOLIAS” (1989)
Directed by: Herbert Ross
Produced by: Ray Stark, Andrew Stone, and Victoria White
Starring: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, Kevin J. O’Connor, and Sam Shepard.
Distributed by: TriStar Pictures
Release date: November 15, 1989
Running time: 117 minutes
“The nicest thing I can say about her is all her tattoos are spelled correctly.” -Truvy
Saaasssyy!
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies04.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Steel Magnolias is filled with love, friendship, and one heck of a plot.
This comedy-drama film is about the bond between a group of women and how they cope with the death of one of their own in a small-town Southern community.
This dewy-eyed ride is based on a true story of Harling’s sister losing her life to diabetes complications.
This movie was a breakthrough for Julia Roberts…
…and became one of the highest-grossing films in 1989.
It’s funny and romantic with a little touch of sadness. The power of female friendship in all its glory gave the audience an emotional ride of their life.
As the beauty-shop owner, Parton is sassy sweet and we’re loving it!
5. “STRAIGHT TALK” (1992)
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies05.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Directed by: Barnet Kellman
Produced by: Carol Baum, Fred Berner, Robert Chartoff, and Howard Rosenman
Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
Release date: April 3, 1992 (United States)
Running time:91 minutes
“Get down off the cross, honey. Somebody needs the wood.” – Dr. S. Kenyon
In the role played by Dolly Parton, she accidentally becomes an On-air Radio Psychologist in this comedy film.
It’s filled with excellent country one-liners and little gems of witty wisdom.
She’s known as Dr. Shirlee – pretty soon after she settles down in Chicago,
After her show takes off, a local television reporter digs into Shirlee’s past.
He discovers that she’s lying about her true identity. To uncover the story, he dates the doctor. The story progresses as a romance between two supposed enemies.
This soapy comedic drama is too charming to miss!
We’re down to number 6.
By now you’ll have realized how remarkable this lady is, right?
Moving on…
6. “A SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS” (1986)
Directed by: Henry Winkler
Producer: Sandy Gallin, Robert Lovenheim, and Carol Baum
Starring: Dolly Parton and Lee Majors
Production company: Sandollar Productions
Release Date: December 14, 1986
Running time: 94 minutes
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies06.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>A fantasy film first aired in 1986 on ABC.
In this film, a depressed country and western singer goes on a trip to the Tennessee mountains and comes across a rundown home with 7 orphans who are hiding from the orphanage downtown.
The children refuse to be taken away and the singer decides she wants to be hidden too.
With both having secrets of their own, she soon befriends and cares for the group of young kids.
The story ends with her finding her roots once again and relearning the meaning of Christmas.
7. “FRANK McKLUSKY, C.I.” (2002)
Directed by: Arlene Sanford
Produced by: Robert Simonds
Starring: Dave Sheridan, Randy Quaid, and Dolly Parton
Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
Release date: April 26, 2002
Running time: 90 minutes
Will Frank solve the case?
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies07.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Frank McKlusky, played by Dave Sheridan, is a timid insurance claims investigator.
Frank – with a tragic past – gives this movie a thrill of uncertainty and surprises.
After being traumatized by the dreadful sight of his father’s motorcycle stunt, Frank became an exceedingly anxious, safety-conscious individual afraid of taking the smallest of risks.
Hence the poster portraying his awkward character.
However, when Frank’s partner gets killed, he’s then forced to get out of his comfort zone and crack the case. As he teamed up with a rookie and went undercover, he ended up stumbling over a huge conspiracy.
Co-starred by Dave Sheridan, Dolly played Frank’s Mother.
However, this film was panned by critics. They criticized the humor and performance of Sheridan which was seen as being “a derivative of Jim Carrey.”
8. “WILD TEXAS WIND” (1991)
Directed by: Joan Tewkesbury
Produced by: Richard L. O’Connor, Fred Berner, Robert Chartoff, and Howard Rosenman
Starring: Dolly Parton, Gary Busey, Ray Benson, Dennis Letts, and Willie Nelson
Release date: September 23, 1991
“What’cha doin’ out here?”
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies08-2.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Dolly’s character finds herself a suspect as she moves in with her band’s new manager who is found murdered.
The band’s climb to success turned into a crime popping mystery for Justice to be served.
The film features original music from Parton and Ray Benson. No soundtrack was ever released.
Wild Texas Wind received a positive review from Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly, who praised the cast’s performances and called the film “pleasingly unexpected.”
9. “THE BLUE VALLEY SONGBIRD” (1999)
Directed by: Richard A. Colla
Produced by: Dolly Parton and Freyda Rothstein, and Art Levinson
Starring: Dolly Parton, John Terry, Billy Dean, Randall Franks, and Sam Bush
Release Date: November 1, 1999
Running time: 92 minutes
A made-for-TV film that every country music die-hard will die for. Haha.
You can say that again!
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies09.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>In this movie, a Singer (played by Dolly) strives for greatness.
However, an overbearing boyfriend and traumatic childhood jeopardize everything.
The twists and turns in this movie keep viewers on edge and as the character hops into life-changing decisions, the audience is brought with her.
Truly, this late 90’s film is a great find.
It’s a constant battle of facing her past so she can move forward in her career.
10. “A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS STORY” (2013)
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies10.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Directed by: Eric Bross
Produced by: Steven Peros and Anna Filameno
Release Date: November 9, 2013
Running Time: 90 mins
The story of a little girl dreaming to become a country superstar from a small Appalachian town.
However, this would mean going against her mother’s wishes…
… which is to stay away from the music world and focus on A+ education instead.
Just days before Christmas, she decided to follow her passion for music by going to Dollywood and participating in the competition hosted by Dolly Parton.
This film is a perfect addition to your fave Christmas Movies. It’s a classic!
An online movie review by Quinn mentioned that “A Country Christmas Story has its heart in the right place and surprisingly comes off as sweet without being too cloying.”
11. “JOYFUL NOISE” (2012)
Directed by: Todd Graff
Produced by: Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Michael Nathanson, Joseph Farrell, and Catherine Paura
Starring: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Courtney B. Vance, Jeremy Jordan, and Kris Kristofferson.
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Release date: January 13, 2012
Running time: 118 minutes
Dream a whole lot louder.
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies11.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>The film made a big impression with the eye-catching looks of the stunning cast and their abundant musical talents. It was also noted that Parton contributed two new songs to the super lively soundtrack.
It is largely dominated by covers of well-known tunes.
But you know what else is on this list?
12. “CHRISTMAS OF MANY COLORS: CIRCLE OF LOVE” (2016)
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies12.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Directed by: Stephen Herek
Produced by: Pamela K. Long, Sam Haskell, and Dolly Parton
Starring: Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Gerald McRaney, and Dolly Parton
Release Date: November 30, 2016
Running time: 120 minutes
Still a made-for-TV film, this movie is based on a true story – in difficult circumstances, Dolly’s father attempts to raise enough money to buy his wife a wedding ring.
But an unexpected Christmas Blizzard poses a threat to the entire family.
This film is a beautiful testimony of faith and trust in God and proved very inspiring amongst Dolly’s fans.
Many of the elements used in the movie were sought after by the audience.
To name a few: the audience is in for an epic showcase of sacrifice, conviction, and devotion.
This honest life story allowed people to share in Dolly’s personal experiences, building empathy amongst her fan base.
Now her fans appreciate and love her even more than before.
Make it one of your list of great family movies.
13. “THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS” (1982)
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies13.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Directed by: Stephen Herek
Starring: Alyvia Alyn Lind, Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McRaney
Produced by: Pamela K. Long, Sam Haskell, Dolly Parton
Release Date: December 10, 2015
Running time: 120 mins.
Another sensational true to life story from Dolly Parton – made in film.
You’re gonna need tissues for this tear-jerker masterpiece.
It showcases how 9-year old Parton found the healing power of love and hope while overcoming a big tragedy.
Dolly lost her baby brother prematurely. Her mother then stitches his baby blankets together into a coat for her as a keepsake.
Sadly, this attracted bullying at school.
Young Parton, played by Alyvia Alyn Lind, leans on her family and music to cope.
She aspires to help her family overcome hardship.
Viewers commented that they found the movie very humbling and spiritual.
14. “UNLIKELY ANGEL” (1996)
Directed by: Michael Switzer
Produced by: Peter Locke, Donald Kushner, and Jonathan Bernstein
Starring: Dolly Parton, Brian Kerwin, Maria Del Mar, Allison Mack, Gary Sandy, and Roddy McDowall
Release Date: December 17, 1996
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies14.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Want to enter heaven? First, do a good deed.
Another movie that’ll delight fans who love a family-friendly Christmas film.
The story goes like this…
A self-centered star’s untimely death granted her an audience with St. Peter.
With references to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Unlikely Angel gives the Queen of Country a chance to get her wings back— as long as she’s willing to help out a widowed father and his family.
According to one viewer, this movie hits home to those who’ve been dealt a blow emotionally with the loss of a loved one.
It shows you what’s important in life — Family, Love, and Friendship.
A brilliant stroke of genius, I’d say.
Don’t you agree?
We’re not through yet…
… still a few more to go.
(Additional Entry to the list: cameos and voice-overs)
15. “GNOMEO AND JULIET” (2011)
Directed by: Kelly Asbury
Produced by: Baker Bloodworth, Steve Hamilton Shaw, and David Furnish
Release date: January 23, 2011 (El Capitan Theatre) and February 11, 2011 (United States and United Kingdom)
Running time: 84 minutes
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies15.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Parton also participated in a British-American 3D Computer Animated Film called Gnomeo and Juliet. She’s the voice actor of Dolly Gnome. This film is loosely based on the popular Shakesphere masterpiece.
16. “THE YEAR DOLLY PARTON WAS MY MOM” (2011)
Directed by: Tara Johns
Produced by: Barbara Shrier
Release date: March 4, 2011 (Canada)
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies16-1.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Elizabeth is an average 11-year-old until she finds out her entire life is a lie.
Elizabeth then embarks on a quest to find her true mom who she’s convinced is Dolly Parton.
This film is an eye-opener that many people will relate to.
The real moral of the story is that family is not only blood. Family is those who love and accept you for who you are.
Dolly only participated in this movie as a Voice Cameo but she plays the uncertainty the audience and Elizabeth are trying to figure out.
17. “Hollywood to Dollywood” (2012)
Directed by: John Lavin
Produced by: Gary Lane, Larry Lane, and Michael Bowen
Release date: July 9, 2011 (Philadelphia Q Fest) and August 31, 2012 (United States)
Running time: 81 minutes
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<a href="https://bouncemojo.com"><img src="https://bouncemojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Dolly-Parton-Movies17.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Parton also did a cameo in this film – where twin brothers hop on a ride to meet their idol, Dolly Rebecca Parton.
Their goal was to give her a script they made exclusively for Dolly.
They’re riding high on their dreams; this story deals with perseverance – big style.
It shows that if you’re determined — and a little lucky — you just might get what you’re looking for.
Conclusion: 17 Best Dolly Parton Movies
In a nutshell, this renowned personality is a diva in the film industry too!
Her distinctive and timeless acting has proved to be irresistible to many audiences.
Give it a go!
Check out one of Dolly’s movies today…
Trust me, you won’t regret it.
And if you enjoyed our BounceMojo take on her movies, why not check out Dolly Parton’s Net Worth, Bio, Memes, Jokes, and Quotes too?
Feel free to share these movies using the social buttons on above if you know anyone else who a Dolly Parton fan.
Enjoy!
Put The Bounce In Your Mojo Today!
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