Elvis Presley’s best movies to watch at home

It’s true — Elvis Presley is back in the building. Baz Luhrmann’s cinematographic glamour has brought the King back to front of the public. With Austin Butler embodying the legendary rock star’s hip-shaking spirit, ElvisHe turns the tables and rewrites his fraught relationship to Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), who is morally apathetic manager.

While viewers are in for a rhinestoned treat of classic bangers, cowlicks, and girls throwing their bras on stage, Elvis’ film career makes up a huge part of the film’s narrative. Setting his sights on the likes of James Dean, the king of rock ’n’ roll’s ultimate dream was to become a full-fledged movie star. After being shipped off to the army in order to fix his unsavory “Elvis the Pelvis” image, the drastic identity switch-up seemed actually possible for a guy who always made the world his own.

He was able to fulfill his dreams in numerous ways. With at least 31 feature films under his belt, Elvis became the cash cow of the silver screen, quickly billed as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. Many people consider his film career a failure. A domino chain effect started in the fall of 1960, with mixed reviews and box office disappointments leading to the King being branded as “kind of a joke” and far from a serious actor. Presley didn’t even like most of his work, with reports claiming he’d neither watch nor pay to see his films. However, his films were beloved by his entire fanbase, including notable titles that became cult-favorite classics.

As Elvis takes us through a whistle-stop tour of the King’s time on screen, here are his best movies to watch at home before you go.

Viva Las Vegas

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

We’ve all sung the song countless times, but the synonymous movie has a life all its own. Presley plays Lucky Jackson, a musically talented race driver. He sets out to earn Rusty’s affections while racing in the Vegas Grand Prix. Sounds trite and predictable, but Elvis’ 15th film is one of his best. American Film Institute nominated the film for its grossing of over $9M at the box-office. Viva Las VegasIn 2006, it was voted one of the best movie musicals ever made. Beloved for its killer hot-moves dance scene and catchy tunes such as “C’mon Everybody” and “What’d I Say,” Elvis and Ann-Margret were praised for their sizzling chemistry by critics and fans alike. For those with fresh eyes, it might look like something of an amalgamation between “What’d I Say” and “C’mon Everybody.” GreaseAnd West Side Story, and that’s for good reason — original West Side StoryDavid Winters, a cast member was chief choreographer. Elvis is in top form with classic Hollywood showmanship, while equally as dashing in grubby coveralls and tinkering with a car’s engine. Thanks to the fun-loving poolside number “The Lady Loves Me,” there’s a sense of hot girl summer before we even knew what it was.

Viva Las Vegas You can rent it or buy digitally from Amazon, Apple and Google Play.

Jailhouse Rock

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Only the most memorable musical numbers can withstand the tests of time. The iconic prison cell trip in Jailhouse RockIt is also one of them. Follow the story about Vince Everett, a former construction worker. His arrest for manslaughter alters his life as he learns how to play guitar while in jail. There’s a heady romanticism in its black-and-white lens. The use of profanity and bad boy character didn’t exactly win over a 1950s audience, yet it still managed to bag a few awards. With a fiery connection with on-screen love Peggy (Judy Tyler), there’s no doubting one thing — Presley is a total badass. Maybe he was subtly flipping the bird to the claws dug in by MGM’s head honchos. Perhaps he was just getting really systematic. Whatever it was, there’s a lot more packed in than meets the eye, and it’s in stark contrast to much of his later work.

Jailhouse Rock You can rent it or buy digitally from Amazon, Apple and Google Play.

Blue Hawaii

Image by Paramount Pictures

Presley’s eighth film saw him hopping over to the islands of Hawaii, fresh from the army’s clutches into the arms of his girlfriend (this time played by Joan Blackman). The stakes are relatively low, but there’s a smooth seductive charm held in Presley’s dulcet tones and the big blue sea. Referred to as “harmless” by New York Times critic Howard Thompson, Elvis proves that sometimes a face-value story is just what you need. Blue HawaiiIt has plenty to admire, such as an idyllic setting and smoldering soldier charm. There are also 14 upbeat tracks to keep the run over the 102 minute duration. Keep an extra eye out for a young Angela Lansbury as Presley’s mother (who saw that coming?).

Blue Hawaii You can rent it or buy digitally from Amazon, Apple and Google Play.

King Creole

Image by Paramount Pictures

Voted by Variety as Presley’s best film of all time, King CreoleThe story tells of a teenager who becomes a singer after dropping out. This movie, directed by Michael Curtiz who previously had worked with Errol Flynn and Humphrey Bogart, is where Elvis gets closest to living his Marlon Brando dreams. Once again living up to his no-good status, it’s here audiences see the slinky yet stern performance of hit single “Trouble.” While still maintaining expected romantic entanglements with a leading lady (Carolyn Jones), it’s the most notable instance of Elvis shifting to the darker side. Through a moody black-and-white picture, Presley’s Danny Fisher deals with crooks and gangs, facing off with henchmen in dark alleys. Mexico. King Creole was a pivotal moment in the King’s rocky relationship with the country. It’s not hard to see why teens literally busted down the doors of local cinemas to watch.

King Creole This video is free to view with a Hoopla library card. You can also rent it or buy digitally from Amazon, Apple, Google Play, as well as other VOD providers.

Love Me Tender

Image: 20th Century Studios

Screen testing Love Me Tender only a few weeks after his breakout hit “Heartbreak Hotel,” it’s here that Presley’s wayward journey to cinema stardom began. Elvis’ debut transforms him into Clint Reno, a young man whose brothers all fought for the Confederate Army in the Civil War. Although not the most sexy in content, the King’s performances of the title track help him to develop his acting skills. Elvis first screentested for producers Casablanca,And had believed that she was starring in Katharine Hepburn’s movie. The Rainmaker. Paramount Studios signed the contract for him a week after he had switched projects. You only need to watch Baz Luhrmann’s ElvisAmazing to see this turn out.

Love Me Tender Starz offers the ability to view it on Starz. It is also available digitally for purchase or rent at Amazon and Apple.

Speedway

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

It was his final year as a filmmaker and it was now that he could pull out all the stops. Heading back to the racetrack as NASCAR champ Steve Grayson, Elvis’ back taxes get him into trouble with the IRS. It’s a rather unglamorous segue but comes good in swinging ’60s numbers and a soundtrack of 12 fresh hits. Presley is now paired with Nancy Sinatra as Nancy Sinatra. Originally supposed to star Sonny & Cher, Speedway It was a huge box office success that featured nail-biting races and door punches as well as some very well-deserved slaps.

Speedway It is also available to rent and purchase digitally through Amazon, Apple, or other VOD sellers.

It Happened at the World’s Fair

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

One of Presley’s movies mentioned in the mind-boggling montage of Elvis, “Elvis the Pelvis” once again makes a return. Taking place at the 1962 Seattle World Fair, romance is in the air for crop-dusting pilot Mike Edwards and nurse Diane Warren (Joan O’Brien). Visual mashup: North by NorthwestAnd Bedknobs, BroomsticksIt has an amazing sense of whimsy that harkens back to old musicals. The film serves as Kurt Russell’s film debut, while more interestingly, Vicky Tiu — who went on to be the first lady of Hawaii — also features.

It Happened at the World’s Fair It is also available to rent and purchase digitally through Amazon, Apple, or other VOD sellers.

Trouble with Girls

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Rounding out Elvis’ 13-year acting career, Trouble with Girls shows an Elvis Presley who’s over it. Integral to understanding the context of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Trouble follows Walter Hale, who’s embroiled in scandal following the murder of a local pharmacist. MGM is clearly trying to raise the stakes in a type of drama that’s no longer working, and a leading man that’s lost his passion. A charming comedy nonetheless, it performed well on the cinema drive-in circuit, though the same can’t be said for cinemas. It’s always fun to see period dramedies. Trouble with GirlsElvis likely played an un-Elvis part in this case.

Trouble with Girls It is also available to rent and purchase digitally through Amazon, Apple, or other VOD sellers.

G.I. Blues

Image by Paramount Pictures

Life often mirrors art, G.I. BluesIt isn’t an exception. Presley plays Tulsa McLean, a soldier returning home after being stationed in Germany — exactly like Elvis himself. This film is an excellent example of American family values. It features all the stereotypes and comes with a guitar. This is his fifth film. G.I. Blues This is generally considered the birth of the Elvis commercial film formula. Still, he can’t go wrong with an absolutely classic romance, even serenading a Punch and Judy puppet for good measure.

Trouble with Girls It is also available to rent and purchase digitally through Amazon, Apple, or other VOD sellers.

Aloha Hawaii Satellite

Image by NBC

Elvis could not tour America during his Las Vegas residency. His most famous television concert was Aloha HawaiiIn which he wears the same sideburns as before and in which he is wearing the jumpsuits for which he was famous for just a few short years. It was watched by over 1.5 billion people from 36 different countries. This marked the first use of satellite technology to broadcast live concerts worldwide. He rose to the occasion and was adorned with a lei, dancing his way to the delights of legions. Filming is an amazing feat that gives you multiple views of Presley’s power. No matter how much you like him or not, Aloha Hawaii makes for an emotional watch that’s packed with pride.

Aloha Hawaii Satellite It is possible to view it YouTube.