How to Watch Every Dolly Parton Movie
Dolly Parton has truly done it all: She conquered country music, built a business empire, became a philanthropist known for her education initiatives, and even started a theme park. Parton became one of the most recognizable public figures in American culture, all while maintaining an approachable warmth that made fans feel like they know her personally. Along the way, she also carved out a surprisingly selective yet successful film career.
From workplace comedies and Southern dramas to animated voice work and modern holiday musicals, Parton has been in several classic and beloved movies. Here’s where to watch every major theatrical film she’s starred in. So grab the popcorn, cue up a favorite soundtrack and settle in for a Dolly marathon.
9 to 5
Dolly Parton made one of the most iconic film debuts of the 1980s as Doralee Rhodes, the underestimated secretary who teams up with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin to overthrow their sexist boss in this workplace comedy classic. Parton also wrote and recorded the film’s unforgettable theme song, “9 to 5,” which became a massive crossover hit and earned both Academy Award and Grammy nominations. The movie was a major box-office success and has remained culturally relevant for decades, later inspiring a Broadway musical adaptation.
Where To Stream
Parton leaned into musical comedy again as Mona Stangley, the beloved madam at the center of this adaptation of the long-running Broadway hit. Burt Reynolds co-starred as the conflicted sheriff torn between duty and affection. While critical reception was mixed, the film performed well commercially and further solidified Parton’s charm in early 1980s Hollywood.
Where To Stream
Rhinestone
In this musical comedy, Parton starred as country singer Molly Garry opposite Sylvester Stallone, who plays a rough-edged New York cab driver she attempts to transform into a polished country performer. The pairing was unconventional, but worked well.
Steel Magnolias
Parton delivered one of her most emotional performances as Truvy Jones, the warmhearted Louisiana beauty salon owner whose shop becomes a gathering place for friends. Surrounded by an incredibly talented ensemble cast that included Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, and Olympia Dukakis, Parton still stood out. The film became a box-office success and has endured as a beloved tearjerker classic.
Where To Stream
Straight Talk
In this romantic comedy, Parton played Shirlee Kenyon, a small-town radio worker who accidentally becomes a wildly popular advice personality after listeners mistakenly believe she is a seasoned relationship expert. James Woods co-starred as a skeptical journalist drawn into Shirlee’s unexpected rise.
Where To Stream
Parton appeared in a supporting role as Edith McKlusky, the eccentric mother of the film’s accident-prone protagonist in this slapstick comedy-mystery. The movie leaned heavily into absurd humor and physical gags, giving Parton a chance to play a sillier role.
Where To Stream
Gnomeo & Juliet
Parton lent her voice to Dolly Gnome in this animated reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The film performed well internationally and introduced Parton to a new generation of young viewers who may not have encountered her earlier live-action films.
Where To Stream
Joyful Noise
Parton returned to a major musical role opposite Queen Latifah in this gospel choir drama centered on competitive church singing. She portrayed G.G. Sparrow, a strong-willed choir leader whose rivalry with Latifah’s character fuels much of the film’s emotional energy and humor.
Where To Stream
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
For fans of Christmas movies, this Netflix holiday musical featured Parton as an angel guiding a small town toward compassion and renewal during the Christmas season. The film quickly became a seasonal streaming favorite and introduced Parton to younger audiences discovering her through digital platforms.
Where To Stream
Remind