Binge-Watchers Podcast

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The Underrated, Hard-to-Find Elvis and Elvis-Themed Character Movie Gems You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s talk Elvis movies. Not the hits like Blue Hawaii or Jailhouse Rock—we’re diving into the deep end of the Elvis cinematic universe, where things get weird, questionable, and downright entertaining. These aren’t your typical "Thank ya, thank ya very much" flicks; these are the movies that fell through the cracks of time, probably for good reason. But hey, that’s where Johnny Spoiler lives: in the cracks where forgotten gems and trash fires coexist.

1. Clambake (1967)

What do you get when Elvis trades his blue suede shoes for a pair of boat shoes? A beach movie with a side of imposter syndrome. Elvis plays a millionaire pretending to be broke to win the girl’s heart. Think Crazy Rich Asians but with less class and more cringe-worthy musical numbers about shellfish. Fun fact: The King reportedly hated this movie so much he almost quit acting. If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is.

2. Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

Okay, technically, it’s not Elvis, but Bruce Campbell plays an aging Elvis impersonator who teams up with a guy claiming to be JFK (yes, you read that right) to fight a soul-sucking Egyptian mummy. This movie is a fever dream dipped in campy goodness, and Bruce Campbell delivers an Elvis impression that’s part genius, part "I can't believe they got away with this." You want to see Elvis battle the undead? Of course you do.

3. Stay Away, Joe (1968)

Elvis as a Navajo rodeo rider? Who greenlit this cultural misfire? It’s as problematic as it sounds, but the sheer audacity of its existence makes it worth a hate-watch. The plot, if you can call it that, revolves around cattle ranching, drinking, and Elvis singing while vaguely pretending to be a cowboy. It’s offensive and absurd, but it’s also Elvis, so there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll still be charmed.

4. Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

This one doesn’t feature Elvis himself, but it’s an Elvis-themed masterpiece in its own right. Nicolas Cage stars as a guy who gets into hot water with a mobster (James Caan), leading to a series of Elvis impersonators parachuting out of a plane. The Flying Elvises sequence is pure cinematic gold. Cage’s over-the-top antics are the perfect homage to Elvis’s own flair for the dramatic.

5. Tickle Me (1965)

The plot? Elvis plays a rodeo cowboy who takes a job at a weight-loss spa. But wait, there’s also a haunted ghost town, buried treasure, and musical numbers shoved in every five minutes like a last-ditch effort to remind you why Elvis was famous. It’s like someone threw Scooby-Doo, a western, and a Vegas revue into a blender. The result is a B-movie smoothie you didn’t know you were thirsty for.

6. 3,000 Miles to Graceland (2001)

Let’s cap this off with a heist movie featuring a gang of criminals in Elvis jumpsuits. Starring Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner, and a metric ton of explosions, this movie is what happens when you take a good idea (Ocean’s Eleven meets Elvis) and give it to people who think subtlety is for cowards. It’s gloriously over-the-top and bad in the best way.

Why These Movies Deserve a Watch

Sure, some of these are laughably bad, but that’s the point. Elvis was larger than life, and his movies (or Elvis-inspired chaos) are no exception. Whether you’re in it for the camp, the unintentional comedy, or just to say you’ve seen the weirdest corners of cinema, these picks won’t disappoint.

So, grab a peanut butter and banana sandwich, fire up your favorite streaming service—or hit up that sketchy DVD guy at the flea market—and let’s get to spoiling.

And remember, as always, I spoil it so you don’t have to. You're welcome.

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