The SoapCentral Suggestion List: 5 Tina Turner classics that should definitely be on your watchlist

We all know the legendary Tina Turner as one of the greatest music artists of all time, but do you know that she has made her impressive mark in her film career, too?

Yes! The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll has not only won hearts with her trailblazing work in music but also with her acting prowess. She was active from 1956 to 2021. That is, two years before she breathed her last in 2023. Some of her most celebrated albums by a Grammy award-winning music artist are Private Dancer (1984), Acid Queen (1975), and Break Every Rule (1986), to name a few.

If you have not watched any Tina Turner films or wish to revisit them, this article can come in handy for you. Because we have curated a list of 5 films of Tina Turner that you must add to your watchlist.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

5 must-watch films of Tina Turner

1) Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

A still from 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' | Image via Warner Bros.

One of Tina Turner's most iconic roles in her filmography as to be her role as Aunty Entity in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. This third film of the Mad Max franchise is helmed by George Miller and George Ogilvie.

Along with Turner, the film stars Mel Gibson as "Mad Max" Rockatansky. It follows the plot of how Mad Max, in a post-apocalyptic world, navigates his quest for survival in Bartertown, under the rule of Aunty Entity.

2) Tina (2021)

Turner's last film appearance was in the 2021 documentary, Tina. Helmed by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, this film explores the up-close journey of the iconic musician. The film also features several celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett, Jimmy Thomas, Katori Hall, Kurt Loder, and many others.

The documentary provides a deep dive into her life and times, offering a close insight into her gallant story, both as an artist and as a person. This film is a compelling way to remember and revere the artist.

Tina Turner had also launched her memoir in 2020, titled Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good. If you wish to have a more detailed understanding of the artist's life, the blend of the documentary and the book will give you an incredible comprehension.

3) Tommy (1975)

A still from 'Tommy' | Image via Hemdale Film Corporation

In the 1975 film Tommy, Tina Turner portrays the role of The Acid Queen. Helmed by Ken Russell, the film follows the plot of how Tommy, after witnessing the murder of his own father during his tender age, finds his senses become numb due to stress.

However, as he grows up, he discovers his hidden talent in the pinball game. Eventually, he grows up to become a cultish figure. There are moments in the film where not only do we witness Turner's acting, but also her singing is incorporated into the storyline as well.

4) Taking off (1971)

In this 1971 debut film of Miloš Forman, Tina Turner does not have a long screen time, but does have a notable one. In fact, she plays herself. The film follows the plot of how Lynn and Larry, the parents of a teenager, meet and spend time with other parents whilst their daughter Jeannie escapes from home.

In the meantime, amidst all the anxiety, the couple also learn new things about their daughter's generation. At a moment in the film, the couple, while searching for their daughter, take a halt at a hotel. There, Tina Turner, along with her former husband Ike, performed at the venue.

5) Last Action Hero (1993)

And lastly, we have the 1993 film, Last Action Hero. In this film, Tina Turner portrays the mayor of Los Angeles. This film has an embedded narrative, following the film-within-a-film style. Along with Turner, the film also stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austin O'Brien, Charles Dance, and many others.

Directed by John McTiernan, it follows the plot of Danny, who finds solace in watching several action films by Jack Slater after the demise of his father. However, the lines of reality and fiction get blurred after Danny gets his hands on a magic ticket.