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Mardi Gras, with its vibrant parades, lively music and rich cultural traditions, has long been a captivating backdrop for film and television. The festival’s chaotic energy and colorful atmosphere lend themselves to both drama and comedy, making it a popular setting for stories that unfold in New Orleans. From animated classics to crime dramas, Mardi Gras has left its mark on the screen.

Mardi Gras in movies

One of the most beloved cinematic portrayals of Mardi Gras comes from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009). The animated film follows Tiana, a hardworking young woman navigating New Orleans during the early 20th century. Mardi Gras serves as a pivotal setting for the film’s climax, blending magic and tradition with the city’s festive spirit. Stream it on Disney+.

For those seeking a more countercultural take, Easy Rider (1969), starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, uses the festival as a backdrop for its trippy, offbeat conclusion. The film’s protagonists arrive in New Orleans just in time for the celebrations, adding a sense of disorientation and excess to the movie’s freewheeling narrative. Rent it on Prime.

Meanwhile, action fans can catch glimpses of Mardi Gras in Hard Target (1993), where Jean-Claude Van Damme takes on mercenaries amid the chaos of the festival. The atmosphere adds tension to the film’s high-octane sequences. Find it free on Tubi or rent it on Apple TV+.

Musical comedy Mardi Gras (1958) offers a more lighthearted approach, following a group of military cadets who travel to New Orleans for the festivities. Though campy by today’s standards, the film captures the buoyant spirit of the celebration.

Travel outside of New Orleans with the documentary The Order of Myths. Descendant director Margaret Brown explores the mystic societies connected to Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama, which predate those in Louisiana. Racial divisions between the celebrations take center stage. Stream it on Netflix.

Mardi Gras on TV

Television has also embraced Mardi Gras, with shows like NCIS: New Orleans weaving the celebration into several episodes. The crime drama often uses the festival as a backdrop for mystery and intrigue, capturing both the beauty and the darker undercurrents of the event. Season 1 episode 15, “Le Carnavale de la Mort” stands out. Stream it on Paramount+.

HBO’s Treme (2010-2013), set in post-Katrina New Orleans, depicts Mardi Gras as an essential part of the city’s cultural tapestry. The series highlights the festival’s significance to the community, showing how the celebration provides both joy and resilience. Stream it on Max.

Supernatural shows like The Originals also tap into the mystical allure of New Orleans, with Mardi Gras serving as a natural fit for the show’s blend of vampires, witches, and centuries-old feuds. Stream it on Prime.

Sitcoms have occasionally visited Mardi Gras as well. The Simpsons features a brief but memorable New Orleans sequence in the episode “Homer’s Phobia” (1997), while Bones offers a murder mystery set during the festivities in the episode “The Man in the Morgue” (2006). Both shows can be streamed on Disney+.

The authentic Mardi Gras experience

While some productions lean into spectacle, others strive for authenticity. Treme stands out for its dedication to portraying Mardi Gras as more than just a party, capturing the traditions and local customs that make the festival unique. Similarly, The Princess and the Frog pays homage to New Orleans culture with its lively soundtrack and vivid animation.

Whether through action-packed sequences or heartfelt narratives, Mardi Gras continues to inspire stories on screen. The festival’s blend of revelry and tradition makes it a timeless setting for exploring themes of community, transformation, and celebration.

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