What We’ll Miss About the “Magic Mike” Movies

Earlier this year, the "Magic Mike" series wrapped up — for now, at least — with one final movie. Now exclusively streaming on Max, "Magic Mike's Last Dance" ended Channing Tatum's run as the titular stripper and introduced a new main character and love interest with Salma Hayek's Maxandra. Over the course of the three movies, Mike's story contained depths that elevated the movies beyond sexy, fun romps streamed at bachelorette parties nationwide (though they excel at that purpose, too). The "Magic Mike" series also explored themes of labor and class anxiety, the gig economy, and the existential dread of feeling like you're aging out of your prime. In honor of the arrival of "Magic Mike's Last Dance" on Max on June 2, we're celebrating everything we've loved about the series over the last 11 years — from director Steven Soderbergh's unique point of view to, of course, the dancing.

Sure, much of the appeal of "Magic Mike" was carnal, pure lust and gyrating bodies. But alongside all of that, the series also provided some romance along the way. In the first two movies, Mike has flings with two women: Brooke and Zoe. Those romances provided necessary emotional stakes for Mike and gave Tatum the space to flex his rom-com leading man muscles. However, "Magic Mike's Last Dance" took the romance to a new level with Hayek's Maxandra, a wealthy divorcée who hires Mike to stage a "Magic Mike"-style show in London. Tatum and Hayek's chemistry in the movie is undeniable, and their love story sets up the perfect closing note for Mike's journey on screen.

The lasting legacy of the "Magic Mike" movies will always be the dance numbers, from the internet-breaking "Pony" routine to the ballet-inspired dance in the rain in "Magic Mike's Last Dance." (And speaking of rain, the ensemble performance of "It's Raining Men" in the first movie is also a must-watch.) Performing and capturing dance sequences on screen is always a difficult task, so it's worth shouting out the series' choreographers, Alison Faulk and Luke Broadlick, as well as the talented cast, led by Tatum and including many real-life dancers.

"Magic Mike" literally wouldn't exist without its leading man. Tatum's background as a dancer (including his work as a stripper in Florida when he was 18) partly inspired the first film, and he helped consult on the production, even co-financing the movie. Over the course of the three movies, he brought good looks and talent to the character of Mike, yes, but also a real-life personal connection to the story on screen that gave the movies that much more depth. The series also cemented his status as a leading man, showing off his dramatic acting abilities, comedic chops, and, of course, his command of the dance floor.

Part of the fun of "Magic Mike" movies is that you never know who might pop up. After the first movie took off, "Magic Mike XXL" upped the star power with small appearances from celebs like Michael Strahan, Ric Flair, Donald Glover, and Elizabeth Banks. And as it wrapped up Mike's story, "Magic Mike's Last Dance" also brought back a handful of cast members from the first movie, including Matt Bomer, Kevin Nash, and Joe Manganiello. (Fans of the "Magic Mike Live" Las Vegas show will also recognize some of those real-life dancers in "Magic Mike XXL" and "Magic Mike's Last Dance".)

One of the most distinctive directors working today, Soderbergh is responsible for much of what we love about the "Magic Mike" series, especially the dance numbers. (Though he stepped away for "Magic Mike XXL," he set the tone for the visual language of the series in the first movie and returned for "Magic Mike's Last Dance" to give Mike a final sendoff.) Working as both cinematographer and director, Soderbergh helped bring those iconic dance sequences to life with a filmmaking style that spotlights the performers' dynamic movements while also giving the audience a sense of space — not an easy task. (For even more Soderbergh, check out "Kimi", a Max Original movie.)

Subscribe to Max to watch the entire "Magic Mike" trilogy, including "Magic Mike's Last Dance".