Table of Contents

Is Urban Cowboy on Netflix? Your Burning Questions Answered

No, Urban Cowboy is not currently available on Netflix in most regions. However, streaming availability changes frequently, so it’s worth checking your local Netflix library periodically. Let’s dive deeper into where you can find this iconic film and answer some frequently asked questions.

Where Can You Watch Urban Cowboy?

Finding Urban Cowboy can feel like searching for a lost belt buckle in a crowded honky-tonk. It’s not always straightforward, but here’s the lowdown.

Typically, Urban Cowboy is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+, as Paramount Pictures distributed the film. You may also find it available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. Availability on these platforms can vary depending on your geographic location, so be sure to check your local listings.

If streaming isn’t your style, or if the film is unavailable digitally in your region, you might consider purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray version of Urban Cowboy. This ensures you always have access to the film, regardless of streaming rights agreements. You can often find these on Amazon, at major retailers like Walmart and Target, or at used media stores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Urban Cowboy

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you get the complete picture on Urban Cowboy.

1. What is Urban Cowboy about?

Urban Cowboy, released in 1980, is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the Houston, Texas, honky-tonk scene, specifically Gilley’s Club. The film follows Bud Davis (John Travolta), a young man from rural Texas who moves to Pasadena, Texas, and immerses himself in the world of cowboy culture, mechanical bulls, and complex relationships. He meets and marries Sissy (Debra Winger), but their volatile relationship and the allure of the urban cowboy lifestyle create conflict and drama. The film explores themes of masculinity, love, and the clash between traditional and modern values in the changing landscape of the American South.

2. Who are the main actors in Urban Cowboy?

The star-studded cast of Urban Cowboy includes:

John Travolta as Bud Davis
Debra Winger as Sissy Davis
Scott Glenn as Wes Hightower
Madolyn Smith as Pam
Barry Corbin as Uncle Bob
Brooke Alderson as Becky

3. Is Urban Cowboy based on a true story?

While Urban Cowboy is a work of fiction, it’s heavily inspired by the real-life phenomenon of the urban cowboy subculture that thrived in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly around Gilley’s Club in Pasadena, Texas. The film was based on an article of the same name written by Aaron Latham for Esquire magazine, which documented the lifestyle and culture surrounding the club. So, while the characters and specific events are fictional, the film captures the essence of a very real and vibrant cultural movement.

4. What is Gilley’s Club, and what role did it play in the movie?

Gilley’s Club was a massive honky-tonk owned by Mickey Gilley and Sherwood Cryer. It was a central hub for the urban cowboy scene. In the film, Gilley’s serves as the primary setting, showcasing the mechanical bull riding, country music performances, and social interactions that defined the culture. The club itself became a character in the movie, representing the allure and challenges of the urban cowboy lifestyle. The real Gilley’s unfortunately closed its doors in the late 1980s.

5. What kind of music is featured in Urban Cowboy?

The soundtrack of Urban Cowboy is legendary and played a significant role in popularizing country music. It features a blend of classic country, pop-country crossover hits, and original songs. Some of the most memorable tracks include:

“Looking for Love” by Johnny Lee
“Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray
“Stand by Me” by Mickey Gilley
“Lyin’ Eyes” by Eagles
“Orange Blossom Special” by Charlie Daniels Band

The soundtrack was a massive commercial success, solidifying the film’s impact on popular culture.

6. Why is Urban Cowboy considered a classic film?

Urban Cowboy is considered a classic for several reasons:

Cultural Impact: It captured and popularized a unique subculture, influencing fashion, music, and lifestyle trends.
Iconic Performances: John Travolta and Debra Winger delivered memorable performances that resonated with audiences.
Groundbreaking Soundtrack: The film’s music helped bring country music to a wider audience.
Timeless Themes: The film explores universal themes of love, identity, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
Nostalgia: For many, it represents a specific era and evokes feelings of nostalgia for the 1980s.

7. Did Urban Cowboy lead to any sequels or spin-offs?

While there wasn’t a direct sequel to Urban Cowboy, the film did inspire a short-lived television series of the same name in 1980. However, the series failed to capture the magic of the original film and was quickly canceled. The Urban Cowboy legacy primarily remains with the original film and its enduring cultural impact.

8. What are some of the key themes explored in Urban Cowboy?

Urban Cowboy delves into several compelling themes:

Masculinity: The film explores different expressions of masculinity, from the traditional cowboy archetype to the more modern, urbanized version.
Love and Relationships: The tumultuous relationship between Bud and Sissy highlights the complexities of love, marriage, and commitment.
Identity: The characters grapple with questions of identity as they navigate the changing landscape of the American South.
Tradition vs. Modernity: The film contrasts traditional cowboy values with the allure of modern urban life.
The Search for Belonging: The characters are all seeking a sense of belonging and connection, whether in love, community, or lifestyle.

9. How did Urban Cowboy impact fashion and culture?

Urban Cowboy had a profound impact on fashion and culture:

Western Wear: The film popularized Western wear, including cowboy boots, hats, jeans, and snap-button shirts.
Mechanical Bull Riding: The film brought mechanical bull riding into the mainstream, leading to its popularity in bars and clubs across the country.
Country Music: The film significantly boosted the popularity of country music, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Urban Cowboy Lifestyle: The film romanticized the urban cowboy lifestyle, influencing fashion, music, and social trends.

10. Is there an Urban Cowboy remake or reboot planned?

As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a remake or reboot of Urban Cowboy. However, given the cyclical nature of Hollywood and the enduring popularity of the original film, it’s certainly possible that a remake could be considered in the future. Fans remain divided on whether a remake would be a good idea, with some believing that the original should remain untouched, while others are open to a fresh interpretation of the story.

11. Is the Urban Cowboy soundtrack available on streaming services?

Yes, the Urban Cowboy soundtrack is widely available on major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. You can easily find and listen to the iconic songs from the film.

12. What is the legacy of Urban Cowboy today?

The legacy of Urban Cowboy endures in several ways:

Cultural Touchstone: It remains a beloved film for many, representing a specific era and cultural movement.
Influence on Music and Fashion: The film’s influence can still be seen in country music and Western fashion trends.
Nostalgia: It evokes feelings of nostalgia for the 1980s and the urban cowboy lifestyle.
Film History: It is recognized as a significant film in the history of American cinema, showcasing a unique subculture and launching the careers of several actors.

So, while Urban Cowboy might not be readily available on Netflix, its spirit lives on through streaming services, DVD players, and the lasting impact it had on American culture. Happy watching!