A version of this essay originally ran in conjunction with Magic Mike’s Last Dance’s arrival on digital streaming. It has been updated and reposted in conjunction with the film’s arrival on Netflix.

The point, the purpose — the raison d’être, if you’re feeling fancy — of the Magic Mike male-stripper movies is catering to women’s fantasies. As the series has expanded from the working-class grit of ...

In 2012, the world of male stripping took center stage in Magic Mike. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Magic Mike stars Channing Tatum as Mike Lane, an aspiring entrepreneur who works odd jobs as a ...

The third and final “Magic Mike” marries some of the old bump and grind with a new “Let’s put on a show!” mindset. Those who adore Channing Tatum's abs still have plenty to enjoy with “Magic Mike’s ...

Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek have all the chemistry in a satisfying sendoff that celebrates the art of dance. Knee pads never looked so good. The “Magic Mike” films may be best known for serving the ...

Forget getting ahead in America. The stripper at the heart of the film trilogy is working frantically not to lose his shirt. By Esther Zuckerman The first thing you learn about Mike Lane, played by ...