The latest Disney movie, Tangled, hit theaters last week, and it is all about hair.

Well, sort of.  It’s an adaptation of the classic Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, Rapunzel.  This Rapunzel’s hair has magical healing properties, and she finally escapes from her tower with 70 gorgeous blonde feet of it – that comes in handy in some unusual ways.  Check out this trailer, it looks great!

Hair has been a major feature in quite a few Hollywood hits.  Hair, the hippie subculture classic, was based on the ’60′s hit musical of the same name.  Hairspray is another Broadway remake, which came out twice, once in 1988 and again in 2007; the main character’s teased-up pouffy style is an essential part of her character.

If we’re going to talk about hair being essential to a character’s identity, we can’t forget Grease; Danny Zuko’s slicked-down ducktail epitomizes the era as much as his leather jacket, or Sandy’s poodle skirts.  Or 1968′s Green Berets, about U.S. commandos in Vietnam.  I looked it up, and the green beret is a symbol of a qualified Special Forces troops; that definitely counts as being essential to a character’s identity!

Other important movie and television hats include the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter, Mighty Max‘s red cap, and the 2003 version of The Cat in the Hat.  I’m sure I’m forgetting lots more.  Got any other examples?  Comment and remind me!