23 Teen Comedy Films That Capture the Spirit of ‘Mean Girls

“Mean Girls” stands out as one of the most influential films of the new millennium. With Tina Fey’s comedic brilliance and a star-studded cast featuring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lizzy Caplan, the movie has left an enduring impact. Now, with the resurgence of the “Mean Girls” musical, there’s no better time than the present to immerse oneself in the glamorous and cutthroat world that “Mean Girls” and other teen films effectively portray.

Incredibly quotable, hilarious, and endlessly rewatchable, “Mean Girls” defines a generation and ranks among the best teen films in American cinema. For fans of the movie seeking similar options, there’s a plethora of choices. From films sharing similar themes to the dark comedies that inspired it, these movies make perfect companions for “Mean Girls.”

15. ‘The Clique’ (2008)

• Director: Michael Lembeck
• A 2008 teen movie based on the juvenile novels of the same name, “The Clique” follows Claire Lyons, a young girl attempting to join the popular girls at her new school. While drawing inspiration from “Mean Girls,” the film provides a genuine understanding of the crucial themes and messages explored in its predecessor.

14. ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

• Director: Robert Luketic
• “Legally Blonde” is a defining romantic comedy that follows Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Despite not directly mirroring the high school themes of “Mean Girls,” it shares a connection through the emphasis on female empowerment. Elle complements the world of “Mean Girls,” embodying a kind-hearted and ideal version of a preppy character.

13. ‘Wild Child’ (2008)

• Director: Nick Moore
• Starring Emma Roberts, “Wild Child” tells the story of Poppy Moore, a wealthy and rebellious girl sent to a prestigious English boarding school. While sharing similarities with “Mean Girls” in exploring lessons learned by young, rebellious women without sacrificing individuality, “Wild Child” focuses more on the character study of Poppy rather than a generalized high school story.

12. ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ (1999)
    • Directors: Deborah Kaplan, Harry Elfont
    • Set against the backdrop of a massive graduation party, “Can’t Hardly Wait” intertwines the stories of various high school students, breaking down the traditional stereotypes. Similar to “Mean Girls,” it embraces the clichés of the teen film genre to create a unique story, reflecting on these clichés themselves.
13. ‘Do Revenge’ (2022)
    • Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
    • Netflix’s teen comedy “Do Revenge” stars Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke, drawing inspiration from Hitchcock’s “Strangers on a Train.” As students seek revenge, unexpected twists unfold, providing a pastel-colored teen nightmare with clever storytelling and a unique visual style, reminiscent of the heights achieved by “Mean Girls.”
14. ‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)
    • Director: Roger Kumble
    • Starring Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon, “Cruel Intentions” adapts Laclos’ “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” into a scandalous thriller. With its sexy and witty narrative, it solidifies its place among teen classics, offering a story fans of “Mean Girls” are sure to enjoy.
15. ’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)
    • Director: Gil Junger
    • A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” “10 Things I Hate About You” navigates the divide and love between teenagers in a high school setting. The film captures the anxieties and pressures of first love, echoing the understanding of high school culture shared with “Mean Girls.”
16. ‘Easy A’ (2010)
    • Director: Will Gluck
    • “Easy A” catapulted Emma Stone to stardom as Olive Penderghast, a teenager who exploits a salacious rumor to boost her social status. Similar to “Mean Girls,” it serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of fame earned through questionable means, making it a modern teen classic.
17. ‘Never Been Kissed’ (1999)
    • Director: Raja Gosnell
    • Drew Barrymore stars in “Never Been Kissed,” a romantic comedy where a 25-year-old journalist poses as a high school student, experiencing a second chance at high school. Like “Mean Girls,” it explores the desire for popularity in high school and the lengths one is willing to go to achieve it.
18. ‘John Tucker Must Die’ (2005)
    • Director: Betty Thomas
    • A mid-noughties revenge comedy, “John Tucker Must Die” revolves around three girls seeking revenge on the popular jock who wronged them. The film, inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” aligns with one of the major themes in “Mean Girls” – the power of female camaraderie and unexpected friendship in challenging times.
19. ‘Clueless’ (1995)
    • Director: Amy Heckerling
    • Amy Heckerling’s “Clueless” revitalized the teen genre by modernizing Jane Austen’s “Emma” into a 90s teen rom-com. Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz became an iconic character, influencing fashion and dialogues. “Clueless” ushered in a new wave of teen films in the 90s, making it the “Mean Girls” of that era.
20. ‘Booksmart’ (2019)
    • Director: Olivia Wilde
    • “Booksmart” stands as a modern evolution of the teen romantic comedy, following two best friends, Molly and Amy, on a quest for an unforgettable night before graduation. With inspiration drawn from wild teen comedies, it intelligently adapts the genre to contemporary high school life, resonating with themes similar to “Mean Girls.”
21. ‘Jawbreaker’ (1999)
    • Director: Darren Stein
    • A dark teen comedy, “Jawbreaker” features Rose McGowan as one of three popular girls accidentally involved in a crime. Comparable to “Mean Girls” in tone and execution, “Jawbreaker” presents a scathing takedown of high school social dynamics while standing out with its campy and underrated style.
22. ‘Bottoms’ (2023)
    • Director: Emma Seligman
    • “Bottoms” combines the classic teen romantic comedy with unexpected bloodshed and violence. The film revolves around PJ and Josie’s scheme to start a fight club at their school, leading to unintended consequences. Despite its more adult and chaotic nature, “Bottoms” shares a satirical and absurdist approach with “Mean Girls,” deconstructing high school clichés through a comedic lens.
23. ‘Heathers’ (1988)
    • Director: Michael Lehmann
    • The dark teen comedy “Heathers” is a classic of the genre, featuring Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer, a member of the school’s popular clique. With themes of deathly cliques and iconic mean girls, “Heathers” paved the way for subsequent films like “Mean Girls.” Even after more than 30 years, it remains a timeless and influential dark comedy.

As you explore these films, each offers its unique take on the high school experience, friendship, and the challenges of adolescence, resonating with the spirit of “Mean Girls.” Enjoy the journey through the diverse world of teen comedies!

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