Top 10 Movies like Mean Girls: Exploring High School Social Hierarchies and Struggles

Mean Girls is a classic teen comedy that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It was released in 2004 and has since become a cult classic, with fans all over the world.

The film, which was written by Tina Fey, tells the story of a teenage girl named Cady Heron, who moves to a new school and falls in with a group of popular girls known as the Plastics. The film explores themes of friendship, jealousy, betrayal, and the complexities of high school social hierarchies.

If you are a fan of Mean Girls, you might be wondering what other films explore similar themes and have the same witty, irreverent tone. In this article, we will take a look at some movies like Mean Girls that you might enjoy.

Beyond Mean Girls: 10 Must-See Movies About High School Hierarchies and Social Struggles

1. Clueless (1995)

Clueless is a classic teen comedy that was released in 1995. It follows the life of a wealthy high school student named Cher, who lives in Beverly Hills and is obsessed with fashion. 

Like Mean Girls, Clueless explores the complex social hierarchies of high school and the pressure to fit in. It is also full of witty one-liners and iconic fashion moments.

2. Easy A (2010)

Easy A is a modern take on the classic Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, The Scarlet Letter. The film follows the life of Olive, a high school student who becomes the subject of gossip after she pretends to have sex with a boy in order to help him save face.

The film explores themes of sexuality, slut-shaming, and the power of rumors in high school.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You is a modern retelling of the Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shrew. It follows the life of Kat Stratford, a high school student who is fiercely independent and doesn't care about fitting in.

Like Mean Girls, the film explores the complexities of high school social hierarchies and the pressure to conform. It also has a memorable soundtrack and iconic moments, such as Heath Ledger's rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You."

4. Heathers (1988)

Heathers is a dark comedy that explores the darker side of high school social hierarchies. It follows the life of Veronica, a high school student who is part of a popular clique known as the Heathers.

The film explores themes of bullying, suicide, and the power of peer pressure. Like Mean Girls, Heathers is full of memorable one-liners and biting satire.

5. The DUFF (2015)

The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) is a modern teen comedy that explores the pressures of fitting in and the damage that labels can do. The film follows the life of Bianca, a high school student who is labeled as the DUFF by her popular friends.

She decides to reinvent herself with the help of a popular jock, but soon realizes that being true to herself is more important than fitting in.

6. Jawbreaker (1999)

Jawbreaker is a dark comedy that explores the consequences of high school pranks gone wrong. It follows the life of three popular girls who accidentally kill their friend on her birthday. 

They decide to cover up the crime and continue with their lives, but soon realize that the guilt and pressure is too much to handle. Like Mean Girls, Jawbreaker explores the darker side of high school social hierarchies and the pressure to fit in.

7. Bring It On (2000)

Bring It On is a classic teen comedy that explores the world of high school cheerleading. The film follows the life of Torrance, a high school cheerleader who takes over as captain of her squad.

She soon realizes that their routines have been stolen from a rival squad, and must come up with a new routine to compete at the national championships. The film explores themes of competition, teamwork, and the pressure to succeed.

8. Legally Blonde (2001)

Legally Blonde is a comedy that follows the life of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who decides to go to law school to win back her ex-boyfriend.

Along the way, she discovers her own talents and becomes a successful lawyer. Like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde explores the pressures of fitting in and the power of female friendships.

9. She's the Man (2006)

She's the Man is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The film follows the life of Viola, a high school soccer player who pretends to be her twin brother in order to play on the boys' soccer team.

Along the way, she falls for her teammate, Duke, and must navigate the complexities of gender roles and high school social hierarchies.

10. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Pitch Perfect is a comedy that follows the life of Beca, a college freshman who joins an a cappella singing group.

The film explores themes of competition, teamwork, and the power of music to bring people together. Like Mean Girls, Pitch Perfect is full of witty one-liners and memorable moments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mean Girls has left an indelible mark on popular culture and has inspired a generation of fans. If you are a fan of the film, you might enjoy exploring other movies that explore similar themes and have the same irreverent tone.

Whether you are looking for a classic teen comedy or a dark satire, there is a film out there for everyone. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a movie marathon – you won't be disappointed.