Can’t get enough of “The Plastics,” and their conniving queen bee Regina George? Than checkout these 25 movies like Mean Girls that capture the complexities and angst of high school teen life.
Mean Girls is one of the most popular teen movies ever made. Whether its the 2004 original or the newest 2024 re-make, we just cant get enough of “The Plastics,” and their conniving queen bee Regina George. No movie illustrates the angst of the cutthroat jungle known as high school better than Mean Girls!
So, if you love Mean Girls, and are searching for other similar teen movies like Mean Girls, than this is the list for you. We have hand picked 25 other movies that capture the complexities of high school teen life just like Mean Girls.
Some of these movies are streaming for FREE, links included below! (subject to change, FREE as of April 2024)
BONUS Teen movies at the end, all streaming FREE
Be sure to download the FREE movie checklist to keep track of the movies you want to watch, for later reference.
Cady Heron, a 16 year old homeschooled girl, steps into the chaotic world of public high school after years of living in Africa. She quickly befriends Janis and Damian, two outcasts who warn her to stay away from the Plastics, a clique led by the formidable Regina George. The Plastics consist of Regina, Gretchen, and Karen, the A-list, popular, and beautiful girls.
As Cady navigates the treacherous halls of high school, she unintentionally becomes part of the Plastics. Her life takes unexpected turns as she falls for Aaron Samuels, Regina’s ex-boyfriend.
What begins as a game to uncover secrets turns into a plan to dismantle Regina’s status. But as Cady spends more time with the Plastics, she starts to become one of them.
Who is this list of teen movies like Mean Girls for?
Parents looking for a fun movie selection for movie night with a teen
Teen sleepover party with friends
Anyone who loves a good teen angst movie
What information is provided about each teen movie like Mean Girls in this selection?
The movie title and release year of the movie
Movie image
A list of actors in the movie
The MPAA rating
A movie summary
Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST to keep track of what movies you want to watch!
25 Teen Angst Movies Like Mean Girls
1. Heathers (1988)
Actors: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
In “Heathers,” Veronica Sawyer, an average high school student, becomes entangled with the most popular and feared clique at Westerburg High School knos as “the Heathers”. When she meets the mysterious Jason Dean (JD), her life takes a dark turn. Together, they challenge the malevolent rule of the Heathers, leading to a cycle of revenge, lies, and unexpected consequences.
2. Jawbreaker (1999)
Actors: Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz
“Jawbreaker” is a dark comedy that revolves around the lives of four popular high school girls: Courtney, Marcie, Julie, and Liz. When a birthday prank goes horribly wrong, they accidentally kill their friend Liz. To cover up the murder, they create a web of lies, and their lives spiral into a cycle of hate, indifference, and murder. Inspired by the 1988 film “Heathers,” “Jawbreaker” explores the dark side of popularity and the consequences of deception.
“Easy A” follows Olive Penderghast, a clean cut high school girl who lies about losing her virginity to improve her reputation. As rumors spread, Olive embraces her newfound notoriety, wearing a red letter ‘A’ like Hester Prynne in “The Scarlet Letter.” With the help of rebellious newcomer Jason Dean, Olive challenges the social norms of her school, turning popular perception upside down. The film humorously explores teenage angst, gossip, and the complexities of reputation.
4. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Actors: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
“10 Things I Hate About You” is a modern day adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Cameron, a new student, falls for Bianca, but her strict father won’t allow her to date until her older sister, Kat, does. Cameron enlists the help of bad boy Patrick Verona to win Kat’s heart. Amidst teenage drama, misunderstandings, and witty banter, love blossoms in unexpected ways.
5. 50 First Dates (2004)
Actors: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider
In “50 First Dates,” Henry Roth, a marine veterinarian, falls for Lucy Whitmore, an art teacher. The catch? Lucy has short-term memory loss and forgets everything when she falls asleep. Determined to win her over, Henry woos her anew every day, creating a unique love story that tests the boundaries of commitment and devotion.
Lola Steppe, a dramatic teenager, moves from New York City to suburban New Jersey. She clashes with the popular girl, Carla Santini, and sets her sights on the lead role in the school play. Lola’s obsession with her favorite rock band and her quest for stardom lead to a series of hilarious misadventures, showcasing teenage drama at its finest.
7. Never Been Kissed (1999)
Actors: Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan
Josie Geller, a talented but socially awkward copy editor, gets a chance to relive high school when she’s assigned to go undercover as a student for a newspaper story. Her mission is to infiltrate the popular crowd and report on teenage life. As she navigates the complexities of high school, Josie faces old insecurities, makes new friends, and even falls for her English teacher. “Never Been Kissed” is a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and nostalgia.
Molly and Amy, two overachieving high school seniors, realize they’ve missed out on the fun side of their teenage years. Determined to make up for lost time, they embark on a wild night of partying before graduation. As they navigate the chaos of parties, crushes, and unexpected revelations, Molly and Amy discover that there’s more to life than just studying. “Booksmart” is a fresh and hilarious take on friendship, self discovery, and the bonds that last a lifetime.
Beca, an aspiring DJ and college freshman, reluctantly joins an a cappella group called the Barden Bellas. The Bellas are determined to win the national a cappella championship, but they face fierce competition from their male counterparts and internal conflicts within the group. Beca’s journey involves friendship, rivalry, and discovering her own voice. “Pitch Perfect” delivers catchy music, witty humor, and a celebration of female empowerment.
10. Bring It On (2000)
Actors: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford
“Bring It On” takes us into the competitive world of high school cheerleading. Torrance Shipman, newly elected captain of the Rancho Carne High cheer team, discovers that their award winning routines were stolen from an inner city school. Determined to prove herself, Torrance leads her team in creating a new performance to qualify for the national championships. Along the way, she develops a flirtatious friendship with a cheerleaders brother, navigates rivalries, and learns that winning isn’t everything.
11. Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Actors: Kirstie Alley, Ellen Barkin, Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards
In the mockumentary style film “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” the small town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, gears up for the annual Sarah Rose Cosmetics American Teen Princess Pageant. As the contestants vie for the crown, dark and deadly events unfold. The film humorously explores the cutthroat world of beauty pageants, revealing the fierce lengths some will go to secure the title.
12. Freaky Friday (2003)
Actors: Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mark Harmon
In “Freaky Friday,” an overworked mother, Tess Coleman, and her teenage daughter, Anna, do not get along. When they switch bodies due to a magical fortune cookie, each is forced to adapt to the other’s life for one freaky Friday. The wide generation gap between them becomes evident as they struggle to understand each other’s preferences. As they adjust to their new personalities, they begin to understand each other more, leading to mutual self respect and personal growth.
13. Can’t Hardly Wait (1998)
Actors: Ethan Embry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green
At a high school graduation party, various students navigate love, angst, and relationships. Preston Meyers plans to confess his love to his secret crush, Amanda Beckett, who recently broke up with her popular jock boyfriend, Mike Dexter. Meanwhile, Kenny Fisher aims to lose his virginity, and various other characters experience their own teenage dramas. The film captures the spirit of high school parties and the complexities of young love.
14. The Bling Ring (2013)
Actors: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson
Based on actual events, “The Bling Ring” follows a group of fame obsessed teenagers who use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts and then burglarize their homes. Led by Rebecca and Marc, the gang targets celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Rachel Bilson. The film explores themes of obsession, materialism, and the allure of celebrity culture, showcasing the darker side of teenage aspirations.
15. Cruel Intentions (1999)
Actors: Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon
In “Cruel Intentions,” wealthy and manipulative step-siblings Kathryn and Sebastian make a wicked bet for Sebastian to seduce Annette, the headmaster’s daughter, before summer break ends. Annette, however, has vowed to remain pure until marriage. As the stakes rise, secrets unravel, and love becomes a dangerous game.
16. Pretty in Pink (1986)
Actors: Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer
Andie, an outsider from the wrong side of town, falls for Blane, a wealthy heartthrob. Their romance faces challenges from snobbish classmates and societal expectations. “Pretty in Pink” captures the spirit of teenage angst, first love, and the struggle to bridge social divides.
Struggling rock band The Pussycats, led by Josie, Melody, and Valerie, unexpectedly lands a major record deal. But they soon discover they’re pawns in a larger conspiracy to control youth culture. This satirical musical comedy explores fame, friendship, and the allure of the music industry.
18. She’s All That (1999)
Actors: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, Paul Walker
High school heartthrob Zack accepts a bet that he can transform the nerdy, artistic Laney into the prom queen. As Laney undergoes a makeover, their unexpected connection leads to genuine feelings. This modern twist on the classic “Pygmalion” story explores teenage cliques, love, and self discovery.
Clueless follows Cher Horowitz, a wealthy and popular high school student in Beverly Hills. Cher’s matchmaking skills extend beyond her teachers, as she takes on the challenge of transforming the new girl, Tai. Amidst fashion, friendships, and romantic misadventures, Cher learns valuable life lessons beyond her superficial exterior.
20. Sugar & Spice (2001)
Actors: Marla Sokoloff, Marley Shelton, Melissa George
When a high school cheerleader becomes pregnant by the star quarterback, she turns to crime to support her desired lifestyle. Sugar & Spice blends comedy and crime as the cheerleading squad takes an unexpected turn, robbing a bank to make ends meet. The film humorously explores teenage dreams, friendship, and unconventional solutions.
21. Saved! (2004)
Actors: Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Patrick Fugit, Heather Matarazzo, Eva Amurri, Martin Donovan, Mary-Louise Parker
In Saved!, devout evangelical Christian Mary Cummings faces a crisis when she becomes pregnant after having sex with her boyfriend in an attempt to “cure” him of his homosexuality. Ostracized by her schoolmates, Mary questions her faith and seeks redemption. The film humorously blends religious satire with contemporary teen film elements.
22. The Craft (1996)
Actors: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True
The Craft follows four outcast teenage girls at a Los Angeles parochial high school who pursue witchcraft for their own gain. As they experiment with their newfound powers, they experience both positive and negative repercussions. The film delves into themes of friendship, power, and the consequences of tampering with the supernatural.
Bianca Piper, a high school senior, discovers that she has been labeled the “DUFF” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by her prettier, more popular counterparts. Determined to reinvent herself, she enlists the help of charismatic jock Wesley. Together, they challenge stereotypes and remind everyone that appearances can be deceiving. The DUFF humorously explores self confidence, friendship, and the complexities of high school life.
In Wild Child, rebellious Malibu princess Poppy Moore is shipped off to a strict English boarding school by her father. At Abbey Mount, she clashes with the snobbish lacrosse captain Harriet and the school’s principal, Mrs. Kingsley. Unwilling to accept the strict regime, Poppy decides to misbehave and take the blame for everyone until she’s dismissed. The only appealing feature at Abbey Mount for her is Mrs. Kingsley’s dashing son, Freddie. As Poppy’s relationship with Freddie develops, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and self discovery.
Shelley Darlingson, an aspiring Playboy Playmate, lives a carefree life in the Playboy Mansion. When she’s suddenly asked to leave, she stumbles upon the socially awkward Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority. The Zetas, facing closure unless they get 30 new pledges, take Shelley in as their new “house mother.” Shelley’s bubbly nature and ability to attract boys transform the Zetas, and she even catches the eye of Mrs. Kingsley’s son, Freddie. The House Bunny humorously explores self confidence, friendship, and the complexities of college life.
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
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