Mean Girls (2004)
Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.
Details
Budget
$17,000,000
Rating
7/10 (8931 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Broadway Video, Paramount Pictures, M.G. Films
About Mean Girls
Released in 2004, "Mean Girls" is a comedy-drama that centers on Cady Heron's introduction to the complex social dynamics of an American high school after moving from Africa. She finds herself navigating the world of cliques, particularly 'The Plastics,' an influential group of girls. The film explores themes of female friendship, bullying, and coming of age, as Cady grapples with fitting in and the consequences of her choices.
The narrative uses humor to address the challenges of teenage life, including gossip, high school rivalry, and manipulative friendships. With a runtime of 97 minutes, the movie offers a look at the pressures and social structures within a high school setting, ultimately leading to a story about personal growth and understanding among its characters. Its critical reception includes an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 66/100, alongside an IMDb rating of 7.1.
Why you might be searching for Mean Girls
Many people are searching for "Mean Girls" due to its memorable characters and classic high school plot points. Common searches relate to specific scenes, like the "clinking cups" moment, or general plot details such as the "new girl" narrative, the group of four high school girls, or its origins as a book adaptation. The film's enduring popularity also leads to searches about its exploration of social dynamics and female friendships.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, typically not a fan of contemporary American comedies with female leads, appreciated the film's humor and its subtle commentary on 21st-century American society and the challenges faced by young women in high school, especially given Tina Fey's involvement.
Read the full reviewA reviewer expressed an inexplicable love for the film, despite it being outside their usual preferences, noting that while they typically dislike many of its individual tropes and styles, they have rewatched "Mean Girls" multiple times every year since first seeing it.
Read the full reviewA critic found the film surprisingly enjoyable, noting that while the first half was stronger and the ending a bit too harmonious, it maintained good intentions and consistent amusement, with notable performances from Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams.
Read the full reviewAfter watching the 2024 musical version, a reviewer stated that the 2004 original film stands out for its depth and commitment to the storyline, creating strong character connections and a satisfying resolution, despite some minor flaws in character development and pacing.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Mean Girls" on Paramount Plus Premium, Peacock Premium, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel. It is also available to buy or rent on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Additionally, it can be streamed for free on Kanopy and Hoopla. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/mean-girls)
"Mean Girls" is not based on a true story but is adapted from the non-fiction book "Queen Bees and Wannabes" by Rosalind Wiseman. [commonsensemedia.org](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/mean-girls) The book focuses on alpha girls and their influence in high school. [commonsensemedia.org](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/mean-girls)
In the end, Cady learns to move past high school cliques and the vicious social dynamics. [commonsensemedia.org](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/mean-girls) The movie focuses on Cady's journey of self-discovery and navigating high school without succumbing to peer pressure. [commonsensemedia.org](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/mean-girls)
Yes, "Mean Girls" is widely considered worth watching, with an 84% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mean_girls) Critics praise its sharp script by Tina Fey and strong ensemble cast for its fresh take on the high school experience, with many noting its lasting relevance. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mean_girls)