
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
The 2004 film "Mean Girls" explores the social dynamics of high school, focusing on the character Cady Heron. Having been homeschooled in Africa, Cady is unfamiliar with American high school culture when she enrolls, quickly becoming entangled with the dominant girl group, "The Plastics." The narrative follows her navigation of this new environment, including her relationships with the group members and a romantic interest that complicates her alliances. The story centers on themes of female friendship, bullying, and the process of coming of age.
The film incorporates both dramatic and comedic elements to depict the challenges of teenage life. It addresses topics such as high school rivalry, gossip, and the manipulation that can occur within social circles. The plot highlights Cady's transformation as she grapples with fitting in and understanding her own identity amidst the pressures of popularity. The story also touches on how quickly friendships can shift and the consequences of public humiliation within a school setting.
"Mean Girls" has received generally positive reception, evidenced by its Rotten Tomatoes score of 84% and a Metacritic rating of 66/100. Its depiction of high school social structures and the performances of its cast have been noted, with specific attention given to the portrayals of Cady and Regina. The film maintains an average vote of 7 out of 10 from over 8,900 votes on TMDb, indicating a favorable audience response.
Why you might be searching for Mean Girls
Many people are searching for specific memorable scenes or lines from "Mean Girls," such as the "Who's that" mother or the high school cafeteria confrontation. There's also curiosity about the general plot, including the girl group dynamics and the "new girl at school" scenario. Some searches indicate a desire to recall specific character actions or the overall premise of the film's social commentary.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, who does not typically watch contemporary American comedies with female leads, found the film enjoyable due to Tina Fey's involvement and the critical acclaim it received from trusted sources. They noted it offered both humor and insightful commentary on 21st-century American society and the challenges faced by young women.
Read the full reviewA reviewer expressed surprise at how much they love "Mean Girls," despite its elements typically being outside their preferred genres. They noted that even though they typically dislike many of the film's tropes and stylistic choices, they rewatch it frequently and cannot explain its strong appeal to them.
Read the full reviewAnother reviewer was unexpectedly entertained by the film, finding it consistently amusing, especially in its stronger first half. They praised the performances of Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, highlighting McAdams' ability to make an unlikable character strangely appealing.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer, after seeing a more recent adaptation, stated that the original 2004 film is superior. They appreciated the original's commitment to the storyline, its character development, and the chemistry among the cast, which contributed to a satisfying conclusion.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can watch "Mean Girls" on Netflix or Paramount+. It is also available to rent or buy on Prime Video. [netflix.com](https://www.netflix.com/title/60034551)
"Mean Girls" is not based on a true story, but its screenplay was inspired by Rosalind Wiseman's 2002 self-help book "Queen Bees and Wannabes," which discusses female high school social cliques and bullying. Writer Tina Fey also incorporated elements from her own high school experiences. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Girls)
In the end, Cady is elected Spring Fling Queen and shares pieces of her tiara with other students, symbolizing a move toward inclusivity. The Plastics disband, with Regina, Gretchen, and Karen finding new paths. Cady makes peace with Janis and Damian and begins dating Aaron. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Girls)
Yes, "Mean Girls" is considered worth watching, as it received positive reviews from critics and audiences, with an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has been called a "smart and funny" teen comedy and a "pop culture phenomenon." [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Girls)