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" remains a touchstone in teen comedy, exploring the social hierarchies and challenges of American high school life. The film centers on Cady Heron, who, after being homeschooled in Africa, navigates the unfamiliar world of suburban high school and its dominant clique, The Plastics. This shift from an unconventional upbringing to a rigid social structure provides a foundation for the film's comedic and dramatic elements.
The narrative uses Cady's outsider perspective to dissect the dynamics of female friendship, bullying, and manipulation within a high school setting. As Cady attempts to undermine Regina George, the queen bee of The Plastics, she finds herself entangled in the very behaviors she initially sought to expose. The film blends humor with observations about identity and conformity during adolescence.
"Mean Girls" is recognized for its sharp dialogue and satirical take on teenage culture, contributing to its lasting appeal as a teen comedy. Its exploration of coming-of-age themes, set against the backdrop of high school rivalries, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Why you might be searching for Mean Girls
People often search for "Mean Girls" due to its memorable quotes and the distinct archetypes of its characters. The film's influence on popular culture, particularly its portrayal of high school cliques and the concept of a "Burn Book," also drives search interest. The performances by its cast, including Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, are also a draw.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, who generally avoids contemporary American comedies with female leads, was persuaded to watch "Mean Girls" due to Tina Fey's involvement as writer and co-star, finding it full of laughs and insightful commentary on 21st-century American society and the challenges faced by young women in high school.
Read the full reviewA viewer expressed surprise at how much they loved "Mean Girls," despite its premise and tropes being generally outside their preferred film genres, noting they rewatch it multiple times every year.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film unexpectedly enjoyable and consistently amusing, highlighting strong performances from Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, despite a slightly weaker second half and a too-harmonious conclusion.
Read the full reviewOne viewer compared the 2004 original to a more recent musical adaptation, stating that the original film offers greater depth and a stronger commitment to its storyline, with well-developed characters and seamless cast chemistry.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Mean Girls" on services like Peacock, Paramount+, fuboTV, Philo, and The Roku Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms such as Amazon Video and Apple TV.
"Mean Girls" is based on the novel by Rosalind Wiseman, with the screenplay written by Tina Fey.