Films about being popular explore the themes of popularity, social status, and the challenges that come with fitting in or standing out in society. These films often delve into the complexities of navigating social hierarchies, the desire for acceptance, and the consequences of popularity. From high school dramas to coming-of-age tales, here are some existing films that tackle this subject:
“Mean Girls”, 2004
Director: Mark Waters
This cult classic follows Cady Heron, a new student who immerses herself in the world of high school cliques. As she experiences the highs and lows of popularity, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, identity, and the consequences of trying to fit in.
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lizzy Caplan, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Jonathan Bennett, Daniel Franzese, Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer, Neil Flynn, Daniel DeSanto, Rajiv Surendra, Diego Klattenhoff, David Reale, Elana Shilling, Graham Kartna, Ely Henry, David Aherne, Ayo Agbonkpolo, Molly Shanahan, Jonathan Malen, Jeff Moser, Miranda Edwards, Les Porter, Eve Crawford, Jack Newman, Michelyn Emelle, Bathsheba Garnett, Ky Pham, Danielle Nguyen, Alisha Morrison, Chris Ploszczansky, Dwayne Hill, Jan Caruana, Wai Choy, Julia Chantrey, Jacky Chamberlain, Olympia Lukis, Stefanie Drummond, Kristen Bone, Jessie Wright, Tyson Fennell, Stephan Dickson, Andreja Punkris, Noelle Boggio, Jordan Dawe, Alexandra Stapley, Laura de Carteret;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Mean Girls” on the website imdb.com
“Easy A”, 2010
Director: Will Gluck
Olive Penderghast, played by Emma Stone, finds herself at the center of rumors about her alleged promiscuity. Embracing her newfound notoriety, Olive navigates the complexities of high school popularity while challenging societal expectations and exploring her own values.
Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci, Cam Gigandet, Lisa Kudrow, Malcolm McDowell, Alyson Michalka, Fred Armisen, Juliette Goglia, Jake Sandvig, Morgan Rusler, Nicki Tyler Flynn, Braeden Lemasters, Mahaley Hamilton, Jameson Moss, Blake Hood, Bryce Clyde Jenkins, Neil Soni, Stacey Travis, Bonnie Burroughs, Eddie Applegate, Norma Michaels, Yolanda Snowball, Andrew Fleming, Johanna E. Braddy, David Gore, Lalaine, D'Anthony Palms, Ryan Parker, Rawson Marshall Thurber, Christopher De Lorenzo, Nancy Karr, Clay Black, Bradley Charles Etheridge, Veerta Motiani, Michael Strauss, Lance Kerfuffle, Drew Koles, Max Crumm, Jeremiah Hu, Jessica Jann, Danni Katz, Jason Kropik, Julianne Celeste, Seth Donavan, Sam Gall;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: comedy, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 92 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“She's All That”, 1998
Director: Robert Iscove
In this classic '90s teen film, a popular jock named Zack accepts a bet to transform a nerdy, art-loving girl named Laney into the prom queen. As the makeover progresses, Zack starts to question his motives and realizes that popularity isn't everything.
Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Kevin Pollak, Anna Paquin, Kieran Culkin, Elden Henson, Usher, Lil» Kim, Gabrielle Union, Dulé Hill, Tamara Mello, Clea DuVall, Tim Matheson, Debbi Morgan, Alexis Arquette, Davino Buzzotta, Chris Owen, Charlie Dell, Michael Milhoan, Carlos Jacott, Ashlee Levitch, Vanessa Chester, Patricia Charbonneau, Katharine Towne, Wendy Fowler, Flex Alexander, Robert Baglia, Debbie Lee Carrington, Clay Rivers, Sara Rivas, Amon Bourne, Takbir Bashir, Anthony Rivera, Jarrett Lennon, Brandon Mychal Smith, Milo Ventimiglia, Kente Scott, Kim Cottom, T.J. Espinoza, Brian Friedman, Tony Fugate, Caroline Girvin, Alicia Gilley, Scott Hislop, Jennifer Lee Keyes, Richard Kim, Stephanie Landwehr;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “She's All That” on the website imdb.com
“Clueless”, 1995
Director: Amy Heckerling
Cher Horowitz, a fashionable and popular high school student, uses her social influence to orchestrate romantic matches among her friends. This iconic film explores the ups and downs of popularity, materialism, and the importance of genuine connections.
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Elisa Donovan, Breckin Meyer, Jeremy Sisto, Dan Hedaya, Aida Linares, Wallace Shawn, Justin Walker, Sabastian Rashidi, Herb Hall, Julie Brown, Susan Mohun, Nicole Bilderback, Ron Orbach, Sean Holland, Roger Kabler, Jace Alexander, Josh Lozoff, Carl Gottlieb, Joseph D. Reitman, Anthony Beninati, Micki Duran, Gregg Russell, Jermaine Montell, Danielle Eckert, Dicky Barrett, Marcello Bloisi, Christopher E. Cooper, Monica Eva Foster, Pamela Holt, Johnny Kim, Michael Klesic, John Kricfalusi, Sam Macaroni, Craig Ponder, Bobbie Sunday Starr, Billy West;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Clueless” on the website imdb.com
“10 Things I Hate About You”, 1999
Director: Gil Junger
Adapted from Shakespeare's “The Taming of the Shrew,” this film follows the story of two sisters navigating high school. Bianca, the popular sister, becomes the center of attention as suitors vie for her affection, leading to unexpected developments and revelations about popularity and true love.
Starring: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz, Andrew Keegan, Susan May Pratt, Gabrielle Union, Larry Miller, Daryl Mitchell, Allison Janney, David Leisure, Greg Jackson, Kyle Cease, Terence Heuston, Cameron Fraser, Eric Riedmann, Quinn Maixner, Demegio Kimbrough, Todd Butler, Dennis Mosley, Bianca Kajlich, Nick Vukelic, Ben Laurance, Aidan Kennedy, Jelani Quinn, Jesse Dyer, Aaron Therol, Carlos Lacamara, Joshua Thorpe, J.R. Johnson, Wendy Gottlieb, Brian Hood, Travis Muller, Ari Karczag, Laura Kenny, Alice Evans, Jesper Inglis, Nick Brown, Monique Powell, Brian Mashburn, Kay Hanley, Michael Eisenstein, Michelle Babin, Tim Bennett, Shelsie Blake, Greg Bronson, Frank Caraan, James Huffman;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “10 Things I Hate About You” on the website imdb.com
“Jawbreaker”, 1999
Director: Darren Stein
After a prank goes awry and results in the death of their friend, a group of popular girls struggles to maintain their image and deal with the guilt. This dark comedy explores the darker side of popularity, the consequences of deceit, and the complexities of friendship.
Starring: Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, Judy Greer, Chad Christ, Ethan Erickson, Carol Kane, Pam Grier, Alexandra Adi, Tatyana Ali, Joni Allen, Charlotte Ayanna, Marita Black, Billy Butler, Claudine Claudio, Jeff Conaway, Jane Leigh Connelly, Vylette Fagerholm, Brian Gattas, Jessica Gaynes, Dan Gerrity, Kall Harrington, Sophia Abu Jamra, William Katt, Lisa Robin Kelly, Rick Lindland, Sandy Martin, Tommy McKay, Michael McLafferty, Donna Pieroni, Alexis Smart, P.J. Soles, Rebecca Street, Allie Moss, Rachel Winfree, Ann Russo, Brett Anderson, Torry Castellano, Maya Ford, Allison Robertson, The Donnas, Marilyn Manson, Jan Linder, Deirdre O'Brien, Jeffrey Stubblefield, Bob Tennent;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: thriller, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Jawbreaker” on the website imdb.com
These films offer different perspectives on the concept of popularity, showcasing the joys, struggles, and complexities that come with fitting in or standing out in society. Each film delves into the human desire for acceptance, the price of conformity, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
In the world of films about being popular, we are reminded of the complexities and challenges that come with popularity. From the timeless classics like “Mean Girls” and “Clueless” to the more recent hits like “The DUFF” and “Easy A,” these films delve into the highs and lows of popularity, exposing the vulnerability and pressure that often accompany it. They serve as poignant reminders that true self-worth and authenticity are far more valuable than fleeting popularity, and that acceptance and kindness should be celebrated above all. Whether through comedy, drama, or romance, these films offer a mirror to our own experiences, encouraging us to embrace our individuality and to find our place in the world, popular or not.
