Films about girl cliques delve into the complex dynamics, relationships, and sometimes tumultuous interactions within groups of girls or young women. These movies often explore themes of friendship, rivalry, social hierarchies, and the personal growth of the characters involved. Whether set in high schools, colleges, or various social contexts, these films provide a glimpse into the intricacies of female friendships and the challenges faced by young women in different social structures. Here is a list of films that vividly portray girl cliques:
“Mean Girls”, 2004
Director: Mark Waters
This iconic comedy follows Cady Heron as she navigates the social hierarchy of her new high school and clashes with The Plastics, a group of popular girls led by the manipulative Regina George. It’s a sharp observation of high school life and the dynamics of girl cliques.
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lizzy Caplan, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Jonathan Bennett, Daniel Franzese, Amy Poehler;
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
“Heathers”, 1988
Director: Michael Lehmann
A dark comedy that satirizes the social cliques of a typical American high school. The story centers around Veronica Sawyer and her desire to escape the toxic influence of her popular girl clique, led by three girls named Heather, which leads to a series of dark events.
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, Penelope Milford, Glenn Shadix, Lance Fenton, Patrick Labyorteaux, Jeremy Applegate;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: thriller, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Heathers” on the website imdb.com
“Clueless”, 1995
Director: Amy Heckerling
A modern adaptation of Jane Austen's “Emma,” this film follows Cher Horowitz, a popular and well-intentioned but somewhat superficial high school student, as she navigates the complexities of teenage life, including friendships, romance, and her social standing.
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Elisa Donovan, Breckin Meyer, Jeremy Sisto, Dan Hedaya, Aida Linares;
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
“The Craft”, 1996
Director: Andrew Fleming
This supernatural thriller focuses on a group of four high school girls who experiment with witchcraft, leading to consequences that test their friendships and personal ethics. It explores the allure and dangers of power within the context of a female clique.
Starring: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, Skeet Ulrich, Christine Taylor, Breckin Meyer, Nathaniel Marston, Cliff De Young, Assumpta Serna;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: horror, fantasy, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Craft” on the website imdb.com
“Jawbreaker”, 1999
Director: Darren Stein
In this dark comedy, a prank gone wrong by a popular girl clique leads to the accidental death of one of their members. The film delves into the aftermath, exploring themes of guilt, betrayal, and the ruthless pursuit of popularity.
Starring: Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, Judy Greer, Chad Christ, Ethan Erickson, Carol Kane, Pam Grier, Alexandra Adi, Tatyana Ali;
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
“Bring It On”, 2000
Director: Peyton Reed
Focusing on the competitive world of cheerleading, this film features two rival squads vying for the national championship. It highlights the camaraderie, rivalries, and challenges faced by girls within these tight-knit groups.
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union, Clare Kramer, Nicole Bilderback, Tsianina Joelson, Rini Bell, Nathan West, Huntley Ritter;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: melodrama, comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Bring It On” on the website imdb.com
“Legally Blonde”, 2001
Director: Robert Luketic
Although not focused solely on a girl clique, this film features the protagonist Elle Woods navigating the complexities of law school and societal expectations, with the support and rivalry of female peers playing a significant role in her journey.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Holland Taylor, Ali Larter, Jessica Cauffiel, Alanna Ubach;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Legally Blonde” on the website imdb.com
“Sorority Wars”, 2009
Director: James Hayman
This TV movie dives into the world of sororities, depicting the rivalry between two sorority houses after a fallout between former best friends who find themselves on opposite sides of the feud.
Starring: Lucy Hale, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Amanda Schull, Phoebe Strole, Kristen Hager, Rob Mayes, Adrian Hough, Sarah-Jane Redmond, Chelan Simmons, Faith Ford;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, comedy;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Sorority Wars” on the website imdb.com
These films, through various genres and narratives, provide a nuanced exploration of the dynamics within girl cliques, offering both critiques and celebrations of female friendships and rivalries.
In the landscape of cinema, films about girl cliques—ranging from the darkly comedic to the deeply introspective—have carved a unique niche, holding a mirror to the intricate dynamics of female friendships and the societal pressures that shape them. From the biting satire of “Mean Girls” to the gothic undertones of “Heathers,” these films navigate the complexities of adolescence, power struggles, and the quest for identity within the microcosm of high school society. They stand as cultural touchstones, simultaneously critiquing and celebrating the rites of passage that define the tumultuous teenage years. By exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of acceptance, these films offer a poignant commentary on the universal desire to belong, making them resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. The enduring appeal of girl clique films lies not only in their entertainment value but also in their ability to spark conversations about gender, hierarchy, and the enduring impact of our formative years on the people we become.
