The Better and Worse Parts of 2024's Mean Girls

Improvement: A More Diverse Cast

The musical adaptation saw more variation in its casting, with a refreshing inclusivity.

Bebe Wood and Avantika as Gretchen and Karen Talking To Regina in Mean Girls 2024

The original cast of Mean Girls was predominantly white, but the new adaptation introduced more diversity, such as Gretchen making references to her Latinx heritage.

Aaron and Cady sit close while studying in Mean Girls

Improvement: Ms. Norbury And Principal Duvall Are A Couple

The 2024 version revealed that the two teachers are married, adding depth to their characters.

Tina Fey as Ms. Norbury and Tim Meadows as Principal Duvall in Mean Girls 2004

The original movie hinted at a possible relationship between the two teachers, but the new adaptation took it further by showing their marriage.

Principal Duvall at his office reading the Burn Book in Mean Girls 2024

Improvement: Janis Is Officially Gay

The 2024 version overtly addressed Janis' sexuality as a lesbian, updating an element from the original.

Auli'i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey as Demian and Janice Wearing Halloween costumes In Mean Girls 2024

While the original hinted at her sexuality, the new movie made a point to officially acknowledge Janis as being proudly open about her sexuality.

Cady's speech at the Spring Fling in Mean Girls 2004

Improvement: Cady's Apology

The 2024 version featured a more sincere reconciliation between Cady and Regina, with an added scene that wasn't in the original.

Aaron turns around to talk to Cady (Lindsay Lohan) in math class in Mean Girls

The new adaptation expanded on this part of the story, with Cady apologizing to Regina in a one-on-one conversation that resulted in a more genuine attempt at reconciliation.

Aaron and Regina at the Halloween party in Mean Girls

Improvement: The Difference In Aaron Samuels

The new Aaron Samuels is a more sensitive and well-rounded character, adding depth to the role.

Christopher Briney as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls 2024

While the original Aaron was portrayed as an airhead jock, the new interpretation made him more sensitive and better at math, offering a refreshing change.

The Mean Girls 2024 Musical Remake

Better In The Original: Janis And Regina's Backstory

The 2024 movie overcomplicated the demise of Janis and Regina's friendship with an odd backstory.

Lizzy Caplan as Janis Ian and Rachel McAdams as Regina George in Mean Girls

The original movie had a simpler and more effective narrative of their friendship breakdown, making it a better portrayal than the new version.

Cady (Lindsay Lohan), Janis (Lizzy Caplan), and Damian (Daniel Franzese) sit on the grass in Mean Girls

Better In The Original: Cady's Family Structure

The absence of Cady's father in the new Mean Girls was noticeable, undermining some of the family dynamics of the original.

Lindsey Lohan as Cady Heron and Neil Flynn as Mr. Heron in Mean Girls 2004

The original movie included Cady's father, who provided support and added comedic moments, making the family dynamic more impactful.

Karen Smith in the Plastics introduction - Mean Girls

Better In The Original: How Everyone Found The Burn Book

The climax of the original Mean Girls was funnier and more impactful than the 2024 version, which lacked visual impact.

Gretchen Weiners in the Plastics introduction - Mean Girls

The original scene of the Burn Book pages fluttering through the air had more visual impact and chaos, unlike the new version's reliance on social media.

Regina George being carried by some boys in the Plastics introduction - Mean Girls

Better In The Original: The Future Of The Plastics

The original movie provided closure for the Plastics after the Spring Fling, unlike the 2024 version, leaving their future uncertain.

Regina George is sitting with Karen and Gretchen in class

The original Mean Girls gave insight into what happened to the characters after the Spring Fling, offering closure that the new version lacked.

The Plastics talking to Cady in the cafeteria in Mean Girls