Which Mean Girls Movie Takes the Crown?

The Original Mean Girls (2004)

Mean Girls, released in 2004, was the brainchild of comedian Tina Fey, who created a global phenomenon with her social commentary on the American high school experience. Since its release, it has been a cultural staple, with audiences continuing to reference some of the most iconic Mean Girls quotes. The film's popularity continues to grow, and there was even a Broadway musical created based on the original movie.

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

The satirical lens that Mean Girls takes on allows for social commentary that feels natural rather than preachy. It touches on important issues such as body image, bullying, and the consequences of conformity. This allows for the movie to not only serve as a lighthearted and humorous watch but also one that can portray an important message.

The characters and storylines felt new and exciting and have stood the test of time in terms of still being relevant. Though released in the early 2000s, the movie tackles universal high school experiences that make it a strong watch to this day. On the flip side, Mean Girls also has the nostalgia factor going for it, as the fashion, music, and technology depicted in it remind viewers of a specific and memorable era.

The film does have moments that don't live up to the more rigid standards viewers have for content when it comes to things like body image and bullying, but these serve as conversation-starters and present the opportunity for younger viewers to see what is not acceptable.

Mean Girls 2 (2011)

Mean Girls 2, released in 2011, was a long-awaited follow-up to Mean Girls, but unfortunately, it was not able to come close to the original. The film feels like a weak attempt to try to capture the hilarity and originality of the first film, and it ultimately lacked the sharp wit that made Mean Girls a phenomenon.

The cast of Mean Girls 2 poses for the poster

The storyline ended up feeling predictable and formulaic, and the new characters weren't able to live up to their predecessors. They felt one-dimensional and clichéd and brought down the overall film.

In addition, Mean Girls 2 just didn't have the resources that the original did to make it such a success. It was a direct-to-tv sequel made for ABC Family, which meant that it didn't have the same budget as the first Mean Girls.

Mean Girls (2024)

Mean Girls, released in 2024, welcomed back the comedic mind of Tina Fey and incorporated musical numbers that added a new layer to the well-known story. While the movie was definitely directed toward newer audiences, it managed to incorporate a number of moments that captured the spirit of the original Mean Girls.

Mean Girls 2024 cast poster

Reneé Rapp does an excellent job of bringing the catty and iconic character of Regina George to life in a new way with a fresh spin. In addition, Avantika Vandanpu's amazing performance as Karen Shetty was a standout.

Renee Rapp as Regina George Smiling in Mean Girls 2024

Part of what makes 2024's Mean Girls a strong addition to the franchise is that it was not trying to simply recreate the original but instead add a new twist to it.

Angourie Rice as Cady Heron Smiling in Mean Girls 2024

2024's Mean Girls didn't live up to the original film, but it also wasn't trying to which is why it comfortably sits in second place.

Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls 2024 looking back at Cady in math class