15 Movies to Watch If You Love Clueless
From the fashion (hello, knee socks) to a soundtrack that never gets old to the instantly quotable catch phrases (whatever!), Clueless has managed to be a cultural influence for the past 20 years. Even though it may look like just another fluffy rom-com, it’s also a celebration of girl power, with strong, sassy and opinionated women. If you’re looking for some other movies to watch with your best girlfriends, here are a few choices that follow the themes of good friendship, strong ladies and on-point fashion.
1. Emma: In case you didn’t know, Clueless is actually a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. If you want another movie based on Austen’s take on well-meaning friends trying to set each other up, try this one. It’s set in Regency times so the costumes aren’t as skimpy, but there is still a star-studded cast.
2. Never Been Kissed: In a plot that seems slightly unlikely, the charm of an unkissed Drew Barrymore masquerading as a high schooler will quickly win you over as she struggles with the popular girls, befriends the nerds and instantly develops a crush on her English teacher. Some things never change, no matter how old you are.
3. Uptown Girls: Brittany Murphy plays her own version of Clueless and manages to charm with every “whoops” moment. Watch this movie for the characters’ quirky personalities and the sweet-but-inept Molly Gunn as she attempts to tackle adult life with mischief and innocence.
4. Legally Blonde: Cher was proud of her debating skills, from talking her way to a better grade to arguing policies. Elle Woods — everyone’s favorite lawyer — shares that same talent. Complete with Harvard sorority sisters and the struggle to establish personal independence, Legally Blonde carries all the same joy that we loved in Clueless.
5. Drive Me Crazy: The classic saying “opposites attract” comes to life in this light-hearted comedy about two very different teens who join forces to navigate the treacherous waters of high school love.
6. Bring It On: Yes, there are cheerleaders and a romantic storyline, but like Clueless, there is also a great supporting cast with their own personal subplots. The script is spot-on and the characters are totally on par with those from Clueless.
7. The Sweetest Thing: One of the best things about Clueless was the friendships. Even though this isn’t a high school movie, you’ll get to see a very young and cynical Christina Applegate try to set up her naive friend (Cameron Diaz) at a small-town wedding. There is a road trip, wedding disasters and lots of romantic distress — everything you’d need from a movie about best friends and romance.
8. Heathers: If you love the dark-’80s-comedy genre, you’ll enjoy this rather sadistic movie all about dealing with high school bullies in the most effective way possible: taking them out. When the main character, played by Winona Ryder, starts to despise her popular friend group, the Heathers, she joins up with a rebel loner and they decide to start offing the bullies at school. Don’t try this at home, kids.
9. She’s All That: In the tradition of ’90s movies comes this comedy about a girl coming of age in a snobby L.A. high school. Even though the plot is predictable, it’s a lot of fun and you’ll get that warm and fuzzy ’90s-nostalgia feeling.
10. Mean Girls: Yep, these are our other favorite high schoolers. Consider this a more cynical version of Clueless. There are some of the same satirical jokes about female relationships in both movies, although Clueless doesn’t have the same “mean” streak of the Mean Girls clique.
11. Confessions of a Shopaholic: Ready to enjoy some shopping therapy without spending any money? This fun movie is brimming with colorful outfits, statement pieces and lots of designer bits, which is perfect if you loved the fashion from the Clueless residents.
12. 10 Things I Hate About You: Obviously any high school is going to be a hotbed of romantic intrigue when a young and dreamy Heath Ledger is involved. It’s one of the absolute best teen romantic comedies, with witty dialogue and lovable characters.
13. La Boum: Cher and her friends were cool, but so Valley Girl. Get all the high school drama, but with an extra dash of je ne sais quoi, with this chic French high school movie starring Sophie Marceau and lots of chambray button-downs.
14. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion: If you have ever dreaded a high school reunion, you’ll be able to relate to this comedy about trying to keep up appearances. BFFs Romy and Michelle make a last-ditch (and super comical) attempt to get great jobs and perfect boyfriends before their next reunion.
15. Footloose: We’ll let you decide which version of this movie you like better. Either way, the plot is a classic story of high school kids showing the uptight grown-ups the errors of their ways. Making music and dancing against the law? You’re practically asking for a rebellion.
What are your favorite ’90s movies to watch with your girlfriends? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
