A Cult Classic 2000s Comedy and Its Controversial Remake Just Joined Netflix on the Same Day

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While comedies aren’t as common in theaters these days, the 2000s were a golden age for the genre. Films like Napoleon Dynamite, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Legally Blonde were huge hits and are still considered some of the funniest movies of the 21st century. Now, you can stream a beloved comedy from that era on Netflix, though opinions are mixed on whether the recent remake is any good.

Starting in December, Netflix added both the original Mean Girls movie and the 2024 remake to its streaming service on December 4th. Both films, written by Tina Fey, follow Cady Heron as she transitions from being homeschooled in Africa to attending an American high school. She quickly learns about high school social life when a popular clique, known as “the Plastics,” invites her to join them.

Mean Girls Is a Near-Perfect Comedy That Its Reboot Couldn’t Live up To

Released in 2004, Mean Girls quickly became a beloved classic and remains a major part of pop culture today. The film is a defining high school comedy, offering a surprisingly insightful look at the social dynamics of teenage life – things like popularity, groups, and bullying – which are still issues young people face. Tina Fey’s clever writing makes it funny, relatable, and full of memorable quotes like “You can’t sit with us” and “That’s so fetch!” The whole cast is fantastic, with Lindsay Lohan as Cady and Rachel McAdams delivering an unforgettable performance as Regina George. Remarkably, the movie still feels fresh and funny more than 20 years later, proving it’s just as enjoyable now as it was when it first came out.

The 2024 remake is enjoyable and follows a similar story, adding catchy songs and addressing modern issues like social media and bullying. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to the beloved original – a tough act to follow. While the new cast delivers strong performances, they can’t replicate the magic of the original, and the remake ultimately feels pale in comparison. It’s a decent movie on its own, but falls short when viewed as a reimagining of a classic.

What’s New on Netflix?

Netflix has added a lot of exciting new shows and movies this month! Highlights include the sequel to their popular monster film, Troll 2, and the second season of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. You can also find three Kung Fu Panda movies, The Northman, and Forrest Gump, but keep in mind these are licensed titles and might not be available forever.

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2025-12-05 02:41