8 Great Movies Similar to She’s The Man
If you’ve loved She’s the Man, you’re in for a treat! Director Andy Fickman’s 2006 beloved teen comedy is inspired by William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, starring Amanda Bynes as Viola, an ambitious young girl who disguises herself as her twin brother to join her rival school’s boys’ soccer team. The film’s beautiful mix of humor, romance and clever deception has made it a classic.
Numerous other films and dramas provide a similar vibe to She’s the Man, some of which are modern retelling of popular classical tales. Here are 8 other movies that are similar to She’s the Man in terms of teen antics, romance and transformative journeys.
10 Things I Hate About You
The 1999 romantic-comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You, is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, adapted to a 90s highschool setting. It boasts an ensemble cast with Julia Stiles as the fiercely independent Kat Stratford and Heath Ledger as the charmingly rebellious Patrick Verona. The film follows the story of Kat’s cheeky younger sister, Bianca, who cannot date until Kat does. This leads her to set up a scheme to set up Kat with Patrick. The movie’s witty humor and engaging romance make it a must watch for fans of She’s the Man.
What a Girl Wants
Amanda Bynes once again shines as another potent character in Daphne Reynolds, a teenager who travels to England to find her long-lost father, who is a prestigious politician, played by Colin Firth. What a Girl Wants represents a clash of cultures, which when combined with Daphne’s lively spirit, gives rise to comedic gold in addition to plenty of heartfelt moments. Anyone who liked Bynes in She’s the Man, will appreciate her charming performance alongside similar themes of self-discovery and family.
John Tucker Must Die
John Tucker Must Die revolves around a group of high school girls who discover that they have all been dating the same guy, leading them to band together to take revenge. The promiscuous fraudster John Tucker is brilliantly portrayed by Jesse Metcalfe. The girls’ bid for revenge leads to a variety of hilarious schemes and unexpected friendships. The film’s playful plot within a high school setting makes it a great pick for those who enjoyed the comedic elements in She’s the Man.
Sydney White
Yet another Amanda Bynes starrer, Sydney White, is a modern retelling of Snow White set in a college environment. Sydney is a college freshman who doesn’t quite fit into her mother’s former sorority and ends up living with seven outcast boys, modeled on the famous seven dwarves. Together, Sydney and the seven boys set out to challenge the elitism in the sorority system. Similar to the She’s the Man, the film not only showcases Bynbes’ comedic brilliance but also covers the themes of finding one’s place in a new social setting.
Clueless
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz – a wealthy and popular high school student in Beverly Hills. Cher’s attempts at matchmaking lead to comical misunderstandings and pave the way for her personal growth. The film’s witty dialogue, good characters, and fresh take on classic literature make it a delightful watch for fans of She’s the Man.
Mean Girls
Written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls is a popular cult-classic that explores the social hierarchies of high school life. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, who gets entangled with the school’s notorious clique, ‘The Plastics’. The film’s smart humor in addition to its exploration of identity and peer pressure resonate deeply with the themes of She’s the Man, offering another comedic yet genuine look at teenage social dynamics.
Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham is a sports comedy about Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) and Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), two girls who defy their parents’ wishes in a bid to pursue their dreams of playing professional soccer. Set in England, the film deals with cultural clashes and the pursuit of passion, similar to She’s the Man’s soccer-driven storyline. The theme of breaking social boundaries also runs deep throughout the film.
The Princess Diaries
The Princess Diaries stars Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, a shy teenager who discovers she’s the heir to the throne of a European kingdom. With guidance from her grandmother, played by Julie Andrews, Mia now has to navigate the challenges of royal duties and high school life. Just like She’s the Man, the film explores Mia’s transformative journey with an epic blend of humor and heart.
To sum it up, these eight movies with their overlapping themes of humor, romance, and self-discovery, capture the essence of what makes She’s the Man so enjoyable. They not only have a similar feel to the film but also target similar societal conceptions as well. So, whether you’re in the mood for another Shakespearean adaptation, a story of high school shenanigans, or a heartwarming tale of personal growth, these films are sure to delight.