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Best teen comedies from the early 2000s

Get ready for a blast from the past! Here's a list of some of the best teen comedies from the early 2000s to bring you back to the good old days.

Napoleon Dynamite
Easy A
Superbad

The late 90s and early 2000s marked a significant era for teen comedies, a time when filmmakers truly captured the essence of adolescence with all its awkwardness, humor, and heartfelt moments. These films became cultural touchstones, not only defining the fashion and slang of the time but also exploring timeless themes of identity, acceptance, and the search for belonging. From the cringe-worthy moments of first crushes to the high-stakes drama of high school cliques, these movies didn't shy away from portraying the rollercoaster that is growing up.

Many of these movies launched the careers of actors who would go on to become household names. Think about it: Lindsay Lohan in "Mean Girls", Emma Stone in "Easy A", or even Heath Ledger in "10 Things I Hate About You". Moreover, the soundtracks of these films often became as popular as the movies themselves, introducing audiences to new artists and solidifying the musical landscape of the era. The best teen comedies from the 2000s offered a mix of sharp wit, slapstick humor, and genuine emotion, making them endlessly rewatchable and ensuring their place in cinematic history.

9. Juno (2007)

'Juno' is a quirky and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a pregnant teenager. Elliot Page delivers a standout performance as Juno MacGuff, a witty and independent young woman who decides to give her baby up for adoption. The film is known for its indie soundtrack, sharp dialogue, and unconventional characters. 'Juno' received critical acclaim for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of teenage pregnancy. Did you know that Diablo Cody, the screenwriter, based the character of Juno on her own experiences working as a stripper? This experience brought authenticity to the story.

Juno

8. Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

'Not Another Teen Movie' is a parody of teen movie tropes, poking fun at the clichés and conventions of the genre. The film features a cast of familiar archetypes, including the popular jock, the nerdy outcast, and the prom queen, all exaggerated for comedic effect. While the humor is broad and often crude, the film's self-awareness and willingness to poke fun at itself make it a guilty pleasure for fans of teen comedies. Chris Evans, years before becoming Captain America, plays Jake Wyler, the popular jock who makes a bet that he can turn any girl into the prom queen.

Not Another Teen Movie

7. Bring It On (2000)

'Bring It On' is a high-energy cheerleading comedy that became a surprise hit in 2000. Kirsten Dunst stars as Torrance Shipman, the newly appointed captain of the Rancho Carne Toros cheerleading squad, who discovers their routines have been stolen from another squad. The film features catchy routines, memorable characters, and a surprising amount of heart. 'Bring It On' spawned several sequels, but none have quite captured the original's charm and energy. The cheerleading moves in the film were performed by actual cheerleaders, adding to the film's authenticity and excitement.

Bring It On

6. The Princess Diaries (2001)

'The Princess Diaries' is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Mia Thermopolis, an awkward teenager who discovers she's a princess. Anne Hathaway's breakout role as Mia is charming and relatable, and Julie Andrews is delightful as her regal grandmother. The film is a feel-good Cinderella story with a modern twist, exploring themes of identity, responsibility, and self-discovery. Garry Marshall, the director, was known for his improvisational style, which allowed the actors to bring their own personalities to the characters. Héctor Elizondo, a regular in Marshall's films, plays Joe, the head of Genovian security, adding a touch of warmth and humor to the story.

The Princess Diaries

5. Superbad (2007)

'Superbad' is a raunchy and hilarious coming-of-age comedy about two high school seniors, Seth and Evan, desperately trying to score alcohol for a party to impress their crushes. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera deliver unforgettable performances as the awkward and hormone-fueled duo. The film's over-the-top humor and relatable themes of friendship and growing up have made it a modern classic. The characters of Seth and Evan are loosely based on the film's writers, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. Christopher Mintz-Plasse's character, McLovin, became an instant icon, and the name 'McLovin' was actually improvised during filming.

Superbad

4. Easy A (2010)

Emma Stone shines in 'Easy A,' a clever and witty take on Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter.' Stone plays Olive Penderghast, a high school student who embellishes a story about losing her virginity to gain notoriety. The film is known for its sharp writing, witty dialogue, and Stone's charismatic performance. 'Easy A' cleverly subverts teen movie tropes while delivering a message about reputation and self-acceptance. The director, Will Gluck, encouraged improvisation on set, allowing for some of the film's most memorable and hilarious moments. Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson, who played Olive's parents, also added to the film's charm and humor.

Easy A

3. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

'Napoleon Dynamite' is a cult classic that perfectly captures the awkwardness and charm of small-town adolescence. Jon Heder's portrayal of the titular character, with his deadpan delivery and unique fashion sense, has become iconic. The film's quirky humor and relatable themes of friendship and fitting in have resonated with audiences for years. Fun fact: The dance Napoleon performs at the end was largely improvised by Jon Heder, adding to the film's spontaneous and authentic feel. The movie was filmed in Preston, Idaho, and many of the extras were local residents, further grounding the film in its setting.

Napoleon Dynamite

2. She's the Man (2006)

Starring Amanda Bynes, 'She's the Man' is a hilarious take on Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night,' updated for a 2000s teen audience. Bynes plays Viola Hastings, who disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after her own is cut. The physical comedy is on point as Viola-as-Sebastian tries to navigate the male world, dodge suspicion, and also falls for her roommate, Duke Orsino, played by Channing Tatum. It's filled with laugh-out-loud moments and a charming cast, making it a standout in the teen comedy genre. Interestingly, the film's soccer scenes required Amanda Bynes to train extensively, showcasing her commitment to the role.

She's the Man

1. Mean Girls (2004)

"Mean Girls" isn't just a teen comedy; it's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2004 and written by Tina Fey, the movie hilariously dissects the intricate social hierarchy of high school. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a naive teenager who navigates the treacherous waters of cliques and popularity when she infiltrates 'The Plastics,' the school's reigning queen bees led by Regina George, played by Rachel McAdams. The wit and sharp observations about teenage behavior, combined with endlessly quotable lines ('The limit does not exist!'), have solidified its place in pop culture history. Did you know that Amanda Seyfried originally auditioned for the role of Regina George? It's impossible to imagine anyone other than McAdams delivering Regina's iconic, manipulative charm.

Mean Girls

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