The Slaughter (2006) is a horror film that throws cheerleaders into a perilous situation. When a group of college students, including cheerleaders, goes on a road trip, they stumble upon a family of deranged killers. This movie leans into the classic backwoods horror tropes, focusing on survival against a brutal threat. It's a gory and grim entry, offering little in the way of actual cheerleading but plenty of suspense and terror for horror enthusiasts.

Cheerleader Massacre (2003) is a low-budget slasher film that, true to its title, features a group of cheerleaders being targeted by a killer. Directed by Jim Wynorski, this movie delivers on the exploitation elements, with plenty of gratuitous violence and scantily clad victims. It's a straightforward horror flick that doesn't aim for much more than cheap thrills and a high body count, making it a watch for those who enjoy the more schlocky side of the genre.

The Pom Pom Girls (1976) is another exploitation film from the 70s, focusing on the exploits of a high school cheerleading squad and their boyfriends. It's a lighthearted, if somewhat raunchy, look at teenage life in a small town, filled with drag races, parties, and general mischief. The film is more about youthful rebellion and less about actual cheerleading, serving as a nostalgic time capsule for the era's drive-in movie fare.

The Cheerleaders (1973) is a cult exploitation film that falls squarely into the B-movie category. It follows a group of high school cheerleaders who use their popularity for various schemes, often involving sexual escapades. This film is a relic of its era, known more for its provocative themes and low-budget charm than its cinematic quality. It offers a glimpse into the more scandalous side of 70s cinema, far removed from the modern, competitive cheerleading narratives.

Cheerleader Camp (1988), also known as Bloody Pom Poms, is a slasher film that takes the cheerleading setting and turns it into a bloodbath. When a group of cheerleaders attends a summer camp, a mysterious killer begins picking them off one by one. This film is a product of its time, delivering on the low-budget horror tropes of the late 80s. It's less about the cheerleading and more about the body count, offering a campy, nostalgic watch for fans of vintage slasher cinema.

Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack (2017) attempts to modernize the Bring It On franchise by incorporating social media and global competition. This installment follows Destiny, captain of the 'Rebels' cheer squad, as they enter an online cheerleading competition that pits teams from around the world against each other. While it aims for contemporary relevance, the film struggles to capture the magic of its predecessors. It's notable for its attempt to broaden the scope of the cheerleading world, but ultimately feels a bit disconnected from the core spirit of the series.

All Cheerleaders Die (2013) is a horror-comedy that injects supernatural elements into the cheerleading trope. When a car accident claims the lives of four cheerleaders, their outcast friend, Maddie, uses dark magic to bring them back. However, their resurrection comes with some unexpected and gruesome side effects. This film is a wild ride, blending slasher movie tropes with black humor and a unique twist on the zombie genre. It's definitely not your typical cheerleading movie, offering a bloody good time for those who enjoy a genre mash-up.

Bring It On: Fight to the Finish (2009) brings Christina Milian into the cheerleading world as Lina Cruz, a street-smart East Los Angeles cheerleader who transfers to a ritzy Malibu high school. She quickly clashes with the reigning cheer queen and sets out to form her own squad. This film incorporates hip-hop influences into its routines, giving it a fresh feel within the franchise. It's a story about staying true to yourself while adapting to new environments, all set against the backdrop of fierce cheerleading competition.

Bring It On: In It to Win It (2007) takes the Bring It On franchise to cheerleading camp, where two rival teams, the West High Sharks and the East High Jets, find themselves at odds. When a cheerleading curse threatens their chances at the national championship, the teams must learn to work together. This installment leans heavily into the classic Romeo and Juliet dynamic, albeit with cheerleading instead of feuding families. It's a fun, lighthearted entry with plenty of impressive cheer routines and a focus on overcoming differences for a common goal.

Sugar & Spice offers a unique, darkly comedic twist on the cheerleading genre. Released in 2001, this film follows a group of high school cheerleaders who decide to rob a bank to help their pregnant friend and fellow cheerleader, Diane (Marla Sokoloff), and her football player boyfriend, Jack (James Marsden), make ends meet. It's a quirky, stylish movie that blends teen comedy with a heist plot, all narrated by a rival cheerleader. The film's offbeat humor and colorful aesthetic make it a standout, proving that cheerleaders are capable of more than just pom-poms – sometimes, they're capable of grand larceny!

Bring It On: All or Nothing, released in 2006, is the third installment in the Bring It On franchise and arguably the strongest of the direct-to-video sequels. Starring Hayden Panettiere as Britney Allen, a privileged cheerleader who finds herself transferring to a rough inner-city school, the movie tackles themes of social class and finding your place. The cheerleading sequences are top-notch, showcasing some truly inventive and challenging stunts. This film stands out for its energetic performances and its attempt to inject a bit more grit and realism into the high-stakes world of competitive cheer, making it a solid watch for fans of the original.

Fired Up! is a riotous cheerleading comedy that brings the laughs and the spirit! This 2009 film flips the script by focusing on two high school football stars, Shawn and Nick, who decide to join the cheerleading squad to meet girls. What starts as a shallow pursuit quickly turns into a genuine appreciation for the sport and the incredible athleticism it demands. Nicholas D'Agosto and Eric Christian Olsen have fantastic comedic chemistry, and the film doesn't shy away from lampooning stereotypes while still delivering impressive cheer routines. It's a feel-good movie that proves anyone can find their passion, even if it's in the most unexpected places. Plus, the training montages are surprisingly inspiring!

But I'm a Cheerleader is an absolute gem that subverts expectations with its audacious style and satirical bite. Released in 2000, this cult classic stars Natasha Lyonne as Megan Bloomfield, a seemingly typical high school cheerleader whose parents send her to a 'rehabilitation' camp for homosexuals. What follows is a visually stunning, candy-colored journey that hilariously critiques societal norms and celebrates self-discovery. The film's unique aesthetic, with its exaggerated costumes and sets, creates a dreamlike quality that perfectly complements its sharp humor. It's a bold, groundbreaking film that uses the cheerleading trope to explore themes of identity and acceptance in a way no other movie has before or since. A must-watch for anyone looking for something truly original and thought-provoking!

Get ready to shout and cheer because Bring It On is the undisputed champion of cheerleading movies! Released in 2000, this film didn't just showcase high-flying stunts; it captured the heart and soul of competitive cheerleading with a wit and charm that instantly made it a classic. Kirsten Dunst shines as Torrance Shipman, the newly appointed captain of the Rancho Carne Toros, who discovers their routines were stolen. The movie's sharp dialogue, incredible choreography, and surprisingly complex themes of cultural appropriation and sportsmanship elevate it far beyond a simple teen comedy. It was so influential that it even spawned a successful Broadway musical! Bring It On remains a fan favorite for its catchy routines and its ability to make you believe in the power of teamwork.