15 Finest Films Like Clueless

Fab buddies, a dream closet, teen romance, and meddling in others’ lives. These are the elements that make up “Clueless,” the 1995 movie about Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), who needs to assist others, so long as it really works to her benefit. This contains giving a makeover to the brand new woman, Tai (Brittany Murphy), who’s Cher’s subsequent venture. These parts make “Clueless” the quintessential teenage film, full with a glance into the world of ’90s highschool and the concept adults and duties like driving are a complete drag. 

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All of that is instructed by the eyes of Cher, whose inside ideas are shared by a narration that makes you really perceive her plights and her genius problem-solving expertise that not everybody understands. Is there one other film on the market that’s simply as cool as “Clueless” continues to be? As if! But when the ending has you buggin’, and also you’re anticipating the upcoming “Clueless” sequel sequence, then we’ve got some rad treatments for you.

Listed here are the 15 finest films like “Clueless” that you need to take a look at proper now. 

Jane Austen’s basic novel “Emma” is the inspiration for “Clueless,” and the 2020 movie adaptation showcases Austen’s humor and ideas on girls in society. Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Pleasure) is a rich lady who makes use of match-making to entertain herself (at the least that is what she tells individuals). The truth is that she does not need to get married as a result of she fears the expectations that society will place upon her. It is simpler to deal with everybody as a chunk on her chessboard as she dodges romance. 

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“Emma.” is the sharp adaptation of this story that highlights Emma’s fears about societal pressures by hilarious scenes, similar to mother and father cringing at their kids’s temper-tantrums. “Clueless” addresses societal pressures in a extra private method by Cher’s voiceover, which explains her distinctive perspective on courting and college. Like Emma, Cher is anxious about what life would love if she did not take care of her father, and whereas it is not explicitly addressed in “Clueless,” it may very well be why she holds off on having a gradual relationship. Nonetheless, each girls study that going through the longer term is less complicated mentioned than executed once they stand out from the remainder. 

“Clueless” finds Cher getting concerned in different individuals’s lives and working from her issues, and the identical is true for “Uptown Ladies.” Brittany Murphy is Molly Gunn, a wild little one who turns into penniless in a single day. She has to face the actual world when she turns into the nanny to Ray (Dakota Fanning), a little bit woman who grew up too quick. Their reverse attitudes result in loads of bickering and humorous moments. Nevertheless, Molly realizes that Ray is working to maturity to keep away from the damage attributable to her mom’s absence, and that is when Molly figures out that she ignores her duties with the intention to keep away from the grief surrounding the loss of life of her mother and father. 

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Avoidance is a key a part of Cher’s story as she ignores what is going on on on the earth with the intention to bypass grownup duties. That avoidance simply makes her seem shallow and unconcerned about others. Molly can also be labeled by her previous actions, which felt higher on the time than going through the unknown. However she has to seek out the boldness to strive new issues and encourage Ray to do the identical. 

In case you’re searching for a film to observe after “Clueless,” 2004’s “Imply Ladies” is completely fetch (even when in comparison with newer takes on the story). Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is the brand new woman at North Shore Excessive College, and she or he is swept into drama when she meets Janis Ian (Lizzy Caplan) and Damian (Daniel Franzese), who persuade Cady to affix the vapid well-liked woman group often known as the Plastics and destroy their chief, Regina George (Rachel McAdams). 

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Cady turns into Janis’ venture, very similar to how Tai turns into Cher’s. Whereas Cher transforms Tai with the intention to appear like individual, Janice makes use of Cady to heal wounds attributable to Regina. Their motives are totally different, however Cher and Janice are comparable as a result of they use the brand new woman to advance their standing. Each of their plans explode, however “Imply Ladies” presents the larger lesson as a result of the way it handles the aftermath. Cher privately involves phrases along with her actions, however Janis has to face the entire college, as a result of this plot has a ripple impact that impacts all the college. That is one thing that “Clueless” by no means absolutely explores, as a result of Tai’s story is only a small piece in Cher’s huge image.

“She’s All That” breaks the mould of the teenager transformation story by specializing in Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Prepare dinner), who isn’t the brand new woman however moderately the nerdy teen who’s already a social outcast. That is why she questions Zack Siler’s (Freddie Prinze Jr.) romantic curiosity in her. It is a response that could be very totally different from how Tai responds to Cher’s provide to make her well-liked, and that is as a result of Tai’s pleasure is pushed by her concern that she will not make buddies at her new college. 

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It ought to be no shock that this film is totally different from different teen comedies, since usually terrifying filmmaker M. Night time Shyamalan labored on “She’s All That.” Laney does settle for parts of her transformation, which is often a part of the components for these films, however she largely maintains her id, which will be uncommon in tales like this. It is actually Zack who undergoes the transformation, nevertheless, each stroll into this with preconceived notions about one another, they usually quickly study that they don’t seem to be that totally different in spite of everything. That is a realization that additionally leads Cher into her huge finale as she finds a brand new appreciation and perspective for individuals in her life. 

“Legally Blonde” is what “Clueless” would appear like if Cher and Josh (Paul Rudd) went to school collectively, and that faculty setting is why Elle Woods’ (Reese Witherspoon) journey is so impactful. Cher makes minor selections throughout the vacuum of her highschool clique. In the meantime, Elle is supported by her sorority sisters as she heads to legislation college to win again her ex-boyfriend Warner (Matthew Davis), however the selections she makes affect her future profession and take away her from her consolation zone. Her upbeat angle and data of non-academic details is why some query her authorized profession, however a instructing assistant named Emmett (Luke Wilson) sees the bravery in her decisions. Very like Josh, Emmett observes her wit and her distinctive problem-solving expertise, which is why he trusts her as they tackle a high-profile homicide case. 

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The stakes are a lot greater for Elle, since each determination impacts the trajectory of her life, and the movie meets these excessive stakes with huge villains, together with Professor Callahan (Victor Garber). Cher meets her personal naysayers, however her villains do not comply with her all through the movie like Elle’s antagonists do. This locations extra stress on her to show them flawed, which is why the official ending for “Legally Blonde” is so significantly better than its alternate conclusion. 

Earlier than writing and directing “Clueless,” Amy Heckerling was on the helm of Cameron Crowe’s “Quick Instances at Ridgemont,” which signaled a shake-up in studio filmmaking. The 1982 movie follows Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) as she navigates romantic relationships ,whereas her classmates cope with their very own rising pains. Its premise is supposed for an ensemble forged, not not like “Clueless,” however “Quick Instances” does a greater job at tackling the extra widespread story construction, just because it isn’t really centered on a single character driving the narrative. 

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“Clueless” is narrated by Cher, offering invaluable perception into the thought course of behind every determination she makes. This requires her to be in virtually each scene, which does not means go away a lot room for the movie to completely discover different storylines, like Dionne’s relationship with Murray (Donald Faison). Forgoing the narration implies that “Quick Instances at Ridgemont Excessive” is ready to spend extra time on facet tales that won’t instantly affect Stacy. This contains the fixed battle between the long-lasting Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) and historical past instructor Mr. Hand (Ray Walston), which Travis (Breckin Meyer) and Mr. Wendell Corridor (Wallace Shawn) additionally ship by their very own minor battles in “Clueless.”

Whereas “Fairly in Pink” focuses on the highschool hierarchy like “Clueless” does, it isn’t as refined in relation to discussing socio-economics. Cher and her rich buddies do not perceive what it is wish to stay paycheck-to-paycheck. This can be a supply of battle when discussing their issues with individuals like Mr. Corridor and even Josh, who discover Cher’s issues inconsequential when in comparison with their grownup issues. Whereas there are ultimately classes discovered that result in self-reflection and a much less egocentric perspective, there is not as deep of an examination of wealth and morals like there’s in “Fairly in Pink.”

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The film follows Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald), a excessive schooler who takes care of her dad whereas working at a document retailer. Like Cher, she has a robust sense of who she is, however her world view is turned the wrong way up when her rich classmate Blane (Andrew McCarthy) falls for her. They consider they will make this relationship work, however Blane’s wealthy buddies and Andie’s admirer Duckie attempt to pull them aside as a result of their variations. It is a story that deeply delves into the realities of wealth that “Clueless” does not sort out as a result of its focus elsewhere.

Cher needs to do good deeds with the intention to make herself really feel good. Equally, Olive (Emma Stone) seeks reputation by deed, however her actions result in an examination of double requirements and societal pressures that “Clueless” solely skims the floor of. Olive’s journey begins when she pretends to lose her virginity to Brandon (Dan Byrd), who’s homosexual and severely bullied. Whereas he receives cheers as he leaves the bed room, Olive turns into the go-to individual for pretend hookups, which results in social criticism fueled by the self-righteous Marianne (Amanda Bynes). 

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To make a degree about double requirements, Olive decides to tackle the unfavorable persona that her classmates place upon her by sporting garments harking back to Hester Prynne from “The Scarlet Letter.” Nevertheless, she makes use of this new persona to assist gasoline her revenge towards the haters, turning her into somebody she does not acknowledge. “Clueless” does attempt to level out double requirements and societal pressures as Cher explains what a lady should do to get a person. She can also be harshly handled when she makes a mistake whereas serving to her father’s authorized workforce, who see her as dumb, blonde stereotype based mostly on her look and habits. These moments assist you study why Cher feels misunderstood, and “Simple A” additionally does the identical with Olive’s predicament. 

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Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is the Tai to Emily Charlton’s (Emily Blunt) Cher in “The Satan Wears Prada.” The 2006 movie adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s acclaimed guide follows Andy, a journalist who by accident turns into an assistant to stone chilly style journal editor Miranda Priestly, performed by Meryl Streep (who saved the movie). That is when she meets Emily, a fellow assistant who rescues Andy from her style crimes. Like Tai, Andy is uncomfortable with altering her picture, and it results in a brand new id that just about makes her as chilly as Miranda.

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Andy’s transformation and temporary lack of integrity lasts a bit longer than Tai’s imply flip, just because she’s engaged in an expert profession and never simply highschool societal norms. Cher instantly accepts Tai again into her circle after an argument. In the meantime, Andy finds assist along with her co-worker Nigel (Stanley Tucci) encouraging her being devoted to her profession, at the same time as she turns into just about nonexistent to her buddies and boyfriend. Whereas it is onerous to observe Andy’s downward spiral, it permits the movie to completely open up a dialog about how id stems from the alternatives you make and the way you deal with individuals, even when it does not profit you, which is what Cher additionally learns in “Clueless.”

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As “Clueless” factors out, attempting to slot in isn’t all the time one of the best factor, and Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) learns that in “Loopy Wealthy Asians.” The movie based mostly on Kevin Kwan’s novel follows Rachel as she meets her boyfriend’s wealthy household. His mom, Eleanor Younger (Michelle Yeoh), isn’t impressed by her, stating that she is going to by no means match into their life-style. So Rachel tries to rework herself into the longer term matriarch that Eleanor needs.

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Whereas Eleanor is the one setting the expectations, very similar to Cher does for Tai, these expectations weren’t created by her. They had been invented by Eleanor’s mother-in-law, who disapproved of her. Cher’s expectations come from societal pressures that she applies to her personal life, just like the second she tries to bake as a result of society taught her that guys are impressed by that. Rachel, Tai, and Cher all attempt to persist with the established order, however they notice that they do not have to suit into these molds. That battle ultimately results in the invention of widespread floor that “Loopy Wealthy Asians” showcases amid moments of pure pleasure. 

“13 Happening 30” is what would have occurred to Cher if she realized the error of her methods after highschool. Within the Nineteen Eighties, Jenna Rink (Christa B. Allen) is a teen who needs to affix the favored clique often known as the Six Chicks. The group trashes her thirteenth party, and Jenna needs that she may very well be 30, flirty, and thriving. Her want comes true, however she realizes that she paid for her reputation by betraying the those who cherished her, together with her finest pal Matt (Mark Ruffalo).

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Taking others without any consideration is part of the emotional pull in “13 Happening 30,” and it is a huge a part of “Clueless.” Cher and Josh discover one another annoying till they take a second to know one another. In the meantime, Cher helps her father daily, and he by no means acknowledges it till they’ve a heart-to-heart. As a result of Jenna (performed by Jennifer Garner as an grownup) is making up for the damage she prompted over a number of years, she has to work very onerous at repairing her relationships, however she will get some assist from a little bit of nostalgic, teenage-inspired, together with one iconic “13 Happening 30” second that just about led to Ruffalo’s departure. 

“Clueless” focuses on how individuals will be missed based mostly on their intercourse, look, and financial standing. Cher feels misunderstood as a result of she is considered as only a wealthy blonde teen, at the same time as she feeds into such stereotypes, however she additionally underestimates Tai’s social pull as a result of she does not appear like the opposite cool children. Being missed due to your look and the place you reside is what “Deliver it On” is all about. 

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Torrance Shipman (Kristen Dunst) is the brand new chief of the Toro cheerleading squad who finds out that their competition-winning cheers had been stolen from the Clovers, a workforce of Black cheerleaders who really feel that they are being missed as a result of their race and financial standing. Now, the Clovers need to declare their rightful throne whereas the Toros attempt to change their popularity.

Because the movie examines the assumptions related to cash and race, it additionally focuses on the stereotypes related to cheerleaders as being vapid and dumb. It is a component that permits this film to convey up age-old questions relating to the legitimacy of cheerleading, which is one thing that each groups need to show with every routine.

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Cher is nothing with out Dionne (Stacey Sprint), her finest pal who needs Cher to keep away from the errors that she’s made. She tries to be very mature, however she nonetheless has issues that she must face. The identical may very well be mentioned for Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore), a duplicate editor who goes undercover in a highschool in “By no means Been Kissed.” She appears to have life discovered as an grownup, albeit a barely awkward one, however she remains to be reeling from insecurities that stem from bullying in her highschool years. Her new task leads her to face these insecurities, as she goes from being an outcast to all of a sudden changing into one of many well-liked children that damage her a lot.

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As Josie battles her rising pains, her co-workers are watching by way of a hidden digicam that permits them to react to each success and mishap. It permits the viewers to be reminded of their very own highschool journey whereas additionally providing some comedic moments all through. Like Cher, Josie is pressured to cope with everybody’s opinions about her selections, however there’s additionally a good-looking man within the background (very similar to Josh) who notices the optimistic qualities that she does not see in herself. It is all moderately inappropriate, because it includes a instructor being drawn to their scholar (who they do not know is definitely an older grownup), however the film is not with out its charms.

2003’s “Freaky Friday” has loads in widespread with “Clueless.” Cher and her father have totally different opinions concerning the world and the way Cher ought to spend her time. The identical is true for Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan), who would moderately battle than perceive one another. This modifications once they magically swap our bodies, and the one solution to change again is to lastly perceive every others’ perspective in life.

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As Tess and Anna battle, additionally they face the grief related to the loss of life of Tess’ husband and Anna’s father. Cher mentions that her mom died, and although it isn’t a element that we dwell on, the absence of her mom to affect her seemingly impacted how her id was formed. “Freaky Friday” does a greater job at making loss a central a part of the story by serving to Tess and Anna notice that they’ve grown aside as a result of they have not come to phrases with their loss. Each sacrifice they make for the opposite implies that they’re taking one other step within the therapeutic course of, which helps to construct the emotional weight of “Freaky Friday,” which is even loved by Quentin Tarantino. 

Like “Clueless,” “10 Issues I Hate About You” updates a basic and creates a up to date hit, though Joseph Gordon-Levitt wasn’t offered on it at first. This tackle William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” options Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) as a teen who has constructed partitions to guard her following a romantic betrayal. Her youthful sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is the full reverse. She’s tremendous well-liked and catches the eye of many boys. Whereas she needs thus far, their father decides that she will be able to’t have a boyfriend till Kat does. That leads new child Cameron James (Gordon-Levitt) and well-liked child Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan) to plan their very own schemes so as to have the ability to date Bianca.

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Cher additionally guards herself from courting highschool boys, largely due to their perceived immaturity, which is probably going why she’s all the time attempting to push alongside the romantic lives of others. She says that top college boys are lame, maybe as a result of disappointing experiences that we do not hear about. This may make her much more relatable to Kat, who has some soul looking out to do earlier than she trusts somebody to like her once more.