"Mean Girls" is a 2004 American teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey. The movie stars Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, and Amanda Seyfried, among others.
The story follows Cady Heron (played by Lindsay Lohan), a homeschooled teenager who moves from Africa to the suburbs of Illinois and experiences the social hierarchy of high school for the first time. She quickly becomes friends with outsiders Janis Ian (played by Lizzy Caplan) and Damian Leigh (played by Daniel Franzese), but also catches the attention of "The Plastics," a clique led by Regina George (played by Rachel McAdams) with Karen Smith (played by Amanda Seyfried) and Gretchen Wieners (played by Lacey Chabert).
As Cady navigates the complex social dynamics of high school, she finds herself drawn into The Plastics' world and begins to adopt their mean-spirited behavior. However, when Regina discovers that Cady has developed a crush on her ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels (played by Jonathan Bennett), she sets out to sabotage Cady's life, leading to a series of escalating conflicts and revelations.
"Mean Girls" is known for its sharp wit, memorable dialogue, and incisive commentary on teenage life and female friendships. It explores themes of peer pressure, identity, and the consequences of trying to fit in at any cost. The film struck a chord with audiences, particularly teenagers, and has since become a cult classic.
In addition to its comedic elements, "Mean Girls" also received praise for its strong performances, especially from Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, as well as Tina Fey's clever and quotable screenplay. The film's enduring popularity has led to a Broadway musical adaptation, as well as a sequel and various spin-offs and references in popular culture.