Guess what’s fetch? Mean Girls is on TikTok 19 years later and we are still obsessed

On October 3, you streamed the entire “Mean Girls” movie on TikTok, after the official “Mean Girls” account uploaded the full movie in 23 parts for free. Yep, today’s national “Mean Girls” day, so slip into your pink Juicy Couture jumpsuit and re-watch Cady Heron’s tragic teenage life on the movie’s verified TikTok account.

But the iconic film has graced more than just movie screens and For You Pages. The “Mean Girls” North American tour on Broadway debuted in 2018. The show is still popular, selling out almost all the seats at Miller Theatre in Philadelphia.

“Even though the movie was created before I was even born, I think people were still referencing the funny jokes,” Jih-Cook, the actor portraying Damian on the Broadway show, said. “And on top of that, the movie is so quotable and so funny.The story is so relevant to today, and the things that the characters face are things that people still face today in high school.”

This timeless teen comedy embraces the stereotypical highschool life filled with queen bees, cliques, crushes, awkward moments and all the drama. It’s clear what was fetch in 2004 is still oh so fetch in 2023. From screen to Broadway musical, “Mean Girls” still teaches every generation a few valuable life lessons.

“On Wednesdays, we wear pink.”

The iconic quote, “On Wednesdays, we wear pink,” makes picking out your weekly wardrobe simple. The directing and script writing of this move created pop culture references that are used so much they should be added to the dictionary. Scroll through social media and you will spot memes about “the Plastics” or even trending movie sounds for your next TikTok.

“Get in, loser. We’re going shopping.”

The fashion in “Mean Girls” revolves around the 2000s style, which has been making a major resurgence in the past five years. It encourages people today to dress for themselves and how they want to feel or be perceived. The characters express this through all the different cliques and their fashion choices. Janis Ian chooses anxiety teen punk, Kevin Gnapoor goes for mathlete and Cady Heron gives classic new girl vibes.

“God, Karen, you’re so stupid.”

Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by Regina George. Regardless if your nose is buried in the books or you’re just trying to make it through your 9-to-5 job, there’s always a mean girl around. The movie points out the fact that you have the choice to react or not to react. The Broadway musical continues to shed light on the importance of standing up for yourself.

“Janis sings about and confronts her two bullies that she faces and shows them she’d rather be herself than be with those people again. It’s a very touching song,” Jih-Cook said.

“You let it out, honey…put it in the book.”

Social media is the digital version of a Burn Book, a platform to start any dirty rumor. The early 2000s launched the first major social platforms like MySpace, Facebook and YouTube. Today, there are hundreds of platforms infiltrating teenagers’ mindsets and confidence. With one click, a comment can go viral and negatively alter a life.

“The burn book is only cool if you burn it after you make it. I think it’s very wild to put hatred on paper and leave it there,” mentioned Andres Valencia, a USC senior studying business administration and finance.

As you may have been a victim yourself, these comments are worse than, “Amber D’Alessio made out with a hot dog.” Social media leaves a burn greater than the Plastics’ words as it’s one of the leading causes of depression and anxiety today.

“You can’t sit with us.”

To not allow someone to sit with you at lunch is very high school. But not being friends with someone because of their race, sex, size, disability or status is discriminatory. This movie was really ahead of its time in promoting the importance of inclusivity and leaving bullying behind. Mikael Rada, an ensemble member in the national “Mean Girls” Broadway tour, said the Broadway show continues to bring awareness to diversity in the casting.

“As an Asian American performer, it sometimes is disappointing when you don’t see shows where you see yourself,” Rada said. “This show is so diverse and it allows us to express ourselves, not just because of what we look like, just because we’re human. And the show just brings that heart to the forefront.”

From show to cast, Rada notes it’s not about letting popularity contests divide us and instead about being open to new perspectives.

“I can’t help that I’m so popular.”

Popularity isn’t an indicator of true friendship. Despite the Plastics giving off high school royalty vibes, they aren’t the sweetest on the inside. Growing up we often want to be like the cool kids but Cady’s experience gives us the inside scoop. One can find friendships in the least expected people.

“I transferred here, so I’ve been at a different university, too,” said Anna Jarczynska, a USC junior studying music industry. “It’s so interesting to see how those stereotypes do kind of apply to real people in school, even though obviously there’s no Regina George. But there still are the popular people that are kind of a little meaner and it’s like, why? Why would anyone want to be friends with them?”

“Is butter a carb?”

Despite an increase in body positivity and acceptance of all sizes since the movie’s debut, there is still an underlying notion people are valued based on their physical appearance. Just like Regina trusted Cady that Kälteen Bars were the trick to lose weight, people trust fad diets circulating the internet and influencers’ “What I eat in a day” content.

Diet culture is more confusing than ever as it slyly pushes away from size but still encourages a particular image through the “health and wellness” craze. Consequently, since the pandemic, there has been a rise in eating disorders. At least, hopefully, the move taught you that a crash protein bar diet is not the answer — and that butter is actually a fat.

“Gretchen, I’m sorry I laughed at you that time you got diarrhea at Barnes & Noble.”

You know when you can’t keep ghosting your bestie any longer? There is nothing worse than holding a grudge within your friend group. North Shore High School shows how it’s normal for relationships to fluctuate and face to face communication is always better than talking behind one’s back. The end of the movie helps viewers see forgiveness as a strength and reinforce reconciliation. It invites viewers to join Cady and friends in the trust fall.

“The limit does not exist.”

There is no denying the overarching theme of the movie is to be yourself. In a time where people are constantly sharing the highlights of their life on various outlets, it can be easy to feel discouraged or like an outlier.

“Tina Fey really made sure that Cady was a character that was not only accessible but incredibly relatable because we’ve all felt like a fish out of water at some point,” said Ella Grace Rodriguez, a USC senior majoring in film and tv production.

“Mean Girls” isn’t like regular movies. It’s a cool movie!