If you loved the sassy, spirited vibe of the 2000 cheerleading comedy Bring It On, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of 15 movies that capture a similar essence – from fierce competition and witty humor to heartwarming friendships and personal growth. Get ready to laugh, cheer, and be inspired by these must-watch flicks!
1. Stick It (2006)
Stick It is a 2006 teen comedy-drama that shares the same writer as Bring It On, Jessica Bendinger. The film follows rebellious former gymnast Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym) as she’s forced to return to the sport she left behind. Under the guidance of tough coach Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges), Haley must navigate the cutthroat world of competitive gymnastics while learning the value of teamwork and dedication.
With its blend of humor, heart, and incredible athletic feats, Stick It is a perfect companion to Bring It On. The film also features a talented ensemble cast, including Vanessa Lengies, Nikki SooHoo, and Maddy Curley.
2. Pitch Perfect (2012)
Pitch Perfect is a 2012 musical comedy that follows Beca (Anna Kendrick), a college freshman who joins her school’s all-girl a cappella group, The Barden Bellas. As Beca helps revamp the group’s outdated repertoire, The Bellas find themselves in a fierce competition against their male rivals, The Treblemakers.
Much like Bring It On, Pitch Perfect celebrates the power of friendship, teamwork, and following your passions. The film’s incredible musical performances, hilarious one-liners, and charming cast – including Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, and Anna Camp – make it a must-watch for any fan of feel-good comedies.
3. Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a 1999 dark comedy that takes place in the cutthroat world of small-town beauty pageants. The film follows Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst) and her rival Becky Leeman (Denise Richards) as they compete for the title of Mount Rose American Teen Princess.
While Drop Dead Gorgeous has a darker, more satirical tone than Bring It On, it shares the same themes of fierce competition and unlikely friendships. The film’s stellar cast – including Ellen Barkin, Allison Janney, and Kirstie Alley – delivers wickedly funny performances that will have you laughing from start to finish.
4. Sugar & Spice (2001)
Sugar & Spice is a 2001 teen crime comedy that follows a group of high school cheerleaders who turn to robbery to support their pregnant captain. Led by Diane (Marley Shelton) and Kansas (Mena Suvari), the squad must navigate the challenges of teenage motherhood while pulling off a series of daring heists.
With its mix of cheerleading, crime, and comedy, Sugar & Spice offers a unique twist on the themes explored in Bring It On. The film’s talented cast – which also includes James Marsden and Sean Young – brings plenty of humor and heart to this unconventional story of friendship and loyalty.
5. Fired Up! (2009)
Fired Up! is a 2009 teen comedy that follows two high school football stars, Shawn (Nicholas D’Agosto) and Nick (Eric Christian Olsen), who ditch football camp to attend cheerleading camp instead. As they navigate the world of pom-poms and pyramids, Shawn and Nick find themselves falling for their fellow cheerleaders – and learning some valuable life lessons along the way.
Like Bring It On, Fired Up! celebrates the athleticism and dedication of cheerleaders while delivering plenty of laughs and feel-good moments. The film’s charming cast and witty script make it a fun, lighthearted watch for fans of the genre.
6. Whip It (2009)
Whip It is a 2009 coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Drew Barrymore. The film follows Bliss Cavendar (Elliot Page), a small-town teenager who discovers her passion for roller derby. As Bliss joins the Hurl Scouts team and adopts the persona of “Babe Ruthless,” she must navigate the challenges of her newfound identity while keeping her involvement a secret from her conservative mother (Marcia Gay Harden).
While Whip It focuses on roller derby rather than cheerleading, it shares many of the same themes as Bring It On – including the power of female friendship, the pursuit of passion, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The film’s incredible cast – which also includes Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, and Jimmy Fallon – brings depth and humor to this heartwarming story of self-discovery.
7. Drumline (2002)
Drumline is a 2002 coming-of-age musical drama that follows Devon Miles (Nick Cannon), a talented drummer from Harlem who receives a scholarship to attend a historically Black university in Atlanta. As Devon joins the school’s marching band, he must navigate the challenges of college life while honing his skills and learning the value of teamwork.
Like Bring It On, Drumline celebrates the dedication and athleticism of its performers while exploring themes of friendship, competition, and personal growth. The film’s incredible musical performances and talented cast – including Zoe Saldana and Orlando Jones – make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
8. Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde is a 2001 comedy that follows Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. As Elle navigates the challenges of law school and faces prejudice from her peers, she discovers her own intelligence and potential – and learns to stand up for herself and others.
While Legally Blonde doesn’t focus on sports or competition, it shares many of the same themes as Bring It On – including the power of female friendship, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the value of hard work and determination. Witherspoon’s charming performance and the film’s clever script make it a beloved classic of the early 2000s.
9. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Bend It Like Beckham is a 2002 coming-of-age sports comedy-drama that follows Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra (Parminder Nagra), a British Indian teenager who dreams of playing professional football (soccer). As Jess joins a local women’s team and befriends her teammate Jules (Keira Knightley), she must navigate the challenges of her traditional Sikh family and the expectations placed upon her.
Like Bring It On, Bend It Like Beckham celebrates the power of female athleticism and friendship while exploring themes of cultural identity, family, and personal growth. The film’s charming cast and heartwarming story make it a beloved classic of the sports comedy genre.
10. Step Up (2006)
Step Up is a 2006 dance drama that follows Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum), a troubled teenager who discovers his passion for dance after vandalizing a performing arts school. As Tyler begins training with student Nora Clark (Jenna Dewan), he must navigate the challenges of his rough upbringing while preparing for a crucial performance.
While Step Up focuses on dance rather than cheerleading, it shares many of the same themes as Bring It On – including the power of dedication, the importance of teamwork, and the transformative nature of the arts. The film’s incredible dance sequences and chemistry between its leads make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
11. Coyote Ugly (2000)
Coyote Ugly is a 2000 romantic musical comedy-drama that follows Violet Sanford (Piper Perabo), an aspiring songwriter who moves to New York City to pursue her dreams. When Violet takes a job at the titular bar, she must learn to navigate the challenges of the city while honing her craft and finding her voice.
Like Bring It On, Coyote Ugly celebrates the power of female friendship and the pursuit of one’s passions. The film’s energetic musical performances and talented cast – including Maria Bello, Tyra Banks, and John Goodman – make it a fun, feel-good watch for fans of the genre.
12. Save the Last Dance (2001)
Save the Last Dance is a 2001 dance drama that follows Sara Johnson (Julia Stiles), a talented ballet dancer who moves to Chicago after her mother’s death. As Sara enrolls at a predominantly Black high school and befriends Derek Reynolds (Sean Patrick Thomas), she discovers a new passion for hip-hop dance – and learns to navigate the challenges of interracial romance.
Like Bring It On, Save the Last Dance celebrates the power of dance and the importance of following one’s passions. The film’s exploration of race, class, and cultural differences adds depth to its central romance, while its incredible dance sequences showcase the talents of its cast.
13. Girlfriends (2000)
Girlfriends is a 2000 comedy-drama that follows Anita (Jill Marie Jones), Maya (Golden Brooks), Lynn (Persia White), and Toni (Tracee Ellis Ross) – four Black women navigating the challenges of love, career, and friendship in Los Angeles. As the women support each other through ups and downs, they learn valuable lessons about the power of sisterhood and the importance of staying true to oneself.
While Girlfriends doesn’t focus on sports or competition, it shares many of the same themes as Bring It On – including the power of female friendship, the pursuit of one’s dreams, and the value of hard work and determination. The show’s talented cast and heartfelt storylines make it a beloved classic of the early 2000s.
14. Love & Basketball (2000)
Love & Basketball is a 2000 romantic sports drama that follows Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy McCall (Omar Epps), two childhood friends who share a passion for basketball. As Monica and Quincy navigate the challenges of their relationship and their athletic careers, they must learn to balance their love for each other with their love for the game.
Like Bring It On, Love & Basketball celebrates the power of athletics and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The film’s exploration of gender roles and the challenges faced by female athletes adds depth to its central romance, while its incredible basketball sequences showcase the talents of its cast.
15. Glee (2009-2015)
Glee is a musical comedy-drama television series that follows the members of a high school glee club as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and pursue their passion for music. Led by teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), the New Directions glee club includes a diverse group of students – including Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith), and Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) – who must learn to work together and support each other as they compete in show choir competitions.
Like Bring It On, Glee celebrates the power of the arts and the importance of teamwork and friendship. The show’s incredible musical performances, talented cast, and heartfelt storylines make it a beloved classic of the musical comedy genre.
In conclusion, if you loved the fierce competition, witty humor, and heartwarming friendships of Bring It On, these 15 movies and TV shows are sure to satisfy your craving for more. From the gymnastic feats of Stick It to the musical numbers of Pitch Perfect and Glee, each of these titles celebrates the power of passion, dedication, and teamwork – and reminds us of the importance of staying true to ourselves and supporting the people we love. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to laugh, cheer, and be inspired by these incredible stories of friendship, competition, and personal growth.
