Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny musical is truly "fetch"; swearing, racy moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mean Girls (2024)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 41 parent reviews
Parents say the movie has sparked mixed reviews, with some praising its underlying messages about teenage struggles and friendships while others criticize its overt sexual content and suggestive themes, deeming it inappropriate for younger audiences. While some find it a fun adaptation of the original and musical, many parents express concern over its PG-13 rating, arguing that it lacks sensitivity towards young viewers and should be rated higher due to its controversial themes.
- inappropriate for children
- mixed reviews
- sexual content
- some positive messages
- ratings controversy
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 79 kid reviews
Kids say the 2024 musical adaptation of the beloved film is a mixed bag; while many appreciate its energetic performances and catchy songs, significant concerns arise regarding its inappropriate content for younger audiences. Most reviewers agree it's better suited for teens aged 13 and up due to the heavy sexual references, swearing, and overall mature themes, although some enjoyed the modern take and representation, noting it's not as good as the original but still has its entertaining moments.
- inappropriate for kids
- mixed reviews
- better for teens
- catchy musical numbers
- modern take
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this version of MEAN GIRLS—which is based on the stage musical that was adapted from the 2004 movie—Cady Heron (Angourie Rice), long homeschooled on an African savanna, moves to Illinois and finds the high school social hierarchy to be similar to the animal world. She's unexpectedly welcomed into the A-list clique, known as The Plastics, by the school's queen bee, Regina George (Reneé Rapp). But Cady feels Regina's sting when they both want to date Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney).
Is It Any Good?
Put your worries aside: The Mean Girls musical slaps. It's hard to believe anyone wouldn't have a good time watching this tuneful, somewhat campy reimagining of Tina Fey's early 2000s hit. Given that the original film was enjoyed by many of 2024's parents when they were young, this version offers them a laugh-out-loud arm squeeze that they can squeal over right alongside their teens.
Best positioned for those who know and love the Lindsay Lohan version, this take on Cady's story ratchets everything up a notch: the story elements, the humor, even The Plastics' cleavage. While it's impossible not to miss the phenomenal original cast, the talent here pays homage without copying their work. Rapp's Regina George isn't a persnickety devil in a Santa miniskirt; she's a sexy "apex predator" who roars, a bully somehow even more arrogant in her ability to make anyone wither. With witty song lyrics that seem destined to become teen anthems, 2024's Mean Girls—like its predecessor—is likely to be a must for teen get-togethers. Mean has never been so nice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about high school cliques: What has changed over the decades, and what hasn't? Does the way cliques are portrayed in Mean Girls feel realistic?
Compare the musical adaptation to the original: What changes do you spot besides the music? Why do you think those adjustments were made? What feature film do you think would make a great musical? Why?
What role do phones and social media play in this version of the story? How do they impact Regina and Cady's choices and reputations?
Why is "the love triangle" a popular story element? Why do you think female friends fighting over a guy is considered a negative stereotype? What's the impact when entertainment depicts a certain group of people behaving in the same way over and over again?
How do Regina and Cady allow their power to go to their head, and what does it take for them to find their integrity?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 12, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 20, 2024
- Cast : Angourie Rice , Reneé Rapp , Auliʻi Cravalho
- Directors : Samantha Jayne , Arturo Perez Jr.
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual material, strong language, and teen drinking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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