Ten Classic Chick-Flicks You Must See in your Lifetime

By Allison Schroeder
Web Content Contributor

Chick-flicks, a widely popular film collection that contains some of our most beloved actors and actresses including Matthew McConaughey, Hilary Duff, Reese Witherspoon, Lindsay Lohan, amongst many others.  

Growing up, I was introduced to this genre at an early age by my mom. We bonded over watching movies that led me to dreaming about a life unlike any other. I became a hopeless romantic and admired the women in the movies I saw.  

Chick-flicks, although depicting sometimes unreal situations, are comfort movies that you can turn to for a good laugh, a happy ending, or a cheesy storyline.  Within the past week with several rainy days and stressful days of studying, I have been turning to chick-flicks to brighten my day.

Here are some classic chick-flicks I believe everyone should see in their lifetime.

“Uptown Girls”

When my mom introduced me to “Uptown Girls,” I would watch it over and over. I loved Brittany Murphy’s spunky and carefree personality and Dakota Fanning’s strict and organized personality clashing until they find a way to adjust to each other. They broke down each other’s walls and helped each other heal. This film is a must-see for its originality.

“A Cinderella Story”

 When I was a little girl, I remember watching “A Cinderella Story” with Hilary Duff and dreaming about the future. I remember watching her Cinderella moment and thinking “I want a Cinderella moment when I’m older.” This movie brings a magical feeling and is perfect for a girls’ night in.

“The Wedding Planner”

Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey in “The Wedding Planner” is a duo I did not know I needed until I was introduced to this film years ago. In the film, Lopez works on weddings and one day she acquires a client whose fiancée did not show up in time. After leaving the client, she nearly gets hit and is saved by a doctor, McConaughey. Throughout the film we follow along her journey to finding love and McConaughey’s realization of the truth sets you free.  

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” came into my life later on, but when I saw it, I instantly fell in love with it.  Talk about a film that will make you burst into laughter. In the film, we follow a Greek woman trying to get her family to accept the non-Greek man she wants to marry. The film was such a hit that there ended up being a sequel!

“13 Going on 30”

Jennifer Garner in “13 Going on 30” is living every teenage girl’s dream until it turns awry. This film explores adulthood in the eyes of a teenager turned adult who realizes being a child is not the worst thing in the world, especially remembering who stuck with you even when things go wrong.

“27 Dresses”

Can you imagine being a bridesmaid 27 times and never a bride? Katherine Heigl lives a life of always being the bridesmaid, but never the bride. When it becomes time for her sister to get married, Heigl struggles with the concept that her sister is marrying the man she secretly loves.

“She’s All That”

“She’s All That” is essentially the stereotypical chick-flick, but once you start watching it, it is hard to stop.  It is a classic for a reason.  The popular Freddie Prinze Jr. is dared to ask out Laney Briggs, Rachael Leigh Cook, as she is seen as one of the most unpopular girls in school, but he changes her into one of the most popular girls and falls for her. Despite how stereotypical it is, the film is sweet and enjoyable.

“She’s the Man”

Amanda Bynes acted in some of the most classic teen films. I remember watching this movie for the first time and laughing hysterically because Bynes pretends to be her brother so she could continue playing soccer, but she ends up developing feelings for her roommate, Channing Tatum.  Her plan works well until her brother comes back into the picture. If you are looking for a comedy-filled chick-flick, this is the one for you!

“Legally Blonde”

“Any Cosmo girl would have known” that “Legally Blonde” is a classic chick-flick. Most ladies have probably seen this film alongside its sequel, but it would be a shame not to include it in the list of must-see chick-flicks. Reese Witherspoon is coming out of a breakup hoping to get back together with her ex by going to Harvard Law School, but ends up achieving more than she reckoned for. This film is filled with witty moments, quotes to last you a lifetime and a great storyline.

“10 Things I Hate About You”

“10 Things I Hate About You” is a classic film starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This film is notorious for its breakup poem Stiles recites, Ledger’s singing and dancing and its classic 90s vibe and music. When you see this film, you will know why it is a classic.

As I was compiling this list of must-see classic chick-flicks, I realized that many of the classic chick-flick films lack a diverse cast. Although these are all phenomenal films, their lack of a diverse casting upsets me.  

Thankfully, I have noticed a change in the movie industry to include more diverse casting and characters in chick-flicks. I noted in the past decade, several chick-flicks have contained a diverse cast including Netflix’s “Someone Great,” “To All the Boys” series and “Let it Snow.” Other films like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Just Wright,” “Girls Trip,” and “Pitch Perfect” have created a diverse setting in their films for more representation.

Featured Image by Allison Schroeder via Canva