Usually, no remake or sequel is as good as the original. Sometimes though, new perspectives on older films can make the movie-watching experience more worthwhile. If She’s All That can be remade into a TikTok/influencer-styled plot called He’s All That, there are lots of opportunities to recreate even more teen flicks!
With that in mind, here is a list of the top 5 teen romance movies that deserve a remake.
Teen romance movies: Mean Girls
Mean Girls might technically be more of a romantic comedy than just romance, but it still deserves to be on this list. While Mean Girls released a sequel in 2011, a remake of the film would thrive in the age of social media. Just imagine a plot about a home-schooled high school girl who doesn’t know social media exists! Fast forward and she faces the chaos and struggles of high school. As she becomes more accustomed to her new life, Instagram likes and retweets make up her identity rather than who she really is. Could you imagine an Instagram Burn Book account? How scandalous!
Reports announced that Tina Fey, who wrote the film and the 2018 musical, would bring the musical to the big screen in a film adaptation. While there’s no further information about casting and production, we hope it gives the much-needed 2004 nostalgia we’ve been waiting for.
In this dream remake, we’d need the original cast to return. It wouldn’t be the same without the famous “Plastics” Regina George (Rachel McAdams), Karen Smith (Amanda Seyfried), and Gretchen Wieners (Lacey Chabert). Our favorite duo Janis (Lizzy Caplan) and Damian (Daniel Franzese), would have to make an appearance too. We also can’t forget our residential teen flick princess Lindsay Lohan.
Teen romance movies: Josie and the Pussycats
With the influx of TV Archie Comic adaptations like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, it’s only fair to want one of the most iconic girl bands in Archie history to come back to life. Josie and the Pussycats first made sound waves in the 2001 film starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, and Rosario Dawson. The musical movie followed Josie and her 2 friends who play in a rock band in their small town. When they get noticed and begin their journey to fame, they soon realize they are pawns in 2 record executives’ schemes to control the youths of America.
We have actors portraying Josie and her Pussycats on Riverdale with Ashleigh Murray playing Josie, Hayley Law as Valerie, and Asha Bromfield as Melody. After the band had a break from the series, Riverdale showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa confirmed on Instagram that Josie and the Pussycats would make their return in season 5.
If the band can reappear on the show, can’t they have their own movie? Riverdale likes to incorporate detailed crazy plots where romance and danger intertwine. A new Josie and the Pussycats film could be about the band in their 20’s, navigating the perils but joys of fame.
We’re waiting on you, Roberto. The ball is in your court.
Teen romance movies: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
We would do anything to have Lena (Alexis Bledel), Carmen (America Ferrera), Bridget (Blake Lively), and Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) together on our screens again. The story about 4 best friends finding the importance of self-love, family, adventure, romance, and friendship amidst sharing a pair of jeans has impacted so many young girls and women alike.
The second and final movie left off in the summer after the girls’ first year of college, with the 4 BFFs making a commitment to each other to stay connected. We’d love to see them reunite and raise their children together. The new film could follow their daughters who are all around the same age and their connection and love for one another. It would show their lives in the present day, as Lena, Carmen, Bridget, and Tibby navigate being mothers of young girls. With the power of a pair of pants, the daughters figure out who they are and their relationships with one another.
The way I need a third sisterhood of the traveling pants movie…. pic.twitter.com/L764HwJfBi
— ً (@seventhings) October 9, 2020
Like Mean Girls, there have been reports that the cast has talked about making a third movie. On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2018, Alexis Bledel shared that her fellow co-stars are interested in making another film.
“We just pitched a third movie, and I hope it comes together,” Alexis said.
Amber Tamblyn also shared her insight on the project on Twitter.
I realize what I’m about to say regarding the third installment of the Sisterhood franchise is not enough to break the internet, but certainly could crack it…
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) April 27, 2018
We have a little note for all the Hollywood studios: Please pick up this masterpiece of a film!
Teen romance movies: Clueless
Ugh! As if this film wouldn’t be on our list! Clueless is a classic ‘90s rom-com that has inspired much of my fashion choices in life. While no one can replace Alicia Silverstone as Cher, we’d love to see a new cast of characters rock the modern take on the Jane Austen tale.
Romance is like, way overrated. Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Clueless: https://t.co/ncLSG49HCx pic.twitter.com/oMYJSNdd0z
— Clueless (@clueless) February 13, 2021
Clueless in 2021 would bring in the power of social media in regard to social affluence. Cher, Dionne, and Tai could be high fashion TikTok influencers ruling high school and their social media profiles. The film would be an interesting look at how image and expression control us now that Instagram is a leading staple. How can Cher separate real life from the highlight reel? Also, it’d be fun to see the styles that have resurfaced from the ‘90s and what new styles are making their way into our lives.
hot girls loves cher horowitz outfits pic.twitter.com/LiPyIEg7s9
— ً (@prdasngel) August 27, 2021
There have been rumors that a Clueless-inspired TV show is in production. In 2020, Variety exclusively reported that this new series focuses on Dionne’s character from the original:
“The untitled comedy series is described a baby pink and bisexual blue-tinted, tiny sun-glasses wearing, oat milk latte and Adderall-fueled look at what happens when queen bee Cher disappears and her lifelong number two Dionne steps into Cher’s vacant Air Jordans.”
Until we have confirmation on whether the series comes to our TV screens, we’ll be thinking up possible plot scenarios in our head while watching Alicia Silverstone recreate her best Clueless moments on TikTok.
@aliciasilverstoneUgh! As if… I wouldn’t join TikTok. ??? #Clueless #AsIf♬ Ugh… As if – Alicia Silverstone
Teen romance movies: Love & Basketball
Love & Basketball showed audiences the fight between true love and your dream career. When Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) fall in love, their attempts at basketball stardom put their relationship in jeopardy. Who would’ve thought basketball and love go hand and hand?! In this film, it works its magic.
On this date the movie “Love and Basketball” debuted.
What is your favorite memory about this film?
For me, the movie constantly played on a loop during my first ever cruise. So much so, I knew every line of the film by the end of the trip. pic.twitter.com/X73uixzb4T
— Gregory Hampton Lee Jr (@nabjprez2011) April 16, 2020
Hollywood is always in need of more Black love stories focused on the female perspective. Love & Basketball in the 2020s could address the gender inequality regarding the NCAA women’s basketball tournaments. A remake would also have the power to include an ongoing conversation around race within the issue of police brutality and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.
There are so many story ideas for a remake. There could be a whole new batch of characters, or it could focus on Monica and Quincy’s daughter. The options are endless.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any hope for a Love & Basketball remake or sequel in the near future. Sanaa Lathan disclosed to Elle that there were no plans for another movie:
“No, but only because Gina Prince-Bythewood [writer and director of Love & Basketball] would never want to do that. We’ve talked about it. Gina’s response was, “No.” The imaginations of the audience will have to decide what happens to Monica and Quincy.”
We hope that their minds change sometime in the future. If not, we’ll continue to rewatch the beauty of the original.
Love and basketball has become a legendary staple as it pertains to sports films. It is often referenced in other movies, songs, and other pieces of media.
Here’s a few things about the all time film you may have not known. pic.twitter.com/sa51PfrWCM
— Vibecertified (@avibecertified) August 25, 2021
Did your favorite teen romance movie make the list? What teen rom-com would you like to see remade? Let us know over on our Instagram!
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