Finding movies related to Bring It On is usually a journey through a very specific kind of cinematic time capsule. You know the vibe. It’s that early-2000s, high-energy, "we need to win nationals or my life is over" energy that basically defined a generation. If you’re looking for that same hit of adrenaline, choreographed chaos, and teen social politics, you’re in the right place. Honestly, most people just re-watch the original Kirsten Dunst classic and call it a day, but there’s a whole universe of spirit out there.
Why We Still Obsess Over Movies Related to Bring It On
There is something deeply satisfying about watching a group of underdogs—or even the popular kids facing a reality check—glue themselves together for a final performance. The original Bring It On (2000) wasn't just about pom-poms; it was a surprisingly sharp look at cultural appropriation and class. Screenwriter Jessica Bendinger has talked openly about how she wanted to slip some real-world "truth bombs" into a story about teenagers in spandex. That’s why the movie has legs. It wasn't just fluff.
When searching for movies related to Bring It On, you’re typically looking for three things:
- Intense Competition: The stakes feel like life and death.
- The "Clash": Two different worlds colliding, usually through dance or cheer.
- The Comeback: A disgraced leader finding their groove again.
The Sequels: A Mixed Bag of Spirit
Before we dive into other franchises, we have to talk about the sequels. There are seven films in the Bring It On universe. Yes, seven. Most of them went straight to DVD or streaming, which means you might have missed the weirdest ones.
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- Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006): This one stars Hayden Panettiere and features a cameo by Rihanna. It’s basically the "cool younger sister" of the original. It tackles the "fish out of water" trope when a rich girl moves to a working-class school.
- Bring It On: In It to Win It (2007): Think West Side Story but with cheerleading. Two rival squads—the Sharks and the Jets—at a camp. It’s predictable but the stunts are actually insane.
- Bring It On: Cheer or Die (2022): This is the wild card. It’s a slasher movie. Seriously. They took the cheer franchise and turned it into a horror flick. It’s bizarre, but if you’re bored, it’s a trip.
Top Recommendations for That Cheer and Dance High
Stick It (2006)
If you love the "bad girl" energy of Missy from the original Bring It On, Stick It is your holy grail. It was written and directed by Jessica Bendinger (the woman who wrote the original Bring It On), so the DNA is identical. Missy Peregrym plays a rebellious gymnast forced back into the world of competitive gymnastics. It’s got that same biting wit and incredible athleticism. Jeff Bridges plays the coach, and he’s surprisingly great in it.
Sugar & Spice (2001)
This one is a bit darker and definitely weirder. A group of high school cheerleaders decides to rob a bank to support their pregnant head cheerleader. It’s a satirical crime comedy that mocks the "perfect cheerleader" image. It’s got Mena Suvari and James Marsden, and it’s a perfect pick if you want something that feels like the early 2000s but with a sharp, cynical edge.
Fired Up! (2009)
Okay, hear me out. This is a comedy about two high school football stars who decide to go to cheer camp just to meet girls. It sounds like a generic, low-brow teen flick, but the writing is actually incredibly fast-paced and meta. It pokes fun at every single trope found in movies related to Bring It On. It’s basically a parody that respects the sport enough to actually show some decent routines.
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Step Up (2006)
While it’s about dance rather than cheer, the structure is identical to the Bring It On formula. You have the "proper" world (ballet) meeting the "street" world (hip-hop). Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan have enough chemistry to power a small city. If you’re here for the choreography and the "us vs. them" team dynamics, the Step Up franchise is your next logical step.
The Cultural Impact of the Rivalry Trope
It's funny how we never get tired of the "stolen routine" plot point. In the original film, the East Compton Clovers (led by Gabrielle Union) were the rightful owners of the choreography, and the movie didn't shy away from the fact that the Toros were the ones in the wrong.
That nuance is what separates a good teen movie from a forgettable one. Most movies related to Bring It On try to replicate this by having a "posh" team and a "scrappy" team. Sometimes it works (Stomp the Yard), and sometimes it feels a bit tired. But when a movie nails that feeling of earning your spot on the mat, it’s magic.
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Hidden Gems You’ve Likely Overlooked
- But I'm a Cheerleader (1999): A cult classic starring Natasha Lyonne. It’s a satirical comedy about a cheerleader whose parents send her to a conversion therapy camp because they suspect she’s a lesbian. It’s pink, campy, and brilliant.
- Gotta Kick It Up! (2002): A Disney Channel Original Movie that actually holds up. It’s about a middle school dance team. "Sí se puede!" is the catchphrase you’ll have stuck in your head for weeks.
- Bottoms (2023): For a modern take, this movie is a chaotic masterpiece. It’s about two unpopular girls who start a "fight club" (disguised as an empowerment group) to get with the cheerleaders. It’s absurd and shares that high-stakes energy of the 2000s era.
Where to Start Your Marathon
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't just pick at random. Start with Stick It because it's the closest in "voice" to the original. Then, move to All or Nothing for the nostalgia factor. If you want something that makes you laugh, go for Fired Up!.
The reality is that movies related to Bring It On are more than just sports movies. They are about finding where you belong and realizing that sometimes, the "perfect" life at the top of the pyramid isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Streaming Availability: Most of the Bring It On sequels are currently rotating through platforms like Netflix and Peacock.
- Watch the "Mickey" Blooper Reel: If you haven't seen the end credits of the original 2000 film in a while, find it on YouTube. It’s a masterclass in cast chemistry.
- Host a Double Feature: Pair the original Bring It On with Bottoms to see how the "cheerleader" trope has evolved over 25 years.
- Look for the Musical: Believe it or not, Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton fame) co-wrote the music for Bring It On: The Musical. The cast recording is a great listen if you need a workout playlist.