Today marks the 23rd anniversary of Not Another Teen Movie, the 2001 comedy that hilariously parodied the teen movie craze of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Directed by Joel Gallen, the film debuted on December 7, 2001, and quickly cemented itself as a cult classic, delivering a perfect blend of irreverent humor, genre clichés, and sharp satire.
At its core, Not Another Teen Movie is a love letter to the teen movies it lampoons, including iconic films like She’s All That, American Pie, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Breakfast Club. The movie’s plot centers around Jake Wyler (Chris Evans in his breakout comedic role), a stereotypical high school jock who accepts a bet to transform Janey Briggs (Chyler Leigh), the “nerdy” girl, into prom queen. What ensues is a riotous ride through every teen movie trope imaginable, from over-the-top high school parties to heartwarming prom speeches.
The film didn’t just rely on sight gags and one-liners; it also included clever cameos from teen movie royalty. Molly Ringwald’s memorable appearance as a guidance counselor underscored the movie’s affectionate nod to the classics it skewered.
While critics were divided upon its release, audiences appreciated its unapologetic absurdity. Over two decades later, its legacy endures, often celebrated as one of the best parody films of its time. For fans of the genre, the movie serves as a nostalgic trip back to an era of frosted tips, love triangles, and overly dramatic declarations of high school love.
On this anniversary, we celebrate Not Another Teen Movie not just for its laughs but for its timeless ability to poke fun at the movies we hold dear. Here’s to 23 years of hilarity and teenage antics!
