'

But I'm a Cheerleader

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1:41

But I'm a Cheerleader

R

Released Sep 12, 1999

1h 21m

Comedy

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

43%

Tomatometer

91 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Megan (Natasha Lyonne) considers herself a typical American girl. She excels in school and cheerleading, and she has a handsome football-playing boyfriend, even though she isn't that crazy about him. So she's stunned when her parents decide she's gay and send her to True Directions, a boot camp meant to alter her sexual orientation. While there, Megan meets a rebellious and unashamed teen lesbian, Graham (Clea DuVall). Though Megan still feels confused, she starts to have feelings for Graham.

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Critics Consensus

Too broad to make any real statements, But I'm a Cheerleader isn't as sharp as it should be, but a charming cast and surprisingly emotional center may bring enough pep for viewers looking for a light social satire.

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Riese Bernard

Autostraddle

The film manages to take these dark feelings of shame and confusion, of family rejection and religious persecution and betrayal, and make it funny and cool and even a little romantic.

Apr 30, 2024

Full Review

Paul Tatara

CNN.com

But I'm a Cheerleader is a smug little comedy that tries to mock other people's self-righteousness while ignoring its own.

Mar 31, 2019

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

I would have preferred to know more in documentary terms about the actual reality of these terrible camps, rather than sit through this heavy-handed and oddly lenient comedy.

Mar 31, 2019

Full Review

Wayne Broadway

Black Girl Nerds

1999’s 'But I’m a Cheerleader' had all the potential to be a devastating drama. With just a little tweaking here and there, the film’s campy, satirical edge could have been blunted into something more dire and harder to watch.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 16, 2023

Full Review

Allyson Johnson

Cambridge Day

The film is infused with high-octane energy, larger-than-life humor and a cheeky John Waters aesthetic.

Mar 21, 2022

Full Review

Jack Hawkins

HeyUGuys

This new release has been given a great Blu-ray transfer, but this 90's teen comedy remains a vanilla pantomime.

Rated: 2/5

Jun 28, 2021

Full Review

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thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

05/23/25

Full Review

Enrique P

So ahead of it's time. Natasha Lyonne nailed it. I love Megan and Graham. Couple goals. Brilliant and hilarious 😂. 🩷🩷🩷

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

Full Review

Colette P

A creative, strange, and super 2000s movie that explores themes ahead of its time. There's a really interesting relationship that works as a conflict for the film's unique premise. This relationship is both the heart, backbone, and main intrigue of the story. The only complaint would be that this film is a “comedy” that's not funny. But at the same time it can be equally enjoyed as a drama instead, so it doesn't take away anything from its enjoyment factors.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/26/25

Full Review

Lana t

Gotta watch at the very least for the 'straight' RuPaul! *cackles* In fairness though, I loved the whole dissociated feeling in the beginning of the film, it's really well conveyed. The symbolism in little details is pretty clever and amusing. There are some very tender scenes that make you hold your breath, while others are silly and comical. Would watch again!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

Dani G

Kind of silly and ridiculous, but it has its moments, although not much

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/21/24

Full Review

cato k

LESBIANS GAAAYYYYY!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/10/24

Full Review

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Jamie Babbit

Director

Natasha Lyonne

Megan

Cathy Moriarty

Mary

Bud Cort

Peter

Mink Stole

Megan's Mom

RuPaul

Mike

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - Family Therapy

1:31

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - Kissing and Dreaming

1:30

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - Rediscovering Your Gender Identity

1:56

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - I Love You

2:05

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - Foreplay is For Sissies

2:44

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - The Intervention

1:47

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - The Final Test

3:01

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - Never Felt That Way Before

2:47

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - True Directions

2:54

But I'm a Cheerleader: Official Clip - Reporting Roots

1:19

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But I'm a Cheerleader: Trailer 1

1:41

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Synopsis

Megan (Natasha Lyonne) considers herself a typical American girl. She excels in school and cheerleading, and she has a handsome football-playing boyfriend, even though she isn't that crazy about him. So she's stunned when her parents decide she's gay and send her to True Directions, a boot camp meant to alter her sexual orientation. While there, Megan meets a rebellious and unashamed teen lesbian, Graham (Clea DuVall). Though Megan still feels confused, she starts to have feelings for Graham.

Director: Jamie Babbit
Producer: Leanna Creel, Andrea Sperling
Screenwriter: Jamie Babbit, Brian Wayne Peterson
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Kushner-Locke International, HKM Films, Ignite Entertainment, Cheerleader LLC
Rating: R (Strong Language|Sexual Content Involving Teens)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 12, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 5, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.2M
Runtime: 1h 21m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround

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