“Bring It On” is a beloved American teen comedy film franchise that began in 2000 and has since grown into a cultural phenomenon. The movies center around the world of competitive cheerleading, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and perseverance.
One of the primary themes in the “Bring It On” series is the idea of breaking down stereotypes and challenging societal expectations. The films feature diverse casts of characters from various backgrounds, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs. Through the lens of cheerleading, the movies showcase the power of teamwork and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
People love the “Bring It On” movies for their high-energy dance sequences, catchy music, and witty humor. The films also have a strong fan base among cheerleaders and dancers, who appreciate the realistic portrayals of their respective sports.
The franchise has spawned five sequels and two spin-offs, each with their own unique storylines and characters. While not all of the movies have been critical successes, the “Bring It On” brand has remained popular over the years due to its ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Interestingly, the first “Bring It On” movie was originally intended to be a straight-to-video release. However, after positive test screenings, the studio decided to release it in theaters, where it quickly became a box office hit. The success of the first film paved the way for the subsequent sequels and spin-offs, solidifying the “Bring It On” franchise as a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.
In summary, the “Bring It On” movies are beloved for their themes of inclusivity, teamwork, and perseverance, as well as their high-energy dance sequences and witty humor. The franchise’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
If you’re a fan of the “Bring It On” movies, here are nine other films that explore similar themes of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles:
- “Pitch Perfect” (2012) – This comedy follows an all-female a cappella group as they compete against rival groups for the national championship.
- “Step Up” (2006) – This dance movie follows a street dancer who falls in love with a ballerina, and they team up to compete in a dance competition.
- “Stick It” (2006) – This sports comedy follows a rebellious gymnast who is forced to return to training after getting in trouble with the law.
- “Center Stage” (2000) – This drama follows a group of young dancers as they attend a prestigious ballet academy and compete for a spot in a professional dance company.
- “Bring It On: All or Nothing” (2006) – This sequel to the original “Bring It On” follows a new cheerleading team as they compete against a wealthy rival school.
- “Save the Last Dance” (2001) – This romantic drama follows a teenage girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina but faces challenges due to her interracial relationship and a tragic accident.
- “Fired Up!” (2009) – This comedy follows two high school football players who decide to join the cheerleading team in order to meet girls, but end up discovering a new passion.
- “Honey” (2003) – This drama follows a talented hip-hop dancer who dreams of making it big in the music industry.
- “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” (2011) – This musical film follows the cast of the popular TV series “Glee” as they perform live on stage during their summer concert tour.
These movies offer similar themes, genres, and plot elements to the “Bring It On” series, and are sure to appeal to fans of the franchise.
1. “Pitch Perfect” (2012)
“Pitch Perfect” is a musical comedy film that follows the story of Beca, a rebellious freshman at Barden University who joins the school’s a cappella group, the Barden Bellas. The Bellas are struggling to regain their reputation after a humiliating defeat at the national championships, and Beca’s unique musical style may be just what they need to turn things around.
The movie is filled with high-energy performances and witty humor, as the Bellas compete against rival groups and navigate the ups and downs of college life. The film explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and the power of music to bring people together.
Like “Bring It On,” “Pitch Perfect” centers around a competitive world where a group of underdogs must overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Both movies also have a strong focus on music and dance, with each character bringing their own unique style and personality to the performances.
2. “Step Up” (2006)
“Step Up” is a dance film that follows the story of Tyler Gage, a street dancer who gets into trouble with the law and is sentenced to perform community service at a prestigious performing arts school. There, he meets the talented but aloof ballerina, Nora Clark, and the two team up to compete in a dance showcase that could launch their careers.
The movie features breathtaking dance sequences and a romantic storyline, as Tyler and Nora learn to overcome their differences and work together as a team. The film explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of dance to unite people from different backgrounds.
Like “Bring It On,” “Step Up” follows a group of talented performers as they compete against rival teams and overcome personal obstacles to achieve their dreams. Both movies also have a strong emphasis on the power of teamwork and the importance of pushing oneself to be the best they can be.
3. “Stick It” (2006)
“Stick It” is a sports comedy film that follows the story of rebellious gymnast Haley Graham, who is forced to return to training after getting in trouble with the law. Haley clashes with her no-nonsense coach and her competitive teammates, but ultimately learns to channel her talent and passion into her performances.
The movie features thrilling gymnastics routines and a strong female lead, as Haley fights to overcome the obstacles in her path and prove herself to her peers and her coaches. The film explores themes of perseverance, individuality, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Like “Bring It On,” “Stick It” features a group of talented athletes who must navigate the competitive world of their sport while dealing with personal struggles and interpersonal conflicts. Both movies also have a strong focus on the power of friendship and the importance of supporting one another in order to achieve success.
4. “Center Stage” (2000)
“Center Stage” is a drama film that follows the lives of several young dancers as they attend the prestigious American Ballet Academy in New York City. The movie explores the intense training and competition that goes into becoming a professional dancer, as well as the personal struggles and relationships of the main characters.
The film features stunning dance sequences and a talented ensemble cast, as the dancers strive to earn a spot in a prestigious dance company. The movie explores themes of dedication, perseverance, and the price of success in the competitive world of dance.
Like “Bring It On,” “Center Stage” follows a group of talented performers who must overcome personal obstacles and work together as a team to achieve their goals. Both movies also explore the intense pressure and competition that comes with being a top performer in a highly competitive field.
5. “Bring It On: All or Nothing” (2006)
“Bring It On: All or Nothing” is the third installment in the “Bring It On” series, and follows a new group of cheerleaders as they compete against a wealthy rival school. The movie features high-energy dance routines and a talented young cast, as the cheerleaders work to perfect their routines and outshine their competition.
The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for oneself in the face of adversity. Like the previous “Bring It On” movies, “All or Nothing” centers around the world of competitive cheerleading and the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the sport.
6. “Save the Last Dance” (2001)
“Save the Last Dance” is a romantic drama film that follows the story of Sara Johnson, a teenage girl who dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. After her mother dies in a car accident, Sara moves to a predominantly black neighborhood in Chicago and falls in love with Derek, a talented hip-hop dancer.
The movie explores themes of racial tension, cultural differences, and the power of dance to bring people together. Like “Bring It On,” “Save the Last Dance” features high-energy dance sequences and a diverse cast of characters, as the main characters work to overcome personal struggles and achieve their dreams.
Both movies also explore the idea of cultural appropriation in the world of dance, as the characters must learn to respect and appreciate the unique styles and traditions of different cultures.
7. “Fired Up!” (2009)
“Fired Up!” is a comedy film that follows two high school football players who decide to join the cheerleading squad to meet girls. The movie features a hilarious cast of characters and over-the-top cheerleading routines, as the boys learn to appreciate the hard work and athleticism required to be a successful cheerleader.
The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of respecting others’ passions and talents. Like “Bring It On,” “Fired Up!” is set in the world of competitive cheerleading and features a diverse cast of characters who must learn to work together as a team to succeed.
8. “Honey” (2003)
“Honey” is a drama film that follows the story of Honey Daniels, a talented hip-hop dancer and choreographer who dreams of making it big in the music industry. The movie explores themes of perseverance, dedication, and the power of dance to inspire and uplift.
The film features electrifying dance sequences and a talented cast, as Honey works to overcome personal struggles and achieve her goals. Like “Bring It On,” “Honey” celebrates the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of dance, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
9. “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” (2011)
“Glee: The 3D Concert Movie” is a musical film that follows the cast of the popular television show “Glee” on their summer concert tour. The movie features high-energy performances of popular songs, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
The film explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of music to bring people together. Like “Bring It On,” “Glee” celebrates the diverse talents and passions of young performers, and the importance of working together as a team to achieve success.
Here’s a table with the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies you listed:
Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Pitch Perfect | 7.2 | 81% |
Step Up | 6.5 | 20% |
Stick It | 6.4 | 30% |
Center Stage | 6.7 | 43% |
Bring It On: All or Nothing | 5.7 | 41% |
Save the Last Dance | 6.3 | 52% |
Fired Up! | 6.2 | 23% |
Honey | 5.4 | 20% |
Glee: The 3D Concert Movie | 5.4 | 60% |