Chick Flicks that Crack Us Up
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
One of my all-time favorite movies, When Harry Met Sally attempts to answer the question, “Can a man and a woman be friends without sex getting in the way?” Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) is a pessimist who reads the last page of a book first so if he dies before he finishes it, he knows how it ends. Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) is a content, well-adjusted, albeit high-maintenance, woman. “‘On the side’ is a very big thing with you.” Great one-liners will have you laughing throughout, including one of the most famous scenes in movie history — “I’ll have what she’s having.”
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Released shortly after my own version of a Big Fat Greek Wedding, trust me – it’s more real than you’d believe (except for maybe the Windex). Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) falls for a non-Greek, Ian Miller (John Corbett), which doesn’t go over too well with her very large, very loud, always-in-each-other’s-business, Greek family. Check this one out if you want to laugh, remember to love your family, and absorb the wisdom of Toula’s mother — “The man is the head (of the family), but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants.”
Mean Girls (2004), Mean Girls Musical (2024)
“On Wednesdays, we wear pink.” That’s gospel for any of the high school girl followers of Regina George, aka “the Plastics.” The original Mean Girls, starring Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, served as a basis for a Tony-nominated musical, which then got made back into a movie. In our musical theater household, the musical version reigns supreme, not just for the music, but for
Renee Rapp, who plays Regina. If you’ve only ever seen the original, check out the new one. It’s updated with things like social media, full of catchy tunes, and will make you remember why you’re happy to no longer be in high school.
Mamma Mia (2008)
A jukebox musical, Mamma Mia weaves together the music of Abba with the story of Donna (Meryl Streep), who’s planning her daughter’s wedding with two of her besties — Rosie (Julie Walters, aka Mrs. Weasley) and Tanya (Christine Baranski). Her daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who wants her father to walk her down the aisle, secretly invites the three “possible” dads she discovered in her mom’s diary. This story will have you calling your best friends just to say, “Hi,” and remembering why Pierce Brosnan doesn’t often sing in movies.
Legally Blonde (2001)
What would any rich, spoiled sorority girl do when — instead of getting an engagement ring — she gets dumped? Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) decides to follow him, even if it means acing her LSATs and getting Harvard Law. “What, like it’s hard?” She eventually discovers she’s more than a pretty face, and when her idol is accused of murder, only Elle can save her. When the boyfriend comes crawling back, she turns the tables, “If I’m going to be a partner in a law firm by the time I’m 30, I need a boyfriend who’s not such a complete bonehead.” Great story, great cast, and lots of laughs.
Bridesmaids (2011)
A raunchy, yet somehow ‘every-woman’ chick flick, Bridesmaids delivers non-stop laughs. Every aspect of Annie’s (Kristen Wiig) life is a disaster, but she jumps at the chance to be maid of honor to her lifetime best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph). Follow them and the other bridesmaids through wedding planning, friendships, and hilariously awkward (& cringe-worthy) moments. Their antics will leave you in stitches, as this film is worth its weight in wedding cake.
Clueless (1995)
This classic chick flick will have you laughing out loud. Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is a well-meaning but oblivious high school student who decides to play matchmaker to her friends. With the help of her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) and charming yet sarcastic Josh (Paul Rudd), Cher learns empathy, and the value of being true to herself. Silverstone’s portrayal of Cher is iconic, and you can’t help but root for her as she struggles with friendships, love, school, and passing her driving test.
Noises Off (1992)
Okay, maybe Noises Off isn’t strictly a chick-flick. But it’s probably the funniest movie I’ve ever seen — that very few seem to have heard of. It’s a brilliantly- structured farce, a movie based on a play about a play. It stars Michael Caine as the director trying to keep them all on track, while Carol Burnett, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Marilu Henner, Nicolette Sheridan, and Denholm Elliott bring to life the chaos, backstage drama, and perfectly timed slapstick. If you need a good laugh, trust me and seek out this hidden gem. It’s an awesome movie, but if you get a chance to see it performed on stage, take it.
