In August 2000, audiences were introduced to a cheerleading movie that was so much more than pom-poms, pep rallies, and high school drama. Bring It On wasn’t just another teen comedy of the early 2000s — it was a sharp, witty, and surprisingly insightful film that tackled competition, cultural appropriation, and female rivalry with a sense of humor and style that has kept it relevant for 25 years.
Now, as we celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to look back at what made Bring It On such a cult classic, how it influenced pop culture, and why its legacy is still felt in movies, TV, and even competitive cheer today.
What Bring It On Is About
Directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jessica Bendinger, Bring It On follows Torrance Shipman (Kirsten Dunst), the newly elected captain of the Toros, a nationally recognized high school cheerleading squad in San Diego. As Torrance steps into her leadership role, she quickly discovers that her squad’s success might not be entirely earned.
The Toros’ signature routines were actually stolen by the previous captain from the East Compton Clovers, a predominantly African American cheer squad led by the fierce and talented Isis (Gabrielle Union). Determined to win nationals on their own merit, Torrance must lead her team in creating original choreography — all while navigating the challenges of high school politics, romance, and rivalry.
What begins as a competitive sports comedy becomes a layered story about integrity, respect, and what it really takes to be a champion.
Why It Became a Cult Classic
When Bring It On premiered on August 25, 2000, it wasn’t necessarily expected to become a cultural phenomenon. At first glance, the premise looked like lighthearted fluff — a teen cheerleading movie aimed at a young female audience. But it didn’t take long for word of mouth, sharp writing, and unforgettable performances to push it into cult status.
Here’s why it resonated — and still does:
1. Witty, quotable dialogue
From the opening cheer nightmare to the infamous “spirit fingers” line, Bring It On is packed with quotes that have stood the test of time. Lines like “This is not a democracy, it’s a cheerocracy” and “Brr, it’s cold in here, there must be some Toros in the atmosphere” became instant pop culture shorthand.
2. Strong, memorable characters
The movie gave us two equally compelling female leads: Torrance, the relatable but flawed captain trying to do the right thing, and Isis, the unapologetic and confident leader of the Clovers. Both were strong in their own ways, and neither was written as a flat stereotype. The supporting cast — including Eliza Dushku’s rebellious gymnast-turned-cheerleader Missy and Jesse Bradford’s charming, alternative love interest Cliff — added depth and variety to the ensemble.
3. Addressing real issues in a teen comedy
For a teen comedy, Bring It On wasn’t afraid to touch on deeper themes. The stolen routines storyline became an entry point to discussing cultural appropriation and the exploitation of marginalized talent. It also tackled the often-dismissed athleticism and skill of cheerleading, giving it the spotlight it deserved.
4. A celebration of competitive cheer
The choreography and cheer stunts were electric, fun, and believable. Unlike other sports comedies, the routines in Bring It On felt authentic because they were performed by real cheerleaders and trained stunt professionals. This authenticity helped the movie win respect from actual competitive cheer teams — something rare for Hollywood sports films.
The Impact on Pop Culture
1. It redefined the teen sports comedy
Before Bring It On, sports comedies aimed at teens often followed a predictable “underdog team beats the odds” structure (Mighty Ducks, Little Giants, A League of Their Own). While Bring It On had its own underdog elements, it flipped the script by making the “champion” team face its moral failures, and by showing that winning isn’t the only definition of success. The Clovers’ win at nationals was a bold move that went against the expected Hollywood ending.
2. It gave cheerleading a new level of respect
Cheerleading had long been stereotyped as a sideline activity — pretty girls waving pom-poms to support the “real” athletes. Bring It On showed audiences that competitive cheer is a demanding, athletic, high-stakes sport with its own rivalries, injuries, and intense preparation. It also shone a light on the cheerleading world’s diversity, even if Hollywood wasn’t fully ready to explore it in depth.
3. It launched (and boosted) careers
Kirsten Dunst was already a well-known young actress, but Bring It On cemented her as a leading lady for the decade. Gabrielle Union’s role as Isis remains one of her most iconic performances. Eliza Dushku, fresh off Buffy the Vampire Slayer, brought her trademark edge to Missy, while Jesse Bradford became a teen heartthrob for alternative-leaning audiences.
4. It inspired a franchise and countless imitators
Bring It On’s success led to five direct-to-video sequels (Bring It On Again, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Bring It On: In It to Win It, Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, and Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack), a 2017 horror spinoff (Bring It On: Cheer or Die), and even a stage musical. While none matched the original’s impact, they kept the brand alive and introduced it to new generations.
The film also paved the way for other cheer-centric pop culture moments, from reality shows like Cheer to parodies on Saturday Night Live and MADtv.
5. Iconic soundtrack and style
The Bring It On soundtrack blended pop-punk, hip-hop, and early 2000s alt-rock in a way that perfectly captured the film’s energy. Songs like “Mickey” and “Hey, Mickey” cheer remixes became staples at sporting events, while the wardrobe — from midriff-baring uniforms to Clovers’ green-and-yellow color scheme — remains instantly recognizable.
Why It Still Resonates 25 Years Later
The enduring appeal of Bring It On comes down to more than nostalgia. Its themes and messages are still relevant in today’s pop culture conversations.
1. Conversations about cultural appropriation
In 2000, the concept of cultural appropriation wasn’t widely discussed in mainstream teen films. The movie’s depiction of a wealthy, predominantly white school stealing routines from a Black, underfunded team feels even more pointed in 2025, when discussions of representation, credit, and equity in the arts are front and center.
2. Female empowerment without cliché
The movie showed women in leadership roles, competitive sports, and complex friendships without reducing them to tired tropes. Torrance and Isis didn’t become best friends at the end — they respected each other’s talent and work, which felt more realistic.
3. The athleticism of cheerleading
In the wake of Netflix’s Cheer and the rise of competitive cheer competitions being broadcast nationally, Bring It On’s depiction of the sport feels ahead of its time. It gave viewers a look into the grueling training, choreography, and injuries that cheerleaders face — something still not widely recognized outside the cheer community.
4. It’s just plain fun
Even with its deeper themes, Bring It On never forgets to be entertaining. The pacing, humor, and choreography are as watchable now as they were in 2000. It’s endlessly rewatchable, whether you’re seeing it for the first time or the fiftieth.
Looking Ahead: Could Bring It On Make a Comeback?
With Hollywood’s current nostalgia wave and the 25th anniversary upon us, fans are already speculating about whether Bring It On could return in a new way. Gabrielle Union has hinted in interviews that she’s open to a sequel focusing on the Clovers, and with sports movies making a resurgence on streaming platforms, a modern-day reimagining could explore how cheerleading — and cultural conversations — have evolved.
Whether or not we get a new installment, Bring It On’s legacy is secure. It’s not just a cheerleading movie — it’s a smart, spirited, and surprisingly progressive teen comedy that still has plenty to say, even a quarter-century later.
Final Thoughts
Twenty-five years after its release, Bring It On remains a pop culture touchstone that influenced how we see cheerleading, teen comedies, and female-led sports films. It was bold enough to challenge stereotypes while still being ridiculously fun, and that’s why it continues to resonate. As Torrance and the Toros proved, it’s not just about having spirit — it’s about having heart.
