100+ Movies like She's the Man
Gracie
Both "She's the Man" and "Gracie" follow a similar plot where the female protagonist, driven by her passion for soccer, disguises herself as a male to join the boys' soccer team after being denied the opportunity to play on the girls' team. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to play for the Illyria boys' team after her girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Gracie", the titular character disguises herself to try out for the boys' varsity soccer team at her high school after being rejected from playing due to her gender. Both movies explore themes of gender discrimination, breaking societal norms, and the protagonists' determination to pursue their dreams despite facing opposition. The movies also share a romantic subplot involving the female lead developing feelings for a male teammate. Ultimately, both Viola and Gracie prove their skills on the field, scoring the winning goal and earning respect from their male counterparts.
Game
Both "She's the Man" and "Game" follow a similar premise of a female protagonist disguising herself as a male to join a male-dominated sport at her school. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Game", A.J. conceals her gender to try out for the boys' varsity basketball team. Both face opposition and skepticism from male coaches and teammates, but ultimately prove their skills and earn a spot on the team. The protagonists' deceptions create complications in their relationships and social circles. Viola develops feelings for her teammate Duke, while A.J. clashes with the egotistical Collins. Their true identities are eventually revealed, leading to confrontations but also acceptance from some characters. The movies explore themes of gender norms, pursuing one's passion, and personal growth through overcoming challenges. The narrative arcs parallel each other, with the female leads initially struggling to fit in while disguised, then gaining respect through their athletic abilities. Their deceptions cause rifts but also bring certain characters closer together by the end. Both films culminate in the protagonists openly embracing their true selves while still achieving their goals in the male-dominated sports.
Girl
Both "She's the Man" and "Girl" follow the story of a determined young woman who defies societal norms and expectations to pursue her passion. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut, while in "Girl", Lara is a transgender girl striving to become a professional ballerina. The protagonists face challenges related to their gender identity and expression, with Viola navigating the complexities of passing as a boy and Lara undergoing gender transition and reassignment surgery. Both films explore themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of one's dreams despite adversity. The central characters form meaningful connections, with Viola developing feelings for her teammate Duke and Lara finding support from her father and psychiatrist. Ultimately, the films celebrate the protagonists' resilience and courage in embracing their authentic selves.
Cruel Intentions 2
Both "She's the Man" and "Cruel Intentions 2" involve deception and disguise as central plot elements. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to attend his boarding school and join the boys' soccer team. Similarly, in "Cruel Intentions 2", Sebastian manipulates his permanent record to gain admission to a prestigious school under false pretenses. Both movies feature wealthy, elite boarding school settings where the protagonists navigate complex social dynamics and relationships. The protagonists, Viola and Sebastian, form alliances and engage in schemes to achieve their goals, whether it's proving themselves on the soccer field or gaining social status. They face opposition from antagonistic characters like Kathryn in "Cruel Intentions 2" and Justin in "She's the Man", who represent the established order they seek to challenge. Romantic entanglements and love triangles play a significant role in both plots, with Viola developing feelings for Duke while disguised as Sebastian, and Sebastian becoming involved with Danielle and Kathryn in "Cruel Intentions 2". The movies explore themes of identity, societal expectations, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.
Lost and Delirious
Both "Lost and Delirious" and "She's the Man" explore themes of gender identity, sexuality, and societal expectations through the lens of boarding school life. The central characters in both films navigate complex relationships and face challenges in expressing their true selves due to societal pressures and norms. In "Lost and Delirious", Paulie and Tori's lesbian relationship is a central focus, mirroring Viola's struggle to pursue her passion for soccer by disguising herself as her brother Sebastian in "She's the Man". Both films depict the characters' desires to break free from restrictive gender roles and expectations imposed by their environments. The boarding school setting serves as a microcosm for the societal constraints the characters face, with strict rules and hierarchies that they must navigate or subvert. The relationships between the central characters and their peers, as well as their interactions with authority figures, highlight the challenges they encounter in embracing their authentic selves. Ultimately, both films explore the consequences of defying societal norms and the personal growth that can arise from embracing one's true identity, even in the face of adversity.
Bend It Like Beckham
Both "Bend It Like Beckham" and "She's the Man" revolve around young women who are passionate about playing soccer/football but face opposition from their families and societal norms. The protagonists, Jess and Viola, defy expectations and disguise themselves to pursue their dreams of playing the sport they love. They join teams under false pretenses, with Jess pretending to have a job and Viola impersonating her twin brother. Their deception causes complications in their personal relationships and friendships. Ultimately, their talent and determination lead to success on the field, earning them opportunities to play at higher levels and gaining acceptance from their families. The films explore themes of cultural identity, gender roles, and following one's passions despite obstacles.
Nocturne
Both "She's the Man" and "Nocturne" revolve around twin sisters who attend prestigious schools and engage in deception to pursue their passions. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Nocturne", Juliet secretly uses a deceased student's notebook to audition for a prestigious music showcase, deceiving her prodigy twin sister Vivian. The sisters' relationships become strained due to jealousy and competition. Viola and Juliet both develop romantic feelings for male characters (Duke and Max, respectively) while posing as someone else. The films explore themes of identity, rivalry between siblings, and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams. Ultimately, the deceptions are revealed, leading to confrontations and resolutions regarding the sisters' relationships and pursuits.
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Both "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging" and "She's the Man" revolve around teenage girls navigating relationships, insecurities, and social dynamics at school. The protagonists, Viola in "She's the Man" and Georgia in "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging", are insecure about their appearances and struggle with gaining the attention of their respective love interests, Duke and Robbie. They employ deceptive tactics, with Viola disguising herself as her brother to join the boys' soccer team, and Georgia pretending her cat is missing to interact with Robbie. The plots involve love triangles, misunderstandings, and the protagonists' efforts to impress the boys they like while dealing with popular, mean girls (Lindsay and Monique). Ultimately, the boys realize their true feelings for the protagonists, and the girls learn to embrace their authentic selves. The movies explore themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the complexities of teenage relationships and social hierarchies.
Wild Child
Both "She's the Man" and "Wild Child" follow a similar plot structure where a rebellious teenage girl is sent to a prestigious boarding school to reform her behavior. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to attend Illyria and join the boys' soccer team after her girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Wild Child", spoiled Poppy is sent to Abbey Mount boarding school in England by her father to change her ways. At their new schools, the protagonists initially clash with their peers and authority figures due to their brash attitudes. However, they gradually form close bonds with their roommates through shared experiences and pranks aimed at getting expelled. Viola and Poppy also develop romantic interests at the schools, with Viola falling for Duke and Poppy for Freddie, the headmistress's son. Both films explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and personal growth as the protagonists learn valuable lessons and undergo transformations in their personalities and outlooks. Deception plays a central role, with Viola's cross-dressing ruse and Poppy's initial intentions to get expelled, leading to complications and revelations. Ultimately, Viola and Poppy prove themselves through their talents (soccer and lacrosse, respectively), gain acceptance from their peers, and find love, while also reconciling with their families. The boarding school settings serve as catalysts for their journeys of self-improvement and maturation.
Freak Show
Both "She's the Man" and "Freak Show" center around a gender non-conforming teenager who defies societal norms and expectations. The protagonists, Viola in "She's the Man" and Billy in "Freak Show", disguise themselves as someone else to gain acceptance and pursue their passions - Viola disguises as her brother to play soccer, while Billy dresses flamboyantly to be true to himself. They face bullying and ostracization from their peers but ultimately gain respect by staying true to themselves. The movies explore themes of identity, self-expression, and challenging gender stereotypes through the protagonists' journeys of self-discovery and acceptance. Both films culminate in the protagonists embracing their authentic selves and inspiring greater tolerance and diversity in their communities.
A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song
Both "She's the Man" and "A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song" follow a similar plot where the female protagonist disguises herself as someone else to pursue her passion and dreams. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. In "A Cinderella Story", Katie disguises her singing voice as her stepsister Bev's to get a record deal. Both protagonists face opposition from authority figures (the coach and Viola's ex in "She's the Man", Katie's stepmother Gail in "A Cinderella Story") who try to prevent them from achieving their goals. They also develop romantic feelings for someone who is initially unaware of their true identity (Duke in "She's the Man", Luke in "A Cinderella Story"). The deception eventually gets revealed, leading to conflict but ultimately acceptance and success for the protagonists in pursuing their dreams while being true to themselves.
Puppylove
Both "Puppylove" and "She's the Man" center around teenage girls exploring their sexuality and identity. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to play on the boys' soccer team, while in "Puppylove", Diane pursues sexual relationships with both boys and her female friend Julia. The movies parallel each other in depicting the protagonists' journeys of self-discovery and challenging societal norms around gender and sexuality. Both Viola and Diane engage in deception to pursue their desires, leading to complications in their relationships and personal lives. The films also touch on themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the complexities of adolescence.
Lady Ballers
Both "She's the Man" and "Lady Ballers" revolve around the central premise of characters disguising themselves as the opposite gender to participate in sports competitions. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly in "Lady Ballers", Alex and his former basketball teammates disguise themselves as transgender women to compete in a women's basketball league. The movies explore themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and challenging traditional norms. Both feature romantic subplots where the main characters develop feelings for someone while in disguise. The protagonists also face challenges in maintaining their deception and reconciling their actions with their values and relationships.
Juwanna Mann
Both "She's the Man" and "Juwanna Mann" follow a similar premise of a character disguising themselves as the opposite gender to pursue their passion for a sport. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team at a prestigious school after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Juwanna Mann", Jamal, a disgraced professional basketball player, disguises himself as a woman named Juwanna to join a women's basketball team after being banned from the men's league. The protagonists in both films face challenges in maintaining their disguise and navigating the social dynamics of their new environments. They develop meaningful relationships and gain personal growth through their experiences, ultimately proving their worth on the court. Despite initial deception, their teammates come to accept them, and the protagonists learn valuable lessons about teamwork, humility, and respect. Both films explore themes of gender stereotypes, pursuing one's dreams against adversity, and the transformative power of sports. The protagonists' journeys involve overcoming societal expectations, self-discovery, and earning redemption through their dedication and talent. Ultimately, their performances on the court lead to acceptance and a second chance in their respective sports.
The DUFF
Both "She's the Man" and "The DUFF" revolve around a female protagonist who feels like an outcast among her more popular friends. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to prove her worth on the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "The DUFF", Bianca is labeled the "Designated Ugly Fat Friend" of her friend group, leading her to make a deal with Wesley to improve her social standing. Both movies explore themes of identity, self-acceptance, and challenging societal norms. The protagonists undergo transformations, with Viola posing as a boy and Bianca embracing her true self. They also develop romantic feelings for male leads (Duke and Wesley) who initially misjudge them. Ultimately, both Viola and Bianca gain confidence, confront their bullies, and find acceptance within their social circles.
Go Figure
Both "She's the Man" and "Go Figure" follow a similar plot where the female protagonist disguises herself as someone else to pursue her passion in a male-dominated field. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Go Figure", Katelin pretends to be a hockey player to attend a prestigious boarding school and train under a renowned figure skating coach. The protagonists face obstacles and opposition from their peers, with Viola facing hostility from her male teammates and Katelin facing ridicule from both the hockey team and figure skating club. However, through perseverance and hard work, they eventually gain acceptance and respect. Both films explore themes of gender roles, following one's dreams, and the challenges of balancing multiple commitments. The protagonists also develop romantic interests, with Viola falling for her team captain Duke, and Katelin developing feelings for her assistant coach Spencer. Deception plays a central role, leading to complications when their true identities are revealed. Ultimately, the films culminate in the protagonists achieving their goals through determination and the support of their newfound friends and allies.
Tomboy
Both "She's the Man" and "Tomboy" explore the theme of gender identity and expression through the central character disguising themselves as the opposite gender. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Tomboy", Laure presents herself as a boy named Mickaël to her new friends and neighbors. The protagonists' deceptions allow them to gain acceptance and pursue their interests in traditionally male-dominated activities like soccer. However, their true identities are eventually revealed, leading to emotional turmoil and a need to reconcile their gender expression with societal expectations. The films parallel each other in depicting the challenges and complexities of gender nonconformity during adolescence.
The Ketchup Effect
Both "The Ketchup Effect" and "She's the Man" follow a central female protagonist who faces challenges related to gender dynamics and social pressures. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut, paralleling Sofie in "The Ketchup Effect" who faces social ostracization and sexual assault after a party incident. Both protagonists navigate complex relationships and cliques, with Viola developing feelings for Duke while disguised as her brother, similar to Sofie's dynamic with Sebbe. The movies explore themes of identity, gender roles, and the struggles of adolescence through the protagonists' journeys of self-discovery and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Work It
Both "She's the Man" and "Work It" follow a similar plot structure where the female protagonist pretends to be someone else to pursue a passion that is initially denied to her. In "She's the Man", Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team after the girls' team is cut. Similarly, in "Work It", Quinn falsely claims to be a dancer on her school's elite dance team to improve her college admission chances, and then forms her own team to make it a reality. The protagonists face opposition from authority figures - Viola from the coach who refuses to let her join the boys' team, and Quinn from the ruthless leader of the dance team who fires her. They enlist the help of friends (Paul for Viola, Jasmine for Quinn) to aid in their deception and training. Both movies involve a romantic interest developing between the protagonist and a male lead (Duke for Viola, Jake for Quinn) while maintaining their false identity. The climax revolves around the protagonists' true identities being revealed during a major competition (the soccer game for Viola, the dance competition for Quinn), leading to conflict but ultimately acceptance and success. The movies also explore themes of gender roles, following one's passion, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Mean Girls
Both "She's the Man" and "Mean Girls" follow a similar narrative arc of an outsider infiltrating a popular clique at a new school. Viola disguises herself as her brother Sebastian to join the boys' soccer team at Illyria, just as Cady infiltrates the "Plastics" clique at her new school on Janis' advice. The protagonists face challenges in navigating the social dynamics and hierarchies, while also dealing with romantic interests and betrayals within the cliques. They eventually turn against the clique leaders (Regina and Olivia) after being manipulated, leading to a climactic confrontation that exposes the truth. In the end, the protagonists reject the superficial clique mentality, make amends with those they wronged, and find acceptance among their true friends. Both films explore themes of identity, popularity, and the pressures of conformity in high school social circles.