But I'm a Cheerleader

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1:41

But I'm a Cheerleader

R

1999

1h 21m

Comedy

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

43%

Tomatometer

92 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

Apr 30, 2024

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.

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Paul Tatara

CNN.com

Mar 31, 2019

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

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Mar 31, 2019

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.

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Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

Sep 30, 2025

2.5/5

But I'm a Cheerleader is an admirable attempt to tell the touching story of a young woman discovering her true sexual identity & potentially her true mate at the same time, but sadly it ends up being greatly hindered by rather poor execution.

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Noah Berlatsky

Everything is Horrible (Substack)

Jun 25, 2025

But I’m a Cheerleader insists on being big and weird and fake and sexual and joyfully itself.

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Wayne Broadway

Black Girl Nerds

Jun 16, 2023

3/5

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.

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Dana

Jun 29, 2026

First time watching on the big screen and woah was that so worth it.

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Isabella

Jun 13, 2026

Please do more lesbian movies, amazing 10/10!

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Bianca J

@RT10618161 16 hrs ago

But I’m a cheerleader is a fun film despite the topic it covers. The cinematography and set designs were very creative and I could go on about how well the color choices were in every scene. The comedy was fantastic and having Ru Paul playing a "former gay" guidance counselor was funny to witness. Without spoiling the film. I’d say this is a very sweet coming of age queer story, you’re gonna laugh and cry but feel really happy by the end. I recommend you to watch with friends or by yourself if you so wish.

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Beki T

@Beki_watches_stuff Sep 20, 2026

I loved this and cried in multiple scenes. This movie was ahead of its time and is a must see for lesbians that have dealt or are dealing with religious guilt, homophobic family/circle, shame/self disgust, uncertainty..., it handles it with care and love in a fun way. (In the sense that it isn't too heavy and you won't be depressed) In addition, there is a beautiful romance aspect and is written magnificently.

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Jasmine W

@jasniquejewels Aug 31, 2026

how beautiful this film was literally made me so emotional at the end I shed a tear. this film I will always hold dearly to my heart dare I say best coming of age film.

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lith I

@lithium.bin Aug 27, 2026

Surprisingly enough I was recommended this movie by my formerly homophobic sister. We watched it together and I believe it really showed her that no matter the sexuality, we are all just people looking to love and be loved. But I'm A Cheerleader did everything perfectly for the movie it intended to be. The comedy was just enough to balance out the heartbreak. It was beautiful to see Megan come to terms with the person she is. Watching this as pretty much the target audience (a lesbian teenager with homophobic parents) really was a comforting experience. I laughed, cried, yada yada. ITS A GREAT MOVIE, and seeing all the straight dudes reviewing this movie and calling it trash is hilarious because buddy, this movie isn't for you, its about you.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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But I'm a Cheerleader: Trailer 1

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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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