The Heathers was no doubt the Mean Girls of the 80s. With the addition of suicide and homicide as a dark and unexpected plot twist, of course.
Although it was a flop grossing just over $1 million in the late 80s, the film is back and more popular than ever. Tune in on Netflix for the original or go see the “newest” version in theaters, now playing Off Broadway.
Considered a cult film, The Heathers ranked number 5 on Entertainment Weekly’s “50 Best High School Movies” and even stole a spot on Empire’s “500 Greatest Movies of All Time” list.
But why did a movie that was so poorly rated upon release suddenly become a hit once it was in the movie stores? Well, the kids loved it! On the outside, it appeared just another high school flick, though the R rating may have tipped off the unsuspecting viewer. For a first time spectator such as myself, I really didn’t know what I was getting into.
From the first scene, you just knew something harsh and raw was waiting to reveal itself. The Heathers was filled with typical teen angst including eating disorders, bullying and gossip, date rape, drinking, suicide, and cliques. But well most teen troubles are soothed in movies through conversations with friends or parents, this movie didn’t do that.
Do you love love love The Heathers? Test yourself with this quiz to see if you know the film as well as you think you do!