Ranking ALL the Songs from the Mean Girls Musical
#18: “Whose House Is This?”
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Remember that scene where Cady plans to host a small gathering at her home, which turns into an out-of-control house party? Yeah, that’s where this song comes in. Since news of a party was spread by word of mouth, most partygoers turn up with no clue who their host is, hence the title. It evokes similar vibes to “Big Fun” from “Heathers: The Musical,” depicting high schoolers getting wild without the anchor of adult supervision. However, this version is more chaotic and even a little disorientating, so much so that we, the audience, feel swept up in the commotion, almost like we’ve also had one shot too many.
#17: “Do This Thing”
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Not that we’re rushing out to join the Mathletes any time soon, but the club got a rough deal in the film and stage adaptation. So, the songwriters’ nod to them with this strong 11 o’clock number seems only fair. The songwriters shared that their winning equation for the track originally involved some inspiration from the Bollywood movie “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” before transitioning to rhythmic marching band beats. The result? A number where “the limit does not exist” on how much it achieves. They formulate plenty of math references and double-entendres into a creative rhyme scheme, all while Cady sheds her plastic exterior. It might not be the most memorable number, but we enjoy its algo-rhythm.
#16: “More Is Better”
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Fun fact: apparently, this lyric is actually inspired by real gripes from folks who made the transition from Kenya to the U.S.— we guess Americans really love their aircon. The number centers on a private moment between Cady and Aaron, away from the house party chaos. Cady’s pretty plastered at this point and stumbling over the tightrope between who she was when we first met her and the person she’s evolved into since joining the Plastics. Apparently, the melody is meant to evoke a more authentic side of Cady while reminding us why she turned Aaron’s head in the first place. It’s simple, endearing, and proof that more isn’t always better.
#15: “A Cautionary Tale”
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Ever wish your teen years came with a warning? Maybe every high school orientation needs a Janis and Damian to give a heads-up about what lies ahead. But let’s back up a second. Did you catch the overture right before this song? Sounds a lot like “World Burn” from Act Two, huh? Perhaps foreshadowing drama to come? Anyway, Janis grabs the audience with a punchy, if slightly off-base, opening line, which Damian quickly chimes in to correct. In essence, the song sets the scene and teases expectations. Our narrators break the fourth wall again at the top of Act Two with a reprise that isn’t featured on the cast album.
#14: “Fearless”
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This song follows the iconic moment. Only, in the musical, it’s Cady who stands up to Regina, leaving Gretchen and Karen in awe. They ponder life beyond Regina’s tyranny and celebrate Cady as the one who dethroned the Queen Bee. Originally titled “Justice,” the song got a makeover that involved swinging the spotlight back to Cady and acquiring a new title. As mentioned, “Fearless,” which appears at the end of Act One, signifies a pivotal shift in North Shore’s social hierarchy. The familiar poses of Cady, Gretchen, and Karen mirror the introduction of the Plastics, subtly signaling to audiences that North Shore has a new Queen Bee. Theater audiences hear Cady revisit the melody after her own reign crumbles.
#13: “It Roars”
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Interestingly, this song was added post out-of-town tryouts after audiences had a hard time connecting with Cady in the original track, “Wild Life.” In “It Roars,” Cady intertwines the literal roars of the Kenyan Savanna with the “primal sound” from within as she sings about her present life and the one she longs for. At first, it’s almost reminiscent of a Disney princess’s “I Want” song, full of innocence and sincerity. However, there’s a noticeable shift once she gets to high school. It echoes her desperation to be one of the pack and a reminder that being in high school can sometimes be a beastly experience.
#12: “What’s Wrong with Me?”
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This song flips the script on your typical love ballad. Instead of singing about happiness, Gretchen opens up about how much she depends on Regina. She's fully aware of Regina's cruelty, which has fueled her crippling self-doubt, yet she can't bring herself to sever those ties. The melody avoids your typical lovey-dovey meter signature, perfectly matching Gretchen's inner struggles. Writer Tina Fey and lyricist Nell Benjamin wanted a number mirroring relatable teenage girl dynamics. After writing it, they realized Gretchen was the perfect character to voice those feelings. The reprise, sung by Gretchen and Mrs. George, offers another perspective while drawing parallels between the two characters. This one hits us in the feels every time.
#11: “I See Stars”
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Attention, theater kids, you might want to cover your ears for this bit: The final song, as we know it, apparently didn’t take shape until tech. They replaced the classic feel-good finale with a gentle introspection, similar to Cady’s Spring Fling speech in the movie. We love how it revisits “More Is Better,” a time when Cady had lost the ability to appreciate something as simple as a star-studded sky. But now, she realizes it’s up to her to find that beauty in herself and others. (It’s also a cute nod from the writers to their talented cast). The number sends its audience away with the message that everyone deserves to shine.
#10: “Stupid with Love”
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Like Cady, do you find more comfort in solving math problems than calculating matters of the heart? This song revolves around her crush on Aaron Samuels, highlighting how, unlike the straightforward logic of math, there’s no calculator to help her find the answer to her feelings. It’s adorable and hilarious, making anyone who’s ever had a crush feel very seen. Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of rhyming “non-plussed” with “calculust.” The reprise later on marks the pivotal moment when Cady decides to play the “bad at math” card to win over Aaron. Oh, and it gives a friendly reminder of the most important day on the “Mean Girls” calendar.
#9: “Meet the Plastics”
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If teen movies featured Bond-like villains, they might sound like Regina George— at least, that’s what the songwriters envisioned. This song smoothly transitions from “Where Do You Belong” to introduce the Plastics. Regina kicks things off with a melody that’s the “prettiest poison” you’ll ever hear— alluring yet sinister, her composure never wavering. Gretchen’s part is more erratic, highlighting her eagerness to please. Lastly, Karen sweetly sings about herself, showcasing her unique charm. Despite the musical shifts, their harmonies are flawless, underscoring the importance of social cohesion to high schoolers. The number concludes with the trio inviting Cady to join them for lunch. And, of course, on Wednesdays, we wear Pink.
#8: “Where Do You Belong?”
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You know that scene where Janis hands Cady a hand-drawn cafeteria map? Picture that moment as a classic show tune led by a theater kid. Damian briefs Cady on North Shore’s cliques, underlining the importance of finding her place. This is among the most classical Broadway numbers in the production; the other is also sung by Damian, which is no coincidence— he knows where he belongs. No classic show tune is complete without a scene-stealing dance break, and Damian, supported by the show choir, delivers just that. It’s a lively, playful tune that might inspire you to summon your own show choir for a kick line or, at the very least, break into some jazz hands.
#7: “Stop”
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Think back to some of your most regrettable decisions. Don’t you wish you had someone like Damian telling you to “stop” before it’s too late? Originally, Act Two was slated to open with a song named “Bossed Up,” showing Cady reveling in her newfound popularity. However, as she remains oblivious to the slippery slope ahead, it made more sense for her friends to try and open her eyes to it. As more voices join in, the rhyme scheme loosens up, reflecting decisions made on a whim rather than thoughtful consideration. If their stories don’t give you pause, the dance break and lively melody will at least distract you long enough to forget about whatever ill-advised decision you were contemplating.
#6: “Revenge Party”
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Is it even a party without dessert? In this song, Cady, Janis, and Damian cook up their infamous plan to serve Regina her just desserts. The trio decides to end Regina’s reign after Cady catches her kissing Aaron, and this song encapsulates the highlights of their scheme. We see them mess with Regina’s look, expose her infidelity, crack Gretchen, and, of course, the iconic Glen Coco (You go, Glen Coco!). The song feels like the best, most rocking party that could even encourage the least vengeful person to join the action. While we may not have ever personally felt victimized by Regina George, revenge has never sounded so sweet!
#5: “Apex Predator”
In the movie, Cady often draws parallels between her new world and the animal kingdom. This song takes that idea, likening Regina’s social status to the Apex Predator at the top of the food chain. As intensified guitars emphasize Janis’ warning, Cady begins to see the benefits of belonging to Regina’s Pride. Janis is one of the earliest to voice her desire to topple the status quo and have others see Regina for the wolf in sheep’s clothing that she is. The song builds up powerfully, with Janis and Cady, despite their differing perspectives, uniting to label Regina as the ultimate frenemy. Cady can't say that Janis didn't warn her.
#4: “Someone Gets Hurt”
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If Cady had heeded Janis’ caution, we might have missed out on this song and its two reprises. It mirrors the moment Regina betrays Cady by rekindling her relationship with Aaron. She uses all sorts of mind games to seduce him, making betrayal look strangely hot. Meanwhile, audiences are entranced by the vocal prowess and range needed for such a deviously sincere performance. The dramatic conclusion perfectly sets the tone for Cady’s upcoming villain era. Regina reprises the number again straight after “Fearless” once the power dynamics have flipped. Janis also sings a reprise after learning about Cady’s party. It marks Cady’s complete transformation from someone who gets hurt to the one doing the hurting.
#3: “Sexy”
While the movie presents, let’s call it, outdated views on how teenage girls choose Halloween costumes, the musical takes a more empowering stance. Don’t worry; Karen is still a mouse, duh! However, this song shows more dimensions to her character and gives her the chance to shine, all set to a funky dance beat. Sure, she feels the pressure of dressing to her peers’ expectations, but more importantly, Halloween allows her the freedom to be whoever she chooses to be. The message is clear: embracing your sexiness doesn’t have to negate your other qualities. By the final note, we all feel like we can “run the world in shoes [we] cannot walk in.”
#2: “I'd Rather Be Me”
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“Raise your right finger” if you've ever been betrayed by someone you thought you could trust. If your hand is raised, this is the song for you. In this empowering anthem, Janis rejects societal expectations that pit girls against each other. She embraces authenticity, discards the game-playing, and sends a powerful message: you don't have to cancel yourself out for social acceptance. It's a universal sentiment—we've all been in Janis' shoes. The lyrics, brilliantly penned by Benjamin, deliver a liberating truth we all wish we had heard sooner. Plus, it's such a bop—it takes everything we have not to climb onto our seats and join in as the ensemble chants Janis' name.
#1: “World Burn”
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You know those moments of fiery anger, when you see red and start entertaining revenge fantasies? Well, then you might just relate to Regina as she enters her ultimate Bond villain-esque era. After discovering Cady double-crossed her, she turns her rage into reality, setting North Shore ablaze with the infamous Burn Book. The song rebels against societal expectations for women to suppress anger, showcasing Regina’s extraordinary defiance. The energy and vocal agility this song demands are next level; a well-performed rendition will send chills down your spine. It’s the perfect choice to crank up for those revenge fantasy levels of anger. It captures the fiery spirit of a woman unabashedly embracing rage and leaving chaos in her wake. Which song do you think is the most “grool”? Let us know in the comments.
