Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Lindsay Lohan

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for Lindsay Lohan’s most iconic moments as an actress, performer, and pop-culture darling.
#10: Opening With a Dance Number
“13th MTV Movie Awards” (2004)
Fresh off of “Mean Girls,” Lindsay was just 17 when she was tapped to host this MTV awards show. While she became the program’s youngest host and won the award for Breakthrough Performance in the Female category that same night, her opening demonstration was even more memorable. In an energetic display that is so emblematic of the early aughts, Lohan is joined by Omarion and Marques Houston for an impressive hiphop number. Apparently, there was originally just a skit planned, but the actress decided to add her own touch with a tear-off Dolce & Gabbana suit and an all out hip-hop routine.
#9: Lexy Gold
“Get A Clue” (2002)
After starring in “The Parent Trap” and “Life Size,” “Get a Clue” was the final movie in Lohan’s initial Disney contract. She played Lexy Gold, a fashion-forward high school journalist trying to solve the mystery of a missing teacher. As a whole, the 2002 film is definitely more nostalgic than masterful but who can get over her and co-star Brenda Song’s amazing style moments? This was a pivotal role for Lohan, as it transitioned her from child actor to teen comedy star – a genre that would propel the rest of her successful early 2000s career.
#8: Those Iconic LiLo Memes
Various
After her rising fame made her a tabloid regular, the star became well known by her press nickname LiLo. Unfortunately, Lohan’s struggles with substance use disorder meant most of those headlines were about her stints in rehab and repeated legal infractions. Though those days are now behind her, popular memes like the vitamins joke or her series of glam mugshots still make their rounds on the internet. More recently, a clip of the actress performing hair-whipping choreography went viral with the hashtag #dotheLiLo. Even now, Lohan’s lasting popularity is proof that people will always love the millennial icon.
#7: Her SNL Appearances
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Starting her career at a young age allowed Lohan to reach incredible milestones while still in her teens. After working alongside Tina Fey in the sensation that is “Mean Girls”, Lohan joined the SNL cast for the first time in 2004. Not only did she host the show when she was just 17, she also became the first person to host three episodes before turning 20. Although that’s an awesome milestone, Lohan deserves just as much recognition for her brilliant additions to some of the show’s funniest and most famous skits to date.
#6: Lola Cep
“Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” (2004)
2004 was the year of Lindsay Lohan, and it all started with this starring role. From a bottle cap necklace and chunky highlights to Megan Fox and a musical number, the movie is an early aughts classic. Lohan stars as Lola, a rock-band-obsessed New York teenager with a flare for the dramatic. Apparently, the movie was originally meant for Hilary Duff, but you would never know with the way Lohan makes it her own. By this time, she was well on her way to teen idol status, and this triple threat performance proved that she really was “that girl.”
#5: Her Netflix Comeback
Various
In 2022, Lindsay made her triumphant return to movies with “Falling for Christmas,” a Netflix original holiday film. Audiences were thrilled to see the talented actress back and thriving, so it’s no surprise that the production garnered so much attention and love. Now, Lohan seems to have become something of a Netflix rom-com darling, having gone on to star in both “Irish Wish,” and “Our Little Secret.” While not necessarily high-brow cinema, these movies are the perfect guilty pleasure for both romance lovers and Lohan fans alike.
#4: “Rumors”
“Speak” (2004)
Though she’s better known for her acting, we can’t forget about Lindsay Lohan’s pop-star era. In 2004, she released “Rumors”, her first official single, and it’s still her most recognizable song to this day. With lyrics that lash out at the press and paparazzi, the catchy track is totally underrated. In the video, Lohan carries herself with the attitude and aura of a seasoned professional, and she even delivers an impressive dance break. While her singing days are mostly behind her, the star recently teased that there might just be more LiLo hits to come.
#3: Cady Heron
“Mean Girls” (2004)
Few movies are as quotable and beloved as this 2000s teen comedy where Lohan played Cady Heron, a new student navigating high school popularity. The film’s success undeniably propelled Lohan’s career to the next level. Her performance earned a slew of awards, and Cady is still one of her most celebrated roles to this day. In 2024, a musical remake of the film even saw the actress cameo as the mathletes moderator, much to the delight of “Mean Girls” fans. From the zombie bride costume to the October 3rd line, there’s no question that this Lohan role is a pop culture staple.
#2: Anna Coleman
“Freaky Friday” (2003)
You’d never guess that the casting for this iconic mother-daughter duo only came together the week before production. Thanks to Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis’s award-winning performances, it’s hard to imagine Anna and Tess Coleman any other way. Both actors even studied guitar for the role, and it pays off in the film’s unforgettable stage scene. The movie’s soundtrack also marked the start of Lohan’s singing career, as her song “Ultimate” became her very first musical release. Best of all, a sequel, “Freakier Friday”, is set to be released in 2025, with both leading women reprising their roles.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Maggie Peyton, “Herbie Fully Loaded” (2005)
Lohan Plays Herbie’s New Owner in This Racing Franchise
LiLo’s Glee Cameo, “Glee” (2009-2015)
The Actress Makes a Hilarious Appearance as Herself
Elizabeth Taylor, “Liz and Dick” (2012)
For Her Campy but Resonant Portrayal of the Hollywood Star
Lola Johnson, “A Prairie Home Companion” (2007)
The Actress Sings & Acts Alongside an Incredible Cast
Rachel Wilcox, “Georgia Rule” (2007)
Lohan & Jane Fonda Star as a Dysfunctional Duo
#1: Hallie Parker & Annie James
“The Parent Trap” (1998)
Years of experience in the industry set Lindsay Lohan up for her breakout performance in this Nancy Meyers movie. Her debut film appearance would be a challenge for an actor of any age. However, Lohan made playing twin sisters with different accents and personalities (who also pretend to be each other!) look like a cinch. In a recent trending clip, Lohan shared a hilarious story about a producer who actually thought she was a twin. Even at such a young age, the actress stole both the show and audience’s hearts in this beloved Disney classic.
Are you living for the Lohan-naissance? Let us know which LiLo performance you love to re-watch in the comments below.
