Top 10 Iconic Teen Movie Makeover Scenes
#10: Ronald Miller “Can’t Buy Me Love” (1987)
Before he was “McDreamy,” Patrick Dempsey was McDorky in this teen rom-com. Ronald is a high schooler interested in science who doesn’t exactly run the show at school. In a clearly ill-fated plot, he pays popular girl Cindy Mancini to pretend to be his girlfriend. He can’t ascend through the social hierarchy without a style revamp though. With just hair mousse and some resourcefulness, Cindy transforms Ronald into a worthy boyfriend. Unfortunately, the overhaul also triggers a change in his attitude, as he becomes a more arrogant and unlikable version of himself. The film’s overall tone is light, but this makeover is definitely a case of “be careful what you wish for.”
#9: Josie Geller “Never Been Kissed” (1999)
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Sent on assignment to pose as a high schooler, journalist Josie goes through a massive style transformation throughout this film. Suffice it to say, Josie’s attempt at fitting in with contemporary high schoolers goes horribly awry. She trades in her muted everyday attire for an all-white feathery outfit that makes her stick out like a sore thumb. Eventually, though, she lands on a look that feels both more relaxed and more to her own taste. Her visual evolution isn’t as drastic or immediate as in some teen films. But it tells us a ton about how Josie is navigating her own self-image and the pressures of fitting in.
#8: Allison Reynolds “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
Allison begins this movie as a social outcast — or, as the characters’ famous letter to their vice principal would have it, a basket case. After bonding with her peers sentenced to detention, however, she comes out of her shell. This character arc culminates in a new hairstyle and a made-up face courtesy of popular girl Claire. We’re sure some fans are partial to the character’s original and arguably more authentic style. But she seems quite happy by the end of the movie, no doubt because of her connection with Andrew. Love it or hate it, this is one of the film’s most pivotal moments.
#7: Olive Penderghast “Easy A” (2010)
One of Emma Stone’s most memorable roles was this California teen who decides to embrace her accidental bad reputation. Thanks to a white lie about losing her virginity, rumors about Olive’s supposed promiscuity are passed all around her school. Taking a cue from the central character in “The Scarlet Letter,” she shows up to class in a brand-new look that makes heads turn. Like the novel that is so central to its story, this film has an important message about social shaming. The perfectly soundtracked makeover scene captures this theme — and it’s also great fun to watch.
#6: Viola Hastings “She’s the Man” (2006)
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Like its source material, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” this sports rom-com has protagonist Viola don a male disguise. In the movie, however, the soccer aficionado attends her brother Sebastian’s boarding school in his stead. She enlists her friend Paul to execute the switch, and we’re treated to a salon montage like no other. After trying on a variety of facial hair pieces, Viola tries to imitate men walking down the street. It’s not exactly a foolproof crash course, but the scene is hilarious. And with the whole story riding on this transformation, it’s a makeover that’s about as important as they come.
#5: Cady Heron “Mean Girls” (2004)
After new student Cady befriends two classmates at the bottom of the food chain, she unwittingly becomes involved with a popular clique known as the Plastics. Although she’s initially a double-agent among the mean girls, she eventually finds herself the new top dog. The movie’s makeover scene is quite brief, but it marks an important turning point in Cady’s development. At a certain point, she becomes the thing she once hated — namely, ex-queen bee Regina George. Thankfully, our protagonist finds herself again by the end of the film. But it sure is fun seeing her transformation.
#4: Sandy Olsson “Grease” (1978)
In one of this film’s final and most iconic scenes, Sandy impresses her summer love Danny Zuko with a brand new look. Gone are the headbands and light-colored dresses that once typified Sandy’s style. Instead, she sports a tight leather outfit, heels, and a voluminous hairdo. Did Sandy herself just to impress Danny? Or is the transformation more about Sandy finding new confidence thanks to a visual shake-up? Whatever your interpretation of this moment, there’s no question that the reveal is jaw-dropping. The scene is also important because it seamlessly transitions into arguably the movie’s best song, “You’re the One That I Want.”
#3: Laney Boggs “She’s All That” (1999)
This rom-com focuses on popular kid Zack, who accepts a bet to charm an artsy outcast at his high school. Although reluctant at first, Laney decides to attend a party with him — an occasion that calls for a makeover. Zack’s sister Mack jumps on board to give her a new outfit and hairdo. We’re not exactly thrilled that our heroine had to change her appearance to attend a social event. However, we do appreciate Mack’s assessment of the situation. And there’s no getting around how iconic the reveal sequence is. With Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” playing in the background, the connection between Zack and Laney is palpable. And the touch of Laney tripping on the stairs is just perfect.
#2: Tai Frasier “Clueless” (1995)
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The transformation of Brittany Murphy’s character is central in this coming-of-age comedy. After spoiled Beverly Hills teenager Cher Horowitz decides to become more charitable, she and her BFF Dionne take shy new student Tai under their wing. The makeover scene itself is relatively brief, but its impacts are huge. Cher’s protégé becomes well-liked at school, leading to feelings of resentment. Plus, Tai takes a romantic interest in Cher’s step-brother, which doesn’t exactly go over well. But even though the makeover doesn’t bring the two characters closer, it certainly is a pleasure to witness. Murphy even sports a soda can as a hair roller! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Linkavitch "Link" Chomofsky, “Encino Man” (1992) Brendan Fraser Plays a Defrosted Caveman Who Needs a Little Help Fitting In Velma Dinkley, “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (2004) Daphne Makes Over Her Friend in Preparation for a Date Monica Wright, “Love & Basketball” (2000) The Basketball Player’s Older Sister Lifts Her Spirits Following a Crushing Defeat Katie Simpson, “She’s Out of Control” (1989) A Father Away on Business is Shocked to Discover His Daughter’s Total Transformation
#1: Mia Thermopolis “The Princess Diaries” (2001)
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What makes the makeover scene in this coming-of-age comedy simply iconic? Why, that would be Paolo Puttanesca. Larry Miller’s take on a European beauty guru accompanied by stylists who look like secret agents is hilarious from the get-go. He’s a little on the critical side, making digs at Mia’s hair and eyebrows — but he’s so funny that we’ll excuse it. The sequence reflects the glamor of our heroine’s new princess lifestyle, but also the rigid expectations that come with it. Plus, doesn’t every viewer want to be pampered with a soundtrack of their choice and a side of sliced cucumbers?
