Cheerleading has been a beloved part of American culture for decades and is even more popular today. But while it’s always been seen in sports arenas around the country, it’s also been featured in some of the most celebrated films and TV shows since the 1950s. From cult classic films like Bring It On to popular teen dramas like Glee, cheerleading has had a big presence in the entertainment industry. In this article, we’ll list some of the most iconic cheerleading films and shows in cinema and television history, from musically inclined highs to heartbreaking lows. So grab your pom-poms (and your popcorn) and let’s get started!
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Funny Cheerleading Movies
Bring It On (2000)
Competition and rivalry are high in this iconic first installment which spawned multiple sequels and even a musical.
When their routines are stolen by a rival squad, the cheer team will have to start all over to compete at this year’s championship.
- Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 39m
- Where to watch Bring It On Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, Roku
Bring It On Again (2004)
This sequel to the popular Bring It On follows two rival cheerleaders who hope to lead their squads to the National Cheerleading Championship.
- Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 30m
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Apple TV, Roku
Bring It On: All Or Nothing (2006)
A transfer student to a rough high school joins the cheerleading squad and faces off against both the head cheerleader and her former school in preparation for a cheer-off competition.
- Comedy/Teen
- PG-13
- 1h 39m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
Bring It On: In It To Win It (2007)
Californian cheer queen Carson leads her team’s cheerleading squad to a prestigious cheer camp, where they face off with their elite New York rivals.
- Comedy/Teen
- PG-13
- 1h 30m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
Bring It On Fight To The Finish (2009)
A sudden move to Malibu has Lina adjusting to life at her affluent new high school — and hatching a plan to defeat her rival in a cheerleading battle.
- Comedy/Teen/Dance
- PG-13
- 1h 42m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV, Starz
Bring It On: Worldwide #CheerSmack (2017)
“The Rebels” are challenged to a cheer showdown for squads from all around the world. Cheer Goddess (Vivica A. Fox) organizes the virtual battle.
- Comedy/Teen
- PG-13
- 1h 35m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox
Bring It On: Cheer Or Die (2022)
A cheer squad’s plan to have a secret practice at a nearby abandoned school on Halloween takes a terrifying turn when their teammates begin disappearing one by one.
- Comedy/Teen/Campy Horror
- PG-13
- 1h 31m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox
But I’m A Cheerleader (1999)
A high school cheerleader whose parents send her to a residential in-patient conversion therapy camp to “cure” her lesbianism.
- Rom Comedy/Satire/Teen
- Rated R
- 1h 24m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi
Cheerleader Ninjas (2002)
While the cheerleader ninjas are being used as scapegoats by religious fanatics, the evil Mr. X uses the girls as guinea pigs to test his plan to dominate the world with an army of internet zombies.
- Comedy/Action
- Rated R
- 1h 36m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Tubi
Don’t Talk To Irene (2017)
An overweight and unpopular high school student who wishes to be a cheerleader is sent to a retirement home as a punishment for school suspension. Hilarity ensues when she gets a group of senior citizens to enter a dance competition.
- Comedy
- TV-14
- 1hr 30m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Sling TV, Peacock
Fired Up! (2009)
The two most popular guys in high school decide to ditch football camp for cheerleader camp. For the girls and for the glory.
- Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 31m
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, YouTube TV, Apple TV
Just One of the Girls (1993)
Original title: Anything for Love
A bullied teen disguises himself as a girl in order to escape the school’s bully.
- Comedy/Romance
- Rated R
- 1h 31m
- Where to watch: Reelgood
Man of The House (2005)
A young boy refuses to accept his mother’s new boyfriend, a lawyer, despite the man’s attempts to win his respect.
- Comedy/Sport
- PG-13
- 1h 40m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Roku
Ninja Cheerleaders (2008)
Three college cheerleaders use their martial arts skills to save their Sensei from the mafia.
- Comedy/Action
- Rated R
- 1h 21m
- Where to watch: Prime Video
Poms (2019)
After moving to a retirement community, loner Martha befriends a fun-loving neighbor and forms a cheerleading club for young-at-heart seniors.
- Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 30m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Redbox, Vudu
Ready? OK! (2008)
A single mom struggles to understand her young son’s obsession with dresses, dolls, and girls’ cheerleading. With her father’s recent death and her wayward brother’s return home. they must all learn to face reality and what being a family truly means.
- Comedy/Indie film/LGBTQ
- Not rated
- 1h 33m
- Watch on: Prime Video, Roku
She’s The Man (2006)
When her brother decides to ditch school for a couple of weeks a teen girl heads over to his elite boarding school, disguised as him so she can join the soccer team.
- Romance/Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 45m
- Watch on Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV
Sugar & Spice (2001)
The plot follows a group of high school cheerleaders who conspire and commit armed robbery when one of them becomes pregnant and desperate for money.
- Comedy/Crime
- PG-13
- 1h 21m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox
The Positively True Adventures Of The Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993)
It is based on the true story of Wanda Holloway, a woman who tried to put out a hit on one of her daughter’s classmates (and the girl’s mother) to advance her own daughter’s Middle school cheerleading career.
- Dark Comedy/Satire
- Rated R
- 1h 39m
- Watch on: not found on streaming services at this time
The Replacements (1999)
During a pro football strike, the owners hire substitute players and cheerleaders. Although this is a football movie, cheerleaders play a significant part in the plot. And stars Keanu Reeves – enough said!
- Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 58m
- Watch on: Prime Video, Tubi, Apple, TV, Redbox
Cheerleading Movies and Shows For Younger Viewers
Going For Gold (2018)
After moving to Australia, an American teen convinces her new friends to form a cheer squad and take on their biggest rivals in competition.
- Drama/Sport
- Rated G
- 1h 33m
- Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV
Gotta Kick It Up (2002)
A school dance team gets a new lease of life thanks to a teacher who lets them in on the secret of Latin rhythms for a big competition.
- Family/Television
- TV-G
- 1h 18m
- Where to watch: Disney+, Prime Video
Z-o-m-b-i-e-s (2018)
Students from Zombietown are transferred to a high school in a suburban town preoccupied with uniformity, traditions, and pep rallies.
- Adventure/Fantasy/Family
- TV-G
- 1h 34m
- Where to watch: Disney+, Prime Video, Google Play
Drama/Suspense Cheerleader Movies
A Friend to Die For (1994)
Also, known as Death of A Cheerleader. Which one of her classmates killed a popular and beautiful cheerleader?
- Crime/Suspense
- TV-14
- 1h 31m
- Where to watch: Tubi, Sling TV, Prime Video
Cheer Killer Mom (2021)
When several cheerleaders are expelled or injured under suspicious circumstances, Riley begins to think that her stepmom may have something to do with it.
- Drama/Suspense
- TV-14
- 1 h 27 min
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Lifetime
Cheer Squad Secrets
A mother helps her daughter become captain of the cheerleading squad only to discover that someone is giving the daughter steroids and will do anything, including murder, to cover it up.
- Drama/Suspense
- TV-PG
- 1 h 29 min
- Where to Watch: Lifetime, Vudu, Prime Video,
Cheerleader Nightmare (2018)
A teenage girl discovers her boyfriend is cheating with the head cheerleader. But when the cheerleader is murdered, she wonders if her boyfriend is the killer. Whether he’s the killer or not, she’s still in danger.
- Mystery/Thriller
- TV-14
- 1h 26m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Roku, Vudu, Lifetime Movie Network
Fab 5: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal (2008)
It is based on real-life events that occurred at McKinney North High School in McKinney, Texas, in 2006, five teenage cheerleaders became notorious for truancies, violations of the school dress code, and general disrespect to the school community.
- Drama
- PG
- 1h 40m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Roku, Lifetime Movie Club
Identity Theft of a Cheerleader (2019)
Vicky realized she would never escape the bullies & dropped out of high school. Desperate, and 31, Vicky steals the identity of a high school cheerleader to redo her final year. But she’ll stop anyone who gets in her way.
- Drama/Suspense
- PG
- 1h 27m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Lifetime, Vudu
The Perfect Cheerleader (2019)
Original title: The Cheerleader Escort
A woman goes off to college and joins the cheer team only to find that it’s a front for an escort ring.
- Drama
- TV-14
- 1 h 25 min
- Where to watch: Prime Video
The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders (2019)
A pretty and talented cheerleader finds herself embroiled in a petty feud with a more popular and ruthless fellow cheerleader who wants nobody else to steal her spotlight.
- Drama
- PG
- 1h 27m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Vudu
The Wrong Cheerleader (2019)
In this made TV Lifetime movie, a smart and sociable high school senior joins the cheer squad. Then she catches the eye of the charming and handsome new student. He seems like the ideal boy until his affection turns into obsession and he stops at nothing to keep her all to himself.
- Drama/Thriller
- TV-14
- 1h 24m
- Where to watch: Roku, Prime Video
Scary Cheerleader Movies
All Cheerleaders Die (2013)
A rebel girl signs up a group of cheerleaders to help her take down the captain of their high school football team, but a supernatural turn of events thrusts the girls into a different battle.
- Horror/Comedy
- Not Rated
- 1h 30m
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Roku Pluto
Blood Sweat & Cheer
“A mother seeking to relive her glory days poses as her teen daughter to join a high school dance team.” – Tubi TV
- Mystery/Thriller
- TV-14
- 1h 35m
- Where to watch: Tubi
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (The Movie) (1992)
The movie inspired the hit, Buffy The Vampire Slayer TV Series (see below).
A valley girl discovers her destiny lies in killing vampires in this tongue-in-cheek horror-comedy.
- Horror/Comedy
- PG-13
- 1h 25min
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Max
Cheerleader Camp (1988)
A group of cheerleaders becomes the target of an unknown killer at a remote summer camp.
- Horror/Slasher
- Rated R
- 1h 29m
- Where to watch: Tubi, Roku, Redbox, Pluto TV, Vudu
Cheerleader Massacre (2003)
A killer stalks five high school cheerleaders, their coach, and a couple of guys who have traveled to a cabin in the woods.
- Horror/Slasher
- Rated R
- 1h 25m
- Where to watch: Reelgood
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
A high school student kills her male classmates and devours their flesh in order to survive, with her childhood friend striving to end her killing spree. Starring Megan Fox
- Horror/Comedy
- Rated R
- 1h 42m
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Max
Spirit Camp (2009)
When a goth girl is forced to attend cheerleader camp as punishment she clashes with the popular girls But when members of the squad start turning up dead, the girls must work together to escape a killer.
- Horror/Slasher/Campy Comedy
- Rated R
- 1h 36m
- Where to watch: Prime Video
Webcam Cheerleaders (2021)
A teen transfers to her late sister’s college to find the truth behind her death, where she uncovers that many of the girls on the cheerleading squad are also webcam girls, but revealing the truth may have deadly consequences.
- Drama/Thriller
- TV-14
- 1h 27m
- Where to watch: Vudu, Prime Video
TV Shows Featuring Cheerleaders
Boss Cheer (2018)
The lives and struggles of the members of a competitive cheerleading team.
- Comedy/Drama
- 2 Seasons
- TV-14
- Where to watch: Tubi, Redbox, Prime Video
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Inspired by the 1992 movie of the same name, (see above), a teenage girl destined to slay vampires, demons, and other creatures with the help of her friends.
- Action/Drama/Fantasy/Comedy
- TV-14
- 7 Seasons
- Where to watch: Hulu, Sling TV, Prime Video
Glee (2009-2015)
The show centers around a school glee club and its unusual assortment of members made up of jocks, “geeks”, and cheerleaders. Led by their Spanish teacher who also helps them navigate the ups and downs of high school, musical competitions, and life. Often features the ongoing battles with his nemesis, the cheer coach, played by Jane Lynch.
- Comedy/Drama
- TV-PG
- 6 Seasons
- Where to watch: Hulu, Prime Video
Heroes (2006-2010)
Common people discover that they have superpowers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented.
- Drama/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- TV-14
- 4 Seasons
- Where to watch: iTunes, Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu
Hellcats (2010-2011)
When her pre-law scholarship is canceled a girl’s only option to stay in school is to make the legendary cheer squad – and the scholarship it provides.
- Comedy/Drama TV Series
- TV-14
- 1 Season
- Where to watch: Tubi TV, Vudu, Prime Video
Cheerleading Documentaries and Cheer Reality Shows
Cheer (2020-2022)
This series follows the 40-man cheer team from Navarro College and their driven coach while preparing to compete in the National Cheerleading Championship. Includes cheerleading history, including the formation of the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).
- Documentary/Reality
- TV-MA
- 2 Seasons
- Where to watch: Netflix
Cheerleader Generation
Set in the exciting world of competitive cheerleading, Cheerleader Generation follows the lives of two squads and their fierce, hardworking coaches.
- Reality
- PG
- 1 Season
- Where to watch: Hulu, Sling TV, Prime Video,
Cheer Squad (2016)
Follow the Canadian cheer team the Great White Sharks as they work together on the road to world championships.
- Reality
- TV-PG
- 1 Season
- Where to watch: Apple TV, Google Play, Prime Video
Cheerleader Nation (2006)
Watch the cheerleading squad of Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky as they work hard to compete and hopefully win their 3rd consecutive year at Nationals.
- Reality
- TV-14
- 1 season
- Where to watch: Lifetime, Reelgood
Cheerleader U (2007-2008)
Follow the University of Kentucky’s road to Nationals in 2007 as cameras track the college cheerleading squad through the season, from tryouts to competitions.
- Documentary/Reality
- TV-PG
- 2 Seasons
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Roku
Nfinity Champions League (2014-2015)
The Nfinity Champions League is a group of 30 teams that represent the best of the best in competitive cheerleading. These teams were chosen based on their established records of excellence, then invited to compete and decide once and for all, who among them is the ultimate champion.
There are multiple ongoing competitions each year both in the United States and internationally. Check for upcoming cheer events.
- Documentary/Sport
- PG-13
- 2 seasons
- Where to watch: Tubi, Vudu, Apple TV, Prime Video
Related
- 46 Perfectly Awesome Gifts for Cheerleaders They’ll Be Sure to Flippin’ Love
- New Cheer Moms: Everything You Need to Survive the Flippin’ Season
