By Alexus Mosley

There was a time when girlhood in sleepover soundtracks, mall days, and fantasies about pop stars (Hi Justin Timberlake!). There was the belief that anything was possible, everything sparkled, and a closet full of designer clothing came without a sweat. From mall-era sleepovers and mermaid fantasies to media careers and Manhattan ambition, these are just a few of the films that fed the delusions of 2000s girlhood. And if you’re looking to renew your girly spark, these 9 underrated movies will definitely do the trick.

A messy, big-hearted portrait of growing up when you never quite got the chance the first time. Set against early-2000s Manhattan, this film is all about arrested girlhood, unlikely friendship, and learning how to stand on your own. In great outfits, of course.

Pastel, beachy, and delightfully unserious, Aquamarine is a love letter to friendship, belief, and summer magic. A reminder of when your biggest problems could still be solved by wishing really hard, preferably by the ocean.

Peak mall-era girlhood. Sleepover captures that fleeting moment before everything changes. When friendships feel all-consuming, confidence is borrowed, and the night feels full of possibility. Light, silly, and deeply nostalgic.

Dismissed at the time, but super inspirational in retrospect. Beneath the pink gloss and punchlines is a story about reinvention, chosen sisterhood, and learning that femininity doesn’t have to be earned because it already belongs to you.

confessions of a sociopathic social climber

A sharp, underrated satire of social ambition, image-making, and class performance. Long before “girlboss” discourse, this film explored what happens when being seen becomes more important than being real.

Luck, love, and learning how to trust yourself when the universe stops doing the work for you. A glossy rom-com that pairs early-2000s New York energy with a surprisingly sweet message about self-reliance.

A cozy, career-girl comfort watch. Morning Glory celebrates ambition without punishing femininity, offering a refreshing portrait of a woman who works hard, loves softly, and still gets the guy and without losing herself.

Bubblegum pop with a brain. This cult classic blends girl-group fantasy, Y2K fashion, and sharp media satire, proving that hyper-feminine stories can also be smart, subversive, and ahead of their time.

A glossy look at desire, consumption, and learning the difference between fantasy and fulfillment. Beneath the designer labels is a story about reckoning with excess and redefining what abundance really means.

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