If you love cheerleading, than this article is for you. We list the best cheerleading movies and shows for cheer fans!
Cheerleading is a SPORT! Anyone who thinks otherwise has never been a competitive cheerleader. It is absolutely brutal and grueling. You need to be a gymnast, an acrobat, a dancer and an in shape athlete in order to compete in cheer competitions. Don’t believe me? Watch the Netflix show “Cheer“, and tell me those gals (and guys) are not supreme athletes! I dare you.
With that rant out of the way, growing up in the world of competitive cheer, cheerleading was my life, my identity! When the movie “Bring it On” came out, I was obsessed. I literally watched it every chance I could!
If you, too, love cheerleading, than this article is for you. Below are the best cheerleading movies and tv shows for cheer fans!
Lets Bring It On!
As with all of our articles, we offer a free movie checklist for you to download for later reference.
Some of these movies are streaming for FREE, links included below! (subject to change, FREE as of April. 2024)
BONUS Cheerleading Movies at the End – All Streaming FREE with Links
This iconic movie is like the Holy Grail of cheerleading films. It’s got rivalry, epic routines, and cheer drama galore. Follow the Toros and their quest for glory. It’s the one that started it all, and you’ll be chanting “Brr… it’s cold in here” before you know it!
And of course, all the “Bring it On” franchise movies should be on your watch list!
Prepare for a quirky, satirical take on the cheer world. Follow Megan, a cheerleader in denial, as she navigates a conversion therapy camp. It’s a hilarious journey filled with love and self discovery. A must watch for those who like a unique twist on the cheer theme.
If you’re into supernatural twists, this is your jam. It’s cheer meets the undead, and it’s a wild ride. These cheerleaders have some seriously killer moves! Just be ready for some unexpected supernatural cheerleading mayhem.
4. Fired Up! (2009)
Director: Will Gluck
Cast: Nicholas D’Agosto, Eric Christian Olsen, Sarah Roemer
Two high school dudes crash the cheerleading camp, thinking it’s a dream come true. But what they find is more than they bargained for. It’s a goofy comedy that’ll have you in stitches. Great for those who love a mix of sports and humor.
5. Death of a Cheerleader (2019)
Director: Paul Shapiro
Cast: Aubrey Peeples, Morgan Taylor Campbell, Sarah Dugdale
This one’s a bit darker, diving into a murder mystery in a high school setting. When a cheerleader’s obsession goes too far, it leads to some pretty intense consequences. If you like a dash of suspense with your pom-poms, give it a shot.
In this movies, cheerleaders turned bank robbers. These high school cheerleaders cook up a plan to get rich, and it’s a hilarious ride. Think cheer moves meet heists!
7. Cheer Squad Secrets (2020)
Director: David Langlois
Cast: Margaret Anne Florence, Kelly Hope Taylor, Robert Palmer Watkins
This film goes behind the scenes of a college cheer squad. Expect secrets, rivalry, and all the drama you’d imagine in a cheer squad. If you’re all about the cheer world’s not so glittery side, this is your pick.
It’s not your typical cheerleading movie, but it’s got Megan Fox and a devilish twist. When Jennifer becomes a man eating demon, it’s up to her BFF to stop her. Its a supernatural cheerleader thriller with some dark comedy.
If you’re into dance and cheer combo, this one’s for you. Follow a young cheerleader who moves to Australia and gets into competitive dance. Expect plenty of drama, friendships, and wowing routines.
10. Gotta Kick It Up (2002)
Director: Ramón Menéndez
Cast: Camille Guaty, America Ferrera, Jhoanna Flores
A group of middle school girls takes on cheerleading to uplift their community. This Disney Channel original movie brings the feels and showcases the power of teamwork, determination, and of course, some great dance moves.
11. The Cheerleaders (1973)
Director: Paul Glickler
Cast: Stephanie Fondue, Denise Dillaway, Jovita Bush
Alright, let’s rewind to the ’70s, where this cult classic took the cheer world by storm. It’s got high school cheerleaders, a bit of scandal, and a whole lot of groovy vibes. Get ready for a retro cheer adventure!
This one is a wild mix of horror and cheer, a combo you never knew you needed. A cheer camp turns into a scream camp, and it’s a slasher fest with pom-poms. If you’re up for some spooky cheer, give it a go!
While not a cheerleading movie per se, it does feature a memorable cheer routine! This one’s more about suburban secrets and mid life crises, but it’s worth watching just for that cheer scene.
14. Man of the House (2005)
Director: Stephen Herek
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Christina Milian, Kelli Garner
Tommy Lee Jones becomes an unlikely cheer dad when he’s assigned to protect a group of college cheerleaders as an undercover agent. It’s a hilarious mix of cheerleading and crime solving, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Another ’80s gem, this one takes us to a cheer camp where, surprise surprise, things take a gruesome turn. It’s a mix of laughs, screams, and cheer routines. Perfect for those who like a dash of horror with their spirit fingers.
Imagine a bunch of misfits and has beens becoming a replacement football team with cheerleaders to match. It’s a laugh out- oud, underdog story with some quirky cheerleading moments. Keanu Reeves as a quarterback? You gotta see it!
17. Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal (2008)
Director: Tom McLoughlin
Cast: Jenna Dewan, Ashley Benson, Aimee Spring Fortier
Based on a true story, this one delves into the world of high school cheerleading, where ambition turns into a scandal. It’s got all the elements of drama and suspense that’ll keep you hooked.
Here’s a classic ’90s tale of mistaken identity where a teenage boy has to dress up as a girl to join the cheerleading team. It’s a recipe for hilarious chaos, and you’ll find yourself cheering for the underdog.
19. Gimme an F (1984)
Director: Paul Justman
Cast: Stephen Shellen, Michael Zelniker, Mark Keyloun
A group of misfit cheerleaders takes on the college cheer competition. Think of it as a mix between “Revenge of the Nerds” and cheerleading. It’s an ’80s comedy that’s sure to make you smile.
20. Cheerleader Massacre (2003)
Cheerleader Massacre (2003)
Directed by Jim Wynorski
If you’re a fan of slasher flicks, this one’s for you. A group of cheerleaders on a weekend getaway faces a deadly threat. It’s a horror comedy with all the cheerleader clichés turned up to eleven. A perfect pick for a spooky movie night with your squad.
21. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Director: Fran Rubel Kuzui
Cast: Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens
Before Sarah Michelle Gellar’s iconic TV series, there was the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” This ’90s gem features a high school cheerleader with a stake, ready to take on blood sucking foes. It’s a witty and fun flick that’ll have you rooting for the cheerleader who slays more than just routines.
22. American Cheerleader (2019)
Director: James Kicklighter
Cast: Cami Branson, Bill Hancock, Chelsey L. Dunbar
This one takes a real life look into the world of cheerleading, following the journey of cheerleaders from all walks of life. It’s a documentary that’s sure to inspire and give you a newfound appreciation for the sport.
If you’re all about the real deal cheerleading action, “Cheer” is your go to show. It’s a docuseries that takes you behind the scenes of the Navarro College cheer squad, showcasing the sweat, tears, and jaw dropping stunts. You’ll root for the team members and their charismatic coach, Monica.
24. Dare Me (2019)
Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Herizen F. Guardiola, Marlo Kelly
“Dare Me” takes cheerleading and adds a dash of mystery and suspense. Set in a small town, this show follows the competitive and sometimes ruthless world of high school cheerleaders. It’s a rollercoaster of secrets, power plays, and friendships. Get ready for a cheerleading experience that’s anything but ordinary.
25. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (2006-Present)
If you’re a fan of the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, this one’s a touchdown. “Making the Team” offers a look into the grueling audition process and the lives of the hopeful cheerleaders. With seasons spanning over a decade, it’s a cheer journey that’s still going strong.
26. The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders (2019)
Cast: Denise Richards, Savannah May, Alexandria DeBerry
This one’s all about the secrets lurking beneath the cheer uniforms. A new girl, a cheerleader, and a dash of mystery make for an intriguing high school drama. If you love a mix of cheer and teen suspense, this is one to add to your watchlist.
“Hit the Floor” combines the worlds of professional basketball and cheerleading. This drama series showcases the intense competition and drama behind the scenes. With four seasons to dive into, it’s a binge worthy blend of sports, dancing, and cheer antics.
“Hellcats” brings together the worlds of college cheerleading and drama. Follow the journey of Marti, a law student turned cheerleader, as she navigates the ups and downs of the cheer world. With a mix of humor and heart, it’s a must watch for cheer fans.
This K drama follows the story of a high school cheerleading club and their quest to win a national competition. Expect all the feels, including romance and the power of teamwork. “Cheer Up” is a heartwarming series that’ll have you cheering for the characters.
30. Cheer Squad (2016)
Cast: Ali Moffatt, Mackenzie Small, Carly Henderson
If you’re into the world of competitive cheerleading, “Cheer Squad” is a perfect pick. This reality series gives you an inside look at the life of the Great White Sharks, one of the world’s top cheerleading teams. It’s a mix of drama, rivalry, and awe inspiring routines.
31. I Want to Look Like a High School Cheerleader Again (2018)
This reality show takes adults on a journey to regain their high school cheerleader physiques. It’s a mix of fitness, self discovery, and nostalgia. If you’re looking for inspiration to get back in shape and feel like a cheerleader again, this is your go to series.
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. *****
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