Call in the tropes!
Brunch|March 18, 2023
They don't make American highschool cliches like they used to. Here are 10 of our favourites from film and TV
Rachel Lopez
Call in the tropes!

1 The jock with the jawline.

Rewind to as far back as Grease (1978) and you’ll find that the popular boy is almost always a footballer, ambivalent about his grades, and a bit of a rogue. He’s in The Breakfast Club, She’s All That, A Walk To Remember and High School Musical. Even in The Duff, he has a jawline so sharp, it could only belong to a 27-year-old.

2 The mean cheerleader:

She’s wanted. She’s hot. She’s everything you’re not. Even outside of practice, she’s in uniform and a high ponytail. She’s currently trying to win back the jock just so the prom photos come out pretty. Quinn and the gang from Glee didn’t do as much cheering as the Bring It On girls, but they wielded just as much power.

3 The bestie with all the dope.

She knows why Twilight’s Cullens go missing on sunny days, why Regina George is one of the Mean Girls, and what they’re serving in the cafeteria. Besties guide the new girl or boy (and therefore you, the viewer) through the film’s conflicts. And strangely, for all their knowledge, seem to have no other friends.

4 The lucky nerds:

This story is from the March 18, 2023 edition of Brunch.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 18, 2023 edition of Brunch.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BRUNCHView All
Avantika Dassani
Brunch

Avantika Dassani

Actor, @AvantikaDassani

time-read
1 min  |
November 23, 2024
Keep your i on this BMW
Brunch

Keep your i on this BMW

The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Brunch

Why adapt when you can evolve?

Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Sharp edges, blunt words
Brunch

Sharp edges, blunt words

British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already

time-read
3 mins  |
November 23, 2024
The suitable boy
Brunch

The suitable boy

He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here

time-read
4 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Brunch

Stay stylish in your cubicle

Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Fit check? Look behind you
Brunch

Fit check? Look behind you

In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Hey, I found you online
Brunch

Hey, I found you online

Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint

time-read
3 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Brunch

Is It Scrolling Or Screening?

Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
This week, we're...
Brunch

This week, we're...

Preferring the spinoff.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024