‘Bring It On’ is 25. Spirit fingers!

By Linda Holmes,

Aisha Harris, Will Jarvis, Mike Katzif, Jessica Reedy, Kathy Tu, Tobin Low

Published August 14, 2025 at 7:17 AM EDT

The cheerleading film Bring It On spawned direct-to-video sequels and a Broadway musical. And with an all-star cast of Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, and Gabrielle Union, the movie remains a quotable classic. But a lot has happened since that might make it feel very timely, or very dated. Bring It On turns 25 this month so today we're revisiting our conversation about the movie.

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Linda Holmes

Linda Holmes is a pop culture correspondent for NPR and the host of Pop Culture Happy Hour. She began her professional life as an attorney. In time, however, her affection for writing, popular culture, and the online universe eclipsed her legal ambitions. She shoved her law degree in the back of the closet, gave its living room space to DVD sets of The Wire, and never looked back.

See stories by Linda Holmes

Aisha Harris

Aisha Harris is a host of Pop Culture Happy Hour.

See stories by Aisha Harris

Will Jarvis

Mike Katzif

Jessica Reedy

See stories by Jessica Reedy

Kathy Tu

Tobin Low

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