With only one month left in 2018, Ariana Grande is making sure her fans (and to quote Mean Girls, everyone in the English-speaking world), know she did not come to play. This year has been an eventful one for Ariana, but her music has prevailed throughout all the other crazy events that have made headlines. She released a killer album, made five music videos, announced a world tour, and recorded a last-minute song, “thank u, next,” which broke Spotify records almost immediately after its debut. The “thank u, next” music video went up yesterday afternoon and it already has over 30 million views on YouTube! Ariana’s music videos have always been extremely artistic and beautiful, but this one is different because she references many popular characters and scenes from early 2000s movies that we all know and love. Here’s a breakdown of the most nostalgic movie scenes from the “thank u, next” music video:
The winter talent show scene from Mean Girls
I had The Plastics’ winter talent show dance routine ingrained in my head from watching this movie so much as a child. Aaron Samuels making a cameo was the best thing to happen in the music video right after Kris Jenner’s cameo as Regina’s mom. Kris, you’re doing amazing, sweetie. If only this video dropped on October 3!
The bathroom scene from Bring It On
I never knew brushing your teeth next to your crush could lead to so much sexual tension until I saw the movie Bring It On. Even though dating your best friend’s brother might be extremely awkward in real life, you’re lying if you say you didn’t have a tiny crush on Missy’s brother, Cliff. Come on, we all did.
The dollhouse scene from 13 Going On 30
This was probably the most heartfelt part of the whole music video, and the most underrated movie Ariana paid homage to. 13 Going On 30 was like the secret gem of the early 2000s—it didn’t seem to receive as much praise as Mean Girls and Bring It On might have, but it was still so influential in my childhood. Plus, the dollhouse Matty made for Jenna should have inspired the term “relationship goals.”
The salon scene from Legally Blonde
Much like Ariana, Elle Woods is the epitome of a Girl Boss. This part of the music video totally gave me early 2000s vibes because of the accuracy of everyone’s hairstyles and outfits, but especially because of the infamous bend and snap move. (It might just have to make a comeback in 2019!)
Thank u, Ariana, for making me want to binge watch all my favorite childhood movies. After watching this music video at least 100 times, I think it’s safe to say she did an amazing job recreating all of these infamous scenes. If you’re a fan of Ariana Grande, make sure to read my analysis of her God Is a Woman music video after you relive your childhood through these amazing movies!
All images taken from the “thank u, next” music video