The 7 Most Fan-Coded Films of All Time
Since its inception, films have been heavily influenced by pop culture. From Harry Houdini to Harry Styles, oftentimes, films try to emulate real people and the real effect on their fans. More recently, films have been tackling head-on what it means to be a fan, especially in the time of the internet. Here, we explore seven films that are quintessentially fangirl-coded.
Almost Famous (2000)
Set in 1973 – where bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Lynyrd Skynyrd ruled – Almost Famous tells the story of teenage journalist, William Miller (Patrick Fugit) as he tours the USA with the fictional band Stillwater. The film – based on director Cameron Crowe’s own experience of writing for Rolling Stone in his teenage years – captures the true nature of how music and bands can bring people together and is truly a love letter to the 1970s. Supported by Kate Hudson as Penny Lane, Billy Crudup as Russell Hammond, and Frances McDormand as William’s mother, Elaine – Almost Famous has been crowned one of the best films of the 2000s, and has recently been made into a Broadway musical of the same name.
Fan Girl (2015)
Reminiscent of the Tumblr era of fandom, Fan Girl is a film that is truly slept on. Starring Sabrina herself, Kiernan Shipka, the film focuses on a high school sophomore with a passion for filmmaking, as she sets out to make a film about her favourite band, All Time Low. The film heavily reflects the zeitgeist of distressed flannels and grainy black and white filters of the mid-2010s, not only with All Time Low soundtracking and making cameos within the film but also through the costuming and the dialogue throughout the film. Does the phrases ‘Pastel Goth’ or ‘Pale Grunge’ mean anything to anyone anymore?
The Idea of You (2024), and After (2019)
Harry Styles. Ever since he first appeared on The X Factor in 2010, he has held popular culture firmly in his grasp and has influenced so much more. Case and point, is the adaptation of both Robinne Lee’s The Idea of You, and Anna Todd’s After series.
The Idea of You tells the story of 40-year-old gallery owner Solene (Anne Hathaway), as she falls in love with Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galizine), lead singer of her daughter’s favourite boy band, August Moon. The film manages to stand on its own, despite the Styles link, but does indulge into the fine aspects surrounding One Direction’s lore – especially through the original songs by August Moon, peppered throughout the film.
Ah, After. After being initially published on Wattpad in 2013, Anna Todd’s story of Tessa Brooks and Harry Styles – *cough* sorry, Hardin Scott – became a worldwide sensation, and there was no doubt an adaptation would occur. It did, in 2019, with Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin starring in the leading roles. After follows the path of many fanfiction stories-turned-films, initially slated by critics but soon found its way engrained in the popular culture of today. What would Twilight be without its MCR influence? The Mortal Instruments without Harry Potter? After without One Direction? These are the real questions we need to be asking.
Scream (2022)
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
Whilst not within the same thematic realm as others on this list, one of the key elements of the fifth Scream film is its relationship with fandom. Throughout the series – starting in 1997 – Scream acts as a commentary on the state of the horror genre within certain periods, with the fifth instalment acting as a meta-commentary on the idea of re-quels (a sequel which revisits plots from the original franchise to create a new, often updated, path a la Star Wars: The Force Awakens, or Jurassic World) and elevated horror.
For those who do not know, within the series, there is an in-universe series of slasher films based on the events of the film, aptly named the ‘Stab’ franchise. This meta-joke is expanded throughout the series, and is one of the core reasonings behind the 25th anniversary Legacy Murders that are depicted in the 2022 film, committed by fans Richie (Jack Quaid) and Amber (Mikey Madison), who hope to influence the next Stab film that will please disgruntled fans.
Following films such as Misery (1991) dir. Rob Reiner and Ingrid Goes West (2017) dir. Matt Spicer, Scream explores the darker aspects of fandom, especially toxic fandom and the concept of fan service. The horror series’ relationship with fan culture is incredibly poignent, as it does not mock fandom itself, but rather comments on the kind of toxic fans who highlight everything wrong with a series and sends threats to the cast and crew involved.
Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
Inspired on when Elvis Presley was drafted into the U.S Army in 1957, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of the outcry of teenage fans when fictional rock and roll star – Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson) – is drafted, deciding to kiss one of his fans goodbye on live TV before he leaves. The musical itself has become a cultural artifact that reflects the dynamics of 1960s fandom, a precursor to the modern fangirl culture we see today. The film still resonates with contemporary audiences and showcases how fangirl culture spans generations.
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)
In Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, theatrical Lola Cep (Lindsay Lohan) is a huge fan of the fictional band Sidarthur and its lead singer Stu Wolff. So, when she finds out her favourite band is breaking up and having a farewell concert in New York, of course, she must go. The film explores how fan culture can shape a teenager’s sense of self and ambitions, and highlights the community and friendship within it. Also, the soundtrack is great!
