Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’ Video Pays Homage to the Classic Teenage Flicks From the Early 2000’s

And it’s like totally fetch…

Arianators were counting down to the release of Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” video ever since she surprised them with the single four weeks ago (Nov. 3). (We’re one of them.)

As her first music release since ex-boyfriend Mac Miller’s passing and calling off her engagement to SNL star Pete Davidson, Grande decided she had something to say in response to all the people that have had something to say about her relationships, and she knew exactly how to make fans listen: by addressing the boys she’s loved the most.

Instead of biopicing her past relationships on screen, Ari took a page from every classic after school, teenage flick from the 2000s, and fans are lit af.

For those too young to know, it’s time to educate yourself.

The former Disney star references four of the greatest teen films every made as she opens up as she gives insight into the lovers of Grande past with Mean Girls (2004), Legally Blonde (2001), Bring It On (2000), and 13 Going on 30 (2004).

Ariana kicks off her movie tribute by posing as Regina George, the resident bitch from Mean Girls, as she writes in her relationship “Burn Book.” Just like Regina (played by Rachel McAdams) dumps her hot boyfriend and writes about it in her “Burn Book”, Ari pens a note about Sean, Ricky, Malcolm, and Pete in her own “Thank U, Next” book. 

“Thank U, Next”/Screenshot

Ariana then shows fans what it’s like when mean girls bring it on with a few classic scenes between Rancho Cucamonga Toros and the Compton Clovers. Grande’s choreography moves to her tale of self-discovery and self-love (and honestly, you can’t help dance and sing along).

“Thank U, Next”/YouTube

As the former Disney star croons about familial relationships, she carries the same dollhouse as Jenna Rink (that’s Jennifer Garner’s character in 13 Going on 30 for those who didn’t know). She ends the verse with a line that could be a nod to her break up with Pete Davidson.

“Thank U, Next”/YouTube

She wraps things with a multi-scene reenactment of Elle Woods life on Harvard Law School’s campus in Legally Blonde. The best part: she modernized the “Bend and Snap” into the “Thank U, Next,” (for legal purposes of course)!

“Thank U, Next”/YouTube

Considering today’s political climate, it’s imperative we shout out Ariana’s want to highlight a book called Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy.

“Thank U, Next”/YouTube

Lastly, we can’t forget to note Kris Jenner’s cameo, which epitomizes the “cool mom” straight outta Mean Girls!

“Thank U, Next”/YouTube

The idea for a nostalgic video worked because it’s broken all sorts of records including YouTube’s record for most views in 24 hours of a release. It’s garnered over 112 million views to date.

She definitely brought it.